Top 10 Greatest Club World Cup Champions + Fun Facts!

In the world of football, some tournaments shine brighter than others — and for South American fans, the Club World Cup is practically a parallel World Cup. This competition, from the days of the old Intercontinental Cup, has brought the giants from each continent face to face. At its heart, the Club World Cup is about the clash of distinct football philosophies, different playing styles, and, above all, unforgettable stories.

In this article, you’ll discover which clubs have conquered the world, whether through legendary squads, dramatic victories, or remarkable campaigns. We’ve prepared an updated ranking of the greatest champions in the history of the Club World Cup — from 1960 to 2025 — with fun facts, videos to relive the finals, and a dose of nostalgia for fans of all ages.

10 - Estudiantes/Liverpool - 1 title and 3 finals

We start the list with two traditional clubs who have each made impressive runs. Estudiantes de La Plata were a true Argentine powerhouse in the late 1960s, claiming the world title in 1968 against Manchester United and reaching three consecutive finals.

Liverpool, on the other hand, needed several attempts before finally prevailing in 2019, defeating Flamengo with an extra-time goal. Both clubs embody persistence and passion.

9 - Ajax/Corinthians/Porto - 2 titles

Three clubs with very different histories, but the same number of world titles.

Ajax shone with their ‘Total Football’ in 1972, recapturing the crown in 1995 with a golden generation.

Corinthians were the first champions of the current FIFA format in 2000 and played a memorable final against Chelsea in 2012.

Porto won in 1987 with Madjer and again in 2004 under a young José Mourinho, shocking the world.

8 - Manchester United/Santos - 2 titles and 1 final

Icons of world football, both clubs have impressive legacies. United triumphed in 1999 with the squad featuring Giggs, Scholes, and Beckham, and again in 2008 with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Santos, with Pelé, captivated the world in the 1960s, defeating Benfica and Milan in two of the greatest matches ever.

7 - Juventus - 2 titles and 2 finals

Juventus' legacy isn’t limited to Italian trophies. The Turin club won world honors in 1985 and 1996, with two more finals appearances, confirming their place among Europe’s giants.

6 - Independiente - 2 titles and 4 finals

The "King of Cups" lives up to its nickname. Dominant in the 1970s, Independiente won in 1973 and 1984, and played in four consecutive finals between 1964 and 1974. A true symbol of Argentine tradition.

5 - Inter Milan/Nacional-URU/São Paulo - 3 titles

Three clubs with championship pedigree. Inter Milan dominated the 1960s and returned to glory in 2010 under Mourinho. Nacional of Uruguay lifted three trophies from 1971 to 1988, in a golden era.

São Paulo, led by Telê Santana, won twice in the 1990s and again in 2005, with Rogério Ceni and Mineiro starring in Japan.

4 - Barcelona/Boca Juniors/Peñarol - 3 titles and 2 finals

Barcelona made history with Pep Guardiola and Messi, Boca dominated the 2000s with Riquelme and Palermo, and Peñarol were pioneers in the 1960s. Three styles, three passionate fanbases, three stories that span generations.

3 - Bayern Munich - 4 titles

Opening our podium is the Bavarian powerhouse!

World champions in 1976, 2001, 2013 and 2020, the German club is synonymous with efficiency. With titles across four different decades, Bayern remains one of the world’s footballing giants, highlighted by the unbeaten team of 2020.

2 - Milan - 4 titles and 4 finals

In second place is the giant, AC Milan! Champions in 1969, 1989, 1990, and 2007, and runners-up in 1963, 1993, 1994, and 2003.

Elegance, tactics, and tradition — Milan conquered the world with stars like Van Basten, Rijkaard, Kaká, and Pirlo. Even in defeat, they always dazzled with their technical and organized play.

1 - Real Madrid - 9 titles and 2 finals

And in first place, to nobody’s surprise, is Real Madrid. The Spanish club has more than twice as many titles as the runner-up, having won a record 9 world crowns (1960, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024) and finishing runners-up in 1966 and 2000.

Simply the greatest. Real Madrid collects intercontinental and global trophies as if they were stickers!

The Club World Cup is more than just a competition between continents: it's a showcase of football history and the ultimate pinnacle for players and fans. For South Americans, winning the world title is proof that talent from our continent can challenge any European powerhouse. For Europeans, it’s the crowning moment of the season.

With new tournament formats on the horizon, we can expect even more epic encounters in the years ahead.

Is your team on this list? Which final made the biggest impression on you? Let us know!