10 Best Football Clubs in Spain to Keep an Eye On!

Ever wondered where the heartbeat of football pulses with the most passion? Football, the universal language of emotion, draws in enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. However, when it comes to unrivaled footballing fervor, Spain is home to some of the world's most iconic football clubs, each with its unique history and fervent fan base. With its interesting teams, awe-inspiring players, and an ocean of devoted fans, the football clubs in Spain are nothing short of iconic. Real Madrid, with its record haul of Champions League trophies, stands as a symbol of excellence. Barcelona, the master of mesmerizing attacking football, has etched its name into the annals of the sport. But, let's not forget that Spain is a treasure trove of football brilliance beyond these two juggernauts.

Top 10 Football Clubs In Spain

Whether your heart leans towards Messi's mesmerizing magic or Ronaldo's sheer dominance, let's set aside our allegiances and embark on a delightful journey through this blog. Together, we'll explore the best football clubs in Spain as of 2024, traversing the landscape of La Liga leagues, delving into the captivating fan cultures, and shining a spotlight on the lesser-known yet equally enthralling Spanish soccer clubs! It's time to dive in and revel in the wonder of Spanish football – a sport that unites, delights, and leaves us all in awe! Have a look at the top 10 football clubs in Spain:

1. Real Madrid 

FIFA World Ranking: 2

Year of Inception: 1902

Current Famous Players: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Toni Kroos

Points: 1,999 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches: 

1. 1958 European Cup Final vs AC Milan 

2. 2017 UEFA Champions League Final vs Juventus

3. El Clasico matches against Barcelona 

Based in Madrid, Spain, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, is an institution steeped in history and glory, standing proudly as the prominent player in Spanish football in 2023. With its inception dating back to 1902, this is one of the most popular Spanish football clubs and has carved its legacy with a stadium known as the Santiago Bernabeu. While Atletico Madrid is the club's local rival, the ultimate rivalry lies with FC Barcelona Football Club. As one of the founding members of La Liga, Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in Spain and has achieved a total of 35 La Liga trophies, 20 Copa del Rey triumphs, and 14 UEFA glories. 

An interesting fact about Real Madrid: Real Madrid is the only club to have won the UEFA Champions League three consecutive times in its modern format (2016, 2017, 2018), under the management of Zinedine Zidane.

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2. FC Barcelona Football Club

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1899

Current Famous Players: Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski

Points: 1,924 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches: 

1. 2009 UEFA Champions League Final

2. 2010-2011 El Clásico

3. 2006 UEFA Champions League Final

Another excellent addition to football clubs in Spain is FC Barcelona, which stands tall as the formidable second contender. Established in 1929, this is one of those Spanish football clubs that holds an impressive record, securing the La Liga trophy 26 times and the UEFA trophy on 5 occasions. The year 2008-09 witnessed a monumental feat, as Barcelona achieved the fabled "treble" - winning the La Liga, Copa Del Rey, and the European Champions League trophies in one quick sweep. Camp Nou, their home ground, has borne witness to countless historic moments since its inception in 1957. And while you’re in Spain, there’s so much more to explore. Discover the top 15 things to do in Spain for an unforgettable travel experience.

An interesting fact about FC Barcelona: Barcelona is the first and only club to achieve a sextuple, winning six major trophies in a single calendar year (2009), including the La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup

3. Atletico Madrid

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1903

Current Famous Players: Alvaro Morata, Memphis Depay, Antoine Griezmann

Points: 1,910 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches: 

1. 2014 UEFA Champions League Final

2. 2020 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg

3. 2013-2014 La Liga Season

Atletico Madrid, another one of the top Spanish football clubs, is also the fiercest contender in La Liga. This team carved its name into the best football clubs in Spain with a triumphant title in 1903, and their hunger for success hasn't reduced since. By challenging the supremacy of giants like Real Madrid Football Club in Spain and FC Barcelona Football Club, Atletico Madrid proudly holds a commendable record of 2 La Liga and Copa Del Rey trophies each, along with a stellar three-time win in the Europa League.

