Remaining unbeaten for a whole season is a huge achievement for any club. It is no surprise that the list of teams who have achieved this feat over the last century is just a few. Some incredible teams with not giving up mentality have achieved this feat and etched their names in football history. In this article, we'll look at the top five teams that have recorded the longest unbeaten run as a European Club since 1955.

Read Also: The Invincibles: 7 times a football team won their league undefeated

Top Five Longest Unbeaten Runs in European Football History

1. Bayer 04 Leverkusen - 49 Games

Bayer Leverkusen's performances during the 2023/2024 campaign have been remarkable. When Xabi Alonso arrived last season at the club as the new manager, no one thought they would even challenge Bayern Munich for the title, let alone win. However, they have defied the odds and lifted the Bundesliga title with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alex Grimaldo.

The German side are now in the final of the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal with two matches left in the league. If Leverkusen manages to win those two league games and then win the finals of those two competitions, it will be something out of this world. They have a huge chance to win the treble by remaining invincible. That would arguably be the greatest achievement in club football history. 

Xabi's side has scored countless last-minute equalizers, including the goal against Roma in the semi-final second leg at home. Leverkusen are undefeated in all 32 games this Bundesliga season (W26 D6). They broke the record of FC Bayern, which went undefeated in its first 28 games in 2013-14.

2. S.L. Benfica - 48 Games

In the 1963/1964 season, Benfica lost just one league match early on but then went onto a 48-game unbeaten run with legendary striker Eusebio. The Portuguese superstar scored 28 goals across this unbeaten run, which stood for a long time until Alonso's Leverkusen came along after sixty years.

3. Dinamo Zagreb - 45 Games

The Croatian side are the most successful team in the country. In the 2014-15 season, Dinamo Zagreb showed their brilliance in both league and Europe. They went on a 45-game undefeated run in all competitions. They won the Croatian domestic league and also recorded a huge win over Arsenal in the Champions League. The streak was halted after a 5-0 loss to Bayern Munich

4. Rijeka - 45 Games

Rijeka had gone 44 games unbeaten in the 2016/17 season. However, their streak came to an end when Lokomotiva Zagreb sealed a 1-0 win for his side. Rijeka went on to win the title that season. Of the 44 games, only 10 were draws, and 34 were victories, which helped take the side to the top of the table.

5. Rangers - 44 Games

Rangers went 44 matches unbeaten, including 10 in the Champions League during the 1992/1993 season. The Scottish giants completed the club's fifth domestic treble, finishing first in the Scottish Premier Division and collecting the fifth of their nine league titles in a row. In domestic competition, Aberdeen were Rangers closest challengers. Finishing runners-up in the league and finalists in both cup competitions. Rangers became the first British club to appear in the UEFA Champions League after defeating Danish side Lyngby BK and English league Champions Leeds United in a match dubbed the "Battle of Britain".

Europe has the best and the toughest club competition in the world. The only thing which separates an elite club from a normal club is the Champions League title. Clubs all around Europe dream of winning this competition. Clubs with the most Champions League titles earn more bragging rights than the others. Let's take a look at the top clubs that have won the most number of Champions League titles in the tournament's history.

Champions League Finalists and Winners List since 1956

Top clubs with the most Champions League titles (3 or more)

1. Real Madrid CF (15 UCL titles)

Everyone considers Real Madrid C.F. as the most successful club in world football. This club has achieved great heights both in recent times and in the past. Real Madrid won the first-ever European Cup in 1955-56 which was also the founding year of the competition. Back then it was formally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup. The current format has been around since 1992. Real Madrid has won 15 UEFA Champions League titles which is more than any club in the world.

They won the tournament five consecutive times in the first five seasons of the tournament. Their recent achievement includes a three-peat of winning the UCL under Zinedine Zidane (2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18).

Cristiano Ronaldo was their star performer with the most impact in the competition. He further tops the chart of the most goal scorers and assists providers in the competition as well.

Also Read: Ronaldo records: Only player to be top scorer of the season in three different leagues

Real Madrid CF's Title winning years

2. AC Milan (7 UCL Titles)

AC Milan is an Italian giant with a rich history and glories. They produced players like Maldini, Dida, Nesta and many more. They dominated world football in the past few decades, but things have changed drastically since then.

Milan has fallen from the ranks of great clubs in recent times, but their UCL glory is still more than others, just behind Real Madrid. They have beaten the likes of Juventus, Liverpool, and Barcelona to win the Champions League in the past. Milan has won the Champions League 7 times in their history.

AC Milan's Title winning years

Also Read: Most Champions League Goals In History

3. FC Bayern Munich (6 UCL titles)

Bayern Munich has been the dominant force in Europe for quite a long time. They dominate the Bundesliga and the domestic cup titles, too. Recently, they have been one of the most prominent sides in Europe to deal with. Bayern humiliated Barcelona with an 8-2 defeat in the UCL quarter-finals and won the 2019-20 Champions League, beating PSG comfortably by 1-0.

Robert Lewandowski was their main man in recent years, with the most goals. However, they have consistently produced players like Robben, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and others who helped them win the trebles and sextuples.

