The Best Football Teams in Africa

African football is home to some of the most passionate and successful clubs in the world. From Cairo to Casablanca and Kinshasa to Johannesburg, top teams have built long-lasting legacies with loyal fans, strong histories, and big wins.

Al Ahly SC — The Club of the Century

Al Ahly is one of the most successful African football teams, with a long and proud history. Based in Cairo, Egypt, and founded back in 1907, the team was named the “Club of the Century” by CAF (Confédération Africaine de Football) in 2000, and it’s easy to see why. No other club on the continent has won as many trophies, both at home and in international competitions.

They’ve lifted the CAF Champions League trophy 12 times — in 1982, 1987, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. That last win in 2024 was especially impressive — they went through the whole tournament conceding just one goal.

On the global stadium, Al Ahly has finished third at the FIFA Club World Cup four times: in 2006, 2020, 2021, and 2023. This kind of consistency comes down to smart management, strong coaching, and a team that consistently performs well under pressure.

Over the years, the club has been home to big names like goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and legend Mahmoud El-Khatib. Meanwhile, their fierce rivalry with Zamalek in the Cairo Derby is one of the most heated in football, often so intense that neutral referees are brought in to keep things under control.

Mamelodi Sundowns — South Africa’s Pride

Mamelodi Sundowns is one of the best African teams today. Based in South Africa and founded in the 1970s, the club has won 18 national league titles, including 15 Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophies, the most in the country. They’ve also lifted the Nedbank Cup six times, and won four titles in both the MTN 8 and Telkom Knockout.

Club’s biggest moment came in 2016, when they beat Zamalek of Egypt to win the CAF Champions League, becoming only the second South African team to win the tournament. 

A year later, they also won the CAF Super Cup and became the first team from South Africa to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, finishing sixth. They also became the first African club to win both the men’s and women’s CAF Champions League titles.

Since Patrice Motsepe took ownership in 2004, Sundowns has grown into one of Africa’s top clubs with Percy Tau, Khama Billiat, and Themba Zwane as the leading players. Their training ground in Chloorkop is among the best on the continent, and their yellow and blue uniforms earned them the nickname “The Brazilians”, inspired by Brazil’s national team and the legacy of the best Brazilian football players of all time.

Zamalek SC —The White Knights of Egypt

Zamalek SC is one of the oldest and best football teams in Africa, with players like Hassan Shehata and Farouk Gaafar. Founded in 1911, the Cairo-based team has never been relegated and has won 14 Egyptian Premier League titles.

They’ve also done well in Africa, winning the CAF Champions League five times — in 1984, 1986, 1993, 1996, and 2002 — making them Egypt’s second-best team in international football. Their golden years were in the 1980s and 1990s, when they regularly won both local and global trophies.

Their fans, the White Knights Ultra, are among the loudest in Africa, especially during the Cairo Derby against rivals Al Ahly. CAF actually named Zamalek the most successful African club of the 20th century, with nine international trophies at the time — more than Al Ahly.

Raja Casablanca — Morocco's Green Eagles

Founded in 1949, Raja Club Athletic is one of Morocco’s most successful clubs, with 13 Botola titles and 9 Throne Cups. Nicknamed the Green Eagles for their green uniforms and aggressive playing style, the Casablanca-based team rose to international fame by winning the CAF Champions League three times — in 1989, 1997, and 1999.

Their golden era came in the late 1990s, when they won six straight league titles and were named the third-best African club of the 20th century by CAF. More recently, they added two CAF Confederation Cups (2018, 2021) and two CAF Super Cups (2000, 2019) to the list.

Raja’s fans are among Africa’s loudest, with legendary derby matches against Wydad as well as intense rivalries with Al Ahly and Zamalek.

Wydad Casablanca - The Red Castle

Wydad Athletic Club is one of Morocco’s most famous football teams, with 22 league titles and 9 Throne Cups. Founded in 1937 by members of the independence movement, the club has always had strong ties to the country’s history. Their nickname, The Red Castle, comes from their red uniforms and long-standing presence in Moroccan football.

Wydad has also been a top team in Africa, winning the CAF Champions League in 1992, 2017, and 2022. The 2017 title ended a long wait between victories, while the 2022 win against Al Ahly showed they’re still one of the best teams on the continent.

Home games are played at the Mohammed V Stadium, which they share with city rivals Raja. Meanwhile, Wydad’s fans are known for their energy, choreography, and loud support that often reflect the club’s roots in resistance and social change.

Espérance de Tunis — The Blood and Gold of Tunisia

Espérance Sportive de Tunis is the most successful club in Tunisia, with 31 league titles and four CAF Champions League wins — in 1994, 2011, 2018, and 2019. Founded in 1919, the club is known as The Blood and Gold for its red and yellow colors.

