Top 10 Best Soccer Leagues In The World Ranked (2024)

Primeira Liga trophy Best Soccer Leagues on the world
FC Porto’s Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao (C) and his players celebrate with the Primeira Liga trophy after winning the Portuguese league football match between FC Porto and GD Estoril Praia at the Dragao stadium in Porto on May 14, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Soccer, or football as it’s known outside of North America, is not just a game—it’s a global passion that unites people across continents.

It may because of its thrilling matches, legendary players, and heart-stopping moments, nevertheless, soccer has a way of creating stories and legends that resonate with fans around the world.

However, amidst the plethora of soccer leagues that span the globe, a few stand out for their quality, competitiveness, and the sheer talent they attract.

These elite leagues are often the subject of heated debate among fans and experts alike, who argue about which one deserves the crown of the world’s best.

Although there are many league competitions spread across the globe, but today we will be looking at 10 of the best soccer leagues in the world (ranked).

1. English Premier League 

 

English Premier League best soccer leagues in the world ranked 2024 BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: The official Premier League match ball by Nike during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 17, 2024 in Burnley, England.
(Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

The English Premier League (EPL) is arguably the best league competition in the world.

The Premier League is regarded as the best because of its high level of excitement, popularity, and skill. 

Since it was rebranded in 1992, the league has become renowned for its breathtaking goals and end-to-end entertaining matches that seem never to stop. 

Many of the teams in the league, like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, have a huge international following from across the globe, which further adds to the league’s prestige and popularity.

Another reason why the Premier League is the best soccer league in the world is that it is the most lucrative league in the world, with annual revenues of a staggering £1.8 billion.

The English Premier League prize money is one of the highest in the world.

This amount is the fourth highest of any sports league in the world, behind the NFL, MLB, and NBA, which boast higher revenues.

Furthermore, the Premier League is said to be one of the toughest and most physically demanding leagues in the world.

All the teams always go toe-to-toe with each other and are able to cause an upset, which also makes it the most competitive soccer league in the world.

Furthermore, the Premier League prize money is one of the highest among any soccer leagues globally.

2. Spanish La Liga

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid best soccer rivalries in the world ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 29: Players scuffle after Frenkie de Jong #21 of FC Barcelona is shown a yellow card during the first half of the pre-season friendly match against Real Madrid at AT&T Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The La Liga is another highly respected and regarded soccer league because of the high level of skill on display. 

The exploits of their teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla in UEFA club competitions further boosted the profile of the league. 

The derby match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, dubbed El Clásico, is usually one of the most watched matches in the football calendar. It is also considered one of the fiercest soccer rivalries  in history.

While many agree that the English Premier League is the best soccer league in the world, there’s no denying that the best players play in La Liga.

Most of the Ballon d’Or Winners have emerged from the La Liga.

Furthermore, La Liga teams have dominated all the international and continental club trophies.

3. German Bundesliga

German Bundesliga best soccer leagues in the world ranked BOCHUM, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich looks dejected following the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and FC Bayern München at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on February 18, 2024 in Bochum, Germany.
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

This is another very good league competition with good support and followership. 

As of 2024, the German Bundesliga continues to be celebrated as one of the best soccer leagues in the world for several compelling reasons.

The league is known for its high attendance figures, with fans flocking to stadiums to support their teams in a vibrant and electric atmosphere.

This passionate fan culture is a testament to the deep-rooted love for the game in Germany.

The Bundesliga is also well known for its high level of technical football mixed with entertainment.

Some of the world’s best players also play in this league. 

Munich giants Bayern have by far been the most dominant team in the league. They are also one of the soccer team with the most trophies in history.

They have won a lot of European trophies compared to many other football leagues.

4. Italian Serie A

Victor Osimhen best young strikers in the world 2023
(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Established in 1898, the Italian Serie A is one of the oldest soccer leagues in the world.

The Italian top-flight has always been one of the best football leagues, as it led the UEFA ranking from 1986 to 1988 and from 1990 to 1999.

The Serie A is a very tough and highly technical league.

The football played in the league is not as fast-paced in comparison to other mentioned leagues, but its tactical aspects test the best of footballers.

Many great historical clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli, and AC Milan play in the league.

It is also one of the most competitive soccer leagues in the world.

The matches are highly unpredictable and entertaining.

5. French Ligue 1

Ousmane Dembele best wingers in the world LYON, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 03: Ousmane Dembele #10 of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain at Groupama Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Lyon, France2023
. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

The top French league has, in recent times, tried to grow its profile, especially since the introduction of money into the competition through Qatari and Russian businessmen, who own and run clubs like Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.

The French Ligue has attracted many top footballers to their league. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Dmitri Payet, and Gianluigi Donnarumma all play in France.

