Top World Football Club Rankings – November 2021 International Break
The world’s best football clubs ranking
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain holds a 10-point lead in France’s Ligue 1. They were built to win the Champions League though and anything less will be a failure. Newly acquired Sergio Ramos should return from injury after the break. If he gets back into top form, their defensive unit will be as intimidating as their star-studded attack. They beat Man City in their last meeting and play them again in the Champions League on Nov. 24.
#2 Chelsea
It will be hard for Chelsea to equal the success of last season. If they can stay in first place in the world’s top domestic competition, winning the Premiership, it will be mission accomplished. They are three points ahead of Man City and have played better than them in the Premier League, and have a far superior goal differential. They should easily qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
#3 Manchester City
Always a pleasure to watch, Manchester City dominates possession in every game they play. They have a very deep squad and are also expecting to win the Champions League. Even when they lose they still look like the more dominant team. They are three points behind Premier League-leading Chelsea. They should play in the Champions League knockout phase again and are jockeying with PSG to try and win their group.
#4 Bayern Munich
Averaging close to four goals per game is an amazing statistic, and makes them Europe’s most dominant attacking club. The Bundesliga champions give new meaning to attack from the back with keeper Manuel Neuer and left-back Alphonso Davies adding some offensive flair. They should easily win the Bundesliga and should be considered a favourite to win the Champions League.
#5 Real Madrid
Perennial contenders Real Madrid are the strongest team in Spain. They are only a point back from the top spot in La Liga with a game in hand over Real Sociedad. Real Madrid is topping their Champions League group and should easily qualify for the knockout phase in early 2022. They are definitely early favourites to win La Liga this year.
#6 West Ham United
The Hammers have rocketed up this chart with a decisive home victory over Liverpool on November 7. This leaves them tied for second place with Manchester City, only three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. It will be a dream come true for the East Londoners if they continue this pace and qualify for the Champions League. They are far exceeding expectations for their season thus far.
#7 Liverpool
Until November 7 Liverpool had not lost a competitive match in seven months. West Ham United prevented them from breaking an all-time club record unbeaten streak, as well as overtaking Liverpool in the Premier League standings. They are perfect in the Champions League so far with four wins and should do well in the knockout phase in 2022.
#8 Atletico Madrid
The defending La Liga champions are behind the pace they set last season. They’re in fourth spot in Spain but still within striking distance of a repeat title. Their biggest challenger and main rival Real Madrid are four points ahead in La Liga. Having lost both Champions League matches to Liverpool, they will be challenged to make the knockout phase.
#9 Arsenal
Arsenal is enjoying a great stretch of play over the last couple of months, they haven’t lost since August 28. They’re not preoccupied with playing European matches, which should help them to finish higher in the Premier League than they have in the last few years. Arsenal is in fifth place in the Premier League at the November international break. Things might finally be falling into place for the Gunnars.
#10 Manchester United
It’s been a tough season for Manchester United. Being blown out 5-0 against Liverpool on October 24 was perhaps an all-time low. They didn’t look very good against Man City on November 6 losing 2-0. They’ve looked good in the Champions League, however, it’s going to be a challenge for them to play there next year. They’re in sixth place in the Premier League now, outside of next year’s Champions League qualification.
#11 Napoli
Napoli is looking to win their first Serie A title since Diego Maradonna led them to glory over 30 years ago. They are level on points at the top of the Italian league with AC Milan, and seven points ahead of Inter. They look like legitimate Serie A title contenders and are playing well in the Europa League, also topping their group. Napoli has only conceded four goals in 12 Serie A matches.
#12 AC Milan
Hoping to win their first Serie A title since 2011, AC Milan are running level with Napoli atop the Italian league. They had a chance to take first spot at the international break with a win over city rivals Inter but could not put them away. They have disappointed in the Champions League and will not make the knockout round. Perhaps they will have more luck in the Europa League in 2022.
#13 Inter Milan
Far off the pace they set for themselves last season, Inter Milan will likely have to be satisfied earning a top-four Champions League qualification spot. Losing their top striker Romelu Lukaku was tough, however, Inter still lead the league in goals scored. They competed very evenly with AC Milan and even outplayed them in parts of their 1-1 draw on November 7. Inter look likely to be headed for the Champions League group stage as well in 2022.
#14 Ajax
Despite playing outside of Europe’s big five leagues, Ajax is too good to leave off this list. They’ve only allowed two goals in 12 Eredivisie matches. They’re a perfect four wins in four Champions League matches, including two decisive wins over Borussia Dortmund. They will be playing in the Champions League knockout phase. Perhaps they will be the surprise team again by eliminating a favourite and turning some heads.
#15 Borussia Dortmund
Erling Haland is vital towards the success of this Dortmund. Unfortunately, he’s injured and won’t be returning until early December. So far this season Haland has nine goals in six Bundesliga matches. Dortmund are in second place, only four points behind Bayern Munich atop the German league standings. They should still qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League but were disappointed to lose twice to Ajax.
#16 Sevilla
Level on points with Real Madrid and only a point back of Real Sociedad, Sevilla are hoping this is the season they will finally win La Liga. They’ve only won La Liga once, back in 1946 so if they hoist the La Liga trophy it would be a massive accomplishment. They are playing poor in the Champions League though and could be headed for the Europa League in 2022. Seeing they’ve won the Europa League six times, more than any other club, it might be the best option for them.
#17 Real Sociedad
Winning their match on November 7 left Real Sociedad one point ahead of the La Liga standings at the November international break. However, Real Madrid and Sevilla both have a game in hand on them. Real Sociedad have only won La Liga twice, back in 1981 and 1982, and it would be hard to see them finish ahead of Real Madrid. They haven’t lost since the first game of the season against Barcelona on August 15th.
#18 Juventus
Juventus are playing very poorly in Serie A considering their high standards. They have a strong lineup with players most clubs couldn’t afford and should be winning more games. Look for them to turn things around in Italy after the international break. Juventus are playing outstanding in the Champions League though, having won all four of their matches including a win over Chelsea. They’ve already clinched a spot in the Champions League knockout phase in early 2022.
#19 Atalanta
Although they are in fourth place in Serie A, it would be hard to say Atalanta are better than Juventus. Although ahead of Juventus in Serie A, Atalanta isn’t in a spot to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase yet. They face a decisive battle against Villareal on December 8, which would likely see the winner advance to the knockout phase. Their match against Juventus on November 27 should give us an indication of who’s the better Italian league team. Atalanta would be very happy to end the season in fourth place in Italy’s Serie A.
#20 Barcelona
Barcelona is having one of the worst starts to a season they’ve had in a quarter-century. Despite this, they still have a ton of talent on this club. Sacking Ronald Koeman this week in place of club legend Xavi Hernandez should see Barcelona turn things around in a hurry. They are still in a position to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase in 2022. I just can’t see this talented team missing out on the Champions League next year.
