Football, known as “the beautiful game,” has captivated the hearts of millions around the world for generations. Throughout its storied history, numerous clubs have been founded, each with a unique and rich legacy. Among them, a select few stand out as the pioneers of modern football.
These clubs have weathered the test of time and continue to make an impact on the sport they helped shape. In this article, we delve into the histories of the top 10 oldest professional football clubs in the world, each having played a significant role in the evolution of the beautiful game.
Oldest football clubs in the world
10. Queens Park [Scotland]
Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Queen’s Park F.C. is renowned for its historical contributions to Scottish football. Notably, they were one of the ten founding members of the Scottish Football Association in 1873. Queen’s Park has a rich heritage that echoes the essence of football’s early days and is considered as one of the old football clubs in the world.
9. Nottingham Forest [England]
In the town of West Bridgford, Nottingham Forest F.C. was founded in 1865, and is one of the oldest football clubs in the world. They went professional in 1888. Over the years, the club has experienced great success, winning numerous trophies, including two European Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one Football League First Division title, two FA Cups, and four Football League Cups.
They are currently competing in the English Premier League, and in this list, they are by far the most consistently successful club in the last 150 years of the FA.
8. Wrexham [Wales]
Wrexham F.C. is the third oldest professional club in world football, founded in 1864. Based in Wrexham, Wales, the club today holds the record for winning the most amount of Welsh Cups 23 times, more than any other team in Wales.
Their most notable performances in history include beating the incumbent English champions Arsenal in the third round of the 1992 FA Cup and a 1-0 win over F.C. Porto in the 1984 European Cup Winner’s Cup. In 2020, Wrexham AFC was purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have injected new energy and enthusiasm into the club which has also raised their fan following.
7. Brigg Town [England]
Brigg Town is a professional football club based in the town of Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England. The club was founded in 1864, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the world. They currently play in the Northern Counties East League Division One, which is the tenth tier of the English football league system. Throughout its history, Brigg Town FC has enjoyed several notable successes, including winning the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy twice and reaching the final of the FA Vase in the 1995-1996 season.
6. Royal Engineers [England]
The Royal Engineers Association football club did represent the Royal Engineers of the British Army back in the day. They were Founded in the year 1863 which makes them a 152-year-old club and they are known to have their glory days in the 1870s making them one of the old football clubs of england.
They won the FA Cup in 1875 and reached four of the first seven finals in the competition which is simply incredible. They are now part of the Army Football Association.
5. Stoke City [England]
They were originally known as the Stoke Ramblers, Stoke were formed in 1863 but didn’t actually play their first game until 1868. Still they are recognised as one of the oldest professional football clubs.
From the initial days as an amateur team in the local area to becoming a part of England’s world-famous Premier League, they have come a long way. Stoke City has also enjoyed several successful periods throughout its history, including winning the Football League Cup in 1972 and reaching the FA Cup final in 2011.
4. Notts County [England]
Located in Nottingham, England, Notts County F.C. is the oldest football club in the Football League and the third-oldest professional football club globally. Founded in 1862 by a group of cricket enthusiasts, Notts County has a proud tradition and holds a remarkable place in football history. Notts County reached the final of the FA Cup in 1891 and were crowned the champions in 1894. They have a rich history and have played in several different leagues over the years, including the English Football League, the National League, and the Conference North.
3. Hallam FC [England]
They were originally founded as a cricket club in 1804, they were established as an association football club after 1860, and today remain as one of the oldest football club of all time. Hallam FC is also the 1st club to win a world football tournament, the Youdan Cup. Hallam FC currently competes in the Northern Counties East League Division One, which is the tenth tier of the English football league system.
2. Cambridge University [England]
The UK-based club was formed in 1857, however. it is reported that some university officials claim that the club was formed a year earlier. Despite that, the city of Cambridge has been an integral part of football history. In 1846 the ‘Cambridge Rules’ of football were drawn up by university footballers from several schools, laying the foundations for the game as we know it today.
1. Sheffield FC [England]
Sheffield F.C., based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been called the world’s oldest football club by both the FA and FIFA. Founded in 1857, they played their first match against Hallam in 1867; the match is still played today as the Sheffield derby.
The club has won several trophies throughout its history, including the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup nine times, the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup twice, and the Northern Counties East League Cup twice.
The top 10 oldest active professional football clubs in the world have collectively shaped the history of football, laying the foundation for the global phenomenon it is today. These clubs embody the essence of the sport’s evolution, with their traditions, successes, and struggles etched into football history.
As they continue to grace football pitches worldwide, these clubs will forever be cherished and celebrated for their contribution to “the beautiful game.”
FAQs
Which is the oldest professional football club in the world?
Sheffield F.C., based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been called the world’s oldest football club by both the FA and FIFA. The club is said to have been found in 1857.
Which is the oldest football club in premier league?
Nottingham Forest Football Club is currently the oldest active football club in the Premier League, having been founded in Nottinghamshire, England in 1865.
