From Arsenal to Leyton Orient: The Football Clubs of London

5 May 13:57

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Who has the most trophies, and who has the most notorious fans?

This season could bring a unique achievement: all three European club competitions may be won by London teams. The British capital holds a special record — the highest number of professional football clubs compared to any city in the world.

In our overview, we’ll tell the story of each one — and suggest some intriguing bets along the way.

Premier League

Arsenal FC

Founded: 1886
Trophies: 13 English league titles, 14 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 1 Cup Winners’ Cup
Best Achievement: "The Invincibles" – unbeaten Premier League season (2003–04)
League: Premier League
Borough: Islington

Originally formed in Woolwich as Dial Square, Arsenal moved north of the river in 1913, creating one of the fiercest rivalries in English football with Tottenham. Under Herbert Chapman, they became pioneers in tactics and professionalism in the 1930s. Arsène Wenger brought modern nutrition and attacking football, culminating in the unbeaten 2003–04 season — a feat unmatched in Premier League history.

They’ve also had their moments of crisis: the 2006 Champions League Final loss, and a long title drought post-2004. The move from Highbury to the Emirates split fan sentiment. But as Ian Wright said:

After humiliating Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the current Champions League, the Gunners faced the strategic genius of Luis Enrique and his PSG — a turning point that significantly reduced their chances of winning the tournament.

Chelsea FC

Founded: 1905
Trophies: 6 league titles, 8 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 2 Europa Leagues
Best Achievement: Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021
League: Premier League
Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham

Once seen as flashy but unreliable, Chelsea’s identity was redefined by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s purchase in 2003. Massive investment followed, bringing José Mourinho and a ruthless winning culture.

Their 2012 Champions League win, with caretaker Roberto Di Matteo at the helm, was pure drama — winning on penalties in Munich. In 2021, a second title came under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea have also been scandal-prone: from managerial sackings (over 15 since 2003) to sanctions in 2022 due to Abramovich’s links to Vladimir Putin, forcing a sale to Todd Boehly’s American consortium.

Chelsea’s fanbase ranges from West London die-hards to global followers. The Shed End is known for its loyalty, but the club has had a troubled past with racist chanting — a shadow that still lingers despite major anti-discrimination efforts.

Gary Lineker said in 2022:

The undisputed favourites of this season's Conference League, Chelsea are fully living up to expectations, relentlessly marching toward the final — often while fielding a second-string lineup.

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Founded: 1882
Trophies: 2 league titles, 8 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 2 UEFA Cups
Best Achievement: First British club to win a European trophy (1963), UCL final in 2019
League: Premier League
Borough: Haringey

Spurs were pioneers of stylish football. Bill Nicholson’s 1961 side won the Double, and in 1963 they became Britain’s first European trophy winners. Yet they’ve often been labeled “nearly men” — as evidenced by the dramatic 2019 Champions League final loss to Liverpool after a miracle semi-final comeback against Ajax. As Mauricio Pochettino once put it:

Their £1 billion stadium is a marvel, but the club remains trophyless since 2008. The departure of Harry Kane in 2023 to Bayern Munich was seen as an end of an era.

Spurs fans are known for their loyalty despite decades of heartbreak. Their Jewish heritage, particularly among the East End diaspora, has shaped club identity — with the term “Yid Army” controversially reclaimed by some fans.

Winning the Europa League is Ange Postecoglou’s last chance to save himself. However, Manchester United seem highly determined this season, and after a convincing win over Athletic Bilbao, they have overtaken Spurs in the bookmakers’ odds.

West Ham United FC

Founded: 1895
Trophies: 3 FA Cups, 1 UEFA Conference League
Best Achievement: European winners 1965 (Cup Winners’ Cup) and 2023
League: Premier League
Borough: Newham

A club steeped in East End identity and working-class values, West Ham is synonymous with Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters — all World Cup winners in 1966. Their move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium was controversial, seen by many as sacrificing atmosphere for revenue.

The Inter City Firm (ICF), their hooligan firm in the 1970s and ’80s, became infamous — featured in books and films like Green Street. The club has tried to shake off this reputation, though occasional clashes with Millwall still evoke old tensions.

The 2023 UEFA Conference League win — their first major trophy in 43 years — was cathartic. From hooliganism in the '80s to fan protests in the 2010s, West Ham has seen it all. “The Academy of Football,” as they’re known, keeps producing top talents — from Rio Ferdinand to Declan Rice.

