Napoli won their last Serie A title in the 1989-90 season. Diego Maradona led the Partenopei to their second Serie A title that season. Almost after 52 years, they are heading toward their 3rd Serie A title. Luciano Spalletti joined Napoli in May 2021 and helped Napoli to finish 3rd in the League. Napoli struggled to finish in the top 4 under Gattuso in the 2020-21 season. Spalleti got the time and players he deserves. Napoli sold the deadwoods and signed players and brought young talents on loan to strengthen the squad. No big transfer fees had to be paid by them but still, Spalletti got the players for his system.
Napoli celebrating after knocking AJAX out of UCL Image - GETTY Images
System of Napoli under Luciano Spalletti:
Tactical Analysis:
Luciano Spalletti ESPN
Luciano Spalletti has worked wonders since arriving on the scene of Napoli in 2021. The Italian manager helped Napoli to a third-place finish last season and now preparing for their title charge in 2023. Gli Azzurri currently sits thirteen points clear atop the table and has more than double the points of Serie A's historical dominator – Juventus. If Spalletti can continue to get his tactics right and maintain the positive culture he's built since arriving, Napoli will walk away with the title this year.
Napoli has operated in a 4-3-3 system throughout the campaign. Spalletti often changes this into more of a 4-1-4-1, (as 4-3-3 systems often do!). Throughout the phases, these two compilations of shapes remain fairly consistent, with players holding roles that remain in the ordinal realms of modern-day football. There are no complex variations to their play, and in fact, they are fairly rigid.
Spalletti stated, "Systems no longer exist in football, it's all about the spaces left by the opposition. You must be quick to spot them and know the right moment to strike, have the courage to start the move even when pressed…"
Many took this to mean that Napoli don't play in a rigid system of play but that is not exactly the case. They are well-structured & coordinated. They always follow their system of play except in some matches when they have to adapt as the situation wants. Players like Stanislav Lobotka, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo can find spaces, operate in the channels, and evolute themselves according to the situation.
Style of Play & Key Players:
Napoli have dominated both in the league and also in the UCL. In 20 matches of Serie A, they scored 48 goals and conceded only 15 goals. Spalletti's team dominated the Champions League by scoring 20 goals in six matches. They have conceded only 6 goals and qualified for the Round of 16 by sitting at the top of their group table.
It all starts at the back end of the pitch. They remain patient in progressing the ball. Napoli is never afraid to use their goalkeeper and pass the ball backward, ensuring they're keeping possession and looking for the right time to go forward. The key to their success in possession is through close combinations, that often form into diamonds and triangles, creating 45-degree optimal angles for support.
When Napoli lost Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens this past summer, it was hard to imagine where the creativity and goals would come from for Napoli. Even harder to imagine that a 21-year-old from Georgia could possibly be the answer. Napoli were linked with Khvicha since the start of 2022. His close control and dribbling were comparable to some of the best in the world, scoring incredible goals with both feet and having an overall ability to make things happen with the ball at his feet. Napoli kicked off their Serie A campaign against Hellas Verona. Kvicha started on the left of the front 3. The Georgian fit right in and made a huge impact on his debut. A goal and an assist to go with an almost-perfect performance sent a clear message to the entire league that he and Napoli are going to be very dangerous this season.
Victor Osimhen is a perfect example of a modern and strong striker (9) who has a strong eye for goal. He is direct and is pretty good with his hold-up and linkup play. He frequently looks to attack and create spaces. Osimhen can receive the ball well with his back to the goal, has a good first touch, and often times his runs perfectly. He is also a really good presser, useful in pinning back defenders and intercepting passes in the opponent's third. His pace is one of the deadliest parts of his game, especially in transitions as it allows him to get ahead of his opponents.
Anguissa is an energetic midfielder who is a pressing machine. With his physique, he is able to perform his defensive duties with greater ease. Apart from his defensive skills, Anguissa is also good on the ball as he has the ability to keep it by using his outstanding dribbling skills and height to shield it. He is also capable of carrying the ball for certain distances.
Anguissa's role in Spalletti's team is that of a box-to-box midfielder. He is allowed to move forward and participate in the attacks, be in counter-attacks or attacks with a solid build-up, while he is also responsible for the defense, especially on the right side of the pitch.
