8 clubs that have won the treble in history

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**Metro**

**Business | Sports | Editorial | Columns | Allure | Sports**

**April 29, 2025**

**8 clubs that have won the treble in history**

**By Adegboyega Adeleye**

The term “treble” in football signifies a team securing three major trophies in a single campaign. A *continental treble* is defined by a club winning its highest-tier domestic league, its primary domestic cup, and its foremost continental competition.

Only eight European sides have accomplished the *continental treble* (which includes only the European Cup or Champions League). These are: Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Inter, Manchester United, Manchester City, and PSV.

Although winning three trophies in a season is a treble, only a combination of the *‘right’ trophies*—a domestic league title, a domestic cup, and the European Cup—qualifies as a legitimate treble in this discussion.

This piece focuses on European clubs, though globally, several teams have achieved treble-winning seasons.

**1. Celtic (1966/67)**

In the 1966–67 campaign, Celtic vied for five trophies and emerged victorious in each: the Scottish League, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, Glasgow Cup, and European Cup—achieving a unique *European Quintuple*.

Known as the *Lisbon Lions*, the team clinched four major trophies in one season: the European Cup, league, domestic cup, and league cup. Their 2-1 triumph over Inter Milan in Lisbon, under Jock Stein’s guidance, marked them as the only side to win that particular combination. They also netted a record 196 goals across official tournaments.

**2. Ajax (1971-72)**

Ajax’s 1971-72 campaign saw them claim the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and European Cup. Additionally, they secured the Intercontinental Cup, making them one of just four clubs to accomplish this feat.

They lost just once all season and were unbeaten at home in all domestic and continental matches. Their 2-0 European Cup final win over Inter Milan solidified their dominant run. Coached by Rinus Michels and led by Johan Cruyff, the side’s famed *Total Football* system left a lasting impact on the game.

**3. PSV Eindhoven (1987-88)**

PSV captured the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and European Cup during the 1987-88 season. This historic achievement was under the leadership of Guus Hiddink, with key contributions from players such as Ronald Koeman, Hans van Breukelen, and Wim Kieft.

They triumphed in the European final following a 0-0 draw, prevailing 6–5 in a penalty shootout.

**4. Manchester United (1998-99)**

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in one season—the first English team to do so.

After a barren previous campaign, the team completed the treble with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Bayern Munich, thanks to a late goal from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the final at the Nou Camp. It was their first European Cup since 1968.

**5. Barcelona (2008-09, 2014-15)**

Barcelona attained the treble in both 2008-09 and 2014-15, led by Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, respectively.

In 2009, they became Spain’s first treble winners by winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League—defeating Manchester United 2-0 in the final. They repeated the feat in 2015, beating Juventus 3-1, and became the first club to do so twice. Key players across both seasons included Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Piqué, Busquets, and Dani Alves.

**6. Inter Milan (2009-10)**

Inter’s 2009-10 season under Jose Mourinho saw them lift the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and Champions League—an Italian first.

A 2-0 final victory over Bayern Munich, courtesy of two goals from Diego Milito, sealed the treble. It was their first European title in 45 years and capped five straight league titles. Inter were the sixth European club to achieve this treble and remain the only Italian side to have done so.

**7. Bayern München (2012-13, 2019-20)**

Bayern Munich achieved the treble in both 2012-13 and 2019-20. Jupp Heynckes led them in 2013, and Hansi Flick in 2020. They became the second club to achieve the treble twice after Barcelona.

They beat Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 final and Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 decider. The 2020 win was especially notable as Bayern won every game en route to the Champions League title—an unprecedented feat.

**8. Manchester City (2022-23)**

City became the eighth team—and second English one after United—to win the treble in 2022-23, by claiming the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Rodri scored the lone goal in the final against Inter Milan, following victories over Manchester United in the FA Cup and an early Premier League title win. Pep Guardiola thus became the first coach to earn two European trebles—one with Barcelona in 2008-09 and another with City in 2022-23.

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