The FIFA Club World Cup might not have the same legendary status as the UEFA Champions League or the World Cup, but in just over two decades, it has built a reputation of its own.
From humble beginnings in Brazil to packed stadiums in Japan, the UAE, and now the U.S., the tournament has grown into a global showcase of club dominance.
As the 21st edition kicks off in the United States this June, here’s a look back at how it all began and which clubs have ruled the competition over the years.
The early days – Brazil Sets the Pace (2000–2006)
The very first FIFA Club World Cup was held in Brazil in 2000, with Corinthians and Vasco da Gama playing out an all-Brazilian final at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. After a goalless draw in extra time, Corinthians lifted the trophy with a 4-3 win on penalties.
That promising start, however, was followed by a five-year pause. FIFA struggled with finding stable sponsors and broadcasters, leading to a halt in the tournament until 2005.
When the competition returned, Brazil resumed its dominance. São Paulo stunned Liverpool 1-0 in the 2005 final, and a year later, Internacional beat Barcelona by the same scoreline, both matches taking place in Yokohama, Japan.
European Takeover – Milan to Madrid (2007–2011)
It wasn’t until 2007 that Europe broke Brazil’s early stronghold. AC Milan, boasting stars like Kaka and Inzaghi, defeated Argentina’s Boca Juniors 4-2 to bring the title to Italy.
That win marked the start of a European reign. Manchester United took the trophy in 2008, followed by Barcelona in 2009, Inter Milan in 2010, and another Barcelona win in 2011. It was clear: European clubs had started to take this tournament very seriously.
A short Brazilian revival (2012)
In 2012, Corinthians returned to the global stage and stunned then-European champions Chelsea with a 1-0 victory in the final. It was a rare interruption in what would become a long stretch of European success.
European Domination: The Golden Decade (2013–2023)
From 2013 to 2023, Europe completely dominated the tournament, winning every single edition in that stretch.
Spain’s football giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona claimed a combined six titles during this period. Real Madrid were particularly unstoppable, winning in 2014, and then going on a historic run from 2016 to 2018, becoming the first and only team to win the Club World Cup three years in a row.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich added two more titles (2013 and 2020), and English clubs Liverpool (2019), Chelsea (2021), and Manchester City (2023) all picked up their first Club World Cup wins.
Who has won the most club world cups?
Real Madrid leads the pack with five titles, a record that might stand for a while. Their victories came in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Barcelona follows with three titles, while Brazilian side Corinthians have two.
Full List of Past Winners:
- 2000: Corinthians
- 2005: São Paulo
- 2006: Internacional
- 2007: AC Milan
- 2008: Manchester United
- 2009: Barcelona
- 2010: Inter Milan
- 2011: Barcelona
- 2012: Corinthians
- 2013: Bayern Munich
- 2014: Real Madrid
- 2015: Barcelona
- 2016: Real Madrid
- 2017: Real Madrid
- 2018: Real Madrid
- 2019: Liverpool
- 2020: Bayern Munich
- 2021: Chelsea
- 2022: Real Madrid
- 2023: Manchester City
Top Scorer and the Most Successful Manager
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the Club World Cup, with seven goals from his time with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Despite efforts from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to lure him back via a 2025 participant club, Ronaldo, now at Al Nassr, won’t be adding to his tally.
Behind him are Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, both with five goals, and both looking to make their mark again in the 2025 edition with Inter Miami.
Most Successful Manager: Pep Guardiola
When it comes to the bench, no one has done it better than Pep Guardiola. He’s lifted the Club World Cup trophy four times with three different clubs:
- Barcelona (2009, 2011)
- Bayern Munich (2013)
- Manchester City (2023)
His tactical brilliance continues to shine on the world stage, making him the most decorated manager in the tournament’s history.
Which country has produced the most winners?
Spain holds the top spot with eight titles—thanks to Real Madrid and Barcelona. Brazil and England follow closely, with four titles each, while Germany and Italy have two apiece.