Ball retention and ball progression are the 25-year-old's main strengths on the ball. Anguissa combines his quick feet, dribbling skills, and physicality that allow him to keep the ball in tight spaces or get out of them.
In build-up play, Anguissa is able to win the ball as he knows how to hold it and beat his opponent when under pressure. He is also able to help his team by keeping the ball under pressure in highly intense games. In the progressive play, Anguissa can be used as a route, as he can carry the ball for long distances and sometimes influence play in the final third.
Napoli will play against Spezia in the Serie A on 5th February & Frankfurt on 22nd February in the Champions League Round Of 16.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE blog coverage of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw.
I’m Barnali Debnath, here to bring you all the latest updates, insights, and reactions as the groups for this prestigious tournament are unveiled.
Tonight’s draw will set the stage for one of the most exciting and competitive seasons in European club football, with top teams from across the continent finding out their opponents and potential paths to glory.
"We had a great team, a great coach and amazing supporters," he says of the Italian side's triumph in 2006/07. "Winning that trophy is really amazing – it's one of the best moments in my career," Kaka said.
Aug 28, 2025, 4:18 PM
Ibrahimovic wins the UEFA President's Award
The former footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins the UEFA President's Award 2025.
Aug 28, 2025, 4:11 PM
THE TROPHY
Aug 28, 2025, 4:07 PM
"It is almost impossible"
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin says, while mentioning Chelsea FC's remarkable tale of winning every UEFA trophy.
Chelsea recieve a special award from UEFA for the achievement.
🏆👏 @ChelseaFC are honoured at the 2025 Monaco season kick-off for becoming the first club to win all six UEFA men's club competitions. pic.twitter.com/l5kkR0i9gJ
Pot 1: Paris, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona Pot 2: Arsenal, Leverkusen, Atleti, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Frankfurt, Club Brugge Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Slavia Praha, Bodø/Glimt, Marseille Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union SG, Qarabağ, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat Almaty
Aug 28, 2025, 3:07 PM
The draw format
A total of 36 teams will compete in this phase, divided into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficient rankings.
The reigning Champions League holders, PSG, are automatically placed as the top seed in pot 1. Each club will face eight different clubs, facing two clubs from each pot, one match at home and one away.
The draw will ensure that teams do not play against clubs from their own association more than twice.
Aug 28, 2025, 3:05 PM
How to watch the event?
Football fans from India can watch the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase draw on the Sony LIV app and website. Moreover, the event will also be televised on Sony Sports Network channels as well.
In the world of football, few clubs stand out like Chelsea FC. Their trophy cabinet tells a story of incredible success, proving that they have truly won it all!
With their recent UEFA Conference League 4-1 victory over Real Betis, Chelsea completed a historic sweep of all major UEFA titles, topping up with their 2nd FIFA Club World Cup title, all in 2025.
Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC that defines their successful journey in the football world. Take a look.
European Royalty: Conquering the Continent
Chelsea FC lifting the trophy of UEFA Champions League 2021 after their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final. Image | Twitter
Chelsea have battled across the continent's most prestigious stages and won every major UEFA club trophy, a feat few clubs can claim.
Their crowning achivements including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, notable defeating Bayern Munich [1-1 (4-3 pens)] in 2012 and Manchester City (1-0) in 2021.
Beyond the Champions League, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Europa League twice (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, famously against Real Madrid in the replay, and also in 1998.
Additionally, two UEFA Super Cup victories (1998, 2021) further highlight their continental dominance.
The collection was completed with their 2025 UEFA Conference League triumph, where Chelsea FC beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final.
The domestic dominance of Chelsea FC
Chelsea lifting their second FA Cup title in 1997 after defeating Middlesbrough (2-1) in the final. Image | Facebook
Beyond their European conquests, they have also established as masters of England by securing highest domestic honors.
The Blues clinched the First Division/Premier League title and impress six times (1955, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017) along with eightFA Cup victories (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018). This makes them the competition's most successful team.
Their domestic dominance also extends to League Cup, which they have won fivetimes in the following years: 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015.
