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Champions League winners

Champions League winners are the clubs that have won the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier men’s club football competition, and its predecessor, the European Cup.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Champions League winners are the clubs that have won the UEFA Champions League, Europe's premier men's club football competition, and its predecessor, the European Cup. Real Madrid hold the record for the most titles with 15, while Paris Saint-Germain are the current champions after winning the 2025–26 final.

History

The competition began as the European Cup in 1955–56 and was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in 1992. Real Madrid won the inaugural European Cup in 1955–56. Winners from the early European Cup era and the modern Champions League era are counted together in the all-time record.

Most successful clubs

Real Madrid lead the all-time list with 15 titles, followed by AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona. Real Madrid also won five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960, the longest title streak in the competition. These clubs account for most of the competition’s repeated winners.

Recent winners

Recent titles have been shared among several clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain won the 2025–26 final to become champions for the second consecutive season. PSG are the current champions.

Records and statistics

Key records include Real Madrid's five straight titles and Juventus's record number of final defeats. A total of 23 different clubs have won the competition. Spain has produced the most champions by total wins, followed by England and Italy.

Key facts

  • Real Madrid won the inaugural European Cup in 1955–56 and hold the record for the most titles.
  • Real Madrid also won five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960, the longest title streak in the competition.
  • Paris Saint-Germain won the 2025–26 final to become champions for the second consecutive season.
  • A total of 23 different clubs have won the competition.
  • Spain has produced the most champions by total wins, followed by England and Italy.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may recognize the competition through Canadian broadcasters, Canadian supporters of European clubs, and Canadian players who have appeared in it, but the title itself has no uniquely Canadian origin or ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most Champions League titles?
Real Madrid, with 15 titles.
Who are the current Champions League winners?
Paris Saint-Germain are the current champions after winning the 2025–26 final.
When did the competition begin?
The competition began in 1955–56 as the European Cup.
How many different clubs have won the trophy?
23 different clubs have won the European Cup or UEFA Champions League.
Which club won the first European Cup?
Real Madrid won the inaugural European Cup in 1955–56.

References

  1. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/winners/
    Supports: All-time winners list and most titles, including Real Madrid's record total.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_European_Cup_and_UEFA_Champions_League_finals
    Supports: Current champions, total number of winning clubs, and major competition records.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43170224/champions-league-winners-list-key-facts
    Supports: Inaugural winner and season-by-season winners list.
  4. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/rankings/
    Supports: All-time rankings and title totals by club.