**Manchester United’s ’99 Treble Triumph Voted Greatest Football Team, Surpassing Barcelona and Brazil**
Manchester United’s famed 1998-99 treble-winning team has been named the greatest football side of all time, eclipsing other legendary outfits such as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and Brazil’s 1970 World Cup champions. This accolade comes after a comprehensive poll conducted by OLBG, which canvassed the opinions of 2,000 football supporters from across the UK.
The poll placed Sir Alex Ferguson’s United squad—celebrated for capturing the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League all within a single historic season—at the very summit of football greatness. In a remarkably tight contest, United edged ahead of Barcelona’s 2008–2012 team, renowned for their intricate passing game and led by the mesmerising trio of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta.
Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winners, often hailed for their breathtaking style and relentless attacking flair spearheaded by Pelé, found themselves in third spot. Liverpool’s all-conquering side from the late 1970s and early 1980s also featured prominently, securing fourth place after their decade-long dominance in English and European football.
The study brought together an illustrious list of club and international squads, inviting fans to think about who would come out on top in imaginary knockout battles. In addition to United and Barcelona, Real Madrid’s fabled 1955-60 team—which lifted five successive European Cups—was included, highlighting their longstanding legacy. Curiously, Real Madrid appeared twice in the final rankings, underscoring their multiple dynasties.
Several other English outfits made the top 20, including Arsenal’s unbeaten “Invincibles” of 2003-04 and the more recent treble-winning Manchester City team of 2022-23. OLBG’s poll has since been used as a foundation for a fan-driven knockout-style tool, letting supporters pick hypothetical winners and debate the merits of football’s finest ever sides.
Jake Ashton, football editor for OLBG, noted: “Football history is filled with remarkable teams, both club and international, who have enjoyed spells of supremacy. Club sides may dominate consistently for half a decade or more, whereas international teams tend to shine brightest during specific tournaments, like Brazil’s magical World Cup runs.”
The poll also found that Spain’s 2008-2012 outfit—who conquered Europe and the world, winning two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup—remained a much-admired force. France’s late ‘90s to early 2000s squad, who scooped both World and European titles, claimed a place among the elite as well.
Beyond team rankings, the survey delved into what makes a football team truly great. Approximately 73 percent of respondents pointed to entertainment value, while 66 percent cited inspirational teamwork. Playing style, cited by 60 percent, was also a decisive factor in how teams captured the imagination and passion of the public.
Reflecting the perpetual club-versus-country debate, the findings revealed a divided fanbase: close to half said they preferred club football’s traditions and stories, with 36 percent stating they would rather witness their club win major silverware, compared with the 26 percent who’d opt for national team glory.
Opinion was evenly split on which would triumph in a fantasy clash between the ultimate international and best club teams, with a narrow preference shown for the club line-up, by a margin of just 2 percent.
Asked to break down the vital ingredients for footballing greatness, fans placed skill and talent first (64 percent), followed by teamwork (61 percent) and consistency (56 percent). Jake Ashton aptly summed up the ongoing discussion: “The debate about who is football’s finest side has the power to unite and divide in equal measure. Whether it’s Brazil’s stylish 1970s squad, Guardiola’s sublime Barcelona, or Arsenal’s season of invincibility—everyone carries their own cherished memories and loyalties.”
He continued, “Ultimately, football’s enduring appeal isn’t limited to silverware or statistics. It’s about the memories, passion and those unforgettable moments that made us fall in love with the game.”
**The Top 20 Sides, as ranked by the poll:**
1. Manchester United (1998–99)
2. Barcelona (2008–12)
3. Brazil (1970)
4. Liverpool (1975–84)
5. Real Madrid (1955–60)
6. Spain (2008–12)
7. Arsenal (2003–04)
8. Manchester City (2022–23)
9. Manchester United (1966–68)
10. Real Madrid (1984–90)
11. France (1998–2000)
12. Manchester City (2017–18)
13. Brazil (1982)
14. Barcelona (1993–94)
15. AC Milan (1988–90)
16. Nottingham Forest (1978–80)
17. Bayern Munich (1973–76)
18. Ajax (1971–73)
19. West Germany (1972–74)
20. France (1982–86)
This latest poll is certain to fuel more nostalgic debates and pub arguments as football fans continue to celebrate the beautiful game’s most iconic teams and storied chapters.