Completing the Set: Global and Historic Honors
Chelsea FC lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in 2021. Image | Wikipedia
Chelsea's trophy cabinet truly lives upto the "won it all" status by having a collection of unique, historical, and global titles.
The FIFA Club World Cup win over Palmeiras (2-1) in 2021, made them only London club to win the Champions League as well as the FIFA Club World Cup. More recently, they added their 2nd CWC title after a dominating 3-0 victory over PSG in 2025.
Further adding to their phenomenal collection are fourCharity/Community Shield triumphs (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009), which mark their traditional early-season dominance.
As we move down to the final count, Chelsea also holds two Full Members' Club Victories (1986, 1990).
Italy’s Journey to the T20 World Cup Goes Back to 1899 and AC Milan
Italy has achieved an unexpected feat by qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026. While Italy in the T20 World Cup still sounds surreal, the game of cricket in Italy isn't as random as you'd think. Discover the nation's surprising history here.
Italy has truly made the unexpected happen, conquering what many considered impossible. Their recently qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marks a historic first for the nation.
A majority of people associate Italy with football, disregarding the thought of cricket being their forte. Football is the major sport that comes to one's mind when the discussion is about Italy, just like pasta. Therefore, the nation's first-ever qualification for the T20 World Cup broke the internet in no time.
While Italy in the T20 World Cup still sounds surreal, the game of cricket has a surprisingly deep and often overlooked historical ties to the country.
Explore the stunning history of cricket in Italy and their correlation with football as a sport.
The first time cricket was even mentioned in Italy was way back in 1973. That's over 230 years ago, when a match was played among Admiral Horatio Nelson's sailors when they stopped at Naples.
Then, about a century later, Englishmen living and working in Italy, especially around busy port cities, started establishing cricket clubs. Around the end of the 19th century, several combined cricket and football clubs were formed, but they soon forgot about cricket and emphasised football to make it reach the highest level.
One of the most striking examples is AC Milan, the Italian football club that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. They were founded in 1899 as the Milan Cricket and Football Club by Englishmen, with cricket actually coming first in their name.
Another example is the oldest Italian football club, Genoa CFC, which was also founded as the Genoa Cricket and Football Club.
Thus, no matter how surreal the qualification of Italy in the T20 World Cup might sound, their deep-rooted history is a clear indication of cricket actually coming first in their nation. The game is not just a fluke, but built on a foundation that's far richer and older than most people realise!
Italy celebrates their T20 World Cup 2026 qualification. Image | Instagram
Italy national cricket team is currently ranked 32nd in the ICC T20I ranking. Starting from 2012, they appeared in the T20 World Cup qualifiers 4 times, and this was the first time ever they made it to the top 2, securing their T20 World Cup 2026 spot.
The team fought so hard in the European Qualifiers that even after losing their last match to the Netherlands, they managed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026, based on their high net run rate.
This amazing achievement really shows how cricket as a game has evolved in Italy and how determined their team is to make it big this time.
From World Cup to continental championships, discover the titans of global football and their achievements. We bring you the football teams with most international trophies with Argentina leading the pack. Check out who joins them.
In the sphere of international football, legacy is not built on sentiment but on unmatched achivement. What truly counts for a national team are the trophies won at the global stage, leaving everyone behind in the race!
This list will provide you an overview of the football teams with most international trophies. Read the full article to know about their dominance in the world of football.
1. Argentina (23 international trophies)
Argentina lifting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Image | Mint
Argentina stands as the titan in international football, having 23 trophies in their cabinet, with a rich legacy shaped by raw talent and passionate play.
Their identity is deeply rooted in the genius of legendary players such as Diego Maradona, whose individual brilliance almost single-handedly sealed the 1986 World Cup, and Lionel Messi, who finally cemented his legacy in 2022 World Cup after years of carrying the team's hope.
Brazil lifting the Confederations Cup in 2013. Image | FIFA
One of the greatest footballing nations, Brazil, holds 20 international trophies in their stunning cabinet. They are widely recognised as a nation that produce players who redefine the sport.
Legendary figures like Pele, Garrincha, and modern maestros like Ronaldinho and Romario, have all contributed to Brazil's success in achieving this milestone. Their contributions have not been just about winning, but about entertaining and inspiring.
