Overview
The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is the most prestigious club competition in the world. Organized by UEFA, it began in 1955 as the European Cup and was rebranded in 1992.
Early History (1955–1992)
The first tournament was dominated by Real Madrid, who won the first five titles. Originally, it was a pure knockout competition.
- 1956 — First UCL; Real Madrid wins
- 1960 — Madrid beats Frankfurt 7–3
- 1967 — Celtic wins as first British champion
Modern Era (1992–Present)
UCL was rebranded in 1992, introducing group stages + broadcasting revolution. Since then, the format has expanded and global popularity exploded.
- 1992 — New format begins
- 2008–2012 — Barcelona era
- 2016–2022 — Real Madrid dominance
Most Successful Clubs
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 15 |
| AC Milan | 7 |
| Liverpool | 6 |
| Bayern Munich | 6 |
| Barcelona | 5 |
Selected Finals
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Liverpool | AC Milan | Istanbul |
| 2009 | Barcelona | Manchester United | Rome |
| 2013 | Bayern | Dortmund | London |
| 2015 | Barcelona | Juventus | Berlin |
| 2022 | Real Madrid | Liverpool | Paris |