London is a city primarily known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling urban life and historical landmarks. However, it also boasts an impressive football scene and is the home to a diverse array of clubs that span across the full English football pyramid.
From well-known giants like Chelsea and Arsenal to the underdogs of Brentford and Charlton Athletic, each team crafts an essential part of the the intricate football tapestry of London. In this blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into the 18 football clubs that call London their home.
Chelsea
Based in Fulham and founded in 1905, Chelsea Football Club play their home games at the iconic Stamford Bridge stadium. Known for their iconic blue kit, the club has a rich history filled with Premier League, FA Cup and even Champions League silverware. Chelsea have a consistent ability to attract world-class talent from around the world, even when the club goes through rough patches.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur, more commonly referred to as Spurs, have been a staple of North London football since 1882. Playing in the newly built Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the club has a strong following not only in London but across the world. Despite having never won a Premier League trophy, Spurs have a long history of success in cup competitions, specifically the FA Cup, which they have won eight times.
Arsenal
As one of London’s most successful and historic clubs, Arsenal is a football club that speak for themselves. With 13 top division titles and a record 14 FA Cups to their name, the Gunners play their home matches at the Emirates Stadium which currently seats 60,000 fans. With a passionate fan base and a commitment to attacking football, Arsenal has been home to numerous legendary players, including Thierry Henry, Denis Bergkamp and Robert Pires to name a few.
Fulham
Founded in 1879, Fulham is one of London’s oldest clubs. Craven Cottage, their historic stadium, is an iconic venue with a unique charm. Known for their yo-yo existence between the Premier League and the Championship, Fulham have a dedicated following and a reputation for nurturing young talents.
Crystal Palace
Based in South London, Crystal Palace are another big London team with rich history. The club plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, a stadium known for its passionate fan base and lively atmosphere. Palace were founded in 1906, and since then have attracted some top talent which has allowed them to become a mainstay in the Premier League in recent years.
Charlton Athletic
Founded in 1905, Charlton Athletic play their home games at The Valley. The South East London based team have a rich history and have even enjoyed spells at the top level of the English football pyramid, the Premier League. Known for their community involvement, Charlton holds a special place in the heart of many local fans.
Millwall
Milwall, established in 1885, are a club that are known for their storied history and passionate, loyal fanbase. This is a team that are of course primarily known for their gritty, no-nonsense style of play but Millwall remain competitive in the Championship, with aspirations of climbing higher. Their home ground, The Den, often provides a difficult challenge for any visiting opposition.
Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers (QPR), founded in 1882, are based in West London and play at Loftus Road. Known for their vibrant blue and white hoops, QPR have had fluctuating spells between the Premier League and Championship. Their history includes memorable cup runs and a long-standing commitment to attacking football.
Brentford
Brentford F.C., commonly known as the Bees, were founded in 1889 and have recently risen to prominence by earning a spot in the Premier League. Based in West London, their modern Brentford Community Stadium has become a fortress. The club have a philosophy centred on smart recruitment and a data-driven approach, which many people believe have attributed their success to in recent years.
West Ham United
Known as The Hammers, West Ham United was established in 1895 and play at the London Stadium in East London. The club is famous for its academy, often dubbed “The Academy of Football,” producing legends like Bobby Moore and Frank Lampard. West Ham has a loyal fan base and a proud history, including FA Cup triumphs and memorable Premier League campaigns.
Watford
While often debated whether they’re a London club, Watford deserve a mention due to their proximity and connection to the capital. Founded in 1881, Watford are based in Hertfordshire and play at Vicarage Road. Known for their passionate fans and fighting spirit, they also regularly battle between the Premier League and Championship.
Barnet
Barnet Football Club, established in 1888, have played most of their football in the lower levels of the English football pyramid but have a rich history and dedicated local following nevertheless. The Bees play their home games at The Hive Stadium and engage heavily with the local population through their community programs
Dagenham & Redbridge
Formed through a series of mergers, most notably in 1992, Dagenham & Redbridge are based in East London. The club now compete in the National League, playing their home games at Victoria Road.
Sutton United
Sutton United, founded in 1898, are based in South London and play at Gander Green Lane which holds about 7,000 spectators. After a long history in non-league football, Sutton United were promoted to the English Football League in 2021, now competing in League Two.
Bromley
Bromley Football Club, founded in 1892, calls Hayes Lane in South London home. Now competing in the National League, the club have gradually built a steady, enthusiastic following of local fans. Bromley’s rise through the ranks of non-league football has been a testament to their perseverance and passion.
Wealdstone
Wealdstone Football Club were founded in 1899 and are based in Harrow, playing their home games at Grosvenor Vale. The club achieved notable success in the 1980s, becoming the first club to win the FA Trophy and now play their football in the National League. Wealdstone have also become known in recent years for their passionate group of supporters known as the “Wealdstone Raiders“.
Welling United
Welling United, also known as “The Wings,” were formed in 1963 and are based in South East London, playing at Park View Road. The club has a rich history in non-league football and are celebrated for their underdog spirit and loyal fanbase. Welling United have carved out a niche in the heart of their local community.
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon, the newest club on our list, were founded in 2002 as a result of the the controversial relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes, where it became Milton Keynes Dons. Despite their relatively young age, the club has enjoyed a incredible rise through the English football pyramid, currently competing in EFL League Two.
So there you have it, the 18 London clubs that are playing in the top levels of the English football pyramid. Who’s your favourite team?