Uruguay possesses a truly remarkable legacy in international football, regardless of its small population. They are just one trophy away to reach enter the twenties in their international trophies count, with 19 so far.
Legendary players like Obdulio Varela and Alcides Ghiggia, who had immense contribution in 1950 World Cup win, and more recently, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, have all profoundly shaped Uruguay's rich footballing narrative.
Mexico winning the 2023 COMCACAF Gold Cup. Image | Instagram
Mexico holds a proud legacy as the dominant force in CONCACAF football, known for their passionate fan base, technical prowess, and ability to frequently challenge stronger nations.
Hugo Sanchez, Rafael Marquez, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, are some names served in achieving the 14 international trophies.
USA lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021. Image | NDTV
The USA has steadily built a legacy of growing competitiveness and professionalism, establishing itself as a successful team within the CONCACAF region.
Players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard, have elevated the team's standing and inspired a new generation of American footballers. They currently hold the 5th place with 10 international trophies.
International trophy cabinet of the USA:
Tournament
Count
Years
CONCACAF Championship/ Gold Cup
7
1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2021
CONCACAF Nations League
3
2021, 2023, 2024
6. France (8 international trophies)
France lifting the 2018 World Cup. Image | Instagram
France holds the sixth place with 8 international trophies achivement elegantly with the efforts of world-class players and athletic brilliance. From Michel Platini of the 1980s to Kylian Mbappe, an explosive forward who's carrying the winning legacy in recent years, this team have come a long way.
Their contributions have led to some historic victories that shaped French football.
Germany lifting the 2014 World Cup. Image | Sportsnet
Germany's legacy in international football is built on resilience, discipline and strong winning mentality. They have won 8international trophies which gracefully shine in their cabinet.
Legendary players like Franz Beckenbauer, the elegant "Der Kaiser" who revolutionized the sweeper role; Gerd Muller, the prolific striker; and Lothar Matthaus, a midfield powerhouse, have shaped the team's consistent success.
International trophy cabinet of Germany:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
European Championship
3
1972, 1980, 1996
Confederations Cup
1
2017
8. Egypt (7 international trophies)
Egypt lifts the AFCON in 2010. Image | CAF Online
Egypt holds an unparalleled legacy as the most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having great consistency and dominance on the continental stage.
The "Pharaohs" are known for their tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches, which brought them 7 international trophies.
The most memorable victory for Egypt was their achievement of winning three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a feat that cemented their status as the kings of African football.
International trophy cabinet of Egypt:
Tournament
Count
Years
Africa Cup of Nations
7
1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
9. Spain (6 international trophies)
Spain lifts the 2010 World Cup. Image | Sportstar
Spain's legacy in international football is linked to their "tiki-taka" style, a philosophy of possession-based, intricate passing football that brought unparallaled success.
This approach led to an era of consistent dominance, including a historic treble from 2008 to 2012. Legendary figures like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Iker Casillas were instrumental in this golden age.
Recently, the new generation talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, has emerged, further contributing to add up the numbers of their international trophies, which currently counts to 6.
Italy won 6 internationaltrophies in their football journey, with four World Cup wins among them. They have the capability to rise when it matters most for the nation.
Legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, and others have left an incredible mark on the history of team's success. The 2006 FIFA World Cup remains a memorable victory where the Azzurri peaked.
International trophy cabinet of Italy:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
European Championship
2
1968, 2020
11. New Zealand (6 international trophies)
New Zealand lifts their 6th OFC Nations Cup in 2024. Image | Pinterest
New Zealand won 6 international trophies and all of them were OFC Nations Cup wins, reflecting their dominance within the Oceania confederation. Their strong team spirit and discipline gets them the ability to qualify for the World Cup despite being a smaller footballing nation.
Their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they remained undefeated in the group stage, drawing all 3 of their matches against strong opponents, stands as a particularly memorable achievement.