An interesting fact about Atletico Madrid: Atlético Madrid is known for its “never-say-die” spirit and has reached three UEFA Champions League finals (1974, 2014, 2016) but has yet to win the prestigious trophy

4. Athletic Club Bilbao

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1898

Current Famous Players: Nico Williams, Unai Simon, Inaki Williams

Points: 1,838 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches: 

1. 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Sestao River Club

2. 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Real Zaragoza Deportivo Aragón

3. 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Club Portugalete

The list of the most popular Spanish football clubs would be incomplete with Atheltic Club Bilbao. This is also one of the most well-known Spain football clubs. Hailing from the Basque Country, Athletic Club Bilbao embraces a unique policy of exclusively enlisting players from the Basque region. This commitment to their heritage has been the reason they have acquired 8 La Liga titles and an impressive 23 Copa del Rey victories, positioning them as contenders second to FC Barcelona Football Club.

An interesting fact about Athletic Club Bilbao: Athletic Bilbao has a unique Basque-only player policy, meaning they exclusively recruit players born in the Basque Country or trained in Basque clubs, making them a symbol of regional pride.

5. Real Betis

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1907

Current Famous Players: Isco, Nabil Fekir, Hector Bellerin

Points: 1,689 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches:

1. 2023 Almeria vs. Granada  

2. 2023 Granada vs. Real Betis 

3. 2023 Real Madrid vs. Real Betis

The list of the most popular Spanish football clubs also includes Real Betis. Founded in 1907, Real Betis, affectionately known as "Los Verdiblancos," proudly don their green and white uniforms. With 2 Copa del Rey trophies and 1 La Liga title, their clashes with Sevilla during the Seville Derby are nothing short of legendary.‍

An interesting fact about Real Betis: Real Betis was the first club from Andalusia to win the La Liga title in 1935, showcasing their early dominance in Spanish football.

6. Real Sociedad

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1909

Current Famous Players: Takefusa Kubo, Hamari Traore, Arsen Zakharyan

Points: 1,727 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches:

1. 2023 Real Sociedad's Participation in the UEFA Champions League

2. 2023 Real Sociedad vs. Salzburg

3. 2023 Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Sociedad

Embracing the role of the underdog, Real Sociedad holds its own as a force to be reckoned with among football clubs in Spain. With 2 La Liga trophies, 3 King's Cups, and one to their name, their journey is an inspiration, confirming their position as the fourth-largest football club in Spain.

An interesting fact about Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad won back-to-back La Liga titles in 1980-81 and 1981-82, thanks to their formidable team that included legendary goalkeeper Luis Arconada.

7. Osasuna 

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1920

Current Famous Players: David Garcia, Ezequiel Avila, Ignacio Vidal Miralles

Points: 1,650 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches: 

1. CA Osasuna 2022/2023 Season Overview

2. Osasuna in the 2023–24 Season

3. 2023 Real Madrid vs. Osasuna 

With a strong legacy dating back to 1920, Osasuna, nicknamed "The Reds," commands respect as one of the oldest and most esteemed football clubs in Spain. Fierce rivalries with Real Madrid Football Club, Real Zaragoza, and Athletic Bilbao have fueled their determination, culminating in four triumphant Segunda Division victories. The pure dedication and perseverance of this team make it one of the most popular Spanish football clubs.

An interesting fact about Osasuna: Osasuna is the only La Liga team based in the Navarre region and is deeply tied to its local identity, with the club's name meaning “health” or “strength” in Basque.

8. Valencia CF

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 18 March 1919

Current Famous Players: Diego Lopez, Cenk Ozkacar, Roman Yaremchuk

Points: 1,686 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches:

1. Valencia CF 2023/24 Season 

2. 2023 Valencia CF vs. CA Osasuna 

Valencia CF leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of Spanish football. Their illustrious history encompasses numerous La Liga titles, Copa del Rey triumphs, and successful entry into the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, making their mark amongst the best football clubs in Spain.  If you have been fascinated while reading about this club, then you can also check out 12 facts about Spain you didn’t know, offering a glimpse of the city’s lively heritage.

