iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

1. Barcelona (2008-11) Manager: Pep Guardiola La Liga: 2009 🏆, 2010 🏆, 2011 🏆 CL: 2009 🏆, 2011 🏆 The game’s best ever player in the game’s best side. The influence of Guardiola created a super team with Messi the man who set them apart from their rivals. A joy to watch.

3142

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

2. Ajax (1970-73) Manager: Michels, Kovacs, Knobel Eredivisie: 1971 🥈, 1972 🏆, 1973 🏆 EC: 1971 🏆, 1972 🏆, 1973 🏆 A side centred around the remarkable talents of Johan Cruyff and played some of the best football the game has seen. Three times European champions but their influence was even greater.

151

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

3. AC Milan (1992-95) Manager: Fabio Capello Serie A: 1993 🏆, 1994 🏆, 1995 4th CL: 1993 🥈, 1994 🏆, 1995 🥈 Continuing the rich vein of success started under Arrigo Sacchi, Capello’s Milan were almost unbeatable at times with an an exceptional defence and array of attacking quality.

141

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

4. Real Madrid (1957-60) Managers: Carniglia, Munoz, Fleitas League: 1958 🏆, 1959 🥈, 1960 🥈 EC: 1958 🏆, 1959 🏆, 1960 🏆 The side who dominated the early years of European football with 5 ECs in a row. Combination of Puskas and Di Stefano in attack was beyond compare.

151

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

5. Manchester City (2020-23) Manager: Pep Guardiola League: 2021 🏆, 2022 🏆, 2023 🏆 Cup: 2023 🏆 CL: 2021🥈, 2023 🏆 Guardiola’s side finally conquered their Everest with the 2023 CL crown, capping a period of sustained dominance. European trophies have not fully matched the quality of their play.

171

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

6. Honved (1952-55) Manager: Jeno Kalmar League: 1953 🥈, 1954 🏆, 1955 🏆 The Mighty Magyars, arguably the finest side in history, were strongly founded on the Honved team who provided a host of top stars. The strike pairing of Puskas and Kocsis were supported by the midfield brilliance of Bozsik.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

7. Santos (1960-63) Manager: Lula Brasileiro: 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆, 1963 🏆 Libertadores: 1962 🏆, 1963 🏆 Intercontinental: 1962 🏆, 1963 🏆 Centred around Pele but with a host of supporting stars, Santos rose from relevant obscurity to be the best side in the world. Prolific forward line terrorised defences.

121

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

8. Liverpool (1982-85) Manager: Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan Div 1: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆 EC: 1984 🏆, 1985 🥈 League Cup: 1983 🏆, 1984 🏆, 1985 🏆 Combination between Rush and Dalglish in attack was among the most devastating in history. Part of a much longer dynasty than other sides who just kept winning.

230

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

9. Juventus (1995-98) Manager: Marcello Lippi Serie A: 1996 🥈, 1997 🏆, 1998 🏆 CL: 1996 🏆, 1997 🥈, 1998 🥈 The most feared team in Europe during the late 90s, this was a side that evolved, players coming and going but with no drop in standards. Del Piero the star of a sublime group of players.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

10. Inter (1962-65) Manager: Helenio Herrera Serie A: 1963 🏆, 1964 🥈, 1965 🏆 European Cup: 1964 🏆, 1965 🏆 Intercontinental: 1965 🏆 Best remembered for their defensive aspects, La Grande Inter were one of history’s most rounded sides, blessed with talent throughout and an exceptional manager.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

11. Benfica (1959-62) Manager: Bela Guttmann League: 1960 🏆, 1961 🥉, 1962 🏆 EC: 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆 The team that finally ended Real Madrid’s European dominance, Benfica continued the Iberian influence. Combination of forwards, most notably Eusebio, swept rivals aside.

120

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 04/01/2025

12. Manchester United (1998-2001) Manager: Alex Ferguson League: 1999 🏆, 2000 🏆, 2001 🏆 FA Cup: 1999 🏆 CL: 1999 🏆 Treble winners who enjoyed domestic dominance but will always be remembered for the most dramatic end to any CL final. Midfield quartet among the best in history.

