Best football leagues in Europe outside the Big Five

Europe, the cradle of world football, is not just about the Big Five. A few football leagues outside this group also dominate the football scene, often as underdogs. While not as popular, these lesser-known leagues offer a unique and exciting football experience. 

Lesser-known football leagues in Europe

Dutch Eredivisie

Strongest Team: Ajax

The Dutch Eredivisie, with its rich history and tradition, is a league that often gets overlooked due to the huge popularity of the top five football leagues. However, it’s a league that has been a dominant force in European football for many years, with most of the domestic leagues in Europe being dominated by Dutch players. 

Thank you for all the love & support. ♥️#UCL #OurJourney pic.twitter.com/spwa1zUKa9

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 9, 2019

The most successful club in the Dutch Eredivisie is Ajax, Europe’s most successful Dutch team. Since 1917, Ajax has dominated the Eredivisie, amassing a whopping 31 domestic titles. 

Portuguese Primeira Liga

Strongest Team: Sporting CP

They said that if there was room for more in the elite football leagues in Europe, they would probably put Portugal next to French Ligue 1. Portugal has produced some of the best players in the world, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo. They are also home to the best football coaches, the most successful one being Jose Mourinho. 

In recent years, Sporting CP and Benfica have dominated the Portuguese top flight equally. However, Sporting CP prevailed as the most widely recognized football team in Portugal. 

Turkish Super Lig

Strongest Team: Galatasaray

The Turkish Super League is dubbed the midway point between the high and low standings tables. Teams from the Super Lig have an excellent track record in the pan-European club tournaments. However, the league is notorious for being the place where older players settle down before they retire. 

“Forever in my heart” ❤️

Lucas with a tribute to his mom is everything ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YMtJfjBoJM

— 24x Turkish Champions 🏆 (@Galatasaray) May 26, 2024

The football leagues has improved over the years, adding bits and pieces to build what we now know as one of the most successful tournaments in Europe. While the domestic football leagues leagues field promising teams, they choose Galatasaray to represent the country in major competitions. 

Swiss Super League

Strongest Team: FC Basel

Last year, the top team, FC Basel, from the Swiss Super League, mercilessly defeated Manchester United and went to the Champions League’s knockout stage. However, Bayern Munich cut their celebration short following the loss to the German team. 

The most successful soccer team in the Swiss Super League is FC Basel. Over the past few years, fans have seen the football club’s development. FC Basel has managed to win three championship titles under their name. 

Russian Premier League

Strongest Team: Spartak Moscow

The Russian Premier League is among the world’s most financially successful football leagues. Every year, an average football team in the Russian Premier League has an annual revenue of $1.4 million. While less successful in the competitions than Germany and Spain, their teams are still a staple in the Pan-European tournaments. 

Как настроение, пацаны?#ТрёшкуПристроили pic.twitter.com/HM712Lbd21

— ФК «Спартак-Москва» (@fcsm_official) October 27, 2019

When it comes to the domestic league’s most formidable team, no one can beat Spartak Moscow’s record. Even their close rival, Zenit St. Petersburg, can’t even replicate the success of Spartak Moscow. The squad has collected a total of 10 league titles and 4 Russian Cup trophies. 

Belgian Jupiler Pro League 

Strongest Team: Club Brugge

The top-flight football league in Belgium is the Jupiler Pro League. It is one of the minor leagues that gained traction in the past few years and is now on this list. 

One of the Jupiler Pro League’s unique features is that it consists of two main sections: First Division A and First Division B. The two divisions form a relationship between the English Premier League and the EFL Championship. 

Club Brugge is the most successful team in the domestic league. Club Brugge KV has amassed 16 Belgian Jupiler Pro League championship titles and has twice reached the finals of the European Cup. 

It is said that the UEFA Champions League is the most coveted football competition in Europe. Teams from various football leagues compete in it. The winner of the UEFA Champions League is considered the best team in Europe, well, at least for a year.