Manchester United's 1999 Treble-winning side have been voted the greatest football team of all time in a poll of 2,000 football fans - with a mix of club and international sides making up the top 20
Manchester United’s 1999 ‘treble winners’ have topped the league of greatest football teams.
Manchester United’s 1999 ‘treble winners’ have topped the league of greatest football teams.
(Image: Getty)
Manchester United's legendary 1999 'Treble Winners' side has been crowned the greatest football team of all time, edging out Pep Guardiola's tika-taka masters Barcelona for the top honour in an ultimate fan vote.
Pep Guardiola's mesmerising Barcelona, spearheaded by the likes of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, were narrowly beaten to the summit of footballing greatness by the iconic '99 Manchester United squad. Brazil's style-masters of the 1970 World Cup complete the prestigious top three, staking their claim as another unforgettable international powerhouse. Liverpool's dominant era from 1975 to 1984 claimed fourth place, adding yet another trophy of sorts to their already crowded cabinet of glory throughout that decade.
(L-R) Marc Bartra of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Primera Division match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD on September 20, 2015 at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola's Barcelona squad with Messi took second place
Fans can now delve into hypothetical battles with a knockout format featuring the top 16 teams, pitting these legendary sides against each other to determine the champ of champs. According to a poll involving 2,000 fervent football fans, the pantheon of all-time greats includes both celebrated club sides and national teams, with Real Madrid appearing twice amongst the top 20.
Featuring also are Arsenal's iconic 'Invincibles' and Manchester City's recent treble winners, flying the flag for English football's finest hours. OLBG, seizing on this moment of passionate debate, put them head-to-head in a bespoke knockout tool, inviting supporters to play out their own fantasy finals.
OLBG's football aficionado Jake Ashton remarked: "There have been some incredible teams for both club and country over the years." He mused on the nature of footballing success, saying: "Domestic sides often have periods of dominance, lasting as long as five or six years at a time, but international sides usually shine at one particular tournament.
"With things like the World Cup's global audience, it's little surprise Brazil's 1970s heyday is still so fondly remembered."
Other teams that made the top 20 list include Spain's dominant side from 2008-2012, which swept up European Championships and the 2010 World Cup. France's squad from 1998 to 2000, which clinched both World and European titles, was also featured.
Seven out of ten respondents felt that at least one of the teams listed has greatly influenced their love for football. This is either because they were a delight to watch (73%), their teamwork was inspiring (66%) or they had a distinctive style of play (60%).
In a separate query, fans weighed in on the perennial club versus country debate, with 44% favouring club competitions over international matches. The tradition and history of these teams (48%) emerged as the main reasons for this preference, based on findings from OnePoll.com.
The domestic game also tugged at supporters' heartstrings, with 36% opting for their club team to win a trophy over 26% who would choose their country's success if faced with the decision. Fans predict a tight contest in a hypothetical match between the best international team and the top domestic 11, with the club side narrowly winning the vote (41% vs 39%).
When asked about the key elements that make a truly great team, fans pointed to skill and talent (64%), exceptional teamwork (61%), and consistency (56%) as the most crucial factors.
Jake Ashton from OLBG commented: "Trying to agree on the best football team of all time is one of the great debates that unites and divides fans in equal measure.
"Whether you grew up watching the dominance of Brazil in 1970, the flair of Barcelona under Guardiola, or the invincibility of Arsenal's 2003-04 squad, everyone's got a strong opinion - and that's what makes it so much fun.
"Football isn't just about stats or trophies - it's about memories, passion and the moments that made us fall in love with the game."
THE TOP 20 FOOTBALL TEAMS OF ALL TIME:
Manchester United (1998-99) - Historic Treble winners
Barcelona (2008-12) - The Guardiola era of dominance
Brazil (1970) - World Cup champions with a lasting legacy
Liverpool (1975-84) - A decade of unparalleled success
Real Madrid (1955-60) - Five consecutive European Cup titles
Spain (2008-12) - Euro and World Cup winners with a golden generation
Arsenal (2003-2004) - The 'Invincibles' with an unbeaten season
Manchester City (2022-2023) - Treble winners with a record-breaking season
Manchester United (1966-1968) - Domestic league and European Cup champions
Real Madrid (1984-1990) - Five successive league titles with a star-studded team
France (1998-2000) - World and Euro champions with a talented squad
Manchester City (2017-2018) - A record-breaking 100-point season
Brazil (1982) - Attacking flair and innovation with the 4-2-2-2 formation
Barcelona (1993-94) - League winners and European finalists under Cruyff
AC Milan (1988-90) - "The Immortals" with back-to-back European Cup titles
Nottingham Forest (1978-80) - "Miracle Men" with consecutive European Cup wins
Bayern Munich (1973-76) - European Cup hat-trick with a dominant team
Ajax (1971-73) - Three-time European Cup winners with Total Football
West Germany (1972-74) - Euro and World Cup winners with a strong squad
France (1982-1986) - The 'Magic Square' midfield and European Championship winners.