151

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 04/01/2025

13. River Plate (1940-43) Manager: Cesarini, Peucelle League: 1941 🏆, 1942 🏆, 1943 🥈 Side became known as La Maquina for the way they so easily swept opponents. Brilliance continued across the 1940s with the addition of Di Stefano and Walter Gomez, but the class of Moreno and Pedernera endures.

230

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

14. Bayern Munich (1973-76) Manager: Udo Lattek, Dettmar Cramer Bundesliga: 1974 🏆, 1975 10th, 1976 🥉 European Cup: 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆, 1976 🏆 Intercontinental: 1976 🏆 Won a hat-trick of European Cups after winning 3 Bundesligas in a row. Genius of Beckenbauer and clinical Muller made them feared.

151

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

15. Flamengo (1980-83) Manager: Paulo Cesar Carpegiani Brasileiro: 1982 🏆, 1983 🏆 Libertadores: 1981 🏆 Intercontinental: 1981 🏆 Stunned Liverpool with a 3-0 victory in Tokyo with Zico typically to the fore. Exceptional full-backs Leandro and Junior got forward at every opportunity.

120

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

16. Penarol 1959-1962 Manager: Roberto Scarone, Bela Guttman League: 1960 🏆, 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆 Libertadores: 1960 🏆, 1961 🏆, 1962 🥈 Intercontinental: 1961 🏆 Winners of the first ever Libertadores, the Uruguayans claimed back to back titles with a side full of domestic and foreign talents.

230

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

17. Feyenoord (1968-71) Managers: Ben Peeters, Ernst Happel Eredivisie: 1969 🏆, 1970 🥈, 1971 🏆 Cup: 1969 🏆 European Cup: 1970 🏆 Intercontinental: 1970 🏆 The first Dutch side to make a global mark were the Rotterdam club, driven by the brilliance of Van Hanegem, drive of Israel and class of Moulijn.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

18. São Paulo (1990-93) Manager: Tele Santana Brasileiro: 1991 🏆, 1992 6th, 1993 4th Libertadores: 1992 🏆, 1993 🏆 Intercontinental: 1992 🏆, 1993 🏆 Stellar era for Brazilian giants under the command of maverick Tele Santana. Wins over Barcelona and Milan in the Intercontinental Cup were highlights.

150

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

19. Marseille (1990-93) Manager: Raymond Goethals (et al) League: 1991 🏆, 1992 🏆, 1993 * European Cup: 1991 🥈, 1993 🏆 Losers in the 1991 EC final on penalties they came back to beat Milan in 93, though success was tarnished by match fixing allegations. Attack of Papin, Waddle and Pele was lethal.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

20. PSV Eindhoven (1986-89) Manager: Guus Hiddink Eredivisie: 1987 🏆, 1988 🏆, 1989🏆 Cup: 1988 🏆, 1989 🏆 European Cup: 1988 🏆 Backbone of Holland’s Euro 88 winners with Koeman, Van Aerle and Vanenberg. Quality foreigners added to a great side while the addition of Romario gave a wildcard.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

21. Celtic (1966-69) Manager: Jock Stein League: 1967 🏆, 1968 🏆, 1969 🏆 Cup: 1967 🏆, 1969 🏆 European Cup: 1967 🏆 Lisbon Lions claimed immortality with win over Inter. Total domestic dominance saw Stein’s side a class apart but it was European glory that set them on a true pedestal.

150

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

23. Independiente (1972-75) Managers: Dellacha, Maschio, Ferreiro Libertadores: 1973 🏆, 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆 Intercontinental: 1973 🏆 Completed a remarkable run of 4 Copa Libertadores in a row. Less fashionable club inspired by brilliance of Bochini, Bertoni and Pavoni.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

24. Botafogo (1960-63) Manager: Amaral, Danilo Alvim Carioca: 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆 Rio-Sao Paulo: 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆 One of the most stellar squads ever assembled in Brazilian football with a string of legends throughout the pitch. Claimed multiple domestic crowns in a ferocious era.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

25. Hamburg (1980-83) Manager: Ernst Happel Bundesliga: 1981 🥈, 1982 🏆, 1983 🏆 UEFA Cup: 1982 🥈 European Cup: 1983 🏆 Took over Gladbach’s mantle as Germany’s leading side with back to back Bundesliga titles and the European Cup. Height of Hrubesch allied with crossing of Kaltz and smarts of Magath.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

26. Chelsea (2003-6) Manager: Rainieri, Mourinho PL: 2004 🥈, 2005 🏆, 2006 🏆 League Cup: 2005 🏆 Record-breaking side who never claimed European success despite their brilliance. Spine of Cech, Terry and Lampard all world class under Mourinho’s leadership.

