The competition within the league is intense.
Welcome to the thrilling world of football!
As one of the most popular sports globally, football, or soccer as it’s known in some parts of the world, has a magnetic pull that brings people together.
From the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums to the passionate debates among fans, football is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle.
At the heart of this lifestyle are the football leagues, the epicentres of talent, competition, and excitement.
In this feature, we’re taking you on a global tour of the 10 best football leagues in the world you must follow.
So, whether you’re a seasoned football enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, buckle up for an exhilarating journey into the world of football leagues.
English Premier League (EPL)
Without a doubt, the English Premier League (EPL) holds a prominent position among the world’s best football leagues.
It has long been celebrated for its electrifying action, unwavering popularity, and high skill levels.
Since its rebranding in 1992, the league has gained renown for its breathtaking goals and non-stop, end-to-end entertaining matches.
Several teams in the league, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, enjoy a vast international following, which further enhances the league’s prestige and popularity.
The Premier League’s position at the apex is further cemented by its unmatched financial power, boasting astonishing annual revenues that total a staggering £1.8 billion.
This impressive figure is the fourth highest of any sports league in the world, surpassed only by the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
The Premier League is acclaimed as one of the most gruelling and physically demanding football leagues worldwide.
Teams regularly compete against each other, often capable of defying expectations, which is a testament to the unparalleled competitiveness that this league embodies.
Moreover, the Premier League’s prize money ranks among the highest of any football league globally.
Spanish La Liga
The La Liga is highly respected and regarded due to the exceptional skill level on display.
For many, it would be fair to say that it tops any list of the world’s best football leagues.
The achievements of teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla in UEFA club competitions have further elevated the league’s profile.
The renowned derby match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, affectionately known as El Clásico, consistently ranks as one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in the football calendar.
While many argue that the English Premier League is the world’s best football league, there’s no denying that La Liga is home to some of the finest players.
Numerous Ballon d’Or winners have emerged from La Liga, reinforcing its reputation as a breeding ground for greatness.
Furthermore, La Liga teams have consistently dominated both international and continental club tournaments.
German Bundesliga
The Bundesliga is another highly regarded league competition, boasting substantial support and followership.
It is renowned for its blend of high-level technical football and entertainment.
Home to some of Europe’s most impressive stadiums, the Bundesliga draws an average attendance of over 40,000 passionate fans per match, the highest among all European football leagues.
The league is also recognised for nurturing some of the world’s best young talents, including Kai Havertz, Erling Haaland, and Jadon Sancho.
The competition within the league is intense, with different teams vying for the title each season.
Historically, Bayern Munich leads the Bundesliga, having secured the title an impressive 32 times, underscoring its exceptional success.
Italian Serie A
Established in 1898, Serie A stands as one of Europe’s oldest and finest football leagues.
It boasts a rich history of showcasing some of the world’s best players and teams.
Remember the likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero, and Francesco Totti?
Going back even further, the legendary Welshman John Charles left his mark at Juventus in the 1950s.
Today, Juventus, along with AC Milan and Inter Milan, remain dominant forces in European football.
Serie A is renowned for its tactical and defensive style of play, offering viewers a captivating and intellectually stimulating experience.
For nearly a decade, Juventus has reigned supreme in Serie A, securing nine consecutive titles between 2012 and 2020.
However, persistent challengers such as Napoli, Roma, and Lazio have consistently contended for the top spots, ensuring a thrilling competition.
French Ligue 1
Over the years, Ligue 1 has seen a significant increase in both popularity and quality, solidifying its position as a prominent football league in Europe.
Once considered sub-standard and far from being one of the world’s best football leagues, Ligue 1 has transformed over the past decade.
Much of this change has been driven by the financial dominance of Paris Saint-Germain, whose deep pockets have enabled them to recruit some of the world’s top football talent.
Players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and even Lionel Messi have all graced the pitch at PSG.
Managers like Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have led PSG to success.
Historically, Saint-Etienne was the most successful team in Ligue 1 for many years, having won the championship ten times.