International trophy cabinet of New Zealand:
Tournament
Count
Years
OFC Nations Cup
6
1973, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2016, 2024
12. Cameroon (5 international trophies)
Cameroon lifts the AFCON in 2017. Image | Mint
Cameroon, known as the "Indomitable Lions," has forged a legacy as one of Africa's most successful footballing nations. They have achieved 5 international trophies so far, and are in own by their raw power, athleticism, and a fearless, adventurous approach to the game.
The 1990 FIFA World Cup remains their most memorable victory, where they shocked reigning champions Argentina in the opening match and became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, with their commendable performances.
Australia lifts the AFC Asian Cup in 2015. Image | Socceroos
Australia, also known as "Socceroos," have evolved from a dominant force in Oceania to a competitive presence in Asia and a consistent participant on the global stage of football.
They have won 5international trophies so far, with players like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka being the central to their footballing journey.
A standout memorable victory for Australia was winning the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2015, that increased their status as a leading footballing nation within the Asian confederation.
Till now, 9 European clubs (Under UEFA) have managed to win a treble, which includes the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the UEFA Champions League/UEFA Europa League.
In football, a team wins a treble when they win three major trophies in a single season. Winning the continental treble means winning the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the main continental trophy, for UEFA, which is the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.
Though winning the Europa League is also considered a treble, it is not accepted wholeheartedly by the pundits and fans as winning the UEFA Champions League.
Till now, 9 European clubs have been able to win the continental treble. Before we discuss all the European treble winners in men's football history, we must know about the types of Trebles we have in football.
Barcelona is the only club to win multiple trebles with both their men's and women's team, completing the feat in 2024.
Continental treble
This is considered the actual treble in football where a team go on to win the national league, national cup competition and the main continental trophy. Celtic Football Club in 1966-67 became the first team in football history to win a Continental treble. Till now, 22 men's teams have won the Continental Treble, with 30 being the total number of times. In Europe, only 8 football teams have been able to accomplish the feat.
Domestic treble
Generally, for most of the footballing nations, winning a domestic treble is not possible since they do not allow first-division teams to win any secondary cup or league. A domestic treble includes winning three national competitions, including the national league title, the national cup competition, and one secondary competition. Countries which were under British or French possessions once allowed domestic trebles to happen. Celtic with 8 domestic trebles, and Rangers, with 7, are the most successful teams when it comes to winning domestic trebles.
European treble winners in men's football history
1. Celtic | 1966-67
Celtic team with their 1966-67 European Cup trophy. Image | Celtic Star
In the 1966-67 season, Celtic became the first team ever to win the continental treble when they won the Scottish Football League, Scottish Cup and European Cup (UEFA Champions League now).
Celtic with 58 points in the Scottish Football League went past Rangers to clinch the national league. In the Scottish Cup, they defeated Aberdeen Football Club by 2-0 in the final to win the trophy. William Wallace was the goalscorer for them in the final.
In the European Cup, Celtic defeated Inter Milan by 2-1 in Lisbon to become the first-ever Treble winner in football history. Thomas Gemmell and Thomas Chalmers were the scorers for Cletic that day.
2. 1971-72 | Ajax
Ajax 1971-72 team that won the European Treble | Image: X
Ajax, the football club from the Netherlands became the second European team to win the treble in the 1971-72 season. They won the Eredivisie, their national league and then won the KNVB Cup and later on won the European Cup to complete their treble. That season, Ajax were nearly the invincible team losing just one game in the whole season.
In the Eredivisie, Johan Cruyff became their top goal scorer with 25 goals. Ajax with 63 points, 8 points cleared Feijenoord in the second position. In the KNVB Cup, they defeated FC Den Haag in the final by 3-2 to win the cup. Cruyff had scored the opener in that game also and scored three goals in the tournament.
In the European Cup, they defeated Inter Milan by 2-0 with Johan Cruyff scoring a brace for them. In all together Cruyff had scored 33 goals for them that season in the three tournaments.
In the 1987-88 season, PSV became the second team from the Netherlands to win the historical treble. That season they won the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup and the European Cup. They won their 10th Eredivisie title with 59 points, 9 points clear of Ajax in the league table. Wim Kieft scored 29 goals in that season for PSV in the league.
