Kings of English Silverware: Liverpool still set the pace as rivals scrap for the crown

Football’s a ruthless business — you’re remembered for the medals, not the maybes. When we talk “major” trophies in England, we’re keeping it proper: First Division/Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup/Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Europa Conference League. Community Shield? Intercontinental and Club World Cup? Lovely days out, but not on this ledger.

Here’s the state of play among England’s most decorated clubs — a pecking order shaped by decades of dominance, droughts, and the odd fairytale. And if you fancy a flutter on who climbs next, have a look at our best betting sites to keep your punts sensible and your odds sharp.

1) Liverpool – 47 major trophies

Liverpool sit on the throne for now, three clear of their eternal rivals thanks to that 2024/25 Premier League title. Klopp laid the groundwork with a full house of domestic cups and Europe’s biggest prize, and Arne Slot sprinkled the final gloss with the latest league crown. The headline number? Twenty top-flight titles, level with United, plus six European Cups — the sort of pedigree that turns great teams into institutions.

Breakdown: League 20, FA Cup 8, League Cup 10, European Cup/CL 6, UEFA Cup/Europa 3.

2) Manchester United – 44 major trophies

Sir Alex built an empire and the Red Devils are still living off its foundations. Thirteen Premier League crowns under the Scot, twenty top-flight titles overall, and a cabinet that keeps creaking every time the FA Cup gets added — as it did in 2023/24 against City. Europe hasn’t been as bountiful as Liverpool’s, but three European Cups and that 2017 Europa League keep United among the elite.

Breakdown: League 20, FA Cup 13, League Cup 6, European Cup/CL 3, Europa 1, Cup Winners’ Cup 1.

3) Arsenal – 30 major trophies

Two decades on from the Invincibles and the Premier League’s big pot still eludes the Gunners, but they’ve kept the silver polishing cloth busy with FA Cups — five in the past decade alone under the Mikel Arteta era’s revival. Thirteen top-flight titles and a Cup Winners’ Cup in the back catalogue speak to a club that’s never far from the conversation.

Breakdown: League 13, FA Cup 14, League Cup 2, Cup Winners’ Cup 1.

4) Manchester City – 29 major trophies

City are the meteor in this sky. The 2023 Champions League completed the treble and finally gave Pep’s project its European exclamation mark. They’ve since muscled past Chelsea into fourth all-time and sit just two behind Arsenal after beating the Gunners in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup final. Ten league titles, eight FA Cups, nine League Cups — and the sense there’s plenty more coming.

Breakdown: League 10, FA Cup 8, League Cup 9, European Cup/CL 1, Cup Winners’ Cup 1.

5) Chelsea – 26 major trophies

Abramovich’s arrival changed Chelsea’s weather system, and the trophies duly rained down. Two Champions Leagues, a stack of domestic honours and, in May 2025, the Europa Conference League with a 4-1 win over Real Betis — making them the first club to complete the set of UEFA’s four major trophies. Unpredictable on the touchline, formidable in the trophy room.

Breakdown: League 6, FA Cup 8, League Cup 5, European Cup/CL 2, Europa 2, Cup Winners’ Cup 2, Europa Conference 1.

6) Aston Villa – 20 major trophies

Villa’s history isn’t just rich — it’s gilded. Seven league titles, seven FA Cups, and the 1982 European Cup that still makes the Holte End puff out its chest. Modern-day momentum under Unai Emery suggests the sleeping giant’s had a double espresso.

Breakdown: League 7, FA Cup 7, League Cup 5, European Cup/CL 1.

7) Tottenham Hotspur – 18 major trophies

Rival fans love the “trophy cabinet” jibes, but Spurs answered in 2025 by beating Manchester United to win the Europa League — Brennan Johnson the match-winner — and end a 17-year wait. Eight FA Cups remain the bedrock, and with a bit more ruthless edge, they can turn nearly-men into serial winners.

Breakdown: League 2, FA Cup 8, League Cup 4, UEFA Cup/Europa 3, Cup Winners’ Cup 1.

8) Everton – 15 major trophies

Goodison’s glory days were grand — nine league titles and a Cup Winners’ Cup tell you that — but 1995 was the last addition to the major haul. The history is heavyweight; the present craves a spark to match it.

Breakdown: League 9, FA Cup 5, Cup Winners’ Cup 1.

9) Newcastle United – 11 major trophies

Seventy years is a long time to wait for a party, but the Magpies brought the house down by beating Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup in March 2025 — their first League Cup and a landmark for Eddie Howe’s ambitious project. With Tonali and Guimarães patrolling midfield, more big days feel inevitable on Tyneside.

Breakdown: League 4, FA Cup 6, League Cup 1.

10) Blackburn Rovers – 10 major trophies

Now a Championship stalwart, but forever part of Premier League folklore: Rovers were the first side to knock United off their perch in the modern era, roaring to the 1994/95 title with Shearer and Sutton terrorising defences. Add a 2002 League Cup and a proud stack of early honours, and you’ve got one of the country’s great traditional clubs.

Breakdown: League 3, FA Cup 6, League Cup 1.

The verdict

Liverpool’s cushion is real, United’s heritage is vast, and City are the fast climbers with their eyes on third — and beyond. Arsenal, Chelsea and Villa keep the establishment sturdy, while Spurs, Everton and Newcastle jostle to turn potential into prizes. The numbers don’t lie — but in English football, the next parade is always just one great season away.