Football has been graced by many nations that have consistently boasted the greatest talents throughout history.
Portugal
Portugal has players who have led top footballing generations. Eusebio led them to a third-placed finish in their 1966 FIFA World Cup debut, but the Cristiano Ronaldo era is what has earned them a place in the top 10.
A Selecao won the European Championships and the UEFA Nations League during the prime of Ronaldo’s career.
England
England fall into ninth place on this list, although a 2024 success could see them climb higher. In sports betting, they are the favourites to win EURO 2024 at 7/2. The bet calculator can be used to understand all of the odds on the tournament this year.
They have a 1966 World Cup trophy to their name, although their trophy drought needs to end if they are to challenge the nations that have won many honours.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands have not won a World Cup but they have reached three finals and won a European Championship in 1988. They are a nation that has graced the latter stages of tournaments consistently across generations of talent.
Spain
Spain has been one of the top nations throughout competition history. They won their first trophy at EURO 1964, although their golden era came this century; in winning the Euros twice and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012 they forced their way into the footballing elite.
France
France is another team that are serial winners on the international stage. They have won the World Cup twice and been European champions as frequently. Few teams have achieved glory in four straight decades like they did from 1980 to the 2010s.
Uruguay
Uruguay is one of just six nations that have won the World Cup more than once. They were world champions in 1930 and 1950 and are also the joint-record holders of Copa America with 15 titles.
Argentina
The 2022 world champions are one of the greatest nations ever. They have won the World Cup three times and similarly to Uruguay lifted the Copa America trophy 15 times.
Their remarkable all-time success is a reflection of eras spearheaded by Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Italy
Italy takes third place as they have been European champions twice alongside their four global successes.
Players like Luigi Riva, and Fabio Cannavaro have been vital in moulding one of the greatest nations in the sport.
Germany
Germany edges Italy as the leading European nation due to their three European titles. Their successes can be owed to legends like Franz Beckenbauer and Philipp Lahm.
Brazil
Brazil are by far the greatest national team in history. They are the only country to have experienced World Cup success on five occasions.
The South American nation has boasted some of football’s most legendary stars. Pele, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazario make up just a small section of the iconic players who tasted success with Brazil.
Their nine Copa America titles mean they have ground to make up on Argentina and Uruguay, but World Cups are paramount and they are singlehandedly the reason that Brazil tops this list.
