Best Football Teams of All Time

By: Eniko

Posted: March 2, 2020

Updated: March 2, 2020

Brasil won its third world cup title in 1970
Spain won three all tournaments between 2008 and 2012
Ajax won three European Cup titles between 1971-73

In football’s almost two hundred years old history there have been several great teams, which no one could defeat or get close to. From the Magical Magyars to the 1970 World Cup winner Brasilian team they all belong to the best football teams of all time. Let’s see these teams, which were not only successful but also famous all over the world. Not every World or European Cup-winning football team became famous after their win. Of course, they were celebrated in their home country, but only teams with some extra were popular everywhere. Having a fantastic player like Puskas, Pele or Johann Cruyff, having great team spirit and playing in an entertaining way like the Spanish team or Barcelona. Or just having a mixture of these, plus being so much better than anyone else were the keys for fame.

1970 Brasilian team was one of the best football teams of all time

There were a few Brasilian teams which managed to win the World Cup and played in the usual Brasilian way, with lots of tricks, goals and dancing goal celebration. But even from them, the team from 1969/70 emerges with Pele, Tostao, Rivellino, Carlos Alberto and two-time world cup winner Mario Zagallo as their coach. The team beat England, Uruguay and in the final, Italy to become champion. Pele was brilliant again on his fourth World Cup, but his teammates were equally good. Jairzinho scored on every game, which is a record no one could break yet. The Brasilian team is still one of the best in the world. They will compete next in Copa America where they are one of the favorites.

The Golden Team, a still famous team from the 1950s

Hungarian team with Ferenc Puskas, Jozsef Bozsik, Nandor Hidegkuti and the rest suffered only one defeat between 1950 and 1956. True though it was a painful one, an unexpected defeat against West Germany in the 1954 World Cup final. In spite of not being a world champion, the team achieved amazing results. From beating England 6-3 in Wembley Stadium on the “Match of the Century” to winning the Olympic Games in 1952. The team and their coach, Gusztav Sebes implemented new formations, and the idea of Total Football, when a player can take the role of any other player in the team.

best football teams of all time — Ferenc Puskas in play - Image source: FORTEPAN adományozó Magyar Bálint / CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons

The greatest Spanish team

Still staying with national teams, in the modern era probably the World and 2-time European champion Spanish team from 2008-12 is the best. They didn’t only win the cups but also won their games in an entertaining way. They played attacking football with short passes and amazing teamwork. With players like Xabi, Iniesta, David Silva, Puyol, Pique, and David Villa, they were just too good for their opponents. The team won the 2010 World Cup unbeaten and smashed Italy 4-0 in the 2012 Euro final. Spain has the odds of 9.00 to win the next big event, Euro2020.

The best Barca and Real of all time

This fantastic Spanish team was based on the Barcelona team at the same time which also amazed the world. Under Pep Guardiola’s management, the team created its own, tiki-taka style, which many teams have been copying since (or at least they try). The team won the treble, the Champions League, the Spanish League, and the Spanish Cup in the 2008/09 season. Then more titles were coming including other Champions League win in 2011. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi were at the center, but all players gave something extra to the team. Their biggest rival, Real Madrid had many great teams since its foundation. From the team of the 1950s with Puskas, Di Stefano, and Raymond Kopa to the more recent ones in the 00s, and 2010s. But the best Real team has to be the one between 1998 and 2003, when Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Raul, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Iker Casillas were in the team. The name Galacticos wasn't an exaggeration, they were really the best team at that time. They won 3 Champions League and 2 La Liga titles during this period. In every position, we could find top-quality players. Both Spanish giants are in the Champions League this season, you can make a bet on them on bet365.

Italy’s greatest: AC Milan

Even though these last few years are more about Juventus in Italy, a few decades ago AC Milan was the best team. AC was the best not only in Italy but also in Europe. They represented the best characteristics of Italian football. Great defense along with fast attacks constructed by their brilliant coach, Arrigo Sacchi. The team had players like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Marco van Basten. They were the top players of that time. Milan won 3 European Cups (the predecessor of the Champions League) and 3 Serie A titles. The last ones under the new coach, Fabio Capello. Online sportsbooks in Italy were calling this Milan team the Immortals, but sadly their time has passed. The team is much weaker right now.

The legendary Dutch team

Most football fans and experts agree, that the team of Ajax between 1965 and 73 was one of the best football teams of all time. The team which was managed by Rinus Michel dominated this period. They made popular the already mentioned Total Football philosophy and the 4-3-3 formation. Johann Cruyff was leading the team, but he had great teammates in Johan Neeskens, Arie Haan and Velibor Vasovic. They won six Eredivisie, four Dutch Cup and three European Cup titles. They were different from the other teams. Not just in their style but also in their looks and in their whole perception of football. This season though they are not doing so great. They just fell out of the Europa League. Online gambling sites in Italy are mentioning Manchester United and Inter as favorites there.