An interesting fact about Valencia CF: Valencia is one of the few clubs to have reached two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals (2000 and 2001), though they narrowly missed lifting the trophy both times.

9. Villarreal Football Club

FIFA World Ranking: NA

Year of Inception: 1923

Current Famous Players: Ben Brereton Diaz, Alexander Sorloth, Alex Banea

Points: 1,745 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches:

1. UEFA Europa League Final 2021

2. La Liga 2015-2016

3. UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 2008-2009

Adding to our list of some of the most popular Spanish football clubs is Villarreal Football Club. Rising from humble beginnings, Villarreal Football Club, endearingly known as the "Yellow Submarine," embarked on a remarkable climb through the ranks to earn a spot amongst La Liga's elite. Established in 1923, their journey epitomizes the beauty of football dreams turned into reality.

An interesting fact about Villarreal Football Club: Villarreal, known as the "Yellow Submarine," won their first major European title in 2021 by defeating Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in a dramatic penalty shootout.

10. Sevilla

FIFA World Ranking: 16

Year of Inception: 1890

Current Famous Players: Sergio Ramos, Ivan Rakitic, Youssef En-Nesyri

Points: 1,643 points (As of January 2025, according to FootballDatabase)

Best Matches:

1. UEFA Europa League Final 2015

2. UEFA Europa League Final 2016

3. UEFA Super Cup 2006

Ending our list with the best and biggest clubs in Spain, we have Sevilla. Sevilla can be considered one of the oldest and best Spanish football clubs. Best known for their success in the Europa League, with an astounding seven-time triumph, the club has also secured 5 Copa del Rey trophies and 1 La Liga title, confirming their spots in football greatness.

An interesting fact about Sevilla: Sevilla holds the record for the most UEFA Europa League titles, winning the competition an impressive seven times (most recently in 2023).

From El Clasico to Derby Days - The Intense Rivalries in Spanish Football & Fan Culture

When it comes to football, there's nothing like the fierce rivalries between the best football clubs in Spain. These matches transcend mere sports events, evoking a profound sense of unity and unwavering support among the passionate fans who watch. Football in Spain isn't just a game; it becomes an emotion, etching unforgettable memories in its rich history. 

1. The pinnacle of these rivalries is the legendary El Clasico, an eternal clash between two footballing supergiants - FC Barcelona Football Club in Spain and Real Madrid Football Club. Dating back to 1929, this exciting feud between Catalonia and Madrid slides onto the pitch, captivating hearts worldwide. Witnessing iconic players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo battling it out was always a pleasure like no other.

2. Then there's the Derby Day, where Real Madrid Football Club in Spain locks horns with their fierce local rivals, Atlético Madrid. The underdog spirit of Atletico Madrid, trying to make a mark amidst already-established football clubs in Spain, creates an atmosphere charged with passion, determination, and intensity. The Wanda Metropolitano and the Santiago Bernabeu transform into arenas of dreams, a spectacle that every person must experience at least once in their lives.

3. But the rivalries don't end there! The Seville Derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis, as well as the fiery Valencia Derby of Valencia CF clashing with Levante UD, add even more excitement to the footballing landscape. These battles are fueled by pride, a will to dominate, and historical significance. At the same time, off the pitch, there's an admirable display of mutual respect and support among players and fans, which is a true testament to the integrity and nature of the sport. 

In the world of football, these rivalries add a layer of excitement and drama that keeps the fans on the edge of their seats. From the grandest stages to the hallowed stadiums, it's where legends are born, and emotions run high. The heart and soul of Spanish football lie in these heated encounters, reminding us why this sport is cherished and adored by millions across the globe. To conclude, if you’re planning to come to witness the intense excitement of football in Spain, go through the short-stay visa guide in Spain here!