Jamesty
In the fast-changing world of professional soccer, where loyalties change and riches rise and fall at an alarming rate, there is a certain respect for the clubs that have been around for a long time. These aren’t just teams; they’re institutions, living museums of the early years of the beautiful game. They have stories and traditions that go back to the World Cup, the Premier League, and even many of the regulations we now take for granted. As we get closer to 2025, now is a good time to honor the pioneers of the game who still inspire us. Come with us on a trip back in time to see the top 10 oldest soccer teams in the world. Each one shows how humble the sport started and how far it has come around the world.
List Of Top 10 Oldest Soccer Teams In The World 2025
1. Sheffield FC
Sheffield Football Club is without a doubt the patriarch of the sport of soccer. There is no room for disagreement. The club was established in 1857, making it the oldest football club still in existence anywhere in the globe. In addition, they were instrumental in the process of formulating the very first regulations of the game themselves. The legacy they have left behind is enormous, serving as a cornerstone around which the entire sport was constructed.
2. Cambridge University AFC
Additionally, Cambridge University AFC has a special place in the annals of soccer history due to the fact that it was founded in the same revolutionary year as Sheffield FC. Despite the fact that its precise establishment date can be contested depending on how club activity is interpreted, it is indisputable that they had a significant impact on the early development of the game, particularly through the “Cambridge Rules” of 1848 and subsequent changes. Numerous individuals believe that their fundamental contributions are on par with Sheffield’s in terms of significance.
3. Lima CFC
Moving beyond the confines of England, we come across Lima CFC, which was founded in the year 1859 in the country of Peru. This football club is delighted to hold the title of being the oldest non-British football club in the world, which is a monument to the early global expansion of the game internationally. Their very existence is evidence of how rapidly the sport was able to capture the hearts and minds of people on many countries.
4. Cray Wanderers
Their durability is extraordinary, having navigated through innumerable changes in the sport, leagues, and cultural developments. They are a genuine representation of local community football. Cray Wanderers FC is a club that has been at the forefront of English football ever since it was first established in 1860. They are based in London.
5. Hallam FC
In the same year, 1860, Hallam FC was established, and it is located in close proximity to Sheffield FC. By virtue of this, they are the second-oldest football club in the world that continues to play at their original ground, Sandygate Road, which is acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the “Oldest Football Ground in the World.” It is the oldest football derby in the history of the sport, and it is between them and Sheffield FC.
6. Notts County
Notts County Football Club was established in 1862, making it the proud owner of the coveted claim of being the world’s oldest professional football club. In the 1880s, they made the shift from amateur to professional, which was a key step in the history of the sport and helped pave the way for the contemporary game that we are familiar with today. The characteristic black and white striped uniform that they wear is a great example.
7. Stoke City FC
The Stoke City Football Club, which was established in 1863, is another mainstay of English football. “The Potters” have been a consistent fixture in the English league system for many years, battling through a variety of divisions and shown incredible tenacity over the course of the decades. They are well-known for their fervent fan base and frequently play a rugged brand of football.
8. Royal Engineers Association FC
A fascinating episode in the history of early football is represented by the Royal Engineers Association Football Club, which was also established in the year 1863. In contrast to the dribbling-focused strategies that were prominent at that era, they were the pioneers of the passing game. They were comprised of officers from the Royal Engineers. In addition to that, they were the winners of the very first FA Cup.
9. Civil Service FC
The London Civil Service Football Club is yet another club that has significant origins in the amateur game. The club was established in 1863. They are unrivaled in that they continue to operate as an amateur club to this day, steadfastly preserving the spirit of the sport as it was originally intended. They are very admirable for their dedication to amateurism in a society that is increasingly professionalized.
10. Wrexham FC
The Wrexham Athletic Football Club is the third oldest professional club in the world and the oldest football club in Wales. They were founded in 1864, making them the oldest football club in Wales’ history. Their recent comeback, which was spurred by Hollywood ownership, has gained them recognition on a global scale; yet, their history is much more extensive and dates back to the very beginning of organized football.
