Winning a trophy in football is one of the hardest things a team can do. Given the competition, most titles are won by some of the biggest and wealthiest teams in the world.
But what about the clubs that, despite their efforts, have never won a major trophy?
These teams, brimming with passion and history, are still tirelessly pursuing their unfinished quest for glory.
At CheapGoals, we believe there’s no better time than now to explore this topic.
To compile our list, we considered several factors, including:
National Reputation: The standing of the club within its own country, its fanbase, and its impact on the national league.
International Reputation: The club’s recognition and performance on the global stage, including participation in international tournaments.
History: The longevity of the club, its notable achievements, and the memorable moments that have defined its journey.
1. Fulham (England)
Best performances:
- Premier League: 7th place (2009)
- UEFA Europa League: Runner-up (2010)
- Closest call FA Cup runners-up (1975), Europa League runners-up (2010)
- Average all-time league attendance 16,168
- Seasons in top flight: 29
- Average all-time league position: 34.12
- Seasons in Europe: Three
Fulham, the oldest professional club in London, was founded in 1879. Despite its long history, the club has never won a major title.
The Cottagers came close in 1975 when they reached the FA Cup final but lost. Their best European performance was in 2010 when they reached the Europa League final.
In domestic league competitions, Fulham has won four Championship titles and two League One titles, but they have not managed to compete with the Premier League giants.
2. Crystal Palace (England)
Best performances:
- Premier League: 10th place (2015)
- FA Cup: Runner-up (1990, 2016)
- Closest call FA Cup runners-up (1990, 2016)
- Average all-time league attendance 16,439
- Seasons in the top flight (including the current one) 24
- Highest league finish Third (1991)
- Average all-time league ranking 45.54
- Seasons in Europe None
Founded in 1905, Crystal Palace has been a beloved English football club for over a century. Despite their dedicated fan base and passionate rivalry with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Eagles have yet to claim a major trophy.
Their closest brush with glory came in the 1990-91 season, when they finished a thrilling third in the top flight, pushing Arsenal and Liverpool to the wire.
Although they’ve reached the FA Cup final twice, in 1990 and 2016, Manchester United proved to be a formidable foe on both occasions.
However, Palace has savoured success in the Championship, winning the title in 1979 and again in 1994.
In recent years, the club has established itself as a steady Premier League presence, but breaking into the top six has proven elusive.
Their highest finish in the competition’s history came in the 2023/24 season when they secured a respectable 10th place. Despite this, the quest for major honours continues, driving the team and its loyal supporters forward.
3. Brentford (England)
Best performances:
- Closest call League Cup semi-finalists (2021)
- Average all-time league attendance 9,624
- Seasons in top flight Eight
- Highest league finish Fifth (1936)
- Average all-time league ranking: 55.65
- Seasons in Europe: None
Known as “The Bees,” Brentford has been buzzing with passion since its founding in 1889. For over a century, the club called Griffin Park home, before making a sweet move to the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020.
Despite their dedicated fan base, Brentford has never laid claim to a major trophy, often falling short in finals. However, their determination and perseverance paid off in 2021, when they won the Championship Playoffs and secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time since the 1946/47 season.
The Bees have had their moments of glory, including a remarkable 5th-place finish in the First Division back in 1936 – their highest-ever league position.
With its rich history and newfound momentum, Brentford is ready to make its mark on the Premier League.
4. FC Union Berlin (Germany)
Best performances:
- Bundesliga: 2nd place (1923)
- DFB Pokal: Runner-up (2001)
- UEFA Europa Conference League: Group stage (2021/22)
- UEFA Europa League: Round of 16 (2022/23)
- UEFA Champions League: Group stage (2023/24)
Originally founded in 1906, and re-established in 1966, has yet to win a major title.
The Iron Men won the East German Cup in 1968 and the 3.Liga title in 2009. They made their first Bundesliga appearance in the 2018/19 season and have since established themselves in Germany’s top league.
Union Berlin secured a place in the Europa Conference League in the 2021/22 season, the Europa League the following season, and the Champions League in 2023/24.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion (England)
Best performances:
- Premier League: 6th place (2023)
- Closest call FA Cup runners-up (1983)
- Average all-time league attendance 12,660
- Seasons in top flight 11
- Average all-time league ranking 52.53
- Seasons in Europe: One
Founded in 1901, has never won a major trophy.
The Seagulls came close in 1983, losing the FA Cup final to Manchester United. They have won lower-league titles but have not found major success in top-tier competitions.
Promoted to the Premier League in 2017 after a long absence, Brighton secured a record sixth-place finish in the 2022-23 season under manager Roberto De Zerbi, earning a spot in the Europa League for the first time.
6. Watford (England)
Best performances:
- Football League: 2nd place (1983)
- Closest call: League runners-up (1983), FA Cup runners-up (1984, 2019)
- Average all-time league attendance: 11,619
- Seasons in top flight: 14
- Average all-time league ranking: 50.31
- Seasons in Europe: One
Watford has never won a major trophy but has had near-misses.
The Hornets were English runners-up in 1983 and reached the FA Cup final in 1984 and 2019, losing both times.
Alternating between the Premier League and Championship in recent years, Watford’s fans continue to hope for a return to the top tier.
7. AFC Wimbledon (England)
Best performances:
- FA Cup: Fifth round (2019)
- League One: 15th place (2017)
Founded in 2002 by former supporters of Wimbledon FC, has a unique and remarkable journey.
After Wimbledon FC’s relocation and renaming as MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon emerged and now plays in League One.
They reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2019 and became a professional club in 2011, finishing runners-up in the Conference National.
8. CD Leganes (Spain)
Best performances:
- LaLiga: 13th place (2019)
- Copa del Rey: Semi-final (2018)
CD Leganes, founded in 1928, is a club based in the Madrid region.
Despite never winning a trophy, they gained prominence by being promoted to La Liga for the first time in 2016.
The highlight of their history came in 2018 when they reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, defeating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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9. CD Maldonado (Uruguay)
Best performances:
- First Division Opening Championship: 3rd place (2022)
- First Division Closing Championship: 3rd place (2022)
- Uruguayan Cup: Round of 16 (2023)
Founded in 1928 and based on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, is approaching its 100th anniversary without a league title.
However, the club has been a stepping stone for players who later found success in Europe, such as Alex Sandro, Geronimo Rulli, Allan, and Willian Jose.
Their best recent performances include third-place finishes in the First Division Opening and Closing Championships in 2022.
10. FK Krasnodar (Russia)
Best performances:
- Russian Premier League: 3rd place (2015)
- Russian Cup: Runner-up (2014, 2023)
- UEFA Champions League: Group stage (2020/21)
- UEFA Europa League: Round of 16 (2016/17, 2018/19)
FK Krasnodar, founded in 2008, aims to disrupt the Russian football hierarchy.
Despite never winning a major trophy or league title, the Bulls have made rapid progress.
They have reached the Russian Cup final twice (2014 and 2023), finished third in the Russian Premier League (2015), and participated in one Champions League campaign and two Europa League campaigns, reaching the Round of 16 twice.
Other Notables Clubs Who Have Never Won A Major Trophy
- Udinese
- Bristol City
- Osasuna
- Celta Vigo
- Freiburg
- Saint Pauli
- Sporting Gijon
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