When discussing football clubs with the highest Premier League titles in England, the focus naturally falls on Manchester United, the team that has set the gold standard with 13 titles since the league’s inception in 1992.
This is followed closely by Manchester City, who have rapidly caught up in recent years, and Chelsea, a dominant force since the early 2000s.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 27 clubs in English football history, detailing their league title triumphs, key players, and a brief history of their most significant achievements.
27 Clubs with the Highest Premier League Titles in England
1. Manchester United – 20 Titles
First title: 1907-08
Last title: 2012-13
Top goal scorer: Wayne Rooney (253 goals)
Manchester United holds the record for the highest number of Premier League titles, winning a staggering 13 titles since 1992, thanks largely to Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial reign.
With a total of 20 top-flight titles, United’s dominance stretches from their early triumphs to their modern-day success. Iconic players like Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona have been central to their dominance.
2. Liverpool – 19 Titles
First title: 1900-01
Last title: 2019-20
Top goal scorer: Ian Rush (346 goals)
Liverpool were the kings of English football throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Despite winning only one Premier League title in 2019-20, their total tally of 19 league crowns puts them second in this list of clubs with the highest Premier League titles.
3. Arsenal – 13 Titles
First title: 1930-31
Last title: 2003-04
Top goal scorer: Thierry Henry (228 goals)
Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-04 season, known as “The Invincibles,” remains one of the most celebrated achievements in football. Arsène Wenger’s side won three Premier League titles, but Arsenal’s total title haul dates back to the pre-Premier League era, making them one of England’s most historic clubs.
4. Everton – 9 Titles
First title: 1890-91
Last title: 1986-87
Top goal scorer: Dixie Dean (383 goals)
Everton may have been out of the title race in recent decades, but their early success cannot be ignored. They are one of the oldest top-flight clubs in England and have won the English league title nine times, although their last triumph came in the late 1980s.
5. Manchester City – 9 Titles
First title: 1936-37
Last title: 2022-23
Top goal scorer: Sergio Agüero (260 goals)
Manchester City has surged to the top of English football, largely under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. City has now won nine league titles, with six Premier League crowns coming in the last decade alone. Their recent dominance is clear, and they remain a force to be reckoned with.
6. Aston Villa – 7 Titles
First title: 1893-94
Last title: 1980-81
Top goal scorer: Billy Walker (244 goals)
Aston Villa was one of the most successful clubs in English football during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although they haven’t won the league in over four decades, their legacy as one of England’s great clubs remains strong.
7. Sunderland – 6 Titles
First title: 1891-92
Last title: 1935-36
Top goal scorer: Charlie Buchan (209 goals)
Once a dominant force in English football, Sunderland won six league titles before World War II. Although they are now in the lower leagues, their early triumphs make them a notable club in English football history.
8. Chelsea – 6 Titles
First title: 1954-55
Last title: 2016-17
Top goal scorer: Frank Lampard (211 goals)
Chelsea’s modern success started in the mid-2000s under Roman Abramovich’s ownership. With six Premier League titles, they are one of the biggest clubs in England today, known for their global reach and star-studded squads.
9. Newcastle United – 4 Titles
First title: 1904-05
Last title: 1926-27
Top goal scorer: Alan Shearer (206 goals)
Newcastle United, with four league titles, were once a dominant force in the early 20th century. However, the club has since fallen on harder times, and their last league title win was nearly a century ago.
10. Sheffield Wednesday – 4 Titles
First title: 1902-03
Last title: 1929-30
Top goal scorer: Andrew Wilson (216 goals)
Sheffield Wednesday, another historic club, claimed four league titles before World War II. The Owls’ early success is still fondly remembered by their supporters.
11. Leeds United – 3 Titles
First title: 1968-69
Last title: 1991-92
Top goal scorer: Peter Lorimer (238 goals)
Leeds United’s golden era came under Don Revie, and they were a force in English football during the 1960s and 1970s. They won their last league title just before the Premier League era began.
12. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 3 Titles
First title: 1953-54
Last title: 1958-59
Top goal scorer: Steve Bull (306 goals)
Wolves were one of the best teams in England during the 1950s, winning three league titles in six years. Although they haven’t won the league since, they are an important part of English football history.
13. Huddersfield Town – 3 Titles
First title: 1923-24
Last title: 1925-26
Top goal scorer: George Brown (159 goals)
Huddersfield Town were the first club to win three consecutive league titles, a feat they achieved in the 1920s. Their success under legendary manager Herbert Chapman laid the groundwork for future football strategies.
14. Blackburn Rovers – 3 Titles
First title: 1911-12
Last title: 1994-95
Top goal scorer: Simon Garner (168 goals)
Blackburn Rovers shocked the football world when they won the Premier League in 1995, breaking Manchester United’s early dominance. Their earlier titles came in the 1910s, making them a historic club with a storied past.
The other clubs that complete this list include Burnley, Preston North End, Portsmouth, and more, each contributing to the rich fabric of English football history with their own triumphs.
