Clubs from every European league have the opportunity to participate in the tournament by finishing high enough in their domestic competitions, and/or advancing in qualifying matches prior to the group phase starting.
But which teams have won the coveted Champions League, or its previous iteration, the European Cup, since the first edition back in 1955/56?
Here The Sporting News takes you through the list of teams that have been crowned kings of Europe.
MORE: Which teams are in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League?
All-time Champions League & European Cup winners
The competition was known as the European Cup until 1992/93 when it was revamped and rebranded as the UEFA Champions League.
History of the Champions League and European Cup
The European Cup was first established in 1955, and it remained under that name until the 1992/93 season, when the competition was revamped and rebranded as the Champions League.
Originally, the competition was only open to the champions of Europe’s domestic leagues, as well as the defending champion of the European Cup.
However, in 1997, the league runners-up from Europe’s strongest leagues were permitted to enter and then, in 1999, a selection of teams that finished third and fourth in their domestic league competitions were also granted qualification.
Following the rebranding of the competition to the Champions League in 1992, the defending champions of the competition did not automatically qualify for the following season’s edition. This changed in 2005, allowing the participation of then holders Liverpool.
Who won the most Champions League trophies?
A total of 22 clubs have won the Champions League and/or the European Cup, with Real Madrid lifting the title a record 14 times.
AC Milan (seven titles), Bayern Munich (six titles), Liverpool (six titles) and Barcelona (five titles) round out the top five.
Since it was rebranded the UEFA Champions League in 1992/93, the winners have come from the following countries:
Spain (12): Barcelona (4), Real Madrid (8) England (6): Chelsea (2), Liverpool (2), Manchester United (2) Italy (5): AC Milan (3), Inter Milan (1), Juventus (1) Germany (4): Bayern Munich (3), Borussia Dortmund (1) France (1): Olympique Marseille Netherlands (1): Ajax Portugal (1): FC Porto
