Football or soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It has over 200 countries playing it. There are hundreds of professional football leagues in the world, each with its own history, culture, and level of competition.
But which are the best football leagues in the world? How do they rank according to their quality, popularity, and prestige? This blog post will try to answer these questions by listing some of the top football leagues in the world, based on various sources and criteria.
Premier League
The Premier League is the top division of English football, and undoubtedly one of the most popular and competitive leagues in the world.
The Premier League was established in 1992. It consists of 20 teams that compete against each other twice in a season, for a total of 38 matches.
The league has some of the best players and clubs in the world. Such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal. The Premier League also has a huge global fan base, with an estimated 4.7 billion viewers.
La Liga
La Liga is one of the most prestigious and successful leagues in the world and the top division of Spanish football. It was established in 1929 and consists of 20 teams that play each other twice in a season, for a total of 38 matches.
The league is mostly dominated by two of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both teams have won a combined 61 titles out of 90.
It has featured some of the best players in the world, such as Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Antoine Griezmann. The league has a large global audience, with an estimated 3.2 billion viewers.
Bundesliga
The Bundesliga is the top division of German football known for its highly competitive and exciting games. It was founded in 1963 and consists of 18 teams that play each other twice in a season, for a total of 34 matches.
The league is known mainly for its high-scoring games, fast-paced nature, and passionate fans. The league is dominated by Bayern Munich, who have won 30 titles out of 58.
This league has some of the best players and clubs in the world, such as Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland. The league has a loyal global following, with an estimated 1.4 billion viewers in 2019.
Serie A
Serie A is the top division of Italian football. It was founded in 1898 and consists of 20 teams that compete with each other twice in a season, for a total of 38 matches.
The league is known for its tactical and defensive style, its rich tradition, and its culture. This league has produced some of the top-notch players and clubs in the world. Such as Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The league has a strong global appeal, with an estimated 1.3 billion viewers.
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 is the top division of French football. It was founded in 1932 and consists of 18 teams that play each other twice in a season, for a total of 34 matches.
The league is popular for its young and talented players The league is dominated by Paris Saint-Germain, who have won 10 titles out of 21.
This league also features some of the top players and clubs in the world, such as Lille, Monaco, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar. The league has a growing global fan base, with an estimated 1.2 billion viewers.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
The MLS is the top-tier professional football league in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1993 and currently has 27 teams, with plans to expand to 30 by 2023. The MLS is known for its diversity
It features players from over 70 countries, as well as some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Carlos Vela, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Nani. The MLS is also one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world. Any team can beat any other team on any given day.
The league has a unique format, with two conferences (Eastern and Western) and a playoff system that culminates in the MLS Cup, the championship trophy.
Argentine Primera División
The Argentine Primera División is the highest division of football in Argentina. It was established in 1891 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious leagues in the world.
The league has 26 teams, which play in a single round-robin tournament, followed by a knockout stage. This league is known for passion, intensity, and rivalry. Especially between the two most successful and popular clubs, Boca Juniors and River Plate.
The league has also produced some of the greatest players of all time. Such as Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Primeira Liga
The Primeira Liga is the top division of football in Portugal. It was founded in 1934 and has 18 teams, which play in a double round-robin format.
The league is dominated by the “Big Three” clubs, Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP, which have won 87 out of 88 titles. It is renowned for its quality, as it has been ranked among the top five leagues in Europe by UEFA.
The league is also a breeding ground for talent, as it has featured some of the best players in the world. Such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo, and Bruno Fernandes.
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
The Campeonato Brasileiro Série A is the top level of football in Brazil. It was created in 1959 and has 20 teams, which play in a double round-robin format.
The league is considered one of the most competitive and unpredictable leagues in the world. As there are no clear favorites and any team can win the title.
It is also known for its flair, creativity, and entertainment. It showcases some of the most skillful and exciting players in the world, such as Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Dani Alves.
The league has also produced some of the most successful national teams in history. Brazil has won five World Cups, more than any other country.
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest level of football in the Netherlands. However, it was founded in 1956 and has 18 teams, which play in a double round-robin format.
The league is dominated by the “Big Three” clubs, Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, which have won 74 out of 76 titles. Also, the league is famous for its attractive, attacking, and possession-based style of play. Which has influenced many other teams and managers around the world.
The league is also a hotbed of talent, as it has developed some of the best players in the world. Such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Arjen.
The Oldest Leagues
The oldest of all leagues is the English Football League. The league still exists; it has existed since it was replaced with the Premier League.
| Name | Country | Founded |
| English Football League | England | 1888 |
| Scottish Football League | Scotland | 1890 |
| Primera División de Argentina | Argentina | 1891 |
| Calcutta Football League | India | 1898 |
| Nemzeti Bajnokság | Hungary | 1901 |
| Campeonato Paulista | Brazil | 1902 |
How many Football Leagues are there in the World?
According to the FIFA list, there are 210 member associations in the world. There are also 209 men’s football leagues.
How Many Women’s Football Leagues Are Professional?
Women’s football is still a growing part of global football. Its audience and sportsmanship have increased over the last decade. There are only five full-time professional leagues existing as of now but hopefully, the numbers will increase.
What Football League is the Most-Watched?
The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world. The Premier League broadcast in over 200 territories to 643 million homes, with an estimated TV audience of 4.7 billion people.
Related Pages
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