Despite the likes of Madrid, Barça, Bayern, Man City, PSG and Liverpool dominating the current scene, you have to look away from the major European leagues to discover the most successful club.
Top-flight football on the European continent is becoming increasingly a closed shop year after year, as financial power plays an increasingly important role in the ability of football clubs to compete for the big silverware.
We have seen how investments from the nation states (UAE and Qatar) have revived the fortunes of two clubs in Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Historically seen as the 'poor relation' in Manchester and always a mid-tier club in England, City have been transformed since taking over in 2008. In the 16 years since investing in the UAE, the Sky Blues have amassed an impressive 23 major players. titles including eight Premier League wins, a Champions League victory and a FIFA Club World title in 2023.
Similarly, PSG has seen a significant increase in success since its 2011 takeover by Qatar's QSI. The Parisian giants have won every Ligue 1 title (bar one) since taking over, along with six French Cups, with the Champions League title still eluding the Parc des Princes team.
Despite these sides being relative 'newcomers' at the top of the established European elite, including Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, none of these teams have achieved as many domestic championship victories as Belfast-based Linfield.
Most successful team in the world
Even when it comes to the world stage, no other club can boast as many domestic championships as the Belfast 'Blues' with their 56 league wins in the Northern Ireland league.
Granted, Northern Ireland's top flight currently sits 42nd in the UEFA coefficient, but as they say, 'you can only beat what's in front of you'.
Hot on the heels of the Ulster side are Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic, who have amassed 55 and 54 championship titles respectively.
The Uruguayan 'big players' Peñarol (52) and Nacional (49) follow closely in the register of national championships.
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