Champions of the Intercontinental Cup and Club World Cup

The Club World Cup has often felt like a distant enterprise, capturing the imaginations of only those directly involved in its drama — the teams on the pitch, the die-hard fans, and a select circle of analysts. However, FIFA’s audacious decision to expand this tournament to an exhilarating 32-team format by 2025 aims to widen its appeal and inject new life into this global competition.

Originally, the stage was set for a prestigious duel between the victors of the European Cup and South America’s Copa Libertadores, through a gripping two-legged battle known as the Intercontinental Cup. This tradition, which began in 1960, stood the test of time until its transformation in 2005 into the Club World Cup. Let’s dive into the illustrious legacy of some of the biggest winners from these prestigious tournaments…

Chelsea (2021)

After a heart-wrenching defeat to Corinthians in the 2012 final, Chelsea returned to the global stage in style, showcasing their European pedigree. The Blues triumphed over Palmeiras, a talented Brazilian outfit, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in extra time, clinched by a late Kai Havertz penalty — a moment that saw the excitement burst forth in Abu Dhabi.

Internacional (2006)

In a stunning upset, Internacional fielded a side boasting 11 Brazilian talents to clinch a historic 1-0 victory over a star-studded Barcelona team, featuring legends like Ronaldinho and Andrés Iniesta, in the 2006 final. Adriano Gabiru’s late heroics etched the trophy into the hearts of Porto Alegre, while Barcelona endured a five-year wait to taste glory.

Manchester City (2023)

In a sensational follow-up to their historic treble triumph, Manchester City cemented their status as football’s elite by claiming the Club World Cup in December 2023. Pep Guardiola’s side dismantled Fluminense, thrashing them 4-0 in a decisive final. Julián Álvarez shone with a brace, while Phil Foden and an own goal from Nino made sure City’s supremacy remained unchallenged in Jeddah.

River Plate (1986)

River Plate’s legendary journey began with the Copa Libertadores in 1986, swiftly followed by glory in the Intercontinental Cup where they vanquished Steaua Bucharest 1-0 in Tokyo. While heartbreak followed with two subsequent finals defeats, including a painful loss to Barcelona in 2015, their number of triumphs remains a testament to their indomitable spirit on the international stage.

Liverpool (2019)

Despite their storied legacy in the European Cup and Champions League, Liverpool had long been deprived of the Intercontinental Cup. The Reds finally broke their duck in 2019, thanks to a dramatic extra-time strike from Roberto Firmino that clinched a tense 1-0 victory against Flamengo, putting an end to a long wait for silverware on the global stage.

Juventus (1985, 1996)

Juventus’ inaugural European Cup triumph in 1985 was tainted by the tragic events in Brussels that claimed 39 lives, casting a shadow over what should have been a monumental achievement. Yet, the Bianconeri rose from the ashes, sealing their first Intercontinental Cup by defeating Argentinos Juniors in a gripping penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw in Tokyo. Fast forward to 1996, and they claimed their second title against River Plate, bolstered by the brilliance of Alessandro Del Piero.

Santos (1962, 1963)

The legendary Pelé inspired Santos to magnificent heights, clinching Copa Libertadores glory in both 1962 and 1963, subsequently adding Intercontinental titles in each of those years. The Brazilian powerhouses dispatched Benfica and needed a playoff against AC Milan in 1963 after thrilling home-and-away fixtures; these triumphs established Santos as a footballing colossus.

Ajax (1972, 1995)

Ajax dominated European football in the early ’70s with three consecutive European Cups, but they curiously opted out of the Intercontinental Cup in 1971 and 1973 due to the logistical challenges of traveling to South America. Their triumphant return in 1972 saw them conquer Argentine side Independiente with a stunning 4-1 aggregate display. Fast-forward to 1995, they were champions again, edging past Grêmio in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless first match.

Porto (1987, 2004)

Porto, a club steeped in proud tradition, lifted the European Cup in 1987 and again in 2004, complementing these triumphs with back-to-back Intercontinental Cups. Their 1987 conquest saw them edge out Peñarol, while a tense penalty shootout confirmed their second success against Once Caldas in 2004 — a powerful testament to their enduring legacy.

Corinthians (2000, 2012)

The first FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in Brazil back in 2000, and Corinthians proudly etched their name in history by overcoming Vasco da Gama in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Not one to rest on their laurels, they returned to the spotlight a decade later, sealing their second title with a commanding 1-0 victory over Chelsea thanks to Paolo Guerrero’s decisive goal, marking their place among the global elite.