In the KNVB Cup final they defeated Roda JC by 3-2 in the extra time. Then, they went on to win the European Cup by defeating Benfica in the final by a 6-5 penalty shootout. Ronald Koeman came out as one of the standout performers for PSV that season.
Manchester United players with their 1999 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
It took 11 more years for any team to win the European Treble and Manchester United became the first team from England to achieve that feat. United, under Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League after not winning any trophies in the previous season. The treble is regarded as the achievement in his career, and he was awarded the knighthood in November 1999 after that success.
They won the Premier League with 79 points, 1 point more than Arsenal. Dwight Yorke with 18 goals was their and League's joint-highest goal scorer in that season. In the FA Cup, despite facing difficult opponents throughout the tournament, Ferguson's men kept on fighting back, and after two semi-final replays against Arsenal and a final against Newcastle United, they won the FA Cup. Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham scored for them in a 2-0 win in the final.
In the Champions League, they were drawn into the group of death alongside FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Brondby. They qualified for the knockouts as the runner-up from the group and defeated Inter Milan and Juventus in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively, before beating FC Bayern Munich in a historic comeback in the final. In front of 91000 people in Barcelona, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in the added minutes to hand Manchester United a terrific 2-1 win over Bayern.
Barcelona players with their 2009 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 season became the first Spanish team to win the European Treble. Under their former captain, and Barcelona B coach Pep Guardiola, the Spanish giants reached their peak in that season winning the La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. They are still the only Spanish team to win the European Treble.
After selling players like Deco and Ronaldinho, Barcelona started to reorganise their shape as a club and Lionel Messi alongside Samuel Eto'o became their hero at the front. They won La Liga with 87 points, 9 points clear of Real Madrid. Samuel Eto'o with 30 goals in the league was their top scorer.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic Bilbao by 4-1 as Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Bojan scored for them after conceding an early goal.
In the 2008-09 Champions League, Barcelona had to clear the qualifying round first to enter the group stage. They defeated Wisła Kraków in a two-legged qualifying round before entering the group stage alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP and Basel.
That header from Lionel Messi that saw FC Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League.
They topped the group stage and then went on to beat Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea in the knockouts before beating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the final in Rome. Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored one goal each as Barcelona scripted history. Messi finished with 38 goals in all competitions that season. That season saw Lionel Messi win his first Ballon d'Or award with a record margin of 240 points than second-position Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona in 2009 became the first team to win a "sextuple" in European football history.
6. 2009-10 | Inter Milan
Inter Milan players after their historical 2009-10 European Treble
Right after Barcelona's historical 2008-09 season, Inter Milan created their history as they became the first and still the only Italian team to win the European treble. They were the sixth European Treble winners in the men's football history. It was the "special one", Jose Mourinho's second and last season with the club that helped the Italian giants create history.
After a historical season with FC Barcelona, Samuel Eto'o was swapped with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and was sold to Inter Milan. Eto'o that season went on to become the only player to win back-to-back European Treble. That season Inter Milan won their fifth consecutive Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League.
They first won the Coppa Italia by beating Roma in the final. Diego Militao scored the lone goal for them in the final. Then, they won the Serie A on the final match day with 82 points, 2 points more than Roma.Diego Militao scored 22 goals in the league season for them.
In the UEFA Champions League, they were clubbed with Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv and Rubin Kazan and progressed to the knockout stage as the runner-up of the group. In the knockouts, they defeated Chelsea, CSKA Moscow and Barcelona before winning 2-0 against Bayern Munich in the final. Militao scored a brace for them and won the player of the match award as well.
FC Bayern Munich with the UEFA Champions League 2012-13 trophy
In the 2012-13 season, FC Bayern Munich became the first and only German team to win the European Treble. Under head coach Jupp Heynckes, they won their 22nd Bundesliga title, and 5th UEFA Champions League title alongside the DFB-Pokal title.
Before the season they brought in players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Dante, Claudio Pizarro, Mitchell Weiser, Tom Starke and Mario Mandzukic alongside Javi Martinez for a then-record signing fee.
In the league, they acquired a record-breaking 91 points as Mario Mandzukic finished with 15 goals against his name. In the DFB-Pokal, they defeated VfB Stuttgart in the final by 3-2 as Mario Gomez scored a brace for them.
