Football Clubs in London - A Complete Guide

London has become a major centre for football in recent years. Many football clubs from the city are loved by fans for their rich history and strong passion. These clubs play in either the top league or the lower divisions, and each one has loyal supporters. Football clubs in London have their own unique and interesting story. Big names like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all based in London and represent a locality in the city. Football clubs in London range from world-famous teams to smaller ones like Leyton Orient and Millwall, and some are community-driven. The diversity of the football clubs makes the city one of the best places to visit if you are someone who is into football and loves Premier League. In this article, we will virtually tour you around the great Football clubs in London and tell you about their brief history.

List of Football Clubs in London

Below is a table listing key football clubs in London, their founding years, current divisions, and major achievements, giving a clear picture of their legacy. This list will also help you figure out the best club among the famous football clubs in London.

Top 10 Football Clubs in London

If you are wondering how many football clubs in London are there, then the answer would be over 20, ranging from Premier League giants to lower-tier local teams, and the detailed list will also cover the oldest and the best football club in London. Let's have a look at the detailed list without wasting any more time.

10. Leyton Orient - League One

The club named Leyton Orient was founded in the year 1881, and it is also one of the oldest clubs of London, rooted in the East End’s working-class community. The League One side is also known by the name of “The O’s.” They’ve spent much of their history in lower tiers, but they have won 1 League One title in the 1969/70 season. Despite being a lower division team, the supporters' support is unshaken and they do come in every match in large numbers to back their local club.

The recent seasons have seen the club stabilize itself in League One after its promotion from League Two in 2023. Despite having lesser number of resources, they’ve produced talents like Harry Kane, who began his career as a striker here at Orient FC. The club’s community focus keeps it a vital part of East London’s football scene.

9. Millwall FC - Championship

Millwall FC was established in the year 1885, is known for its passionate fanbase and its unique identity among other clubs. Their stadium of Millwall is famously known as ‘The Den’, which reflects its identity of fearlessness. They reached the FA Cup final in 2004, their biggest achievement, and have won League One and League Two titles. The mantra used by the club is “there is no one like us”.

Talking about the performance, the club's position is not stabilized in the championship and can be seen fluctuating between mid-table and bottom. Additionally, the club has seen 11 promotions and 9 relegations in its tenure. Their passionate supporters and intense atmosphere make them a competitive opponent in the EFL Championship.

8. Queens Park Rangers (QPR) - Championship

The club Queen's Park Rangers was established in the year 1882. QPR FC is situated on the west side of London. The club has a modest but proud history on which their fans take pride, highlighted by their 1967 League Cup triumph. QPR FC had won the championship twice and were the runners-up of the First Division in the year 1975-76. Loftus home remains their iconic stadium, which caters to their fans.

The team has oscillated between Premier League and the Championship. But it seems that the club has become a significant championship side. They are as far from Premier League as they are from relegation. The west London side, QPR FC, is known for nurturing talents like Raheem Sterling. QPR’s fanbase dreams of a return to top-flight stability.

7. Fulham - Premier League

Fulham is the oldest club in London and one of the oldest clubs in the world of football. The club was founded in the year 1879. Its stadium is famously known by the name of Craven Cottage. The club is based near the riverside of the Thames, which enhances its beauty. If we talk about the success, the club was successful in reaching the 2010 Europa League final, alongside two Championship titles.

The club has seen its place fluctuating between the Premier League and the Championship over the years, but with the determination of players, it has been successful in establishing itself as one of the most competitive sides in the Premier League, making it one of the beloved West London sides. They have developed players like Johnny Haynes.

https://www.sportsdunia.com/football-analysis/most-successful-clubs-in-premier-league-history

6. Brentford - Premier League

Brentford was founded in the year 1889 and has risen from the lower tiers of the English football pyramid system. After spending the majority of their existence in the lower tiers of the system now the club has now shown their true sides in Premier League as one of the most competitive sides in the league. The club was successful in earning the Premier League spot through the EFL Championship play-offs.

Brentford is known for its data-driven approach in football. The club has 1 League Two title in its name. The Bees’ attacking style, led by players like Ivan Toney, has made them a Premier League mainstay since 2021. Their small fanbase and smart approach towards football make them one of the most beloved London sides, and they also inspire other lower-tier clubs to follow their trajectory to reach the top flight.

5. Crystal Palace - Premier League

Crystal Palace, founded in 1905, is a South London Premier League football club. known for their vibrant Selhurst Park atmosphere. The club has won two trophies (Championship) and was runners up in the FA Cup, which took place in the seasons 2016 and 1990. Their fans got excited whenever there is a match against Brighton, creating another hyped rivalry in the Premier League.

Palace’s recent stability in the Premier League, driven by homegrown talents like Eberechi Eze, showcases their resilience. If we talk about their best finish in the Premier League, it came in the early 90s when the south London side ended their season in 3rd position.

4. West Ham United - Premier League

West Ham United was founded in the year 1895, by the name of Thames Ironworks, and is a club steeped in East London pride, now playing at the London Stadium. The name London Stadium itself speaks volumes about how ' London' this club is. West Ham has won 3 FA Cups and the 2023 Europa Conference League, which was their first European trophy since they started competing.

The Hammers are known for their academy, producing stars like Bobby Moore, a football legend. Recent form suggests that the club is ready to take on the big 6 clubs in the Premier League without any fear. Their move from Upton Park to the 60,000-capacity London Stadium in 2016 marked a new era.

3. Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur is a club that was founded in the year 1882. The club is situated on the northern side of London. You will be shocked if we tell you that Tottenham was the first English side to win the European Champions League, which is now known as the UEFA Champions League. The club has won 8 FA Cups and 2 championships before the start of the Premier League in the year 1992.

Despite not having a league title since 1961, the Spurs have been Premier League contenders under managers like Mauricio Pochettino, with a 2019 Champions League final appearance. The player has also produced and some great talents like Harry kane and Son Heung-Min.

2. Chelsea - Premier League

Chelsea, popularly known as the Blues, was founded in the year 1905, is West London’s powerhouse, with six Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues (2012, 2021). The club has won 34 trophies, including eight FA Cups. The trophy cabinet makes them one of the, if not the best, clubs in London city. Stamford Bridge is their historic home where they have multiple memories.

Since Roman Abramovich’s 2003 takeover, the number of trophies has increased and financial stability has also been enhanced. With stars like Didier Drogba defining their golden era. They remain a global and a regional force despite recent managerial churn.

1. Arsenal - Premier League

Arsenal, also known as the Gunners, was founded in the year 1886, is London’s most successful club with 48 major trophies. The trophy cabinet includes 13 league titles and 14 FA Cups. In the 2003/04 season, the team went on to complete the season without being defeated by any team in the Premier League. That 2003/04 team was also named invincibles for obvious reasons. The Emirates Stadium is considered Arsenal's fortress as it's very hard to earn those 3 points from here.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have a resurgence, finishing second in the Premier League in 2022-23 and 2023-24. They also had stars like Thierry Henry playing for them in their prime. The trophy cabinet, recent performances and fan base make Arsenal the best club in London.