Who has won Champions League? All-time winners and facts - ESPN

It doesn't get any bigger in European club soccer than the Champions League.

Established in 1955, the now 36-team tournament features qualifying clubs from the top European leagues. Known as the European Cup until 1992, the annual competition gets underway with three qualifying rounds and a playoff round.

Here's everything to know about the Champions League:

When are Champions League matches played?

The Champions League matches are played between September and January.

How does the Champions League work?

Thirty-six teams each play eight matches against eight different opponents. The top eight clubs in the standings go directly to the round of 16. Teams ranked ninth through 24th go into a knockout playoff. The bottom 12 teams are eliminated.

In the playoff, teams ranked Nos. 9-16 are seeded in the draw to play second legs at home against unseeded teams Nos. 17-24.

Who won the first Champions League title?

Real Madrid won the inaugural Champions League title during the 1955-1956 season. Madrid won the first five league championships.

Who has won the most Champions League titles?

Real Madrid has won the most Champions League titles with 15. AC Milan is second with seven. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are tied for third with six wins apiece.

Most Champions League titles

Real Madrid: 15

AC Milan: 7

Liverpool: 6

Bayern Munich: 6

Barcelona: 5

Ajax: 4

Manchester United: 3

Inter: 3

Juventus: 2

Benfica: 2

Chelsea: 2

Nottingham Forest: 2

Porto: 2

Paris Saint-Germain: 1

Celtic: 1

Hamburg: 1

Steaua Bucharest: 1

Marseille: 1

Borussia Dortmund: 1

Feyenoord: 1

Aston Villa: 1

PSV Eindhoven: 1

Red Star Belgrade: 1

Manchester City: 1

UEFA Champions League winners list

2024-25: Paris Saint-Germain

2023-24: Real Madrid

2022-23: