Winning major silverware is the ultimate goal for any football club, yet for some teams, success has remained elusive for decades. While Newcastle United recently ended a 70-year drought with their Carabao Cup victory, several clubs in the Premier League are still waiting to lift a major trophy. Some have never experienced such triumph, while others have seen their last success fade into distant memory.
This article explores which current Premier League sides have endured the longest major trophy droughts.
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Clubs Yet to Win a Major Trophy
A handful of top-flight teams have never won a major competition. These clubs continue to strive for their first taste of success:
- Bournemouth – The Cherries won the Football League Trophy in 1983/84, but this does not classify as a major trophy.
- Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brighton & Brentford – These four clubs have never secured a major piece of silverware in their history. However, Palace, Fulham, Brighton, and Bournemouth remain contenders in this season’s FA Cup, offering a chance to change their fortunes.
Southampton – 48 Years and Counting
The Saints last lifted a major trophy in 1976 when they won the FA Cup. Despite winning the Football League Trophy in 2009/10, they are on the brink of completing half a century without a significant piece of silverware.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – 45 Years of Waiting
March 15, 2025, marked the 45th anniversary of Wolves’ League Cup triumph in 1979/80. Since then, their wait for a major honor has continued, though they did claim the Football League Trophy in 1987/88.
Ipswich Town – 43 Years Without a Major Title
The Tractor Boys last lifted a major trophy in 1980/81 when they won the UEFA Cup. They previously secured the First Division title, but their European success remains their last major triumph.
Nottingham Forest – 34 Years Since Their Last Cup Win
For a club with a rich footballing legacy, Nottingham Forest’s major trophy drought extends to 35 years, with their last triumph coming in the 1989/90 League Cup. While they won the Full Members’ Cup in 1991/92, this competition is not recognized as a major tournament.
Everton – 29 Years Since FA Cup Glory
Everton last lifted a significant trophy in the 1995 FA Cup final. Despite winning the Charity Shield in the same year, their wait for major silverware has now entered its 30th year. Their elimination from this season’s FA Cup means the drought will stretch into a 31st season.
Aston Villa – A 29-Year Gap in Success
Aston Villa’s last major triumph came in the 1995/96 League Cup. With ongoing participation in both the FA Cup and Champions League this season, the club hopes to end their nearly three-decade-long wait for silverware.
Tottenham – 17 Years Since a Trophy Win
Spurs have been the subject of extensive media scrutiny regarding their lack of major honors. Their last trophy came in the 2008 League Cup, when they defeated Chelsea. This season, they have one last chance to break their 17-year drought in the Europa League.
Arsenal – A Relatively Short 4-Year Gap
The Gunners last lifted a major trophy in 2020, when Mikel Arteta led them to FA Cup victory. With the Champions League still within reach this season, Arsenal could end their current four-year wait for silverware.
Leicester City – Last Success in 2021
Leicester City’s historic Premier League title in 2015/16 was followed by another major honor in 2020/21, when they won the FA Cup. It has now been just under four years since that victory.
Chelsea – A Three-Year Wait for Silverware
Chelsea enjoyed a period of dominance in 2021 and 2022, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup under Thomas Tuchel. However, since those triumphs, they have gone three years without a major trophy.
West Ham – Recent European Success
West Ham ended their long wait for silverware in June 2023, when Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic late goal secured the Europa Conference League title. This marked the Hammers’ first major trophy since 1980.
Liverpool – Awaiting Their Next Triumph
Liverpool’s most recent silverware success came in the 2023/24 Carabao Cup. However, with a strong run in the Premier League, they are poised to claim another major honor soon.
Manchester City – Dominance But a 10-Month Gap
Manchester City, despite their recent dominance, have endured a rare trophyless spell since winning the Premier League in 2023/24. With only the FA Cup left to play for this season, Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to add to their collection.
Manchester United – Another FA Cup in Their Sights
Manchester United secured their latest major honor in June 2024, winning the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City. With a chance to lift the Europa League this season, the Red Devils could soon add to their silverware tally.
Read More: Liverpool vs Newcastle: Tactical Analysis – How The Magpies Beat The Reds To Win The League Cup
FAQs
Which Premier League club has the longest major trophy drought?
Newcastle United previously held the longest drought of 70 years until winning the 2024 Carabao Cup. Currently, Southampton has the longest active drought, lasting 48 years since their 1976 FA Cup win.
Which Premier League teams have never won a major trophy?
Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brighton, and Brentford have never won a major trophy in their history.
When did Tottenham Hotspur last win a major trophy?
Tottenham’s last major silverware was the 2008 League Cup, marking a 17-year drought.
How long has Everton gone without winning a trophy?
Everton last won a major trophy in 1995, with the FA Cup victory, meaning they are currently in a 30-year drought.
Which Premier League clubs have won a trophy most recently?
Liverpool and West Ham won silverware in 2023, while Manchester City and Manchester United lifted trophies in 2024.
