For many of us fans, football is greater than life itself. Without football, we’d essentially lose a universal language, a common thread, a unifying force that brings communities all over the world together. Someone living in a traditional rural farming community in Brazil might not have anything in common with a stockbroker in the heart of London, but it’s the love of the “beautiful game” that sets those differences well aside.
With so many countries enamoured with the sport, there are naturally many leagues across the globe. But few have made it to the top of the ranks, classified as the almighty best football leagues. It’s within these leagues that million-dollar trades happen, the most talented players compete, the richest investors invest, and teams win the highest awards in existence.
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So, which leagues have officially become the most prestigious to fans and players alike?
Premier League (England)
The Premier League is a league that footballers would die to play in. Whether they get the chance to play on the oldest team in English football, Nottingham Forest, or the commercial powerhouse of Manchester United, an invitation to the Premier League is considered a real honour. The league has been unquestionably star-studded throughout the decades, hosting the likes of all-rounder Wayne Rooney and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Despite being founded in the 1990s, its reputation in England, Europe, and worldwide is unmatched. The commercialisation was by no means an accident; rather, it was done so effectively that it instantly drew people to the league. Fans could now watch top-class talent in fierce competition, the financial backing was immense, and the history of all of its teams came together to build a one-of-a-kind legacy.
Serie A (Italy)
Serie A is considered one of the best leagues in the world due to its undying commitment to great football. Italy has a deep historical connection to the game, and there are frequent intense and heated debates between the English and the Italians about where the game really originated. Many argue about the origin of the word, formalisation of rules, and whether British expatriates were the ones who popularised football.
But in the end, Italy’s defensive footballing style truly distinguished it from the rest of the world anyway. Serie A is a fantastic representation of that, as while it might not have the “legendary” feel of the Premier League, it’s one of the best. The players and clubs coming out of the league prove this, producing 18 Ballon d’Or winners, second only to La Liga. In the early 2020s, US investors began seeing the potential of Serie A. Nearly half of Serie A teams have North American investors, which could be the start of restoring Italian soccer back to its rightful glory.
La Liga (Spain)
Like Italy’s Serie A, La Liga has world-class talent and a rich history that has won the hearts of fans and pro footballers. It boasts many of the most successful clubs in history, including FC Barcelona, Valencia, and Real Madrid. Real Madrid is currently the record holder for the most UEFA Champions League wins, with 15.
Established in 1929, the league has had plenty of time to bring itself into being. It has hosted some of the greatest football players ever, including Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. In contrast to Italy’s defensive prowess, Spain and La Liga are known for their attacking play style and creative finesse. People respect this sophisticated reputation and tactical mastery, which positions La Liga as a league known for quality football.
Bundesliga
In comparison to most other top-level leagues, the Bundesliga is a relatively younger franchise. But although it was founded in 1963, it is now the football league with the highest average attendance and the sports league with the second-highest average attendance after the NFL. Considering the commercialisation and dominance of the NFL, that’s saying something. Germany lagged behind other countries in terms of establishing its own professional league; it wasn’t until 1949 that semi-professionalism even became a concept.
However, once the league came into its own, it became a heavyweight in the world football scene. What’s special about the Bundesliga is that it’s responsible for nurturing young players, such as Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski, and priming them for the cutthroat pro world. It is also known for its financial sustainability, which has allowed the league to successfully avoid the debts that other leagues have had to deal with.
Saudi Pro League
It might be surprising to see the Saudi Pro League listed among these greats, considering it wasn’t even an internationally recognised league just a few years ago. It was only in 2023 that the league gained international exposure, thanks to the signing of famous players, such as Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. It made headlines with its unbelievable, nearly one billion USD transfer window just before the 2023-2024 season. In total, the league acquired 94 players from the major European leagues, most of whom are mentioned on this list. Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, the Premier League, and France’s Ligue 1 let go of some star players—and the financial returns were substantial.