Crystal Palace FC

Founded: 1905
Trophies: None
Best Achievement: FA Cup finalists (1990, 2016), current long Premier League spell since 2013
League: Premier League
Borough: Croydon

Palace have yo-yoed for decades but have found stability in the Premier League in recent years. The 1990 FA Cup final — a 3–3 thriller with Manchester United — is still legendary despite the replay loss.

In the 2000s, administration and near-liquidation rocked the club. The “Holmesdale Fanatics” brought ultras-style support to Selhurst Park, creating one of England’s loudest grounds. Wilfried Zaha, the local boy turned talisman, defines their modern era.

Brentford FC

Founded: 1889
Trophies: None major
Best Achievement: Premier League promotion (2021)
League: Premier League
Borough: Hounslow

Brentford are the textbook modern success story. Led by smart recruitment and analytics, they rose from League Two to the Premier League under Danish manager Thomas Frank. The new Brentford Community Stadium replaced the quirky Griffin Park — the only English ground with a pub on every corner.

Beating Arsenal in their first Premier League game (2–0) in 2021 announced their arrival with flair. Their "Moneyball" approach has drawn praise globally.

Fulham FC

Founded: 1879
Trophies: None major
Best Achievement: Europa League finalist (2010)
League: Premier League
Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham

The oldest professional club in London, Fulham exudes charm. Craven Cottage, beside the Thames, is one of football’s most iconic venues. Under Roy Hodgson, they reached the Europa League final in 2010, beating Juventus along the way.

Long owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who once installed a Michael Jackson statue at the ground, Fulham now thrive under U.S. billionaire Shahid Khan.

EFL Championship

Queens Park Rangers (QPR)

Founded: 1882
Trophies: 1 League Cup (1967)
Best Achievement: Runners-up in First Division (1975–76)
League: Championship
Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham

QPR have had their moments of magic and madness. In the 1970s, under Dave Sexton, they nearly won the league. In the 2010s, they returned to the Premier League, powered by lavish (and chaotic) spending by billionaire owners.

The 2012 survival thanks to Aguero’s last-minute Man City goal remains part of English football folklore. Financial scandals and FFP breaches have since followed. Loftus Road is tight, intimate, and loved by fans.

In 2013, they received the biggest ever fine under Financial Fair Play (£40m). High wages, poor recruitment, and disjointed squads defined the era. Today, they fight to regain their soul.

Millwall FC

Founded: 1885
Trophies: None major
Best Achievement: FA Cup Finalist (2004), top flight in the late 1980s
League: Championship
Borough: Lewisham

Infamous for their chant “No one likes us, we don’t care,” Millwall are one of England’s most misunderstood clubs. Their 1980s hooligan reputation still haunts them, though modern fans are trying to reclaim the narrative.

The 2004 FA Cup run, ending in a final loss to Manchester United, was historic. Millwall were also the first club to play during the COVID-19 pandemic — and one of the first to face scrutiny over fan behavior once crowds returned.

EFL League One

Charlton Athletic FC

Founded: 1905
Trophies: 1 FA Cup (1947)
Best Achievement: 2nd Division champions multiple times; long top-flight spell in early 2000s
League: League One
Borough: Greenwich

Charlton’s post-war heyday saw packed crowds at The Valley. In 1985, a financial collapse forced them to groundshare with Crystal Palace. Fans fought back, eventually regaining their home and forming the Valley Party — a political movement to pressure the council.

The 1998–99 playoff final, where they beat Sunderland 7–6 on penalties after a 4–4 draw, is considered one of the greatest games in English football.

Leyton Orient FC

Founded: 1881
Trophies: None major
Best Achievement: Second-tier football; League Two champions (2023)
League: League One
Borough: Waltham Forest

The O’s have had a turbulent modern history. In 2014, they lost a heartbreaking playoff final at Wembley. Under Italian owner Francesco Becchetti, the club fell apart — relegated out of the Football League in 2017.

They bounced back in 2019, but the tragic death of manager Justin Edinburgh days after promotion united the club and fans emotionally. His legacy is now etched in every matchday.

Leyton Orient jumped aboard the playoff train at the last possible moment and are seen as the biggest underdogs in the battle for promotion to the Championship. But it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve surprised the bookmakers — they nearly knocked Manchester City out of the FA Cup.

EFL League Two

AFC Wimbledon

Founded: 2002
Trophies: None major
Best Achievement: From non-league to League One in nine years
League: League Two
Borough: Merton

Founded by fans after Wimbledon FC was relocated to Milton Keynes (now MK Dons), AFC Wimbledon is perhaps football’s most remarkable phoenix club. They started in the ninth tier and climbed to the EFL in record time.

Their return to Plough Lane in 2020 — funded by fans and community shares — was symbolic. As their motto goes:

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