Let’s take a look at some of the greatest clubs that compete outside of Europe’s elite football leagues.
Football is a global sport that is loved by millions of people around the world. While Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) are the most well-known and lucrative leagues, there are plenty of other great clubs playing in less prestigious leagues.
Here are the top 10 football clubs outside of Europe’s top five leagues.
10- Galatasaray
Galatasaray is one of the most successful clubs in Turkish football. They have won 22 Super Lig titles, 18 Turkish Cups, and two UEFA Cups. The club is known for its passionate supporters, and the atmosphere at their home ground, the Nef Stadyumu, is electric.
9- Al Ahly
Al Ahly is the most successful club in African football history, with a record nine CAF Champions League titles to their name. The club has also won the Egyptian Premier League a record 42 times and the Egypt Cup 37 times. Al Ahly has a large and passionate fanbase, and their matches are always well-attended.
8- Sao Paulo
One of the greatest clubs in Brazilian football history, Sao Paulo have won six Serie A titles, three Copa Libertadores titles, and one FIFA Club World Cup. Sampa have produced many great players over the years, including Kaka and Cafu.
7- Rangers
Rangers is one of the most successful clubs in Scottish football history, having won 55 Scottish league titles, 33 Scottish Cups, and 27 Scottish League Cups. The Gers have a fierce rivalry with Celtic, and the Old Firm derby is one of the most passionate and intense derbies in world football.
6- Porto
Porto is one of the most successful clubs in Portuguese football history, having won 29 Primeira Liga titles, 16 Portuguese Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. The club has a reputation for producing great young players, and their academy is one of the best in the world.
5- Celtic
Celtic is one of the most successful clubs in Scottish football, having won 51 Scottish league titles, 41 Scottish Cups, and 20 Scottish League Cups. The club has a strong connection with its Irish heritage, and its supporters are known for their passionate and vocal support.
4- Sporting Lisbon
Sporting is one of defining pillars of Portuguese football history, having won 19 Primeira Liga titles, 17 Portuguese Cups, and one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. The club has produced many great players over the years, including Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nani.
3- PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven are one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football history, having won 24 Eredivisie titles, nine KNVB Cups, and one UEFA Cup. Boeren have a reputation for playing attacking football and developing young talent.
2- Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors is one of the most successful teams in Argentine football history, having won 34 Primera Division titles, six Copa Libertadores titles, and three Intercontinental Cups. The club has a passionate and loyal fanbase, and their home ground, La Bombonera, is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.
1- Ajax
Ajax is the most successful clubs in Dutch football, having won 35 Eredivisie titles, 20 KNVB Cups, and four European Cup/Champions League titles. The club is known for its innovative and attacking style of play, as well as its renowned youth academy, which has produced great players like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp.
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