After Chelsea’s triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup, a bigger question has resurfaced:
Which English club has truly dominated the 21st century?
Now we have the numbers — here are the top five clubs based on major trophies won since 2000.
🟦 1. Chelsea (21 trophies)
Chelsea’s rise is the stuff of modern football legend. From a sleeping giant to serial winners, they’ve collected:
- 5 Premier Leagues
- 5 FA Cups
- 3 League Cups
- 2 Champions Leagues
- 2 Europa Leagues
- 1 Conference League
- 1 UEFA Super Cup
- 2 FIFA Club World Cups
They’ve won every major competition available, and often multiple times. The numbers don’t lie — Chelsea own the 21st century.
🔵 2. Manchester City (20 trophies)
From nearly irrelevant at the turn of the century to an all-conquering juggernaut, Manchester City’s rise is historic. And there’s no avoiding the key figure behind it all - Pep Guardiola.
- 8 Premier Leagues (most in the 21st century)
- 3 FA Cups
- 6 League Cups
- 1 Champions League
- 1 UEFA Super Cup
- 1 Club World Cup
Since the Catalan manager arrived in 2016, City have become a machine. Tactical evolution, squad depth, domestic dominance — Pep’s influence has redefined English football.
🔴 3. Manchester United (18 trophies)
There was a time when Manchester United were untouchable — especially under Sir Alex Ferguson. They dominated the early 2000s and stacked up major silverware:
- 7 Premier Leagues
- 3 FA Cups
- 5 League Cups
- 1 Champions League
- 1 Europa League
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup
But let’s be honest — the last decade has seen United’s level drop drastically compared to their competition. Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, their trophy haul has slowed, while rivals like City, Chelsea, and Liverpool surged ahead.
🔴 4. Liverpool (17 trophies)
Liverpool’s trophy count has surged in the 21st century — largely thanks to the unforgettable era under Jürgen Klopp. The German manager brought belief, intensity, and silverware back to Anfield, leading the Reds to:
- 2 Premier Leagues
- 3 FA Cups
- 5 League Cups
- 2 Champions Leagues
- 1 Europa League
- 3 Super Cups / Other European
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup
Arne Slot’s era has begun with a bang. In his first season at the helm, he defied expectations by guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title — reclaiming domestic supremacy. The big question now: can he sustain that success and build a new dynasty at Anfield?
🔴 5. Arsenal (9 trophies)
Despite the legendary “Invincibles” season, Arsenal have fallen off the pace since the mid-2000s:
- 2 Premier Leagues
- 7 FA Cups
They’ve won nothing in Europe this century, and the lack of a Champions League or Club World Cup puts them well behind. While they remain a club rich in tradition and talent, a lack of European success and no League Cup wins has left them trailing in the modern honours race.
Under Mikel Arteta, there’s a clear rebuild underway — and promising signs — but the gap in major trophies is undeniable. Arsenal’s challenge now is turning potential into silverware, consistently.
Conclusion: Chelsea Lead the Pack — But For How Long?
In terms of silverware alone, Chelsea are the undisputed kings of the 21st century in English football, with 21 major trophies and a complete collection of domestic and international honours. But their lead is narrow — and under threat.
Manchester City, powered by Pep Guardiola’s relentless winning machine, are just one behind and show no signs of slowing down. Manchester United still have history on their side, but the last decade has seen their standards slip. Liverpool, under Klopp and now Arne Slot, have surged back into contention — and could push higher if Slot continues his impressive start. Meanwhile, Arsenal remain in the chasing pack, with work to do to match the trophy hauls of their rivals.
In a league where margins are razor thin and dynasties are built in cycles, the question isn’t just who’s been the best — it’s:
Who’s going to dominate the next decade?
Let the debate begin.