Bayern Munich's Title winning years

4. Liverpool FC (6 UCL titles)

Liverpool has turned the tables beautifully in recent times. They were a great force in the European competition but suddenly went numb. Liverpool had a rough patch where they went trophyless for many years. With the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as manager, Liverpool slowly redeemed themselves. In the 2017-18 season, they reached the UCL finals but failed to win against Real Madrid.

Next season they came back stronger, from a 3-0 defeat in the first leg to win 4-0 in the second leg and knocked Barcelona out of the UCL semis. Liverpool went on to be the champions defeating Spurs by 2-0 in the all-English final to win their 6th UCL trophy. Their great comeback against Milan in 2005 at Istanbul still gives goosebumps to every football fan.

Liverpool's Title winning years

5. FC Barcelona (5 UCL Titles)

FC Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in Europe with a great history in the UCL. They have won the title 5 times, while three of them came in the last decade. Their famous Lamasia - The FC Barcelona academy produced world-class players at the time. Players like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and many more were a part of the academy.

Coach Pep Guardiola conquered the world with some beautiful football. He managed to win both the Treble and Sextuple during his reign. A few years later Luis Enrique guided them to their 5th UCL title and also a treble. That was Barcelona's last high run in the UCL. After that, they have faced some problems and have not been able to continue their dominance in European football.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History

FC Barcelona's Title winning years

6. Ajax (4 UCL Titles)

AFC Ajax has a great history. They are the only team to win the UCL 4 times which is not from the top 5 leagues. Football maestro Johan Cruyff was from this team, he later changed the definition of playing football. Introducing Tiki-taka football to the world, Ajax had a great run in the past. He later influenced Barcelona to play that type of football which brought them huge success in the end.

They last won the title in 1995 when the likes of Van der Sar, and Rijkaard used to play for them. Since then they have reached the UCL semifinal in 2019 upsetting big teams and then lost to the Spurs in the semifinal in the dying minutes. Ajax's run is considered one of the greatest underdogs in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Ajax's Title winning years

7. Manchester United (3 UCL Titles)

Manchester United one of the greatest clubs in the world has won three Champions League titles. They looked like the best team in the world during their reign. Players like David Beckham, Ryan Gigs, and Wayne Rooney were part of the golden team when United lifted their 3rd European title. Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of this team is one of the greatest ever in the history of the sport. He introduced one of the recent footballing greats Cristiano Ronaldo in top-flight football, who was also part of that 2007-08 team.

Manchester United have also won the treble and enlisted themselves in an elite list in World Football. Since then they qualified for two Champions League finals but faced defeat against FC Barcelona.

Read Also: 10 Most FA Cup Winners List: FA Cup in detail

Manchester United's Title winning years

8. Internazionale (3 UCL Titles)

Internazionale won two of their three trophies back in the 1960s. Since then, they have been having a disappointing year in and year out. Their recent UCL title was in 2009-10 when Jose Mourinho took charge. They were not the favourites in that season, yet they went on to win the UCL.

Jose Mourinho at that time was emerging as one of the best coaches in the world. He played typical defensive football, frustrating his opponents, which created mistakes. They capitalised on those mistakes and went on to win their 3rd Champions League. They defeated the heavyweights Barcelona in the semis and Bayern Munich in the final to clinch their title.

Internazionale's Title winning years

Clubs with less than three Champions League titles:

The Champions League was earlier called the European Cup, and it started in 1955, and the first winner was Real Madrid. For the next 5 years, Real Madrid did not let anyone get close to the trophy.

Since then, 23 teams have won the glory, with Manchester City being the most recent one. As we get close to another UEFA Champions League final, we take a look at the Champions League winners list since 1965.

The Champions League winners list since 1955/56 is:

1956 - Real Madrid
1957 - Real Madrid
1958 - Real Madrid
1959 - Real Madrid
1960 - Real Madrid
1961 - Benfica
1962 - Benfica
1963 - AC Milan
1964 - Inter Milan
1965 - Inter Milan
1966 - Real Madrid
1967 - Celtic
1968 - Manchester United
1969- AC Milan
1970- Feyenoord
1971 - Ajax
1972 - Ajax
1973 - Ajax
1974 - Bayern
1975 - Bayern
1976 - Bayern
1977 - Liverpool
1978 - Liverpool
1979 - Nottingham Forest
1980 - Nottingham Forest
1981 - Liverpool
1982 - Aston Villa
1983 - Hamburger SV|
1984 - Liverpool
1985 - Juventus FC
1986 - Steaua București
1987 - FC Porto
1988 - PSV
1989 - AC Milan 
1990 - AC Milan
1991 - Red Star Belgrade
1992 - Barcelona
1993 - Olympique de Marseille
1994 - AC Milan
1995 - Ajax
1996 - Juventus FC
1997 - Borussia Dortmund
1998 - Real Madrid
1999 - Manchester United
2000 - Real Madrid
2001 - Bayern 
2002 - Real Madrid
2003 - AC Milan
2004 - Porto
2005 - Liverpool
2006 - Barcelona
2007 - AC Milan
2008 - Manchester United
2009 - Barcelona
2010 - Inter Milan
2011 - Barcelona
2012 - Chelsea FC
2013 - Bayern Munich
2014 - Real Madrid
2015 - Barcelona
2016 - Real Madrid
2017 - Real Madrid
2018 - Real Madrid
2019 - Liverpool
2020 - Bayern Munich
2021 - Chelsea FC
2022 - Real Madrid
2023 - Manchester City
2024 - Real Madrid