150

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

27. Nottingham Forest (1977-80) Manager: Brian Clough Division 1: 1978 🏆, 1979 🥈, 1980 5th League Cup: 1978 🏆, 1979 🏆 European Cup: 1979 🏆, 1980 🏆 Over the course of successive seasons managed to go from the second division to European kings. Clough’s guidance key in one of football’s greatest tales

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

28. Saint-Etienne (1973-76) Manager: Robert Herbin Ligue 1: 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆, 1976 🏆 Cup: 1974 🏆, 1975 🏆 European Cup: 1976 🥈 French giants who enjoyed a spell of utter dominance domestically and nearly claimed Continental glory. Backbone of the national side and dotted with great players.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

29. Sampdoria 1989-1992 Manager: Vujadin Boskov Serie A: 1990 5th, 1991 🏆, 1992 6th European Cup: 1992🥈 CWC: 1990 🏆 A glorious period under Boskov led Samp to claim their only Scudetto as well as Continental and domestic silverware. Brilliance of Mancini and Vialli in attack backed up by Pagliuca.

220

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

30. Borussia Moenchengladbach (1974-77) Managers: Hennes Weisweiler, Udo Lattek Bundesliga: 1975 🏆, 1976 🏆, 1977 🏆 Euro Cup: 1977 🥈 In a dominant run in the 70s, Gladbach won 5 Bundesligas, made 5 European finals, twice winning the UEFA Cup and losing the 1977 EC final to Liverpool.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

31. Lazio (1997-2000) Manager: Sven Goran Eriksson Serie A: 1998 7th, 1999 🥈, 2000 🏆 Coppa: 1998 🏆, 2000 🏆 CWC: 1999 🏆 One of the first modern super teams, backed by big spending and a desire to buy the best. Scudetto in 2000 the ultimate prize for Cragnotti before it all came crashing down.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

32. Red Star Belgrade (1989-92) Managers: Sekularac, Petrovic, Popovic League: 1990 🏆, 1991 🏆, 1992 🏆 European Cup: 🏆 Intercontinental: 🏆 The last great team from Eastern Europe, winning the 1991 EC shortly before the breakup of Yugoslavia. A side packed with talent and great players.

170

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

33. Nacional (1939-42) Manager: Hector Castro League: 1939 🏆, 1940 🏆, 1941 🏆 Uruguayan giants who enjoyed a Five Golden Years in which they won the league every season. Side built around Atilio Garcia but he was only one superstar among many. Won the title in 1941 with 20 wins from 20 matches.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

34. Borussia Dortmund (1994-97) Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld Bundesliga: 1995 🏆, 1996 🏆, 1997 🥉 Champions League: 1997 🏆 Shock winners of the CL in 97, Dortmund were nonetheless an excellent side, built on the foundations of many Germans who had previously shone in Serie A.

121

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

35. Estudiantes (1967-70) Manager: Osvaldo Zubeldia League: 1967 🏆 Libertadores: 1968 🏆, 1969 🏆, 1970 🏆 Intercontinental: 1968 🏆 One of history’s most feared teams who played on the edge of legality but claimed 3 Continental crowns. Lacking in stardust but made up for in grit and determination.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

36. Dynamo Kyiv (1984-87) Manager: Valeriy Lobanovskyi League: 1985 🏆, 1986 🏆, 1987 6th Cup: 1985 🏆, 1987 🏆 Cup Winners’ Cup: 1986 🏆 “Crack Eastern-European Outfit” par excellence. Groundbreaking Soviet side who provided the core of the national team during their 1980s heyday.

