Football in Africa continues to grow in stature with vibrant fan bases and highly competitive clubs making waves on the continental stage. As of 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rankings and recent performances highlight which clubs stand as the greatest across Africa.
Al Ahly FC
Al Ahly from Egypt remains the indisputable king of African club football. Al Ahly leads the continent, having secured the CAF Champions League title multiple times in recent years, including four championships in the last six seasons. Their dominance is rooted in strong financial backing, passionate fans, and a consistent high-performance level with an attack averaging over two goals per match and a solid defensive record.
Mamelodi Sundowns
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns ranks second on the continent. Known for their attractive « tiki-taka » style that emphasizes possession, they have been perennial contenders for continental honors. The Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in 2016 and the African Football League in 2023, and they made a strong push in 2025, reaching the CAF Champions League final again. Their near-perfect home record and excellent scouting system keep them a force to be reckoned with.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis
Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis holds third place. This club has a rich continental history and remains a dominant presence in CAF competitions. Their consistent performances over the last five seasons ensure they stay near the top tier of African football.
RS Berkane and Simba SC
Morocco’s RS Berkane, winners of the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup, rank fourth. They have steadily risen to prominence through aggressive and tactical football. Tanzania’s Simba SC is East Africa’s biggest club, ranked fifth. Simba has reached several CAF Champions League quarter-finals recently and was a finalist in the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup, illustrating East Africa’s rising football stature.
Pyramids FC
A newer name on the African football scene, Pyramids FC made a striking impact by winning their first CAF Champions League title in 2025. They are ranked sixth and are quickly becoming a major challenger in Egyptian and continental football, backed by significant investment and an ambitious project that disrupts the established order.
Other Notable African Clubs
- Zamalek SC (Egypt) and Wydad AC (Morocco) continue to maintain their status within the top 10 clubs with strong performances and historical pedigree.
- Algeria’s USM Alger and CR Belouizdad enter the top 10, showing the rise of North African clubs beyond Egypt and Morocco.
Football’s Continental Impact
African football clubs are not only about winning trophies; they represent the passion and spirit of their nations. The constant competitive balance among clubs fosters excitement, as newer teams rise and traditional powers fight to maintain their legacy. As CAF continues to enhance its competitions, the 2025 rankings provide a clear snapshot of power, prestige, and potential across Africa’s football scene.
These clubs highlight the best of African football in 2025, capturing both tradition and emerging forces that make the continent’s football so thrilling and unpredictable.