Let's have a look at the teams with the most trophies since 1955/56: 

Real Madrid x 15
AC Milan x 7
Bayern x 6 
Liverpool FC x 6
FC Barcelona x 5
Ajax x 4
Inter x 3
Manchester United x 3
Juventus x 2 
Benfica x 2
Nottingham Forest  x 2
Porto x 2
Chelsea x 3
Celtic x 1
Hamburger SV x 1
Steaua București x 1 
Olympique de Marseille x 1
Borussia Dortmund x 1
Feyenoord x 1
Aston Villa x 1
PSV x 1
Red Star Belgrade x 1
Manchester City x 1

European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.

The top five European Leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.

England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.

In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.

Premier League 

Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.

Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.

The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.

Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.

If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 5, 2025

Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games – five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.

Premier League 2024-25 Table

LaLiga

The title race in LaLiga 2024-25 has intensified dramatically after the league leaders FC Barcelona and nearest challengers Real Madrid dropped points in the same day yesterday. Los Blancos faced a shocking 1-2 defeat against Valencia at home, whereas Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at home.

Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions. 

Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up, Barcelona remain 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔 𝙁𝘼𝙑𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎 to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst 📊📈 pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir

— 433 (@433) April 6, 2025

Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.

LaLiga 2024-25 Table

Serie A

Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.

Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.

🚨 After Inter’s draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!

Napoli and Inter are neck and neck — and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.

Every match now feels like a final. Who will hold their nerve?#Inter #Napoli #SerieA… pic.twitter.com/tyRpVx9lWI

— GlobalFootballX (@MorckIsak) April 5, 2025

The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.

Serie A 2024-25 Table

Bundesliga

As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane – if they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.

Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.

However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.

Bundesliga 2024-25 Table

Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches). 

PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.

If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.

However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points – AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).

Ligue 1 2024-25 Table

(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)

If Carlo Ancelotti decides to accept the Brazilian position, Real Madrid will be working on hiring Jurgen Klopp, who might make a spectacular comeback to management. Among Jurgen Klopp's greatest achievements was leading Liverpool to the Premier League and a UEFA Champions League title. He stepped down as manager after the 2023-24 season. He also led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles. 

Read Also: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina.

Jurgen Klopp is currently working as a leader of global soccer for the Red Bull group, Klopp stated that he would not manage another English club and might be he will not be interested with management forever. However, he could choose to coach a national team or take a job.

Either of those options might be presented soon to him. According to TRBFootball, Klopp is reportedly one of the options for Brazil's national team head coach after Dorival Junior's dismissal. However, Carlo Ancelotti is also Brazil's top pick, according to different reports, Brazil's national football management has even begun negotiations with him. 

🚨NEW: Real Madrid among three clubs eyeing Jurgen Klopp for a sensational return to management, @GraemeBailey. pic.twitter.com/e5moUf65EX

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 29, 2025

According to the reports, Klopp is one of the candidates Real Madrid is working on to replace their manager if Carlo Ancelotti departs. Los Blancos are looking for a manager who has worked with a mix of young players and superstars and the former Liverpool manager most definitely possesses that.

Read Also: Every Real Madrid's Players wages in 2025

As Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, there would undoubtedly be some appeal if Klopp were to return to club management. Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Liverpool player is reportedly Los Blancos' preferred candidate.

 There is no assurance that he would accept the position at Real Madrid if it were offered, though, as he declined to leave his position at Bayer Leverkusen when the Liverpool position became available last year. That appears to be the case with Jurgen Klopp as well. But there is still a chance to connect with his former star Trent Alexander Arnold, who is rumored to be very close to joining Real Madrid.

There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.

In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

What will be the ranking factors?

• Trophies they conquered
• Recent success
• Longevity in this sport
• Performance compared to expectations

10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:

10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:

Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas. 

Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:

• 4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
• 2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)

9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:

While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.

Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:

• 1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
• 1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
• 4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)

8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:

Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.

The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.

Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
• 1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
• 1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)

7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:

One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title. 

Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:

• 2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
• 2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
• 2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
• 2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)

6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:

Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.

 If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.

Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:

• 2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
• 2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
• 3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
• Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.

 Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.

Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)

4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:

To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.

Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
• 3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
• 2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
• 1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
• -5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach

3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:

After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.

Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.

Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
• 1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)

2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:

As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti will leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.

The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:

• 5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
• 1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
• 1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
• 1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
• 2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)

1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:

Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.

Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.

Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:

• 3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
• 4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
• 3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
• 3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
• 6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• 4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
• 2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
• 2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
• 3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
• 4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
• 3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)