In the Champions League, they were grouped with Valencia, BATE Borisov and Lille. They moved to the next stage as the group champions and then faced Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona in the knockouts. In an all-German final, they defeated Borrusia Dortmund by 2-1 to complete their treble. Mario Mandzukic and Arjen Robben scored for them in the final.
8. 2014-15 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona players after winning the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League. Image | FC Barcelona
Under head coach Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona in the 2014-15 season became the first team in European football history to win the treble more than once. In the summer, Barcelona signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez which helped them create one of the most successful trios in football history in M-S-N with Messi, Suarez and Neymar. They had also signed Marc-André ter Stegen and Ivan Rakitic same season.
They won the La Liga narrowly with 94 points, 2 points clear of Real Madrid. Lionel Messi (43) was outscored by Cristiano Ronaldo (48) in the league that season. Neymar also scored 22 goals for Barcelona in the league that season.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic by 3-1 as Messi scored a brace and Neymar netted once.
In the Champions League, they faced PSG, Ajax and APOEL in the group stage and advanced to the knockout stage as the champions of the group. They then went on to beat Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich before beating Juventus by 3-1 in the final. Neymar, Rakitic and Suarez scored in that final. Messi with 58 goals in all competitions was their top scorer. After that performance, Messi went on to beat Ronaldo and Neymar to win his 5th Ballon d'Or.
9. 2019-20 | FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich won their second European Treble in the 2019-20 season
Post Barca's remarkable success in the 2014-15 season, German club FC Bayern Munich went on to equal their records as the second team in European Football history to win the treble more than once. Under coach Hansi Flick they went on to become the second team in European football to win the "sextuple".
Niko Kovac was the manager for FC Bayern Munich when they started the season, and then Hansi Flick was named as the interim manager. In a season hit by Covid-19, Bayern were forced to play behind closed doors.
However, that did not restrict them from being their brutal best. Robert Lewandowski broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Bundesliga season (34) as Bayern lifted the league for the 29th time.
In the DFB-Pokal final, they defeated Bayer Leverkusen by 4-2 as Robert Lewandowski scored a brace for them.
In the UEFA Champions League round of 16, they defeated Chelsea. Then, they humiliated Barcelona by an 8-2 win (the biggest margin in a UEFA Champions League knockout game) and thrashed Lyon by 3-0 before beating PSG by 1-0 in the final. Kingsley Coman scored the all-important goal for them in the final.
10. 2022-23 | Manchester City
Manchester City with their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2022-23 season
In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City became the second English team and 8th overall team to win a European Treble. Pep Guardiola created one of his records as he became the first coach in European history to win the treble more than once.
Manchester City were coming into the season as the Premier League defending champions and signed players like Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez to strengthen their squad. Erling Haaland went on to break the record for the most Premier League goals scored in a single season as he scored 35 goals in the whole season. City went on to win their 7th Premier League title with 89 points.
In the FA Cup final, City's captain Iikay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in the FA Cup final's history as they defeated Manchester United by 2-0 in the final.
The Haaland riot continued in the UEFA Champions League as well as he scored four goals against RB Leipzig in the round of 16. They then went on to beat Bayern in the quarters and Real Madrid in the semis before beating Inter Milan in the final by 1-0. Rodri scored the lone goal for them in the final and was named player of the final as well.
Erling Haaland scored 52 goals in his 53 games for Manchester City that season. However, despite that performance, he could not beat Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or trophy.
11. 2024-25 | PSG
PSG became the latest team to win the European treble under Luis Enrique as they clinched their first-ever Champions League trophy, and also lifted the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France trophies.
In Ligue 1, they clinched the French Championship with 84 points, as Ousmane Dembele, with 21 goals, won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot.
In the Coupe de France final, they defeated Reims by 3-0 as Bradley Barcola scored a brace and Achraf Hakimi scored another goal to seal the win.
In their historic Champions League season, Dembele finished as their top scorer of the season while Desire Doue scored a stunning brace to help them lift the title. Achraf Hakimi scored in all quarters, the semis and the final to become one of the heroes for them.
With this win, Luis Enrique became the second manager to win two European trebles with two different teams.