The roots of football in London trace way back to the 19th century, as the sport slowly gained popularity across England. While industrialization was shattering the nation, the need for a new pastime emerged, with football becoming a central part of the new era. This brought way for local leagues which led to the emergence of clubs in every corner of the city.
Later in 1863, the Football Association (FA) was established in London, which became a pivotal moment for the competitive sport that Londoners know and love today, thereby creating the modern game.
Since then, London become a hotspot for football which saw the emergence of iconic clubs in the world. The most notable ones are Arsenal who dominated in the early 20th century and Chelsea’s modern era resurgence. More moments to treasure and celebrate for the city which began to share triumphs, heartbreaks, on and off the pitch perhaps creating the fulcrum for the city’s passion, making London a footballing powerhouse woven with history.
The London clubs
Holding the name as the football capital, London disappoints none with 17 football clubs in its radius located at different parts playing at different leagues in the football pyramid that include Premier League, Championship, and League One.
Ranking the Best Football Clubs in the London
Below 7 clubs play the highest level of football in the country.
| Club | Founded | Stadium |
| Arsenal | 1886 | Emirates Stadium |
| Brentford | 1889 | Brentford Community Stadium |
| Chelsea | 1905 | Stamford Bridge |
| Crystal Palace | 1905 | Selhurst Park |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 1882 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| Fulham | 1879 | Craven Cottage |
| West Ham United | 1895 | London Stadium |
Arsenal FC
In 1886 the Royal Arsenal workers in Woolwich laid the foundation for Arsenal. Since its induction, the London club has been a top-flight club. The major honors for the Gunners are 13 league titles, 13 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 16 Community Shields, and 1 European Cup II. Moreover, it’s 20 years since Arsenal became Premier League champions and with Arteta as manager, the crown is not far away for the Gunners.
Brentford FC
Brentford laid its foundation in 1889 at the Old Griffin stadium which was surrounded by pubs. Since 2020, Brentford has played in their new Brentford Community Stadium and got promoted to the Premier League in 2021-2022 after winning the championship play-offs.
Chelsea FC
Founded on March 10, 1905, Chelsea remains the only London club to win the UEFA Champions League. The year 2003 transformed the club as they joined the big 6 of the Premier League. On that day Mr. Abramovich took over the club economically strong by buying players and managers thereby winning six championship titles, while the club won 5 after 2003.
Crystal Palace
On September 10, 1905, Crystal Palace was born and named after the Crystal Palace built for the 1851 World Exhibition. The iconic Selhurst Park in southern London is where the Eagles play.
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Tottenham Hotspur saw the light on September 5, 1882. Spurs sudden rise made them part of the top 6 in the Premier League. Despite good performances, Tottenham last became champions fifty years back.
2018/2019 season Tottenham Hotspur moved to the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, which is built on the same site as the old White Hart Lane. During the entire previous seasons, they played their games at Wembley.
Fulham FC
The oldest London club to play in the Premier League Fulham was founded in 1879. However, Fulham has never managed to win a prize in their whole history. In 1975 and 2010, The Cottagers went close to tasting cup success. Unfortunately, in 1975 the club lost the FA Cup final to West Ham United and in 2010 the Europa League final to Atlético Madrid.
West Ham United FC
Thames Ironworks was founded in 1895 which was later changed to West Ham United in 1900 and in 1919 the club joined the Football League (the predecessor of the Premier League). Their most memorable prize is the FA Cup won in 1964, 1975 and 1980. From the Boleyn Ground, West Ham United moved to the London Stadium in 2016. Their UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE win in the 2022-23 season is their first continental success.
Championship Clubs London
Watford
Millwall
Queens Park Rangers
Three clubs from London are Championship regulars, which is the second-highest level in England. Millwall and Queens Park Rangers have been playing at this level for quite some time, while only Watford (2021-2022) managed to play in the Premier League.
Watford FC
Founded in 1881 Watford FC, is not in a city in London, but in the suburb of Watford that is part of the metropolis of London. Since 2022-23 Watford FC is Championship team. Watford’s home ground on Vicarage Road.
Millwall
In the south of London, Millwall was founded in 1885. Also known as a raw English club, due to the famous movie Green Street. In the 91 seasons, Millwall has been promoted 11 times and relegated 9 times too. Millwall spent most of their history in the second or third level. The biggest achievement to date is that the club reached the FA Cup final in 2004.
Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers was founded in 1882. QPR’s League Cup victory in 1967, was the most important result in club history. They also became champions in the lower divisions a few times. Loftus Road is the home of the Hoops.
League One Clubs London
Charlton Athletic
Leyton Orient
Two London football clubs currently play in the Football League One, the third level of England. Coincidentally, both London clubs Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient enjoy a rich history.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Located in the south-east of London is Charlton Athletic. The Valley is their home stadium. This stadium has had a feast full of Premier League action between 2001 and 2007. Surprisingly, 2003-2004 season, the Addicks even finished 7th and in 1947 it won the FA Cup, which remains it’s only trophy. Since relegation in 2007, Charlton Athletic moved between Championship and the League One.
LEYTON ORIENT
Leyton Orient is a club rich in history and has a passionate fan base. Since its foundation in 1881, the club has experienced both triumphs and challenges throughout its existence. Leyton Orient has competed in various football leagues. Under manager Richie Wellens, the club was crowned champions of EFL League Two in the 2022-23 League. Their home stadium is Brisbane Road.
OTHER LONDON CLUBS
Apart from the three largest leagues in England, six London football clubs play in League Two and Conference International.
AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United play in League Two. Barnet, Bromley, Dagenham & Redbridge, and Wealdstone compete in the Conference International. Overall, there are seventeen clubs in London alone.
FAQs
Q. Which London club has won the most trophies?
A. Arsenal holds the record for the most trophies won by a London club.
Q. Which London football club has the largest fan base?
A. Arsenal has the largest fan base among the London football clubs.
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