These clubs, especially those with the most titles, have not only defined eras of football but also produced some of the game’s greatest players, contributing to the global appeal and excitement of the sport.
15. Burnley – 2 Titles
First title: 1920-21
Last title: 1959-60
Top goal scorer: George Beel (188 goals)
Burnley is one of the traditional clubs in English football with two league titles. Their first victory came in the 1920-21 season, and they added another 40 years later in 1959-60. Burnley’s success during these times solidified their place in football history, especially as a club that has consistently risen through the ranks.
16. Portsmouth – 2 Titles
First title: 1948-49
Last title: 1949-50
Top goal scorer: Peter Harris (194 goals)
Portsmouth’s back-to-back title wins in the post-war era are some of the proudest moments in the club’s history. Their ability to secure two league championships in consecutive seasons highlights their dominance during that brief yet golden period.
17. Preston North End – 2 Titles
First title: 1888-89
Last title: 1889-90
Top goal scorer: Tom Finney (210 goals)
Preston North End were the winners of the inaugural English Football League season in 1888-89 and followed it up with another title the next season. Known as the original “Invincibles,” they set the foundation for competitive football in England and are forever enshrined in football lore.
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18. Tottenham Hotspur – 2 Titles
First title: 1950-51
Last title: 1960-61
Top goal scorer: Jimmy Greaves (266 goals)
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed significant success in the 1950s and 1960s, winning two league titles. Their 1960-61 title win was part of a historic double, as Spurs also won the FA Cup that same season, making them one of the most exciting teams of the era.
19. Derby County – 2 Titles
First title: 1971-72
Last title: 1974-75
Top goal scorer: Steve Bloomer (331 goals)
Derby County won two league titles in the 1970s under the management of Brian Clough and later Dave Mackay. These were the club’s finest years, with Clough turning Derby into one of the most feared teams in England during that period.
20. Sheffield United – 1 Title
First title: 1897-98
Top goal scorer: Harry Johnson (201 goals)
Sheffield United won their only league title at the end of the 19th century, and although they haven’t tasted league success since, their place in history as one of the early football powerhouses is cemented.
21. Ipswich Town – 1 Title
First title: 1961-62
Top goal scorer: Ray Crawford (203 goals)
Under the legendary management of Alf Ramsey, Ipswich Town stunned the football world by winning the league title in their first-ever season in the top flight. Ramsey’s tactical innovations were key to their success, and he would later lead England to their famous World Cup win in 1966.
22. Leicester City – 1 Title
First title: 2015-16
Top goal scorer: Arthur Chandler (273 goals)
Leicester City’s 2015-16 triumph is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in football history. As 5000-1 underdogs, their fairytale Premier League win captured the hearts of football fans globally. Led by Claudio Ranieri and with standout players like Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s story remains an inspiration to underdogs everywhere.
23. West Bromwich Albion – 1 Title
First title: 1919-20
Top goal scorer: Tony Brown (279 goals)
West Bromwich Albion won their only league title in 1919-20. Although they have spent much of their recent history outside the top flight, their early success remains a highlight in the club’s long history.
24. Nottingham Forest – 1 Title
First title: 1977-78
Top goal scorer: Grenville Morris (217 goals)
Nottingham Forest’s title-winning campaign in 1977-78 was the prelude to their European Cup victories in the subsequent seasons. Brian Clough built a legendary team that won the league and then conquered Europe, putting Forest on the global football map.
25. Blackburn Rovers – 1 Title
First title: 1994-95
Top goal scorer: Simon Garner (168 goals)
Blackburn Rovers’ 1994-95 Premier League title remains one of the most memorable triumphs in the league’s history. With star players like Alan Shearer and under the management of Kenny Dalglish, Blackburn broke Manchester United’s dominance and brought home the league title.
26. Huddersfield Town – 3 Titles
First title: 1923-24
Last title: 1925-26
Top goal scorer: George Brown (159 goals)
Huddersfield Town were the first club to win three consecutive league titles, all in the 1920s. Their success under legendary manager Herbert Chapman remains a remarkable achievement, and although they are no longer a top-flight club, their history is rich with these early triumphs.
27. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 3 Titles
First title: 1953-54
Last title: 1958-59
Top goal scorer: Steve Bull (306 goals)
Wolverhampton Wanderers were a dominant force in the 1950s, winning three league titles in quick succession. Known for their fast-paced, aggressive style of play, Wolves were one of the top teams in England during that era.
These football clubs, with their league title victories, have etched their names in the annals of English football history.
From the pre-Premier League era to the present day, the highest Premier League title triumphs have seen the rise and fall of various football dynasties.
Whether it’s the modern dominance of Manchester United or Manchester City, or the historic triumphs of clubs like Everton and Aston Villa, each club’s success adds to the rich tapestry of English football.
As the Premier League continues to evolve, these clubs will forever be remembered for their contributions to the beautiful game.