120

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

37. Porto (2002-05) Managers: Jose Mourinho, Victor Fernandez Liga: 2003 🏆, 2004 🏆, 2005 🥈 UEFA Cup: 2003 🏆 CL: 2004 🏆 Intercontinental: 2004 🏆 Completed a shock European double and became the last side from outside the big 4 leagues to claim the Champions League. Dragons roared under Mourinho.

151

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

38. Napoli (1987-90) Manager: Ottavio Bianchi, Alberto Bigon Serie A: 1988 🥈, 1989 🥈, 1990 🏆 UEFA Cup: 1989 🏆 Often regarded as a one-man side, Napoli actually enjoyed a wealth of top talent from Italy and beyond. Having won Serie A in 1987, they claimed European glory and another Scudetto in 1990.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

39. Vasco da Gama 1946-9 Manager: Flávio Costa Carioca: 1947 🏆, 1949 🏆 SA Champ: 1948 🏆 Nicknamed the Victory Express for the way that success followed them, the Vasco side of the 1940s were a special side. Provided the nucleus of the Selecao and boasted a host of incredible players.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

40. Austria Wien (1932-35) Manager: Josef Blum Mitropa Cup: 1933 🏆 Austrian Cup: 1933 🏆 Twice winners of the Mitropa Cup in a four-year span and arguably the Continent’s best team in the pre-war era. The genius of Sindelar helped them overcome Juventus and Inter in 1933.

130

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

41. Atletico Madrid 2013-16 Manager: Diego Simeone Liga: 2014 🏆, 2015 🥉, 2016 🥉 CL: 2014 🥈, 2016 🥈 Desperately close to being twice Champions League winners, Simeone’s side had grit and craft in abundance. Less spectacular than some in the list they compensated with spirit and smarts.

271

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

42. Tottenham (1960-63) Manager: Bill Nicholson League: 1961 🏆, 1962 🥉, 1963 🥈 Cup: 1961 🏆, 1962 🏆 CWC: 1963 🏆 Spurs achieved what was thought impossible in winning the Double in 1961 with a thrilling side. Addition of Greaves provided an even greater goal threat and the trophies kept coming.

230

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

43. Arsenal (2001-04) Manager: Arsene Wenger PL: 2002 🏆, 2003 🥈, 2004 🏆 FA Cup: 2002 🏆, 2003 🏆 Domestic invincibles who fell short on Continental stage. The quality of Wenger’s charges blended English grit with Gallic flair to great effect. Combination of Henry and Bergkamp in attack was lethal.

240

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

44. Millonarios (1950-53) Manager: Adolfo Pedernera League: 1951 🏆, 1952 🏆, 1953 🏆 Mini World Cup: 1953 🏆 For a brief spell Colombia’s El Dorado could attract the game’s leading players. The Ballet Azul played the game with a style and a swagger while claiming trophy after trophy.

140

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

45. Parma (1992-95) Manager: Nevio Scala Serie A: 1993 🥉, 1994 5th, 1995🥉 CWC: 1993 🏆, 1994 🥈 UEFA Cup: 1995 🏆 A side who came from humble beginnings to win multiple European trophies at a time when Serie A ruled. Formidable back line supplemented by brilliance of Zola and Asprilla in attack.

220

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

One of my highlights of the season is the Financial Times’ books of the year edition. And very nice to see @samfr.bsky.social deservedly featured.

010

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

46. Steaua Bucharest (1986-9) Manager: Anghel Iordanescu Divizia A: 1987 🏆, 1988 🏆, 1989 🏆 Cup: 1987 🏆, 1988 🏆, 1989 🏆 EC: 1989 🥈 European Cup winners in 86, Steaua’s state-backed side were actually better in the coming three years after the arrival of Gheorghe Hagi. Totally dominant domestically.

160

Rob Fielder @robfielder.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

47. Boca Juniors (1998-2001) Manager: Carlos Bianchi Primera: 1998 Ap 🏆, 1999 Cl 🏆, 2000 Ap 🏆 Copa Libertadores: 2000 🏆, 2001 🏆 Intercontinental: 2000 🏆 Inspired by the genius of Juan Roman Riquelme, Boca’s turn of the century side were arguably the last S Americans to match Europe’s best.

280