Ligue 1 is also seen as good breeding growing for young players.

Many of the established soccer players in Europe started their careers in Ligue 1.

6. Portuguese Primeira Liga

Portugal Primera division best soccer leagues in the world FC Porto's Brazilian forward #30 Evanilson Barbosa (R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with FC Porto's Argentine midfielder #22 Alan Varela during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and SC Braga at the Dragao stadium in Porto, on January 14, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)
(Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Though not as big as its counterparts, the Primeira Liga is still a top league when it comes to a high level of play and entertainment value.

The Portuguese League was established in 1934 and currently boasts of some of the best footballers in Europe.

Top teams like FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon dominate the league. These three teams – Benfica (37 wins), Porto (30 wins), and Sporting CP (19 wins) – have won all but two Primeira Liga titles.

The two other winners were Belenenses in the 1945/46 season and Boavista in the 2000/01 season.

In addition, the Primeira Liga has produced some of the most sought-after players in the transfer window.

7. Belgian Pro League 

Toby Alderweireld highest-paid players in the Belgian Pro League
(Photo by Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)

The Belgian Pro League or Belgian First Division A is the oldest association soccer league in continental Europe.

The league was formed in 1895.

RSC Anderlecht is the most successful football club in the Belgian league with 34 titles, followed by Club Brugge KV, who have 18 titles, Union Saint-Gilloise have 11, and Standard Liège have 10. 

The top-tier Belgian league is a good league that gives the platform to young players, especially from Africa, to showcase their skill set.

It’s a great league to start your career if you’re just moving to Europe for the first time.

8. Dutch Eredivisie

Dušan Tadić highest paid players in the Dutch Eredivisie
(Photo by Rene Nijhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

The Eredivisie is the top tier of professional football in the Netherlands.

It was founded in 1956 and is currently contested by 18 teams. The team with the most Eredivisie titles is Ajax.

The Dutch league is another league renowned for grooming young players into becoming tomorrow’s superstars.

The league is highly tactical and technical but also has great entertainment value.

Ajax Amsterdam, PSV, and Feyenoord dominate the competition.

They have also impressed in continental competitions, as well as producing some of the best talents in Europe.

The Dutch Eredivisie has secured lucrative television and sponsorship deals, which have increased its visibility and financial muscle.

This, in turn, allows for further investment in the league’s infrastructure, talent, and global marketing efforts.

9. Turkish Super Lig

Mauro Icardi Galatasaray highest-paid football players in the Turkish League
(Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images)

The Turkish Super Lig, also known as the Süper Lig, is the top tier of professional football in Turkey.

The league was founded in 1959 and currently consists of 18 teams. 

It doesn’t have quite the same high level of play compared to other top leagues, but that doesn’t stop the fierce competitiveness of the league. 

The financial remunerations are good enough to attract a few decent talents to the league. Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas are some of the top teams in the Super Lig.

10. Major League Soccer

Lionel Messi Inter Miami CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF against FC Cincinnati in the semi-finals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

 

When Lionel Messi joined the MLS last year, it automatically became one of the best soccer leagues in the world.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.

It was founded in 1996 and currently has 29 teams, with plans to expand to more teams in the future.

Since its debut in the mid-1990s, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

The league has steadily improved its brand and popularity thanks to the constant influx of investment and appreciable football talent, especially from Europe, which has improved the level of the league in every way. 

Teams like LA Galaxy, Miami FC, New York City FC and Seattle Sounders are becoming global household names.

We should not forget about the famous New York Red Bulls team from Major league soccer. Led by Manager Bob Bradley, this team has been one of the most successful franchises in MLS history.

Known for their aggressive, attacking style of play, they have won numerous trophies including multiple Supporters Shields and reached the MLS Cup Final in 2008.

The top MLS clubs are also attracting many of the best players in Europe.

The MLS regular season runs from March to October, with the top teams advancing to the playoffs and the MLS Cup championship game in November.

With the calibre of players in the MLS, there is no doubt that it could go higher among the best soccer leagues in the world.

The league has become a destination for international soccer stars nearing the end of their careers, but more recently, it has also begun to attract younger talent from abroad.

Moreover, the MLS is investing in homegrown talent through its academy systems, leading to an uptick in quality domestic players making their mark in the league.

Other Top Soccer Leagues In The World 

Here are some of the best soccer leagues in the world that deserve a notable mention:

11. Campeonato Brasileiro Série A – Brazil

12. Liga MX – Mexico

13. Russian Premier League – Russia

14. Argentine Primera División Argentina

15. Saudi Pro League – Saudi Arabia 

16. Scottish Premiership – Scotland

17. EFL Championship – England

18. Danish SuperLiga – Denmark

19. Ukrainian Premier League – Ukraine

20. Super League Greece – Greece

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