UEFA Champions League Winners from 1956 to 2025

The inaugural European Cup in 1956 was won by Real Madrid, who began their reign with a 4–3 victory over Stade de Reims. They went on to dominate the early years, winning the next four editions: defeating Fiorentina (2–0) in 1957, AC Milan (3–2) in 1958, Stade de Reims again (2–0) in 1959, and Eintracht Frankfurt (7–3) in 1960.

Benfica broke Madrid’s streak, claiming back-to-back titles in 1961 (3–2 vs Barcelona) and 1962 (5–3 vs Real Madrid). AC Milan took the crown in 1963, beating Benfica 2–1. Then came Inter Milan, victorious in 1964 (3–1 vs Real Madrid) and 1965 (1–0 vs Benfica). Real Madrid returned in 1966 with a 2–1 win over Partizan Belgrade.

The late ’60s saw new winners: Celtic triumphed in 1967 (2–1 vs Inter Milan), Manchester United in 1968 (4–1 vs Benfica), and AC Milan again in 1969 (4–1 vs Ajax). The 1970s began with Feyenoord (1970), Ajax’s golden era with three consecutive titles (1971–73), and Bayern Munich matching that feat from 1974 to 1976.

The English era kicked off with Liverpool in 1977 and 1978, followed by Nottingham Forest’s surprising back-to-back wins in 1979 and 1980. Liverpool won again in 1981, with Aston Villa and Hamburg following in 1982 and 1983 respectively. Liverpool added another title in 1984. Juventus won in 1985, and Steaua București shocked the world in 1986.

FC Porto lifted their first title in 1987, PSV Eindhoven in 1988, and AC Milan stormed to glory in 1989 and 1990. Red Star Belgrade won in 1991, and Barcelona claimed their first title in 1992. The competition was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in 1992–93, which Marseille won by beating AC Milan.

The mid-90s saw wins by AC Milan (1994), Ajax (1995), and Juventus (1996). Borussia Dortmund (1997) and Real Madrid (1998) took turns, followed by Manchester United’s famous comeback in 1999. Real Madrid won again in 2000 and 2002, with Bayern Munich (2001) and AC Milan (2003) in between.

FC Porto’s 2004 win under José Mourinho was followed by Liverpool’s miracle comeback in 2005. Barcelona began their modern dominance with wins in 2006, 2009, and 2011, while AC Milan (2007) and Manchester United (2008) also added to their legacies.

Inter Milan (2010) and Chelsea (2012) claimed historic wins, while Bayern Munich lifted their fifth and sixth titles in 2013 and 2020. Real Madrid dominated the late 2010s with titles in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Liverpool (2019) and Chelsea (2021) returned to the summit, with Manchester City earning their first title in 2023.

In 2024, Real Madrid once again proved their European pedigree, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2–0 to clinch a record 15th title.

And in a historic moment for French football, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were finally crowned Champions of Europe in 2025, claiming their first-ever UEFA Champions League title after years of near misses and heartbreaks.

Most Successful Clubs in Champions League History

Real Madrid – 15 titles

AC Milan – 7 titles

Bayern Munich – 6 titles

Liverpool – 6 titles

Barcelona – 5 titles

Ajax – 4 titles

Manchester United – 3 titles

Inter Milan – 3 titles