Manchester United (1999, 2008)

Manchester United, after tasting bitterness in the past with a 1968 loss in the Intercontinental Cup, finally savored sweet success in 1999 with a richly deserved 1-0 victory over Palmeiras — a crowning moment following their treble achievement. In 2008, Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy grew even larger as United claimed the Club World Cup with a decisive 1-0 win against LDU Quito, secured by a powerful strike from Wayne Rooney.

Independiente (1973, 1984)

Independiente’s legacy as South America’s most illustrious club is etched into history, boasting seven Copa Libertadores titles between 1964 and 1984. This impressive haul includes consecutive Intercontinental Cup victories in 1973 and 1984, affirming their dominance on both continental and global stages. The club is affectionately dubbed Rey de Copas (“King of Cups”), a fitting tribute to their storied success.

Barcelona (2009, 2011, 2015)

Barcelona, although lacking the prestigious Intercontinental Cup in their trophy cabinet, have more than made up for it with three triumphs in the FIFA Club World Cup. Their first victory in 2009, against Estudiantes, completed a clean sweep of titles under Pep Guardiola’s reign. Following that, they finished off Santos with a stunning 4-0 performance in 2011, and danced to victory against River Plate in 2015 with a 3-0 win, encapsulating their dominance through the years.

Inter (1964, 1965, 2010)

Inter Milan, with their flair and tactical prowess, claimed the European Cup in 1964 and 1965, celebrating with Intercontinental Cup victories over Independiente. Their glory days were revived in 2010, when they completed a remarkable treble, capped off by thumping TP Mazembe 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final — a day that saw the Nerazzurri cement their place in the annals of football history.

São Paulo (1992, 1993, 2005)

São Paulo’s ascent to international prominence began with back-to-back Copa Libertadores triumphs in 1992 and 1993 — edging out teams like Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona and Fabio Capello’s AC Milan in the Intercontinental Cups. Their 2005 victory against Liverpool, led by Mineiro’s goal, saw them solidify their reputation as Brazil’s most successful club on the world stage, a title often echoed through their illustrious history.

Nacional (1971, 1980, 1988)

Nacional, one of the giants of Uruguayan football, made history by clinching the Intercontinental Cup during each of their three appearances — a feat showcasing their resilience. Their victories in 1971, 1980, and 1988 solidified their place in continental lore, with the 1988 triumph standing out as a thrilling penalty shoot-out against PSV that echoed their glory days.

Boca Juniors (1977, 2000, 2003)

Boca Juniors, the pride of Argentina, first secured the Intercontinental Cup in 1977 following a thrilling victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Their prowess continued into the new millennium with triumphs in 2000 and 2003; the former saw them overcome Real Madrid in a compelling 2-1 affair. Their 2003 victory came against AC Milan in a tense penalty shootout — a showcase of skill, tenacity, and pride.

Peñarol (1961, 1966, 1982)

Proudly holding their own against the historical titans, Peñarol turned the tables on fate after a disappointing loss to Real Madrid in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup final. The Montevideo club clinched the title in 1961 with a resounding 6-0 aggregate victory over Benfica. They showcased their ironclad disposition with two more victories in the 1966 and 1982 finals, illustrating their standing as stalwarts of South American football history.

Bayern Munich (1976, 2001, 2013, 2020)

Bayern Munich’s prowess in the footballing arena has been evident since they claimed the European Cup thrice in the 1970s. However, they opted out of the Intercontinental Cup in both 1974 and 1975. The Bavarians finally made their mark in 1976 by overcoming Cruzeiro. They went on to claim the title again in 2001 against Boca Juniors and capped off treble-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020 with Club World Cup victories, affirming their dominance and relentless quest for glory.

AC Milan (1969, 1989, 1990, 2007)

AC Milan stands among the elite clubs to have won the Intercontinental Cup three times. Their first victory came in 1969 when they defeated Argentine powerhouse Estudiantes over two legs.

Two decades later, the Rossoneri etched their name in history again with back-to-back wins in one-off finals against Atlético Nacional in 1989 and Olimpia in 1990. Milan further cemented their global legacy by clinching the Club World Cup in 2007, overcoming Boca Juniors in a thrilling 4-2 encounter.

Real Madrid (1960, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)

Real Madrid’s unparalleled success in the Champions League has been mirrored on the global stage, with an impressive array of Intercontinental and Club World Cup titles.

The Spanish giants inaugurated their dominance in the Intercontinental Cup’s debut edition in 1960, overcoming Uruguay’s Peñarol over two legs. They added two more Intercontinental Cup titles in 1998 and 2002.

Transitioning seamlessly into the era of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid captured titles in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. In 2024, they added the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to their collection with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca, further solidifying their status as a global football powerhouse.