However, Paris Saint-Germain now holds the record as the most successful team in Ligue 1 history, with 11 titles to their name.
Portuguese Primeira Liga
Undoubtedly, the Primeira Liga is one of Europe’s finest football leagues, often overlooked despite its exceptional qualities.
This league has undeniably fostered the growth of some remarkable players and teams.
Football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Eusebio all had stints in the Primeira Liga.
Esteemed legacy clubs like Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon have also performed well in European competitions, contributing to the league’s rich history.
The rivalries among these “big three” clubs have cultivated intense competition and excitement.
With 38 titles to their name, Benfica stands as the most successful team in Primeira Liga history.
However, Porto has presented a formidable challenge, securing 12 titles since 2003, fueling a captivating rivalry.
Dutch Eredivisie
The Eredivisie, renowned for its knack for cultivating exceptional young talents, holds a prominent position among Europe’s football leagues.
Esteemed figures such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Arjen Robben, and Frenkie de Jong have all risen from the ranks of this league.
Famed for its appealing and offensive style of play, the Eredivisie provides a captivating and enjoyable spectacle for viewers.
The league itself exemplifies a high level of competition and unpredictability, with various teams contending for the championship title each season.
Ajax, boasting 36 titles, is recognised as the most successful team in Dutch football history.
However, teams like PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, and AZ Alkmaar have consistently posed a strong challenge, to maintaining the league’s competitiveness.
Argentine Primera División
The Primera División, South America’s premier football league, is a hotbed of passion and fierce competition.
This league has fostered the rise of football legends such as Diego Maradona and Alfredo Di Stefano, while iconic clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate enjoy global recognition.
The league’s intense rivalries, particularly the Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate, captivate fans worldwide, making it one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the football calendar.
River Plate holds the record as the most successful team in the league’s history, having clinched 37 titles.
However, Boca Juniors has demonstrated dominance in recent years, amassing a total of 35 championships.
Mexican Liga MX
The Liga MX, one of North America’s premier football leagues, is renowned for its popularity and lucrative nature.
With a vast fan base and consistently high attendance, averaging over 25,000 fans per match, the league represents one of the most vibrant football environments in the region.
The Liga MX is known for its exceptional quality and skill, attracting some of the finest players and teams, including Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Cruz Azul, and Club América.
Club América, boasting 13 titles, is recognised as the most successful team in Liga MX history.
However, consistent challengers such as Cruz Azul, Monterrey, and Tigres UANL have persistently posed threats to the league’s established powers.
Russian Premier League
The Russian Premier League, frequently overshadowed despite its undeniable quality, stands as one of Europe’s premier football leagues.
This league serves as a stage for exceptional skill and talent, featuring prominent players such as Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin.
Additionally, it is home to esteemed teams like Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow, which have significantly contributed to the league’s competitive spirit and high-quality matches.
Historically, Spartak Moscow, boasting 10 titles, holds the record as the most successful team in the league’s history.
However, the tide has shifted in recent years, with Zenit St Petersburg asserting its dominance.
They have emerged victorious in six of the last nine campaigns, showcasing their prowess and adding an exciting dynamic to the league’s competitive landscape.
The Russian Premier League, with its blend of seasoned champions and emerging powerhouses, continues to offer a captivating spectacle for football enthusiasts.
Its unique blend of talent, competition, and unpredictability makes it a must-watch for any football fan.
As we wrap up our global tour of the 10 best football leagues in the world you must follow, it’s clear that the world of football is as diverse as it is exciting.
Each football league we’ve explored offers a unique blend of talent, competition, and passion, making the sport of soccer a truly global phenomenon.
Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes drama of the English Premier League or the vibrant energy of Brazil’s Serie A, there’s a football league out there that’s sure to captivate your interest.
So, don’t just be a spectator; immerse yourself in the world of football.
Follow these leagues, join the conversation, and experience the thrill of the beautiful game.
After all, football is not just a sport; it’s a global community waiting for you to join.