Africa is home to a fervent football fan base in addition to its rich cultural heritage. The crowded stadiums of Cairo and the boisterous supporters in Johannesburg are evidence of African club football’s richness in history, grandeur and enduring rivalries.
The most prosperous African teams in history—the titans who have dominated domestic leagues and left their mark on the continent and won numerous trophies—will be the subject of this piece.
This list is your go-to resource for the teams that influenced African football throughout the continent, either as a devoted or aspiring fan.
1. Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
The most decorated team in African football history is without a doubt Al Ahly, sometimes known as "The Club of the Century."
The Egyptian club’s trophy cabinet is evidence of their remarkable success, which includes: 44 Egyptian Premier League titles, 39 Egypt Cup titles, 15 Egyptian Super Cups, 8 CAF Super Cup Titles and a record 12 CAF Champions League titles.
2. Zamalek SC (Egypt)
Right across town from Al Ahly is their greatest rival, Zamalek. Zamalek has always kept the pressure on Al Ahly, generating one of Africa’s fiercest football rivalries.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) named Al Ahly the most successful African club of the 20th century, with Zamalek in second place.
Zamalek has experienced tremendous success in African competitions, winning the Egyptian Premier League 14 times, the Egypt Cup 28 times, five CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Confederation Cup titles, five CAF Super Cup titles, and one African Cup Winners' Cup trophy.
3. TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
For many years, this Congolese powerhouse has dominated Central African football.
In 2010, TP Mazembe made it to the FIFA Club World Cup final, which was unprecedented for an African team.
TP Mazembe is tied for second place in terms of titles won with five CAF Champions League victories after Al Ahly (12 titles) and Zamalek (5 titles).
The Congolese team’s other trophies include: 20 Linafoot Championships titles, 5 Congo Cup titles, 3 DR Congo Super Cup titles, 2 CAF Confederation Cup titles, and 2 CAF Super Cup titles.
4. Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
Espérance is a powerful Tunisian team with a lengthy domestic and CAF history. Every year, they rank among the most prosperous African clubs due to their reliability and capacity for reconstruction.
Their impressive trophy cabinet includes: 33 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 trophies, 15 Tunisian Cup titles, 7 Tunisian Super Cup titles, and 4 CAF Champions League titles.
5. Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
Wydad Casablanca is the most successful club in Moroccan football history with a rich trophy cabinet including: 22 Moroccan league titles, 9 Moroccan Throne Cups, 4 Moroccan Elite Cups and 3 CAF Champions League titles.
The Moroccan football giants have won one of each of the following trophies: African Cup Winners' Cup, CAF Super Cup, Afro-Asian Cup, Arab Club Champions Cup, and Arab Super Cup.
6. Raja Casablanca (Morocco)
Raja is a fan-favorite club with a legacy built on attacking football and continental triumphs. Raja’s “Green Eagles” are beloved for their passionate support and exciting gameplay.
The team has won 22 domestic football trophies, including 9 Moroccan Throne Cups and 13 Botola crowns. Raja has won 3 CAF Champions League championships, 2 CAF Confederation Cups, 2 CAF Super Cups, and one CAF Cup in international competitions.
7. Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia)
Étoile du Sahel has won numerous CAF competitions and is renowned for its significant participation in continental and domestic football, including 11 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 trophies, 3 Tunisian Cup titles, 2 Tunisian Super Cup titles, 1 CAF Champions League, 2 CAF Cup titles, 2 CAF Super Cup titles, 2 CAF Confederation Cup titles and 2 African Cup Winners' Cup.
The Tunisian club is the first in its region to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup and reached the semi-finals while representing CAF in 2007. They also won the Arab Club Championship Cup.
8. Enyimba FC (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s top club, Enyimba, broke through in the early 2000s and shook African football. They won the CAF Champions League back-to-back, making them the only Nigerian team to do so to date.
The team has won 9 Nigerian Premier League titles, 4 Nigerian FA Cup trophies, 4 Nigerian Super Cup titles, 2 CAF Champions League titles, and 2 CAF Super Cup titles.
9. JS Kabylie (Algeria)
JSK, which has triumphed both in Africa and at home, is Algeria's pride. They are a real football powerhouse in northern Africa based on their performance history.
JS Kabylie is the most successful club in Algeria with 28 major trophies, including a record 14 Algerian league titles, five Algerian Cups, one Algerian Super Cup, one Algerian League Cup, two CAF Champions League crowns, one African Cup Winners' Cup, and three CAF Cups.
10. AS Vita Club (DR Congo)
AS Vita Club, another Congolese powerhouse, has a long and illustrious history.
They are regarded as one of the most prosperous clubs in Africa because of their devoted following and steady play.
AS Vita Club have won 15 Linafoot Championships, 10 Congo Cup titles, 1 DR Congo Super Cup title, and 1 CAF Confederation Cup title.
In addition to dominating their local scenes, these most successful African clubs have pushed the battle to the continental level, capturing both hearts and trophies.
African club football is still growing, and these clubs are at the forefront of it through the intense Cairo Derby, the epic conflicts in Casablanca, and the titanic struggles in Congo.
Which team are you rooting for? Did the list include your favourite team?