They’ve played in several Champions League finals, including tough losses in 1999, 2000, 2010, and 2012, before finally lifting the trophy again. The club also won the CAF Cup (1997), two CAF Super Cups, and other international trophies.

Espérance plays at the Stade Olympique de Radès, where their fans create one of the loudest and most intense atmospheres during football matches in North Africa. The club’s rivalry with Club Africain in the Tunis Derby is one of the fiercest in the region, and they’ve had many high-stakes battles with top teams from Egypt and Morocco.

TP Mazembe — The Ravens of Lubumbashi

TP Mazembe is the most successful club in Central Africa and one of the top teams on the continent. Known as The Ravens, Mazembe has a huge fanbase across the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Based in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the club has won 5 CAF Champions League titles — in 1967, 1968, 2009, 2010, and 2015 — along with 19 national championships. Their most famous moment came in 2010, when they became the first African team to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, beating Internacional of Brazil before falling to Inter Milan. 

Led by president Moïse Katumbi, the club has built top-level facilities and a strong youth system, setting a new standard for professionalism in African football.

Orlando Pirates — The Buccaneers of Soweto

Orlando Pirates is one of South Africa’s most historic and successful clubs. Founded in 1937, they’ve won 9 league titles and became the first South African team to lift the CAF Champions League, beating ASEC Mimosas in the 1995 final.

Nicknamed The Buccaneers, they play at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, known for its loud and passionate atmosphere. The club has won over 30 major domestic trophies and has millions of supporters across the continent.

Pirates' rivalry with Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby is one of the biggest in world football, often drawing crowds of over 80,000. Beyond the pitch, the club played a huge role in addressing racism, offering pride and hope to local communities.

From legends like Jomo Sono to modern icons like Benni McCarthy, the Pirates have influenced South African football and continue to compete regularly in CAF tournaments.

Best African Football Clubs by Country

To understand African football teams, it helps to look at the strongest clubs from each country. Egypt is upfront, with Al Ahly and Zamalek winning many global titles. Morocco follows, with Wydad and Raja both having long histories of success.

The top African countries and their clubs are:

• Egypt: Al Ahly, Zamalek
• Morocco: Wydad, Raja, FAR Rabat
• South Africa: Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs
• Tunisia: Espérance, Étoile du Sahel
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: TP Mazembe
• Nigeria: Enyimba
• Ghana: Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko
• Cameroon: Canon Yaoundé

Most Successful African Teams in International Competitions

Some African clubs have built a strong reputation by consistently performing well in CAF competitions. Al Ahly is at the top, with the most global trophies of any club in Africa — and even one of the highest in the world.

Zamalek, TP Mazembe, Raja Casablanca, and Esperance have also had great success in Africa, winning major trophies across decades and keeping their names among the elite.

Which African Team Has Won the Most Trophies?

Teams like Al Ahly, TP Mazembe, Espérance, and Mamelodi Sundowns have built their reputation by consistently winning in domestic leagues and carrying that form into CAF competitions. Their efforts and skills show that the strongest teams in Africa often rise from years of local success before making their mark on the global stage.

Current FIFA Rankings of African National Teams

FIFA rankings offer a good look at which African countries are performing well internationally. Morocco leads the way after their historic 2022 World Cup run, where they reached the semifinals. Senegal follows close behind, while Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria round out the top five.

Here’s a quick look at the FIFA ranking of the best present teams in Africa:

However, strong club teams don’t always mean a strong national team. For example, Egyptian clubs often win in Africa, but their national team hasn’t won the Africa Cup of Nations since 2010. On the other hand, recent national team success in Morocco and Senegal has helped boost local leagues and youth development.

African Teams in the FIFA Club World Cup

The FIFA Club World Cup gives top African clubs a chance to face champions from other continents. The CAF Champions League winner usually represents Africa in this tournament.

While no African team has won it yet, there have been some notable moments:

• TP Mazembe reached the final in 2010 — the first African team to do so — beating Brazil’s Internacional before losing to Inter Milan.
• Al Ahly has appeared the most (8 times) and finished third four times (2006, 2020, 2021, 2023).
• Raja Casablanca made it to the 2013 final, knocking out Atletico Mineiro before falling to Bayern Munich.

Looking ahead, Al Ahly, Espérance, and Mamelodi Sundowns have all qualified for the expanded 2025 Club World Cup in the U.S., which will feature 32 teams. It’s a big step for African football and a chance to shine on the world stage.

Final Thoughts on the Best African Football Teams

The best African football clubs have built their legacy through consistent success in both domestic leagues and CAF competitions. Al Ahly, TP Mazembe, Espérance, and others have set high standards, while teams from Morocco, South Africa, and West Africa continue to grow in strength and reputation.

Although North African teams have often led the way, strong performances from clubs across the continent show how competitive African football has become. With more global reach and new tournament formats on the horizon, Africa’s top teams are well-positioned to leave an even bigger mark on world stages.

FAQs on the Football Teams From Africa