From its inception in 2021, the UEFA Conference League has quickly established itself as a vibrant and unpredictable tournament, providing a stage for clubs from across the continent to chase European glory. While the Champions League and Europa League have their storied histories, the Conference League has already created its own legacy, giving fans thrilling moments, underdog stories, and a new set of champions to celebrate.
As the fifth edition of the competition gets underway, let's take a look back at the four teams who have etched their names into the history books as winners.
2022: AS Roma, The Inaugural Kings
The first-ever Conference League final in Tirana, Albania, was a historic occasion, and it was AS Roma who rose to the challenge. Led by the tactical mastermind José Mourinho, Roma faced a strong Feyenoord side in a tense final. The match was a classic Mourinho affair, with Roma’s defense holding firm under pressure. The decisive moment came in the 32nd minute when Nicolo Zaniolo, with a moment of individual brilliance, chested down a long ball from Gianluca Mancini and poked it past the goalkeeper. The 1-0 victory was a monumental achievement, not just for the club, but for Italian football as a whole, marking their first major UEFA title in over a decade. The win also made Mourinho the first manager to have won all three existing major UEFA club competitions.
2023: West Ham United's Emotional Victory
The 2023 final in Prague saw West Ham United end a 58-year wait for a major European trophy. The Hammers took on Fiorentina in a fiercely contested match that came to life in the second half. Saïd Benrahma broke the deadlock with a penalty in the 62nd minute, but the lead was short-lived as Giacomo Bonaventura equalized for the Italian side just five minutes later. The game seemed destined for extra time until a moment of pure magic in the final minute. Lucas Paquetá threaded a perfect through-ball to Jarrod Bowen, who raced clear and calmly slotted home the winner, sending the West Ham fans into raptures. The image of captain Declan Rice lifting the trophy in his final game for the club remains one of the most iconic images of the competition's young history.
2024: Olympiacos's Historic Triumph
In a final that was particularly special due to being played on home soil in Athens, Olympiacos delivered a historic victory for Greek football. Facing Fiorentina—who were making their second consecutive appearance in the final—the match was a cagey affair. The game went into extra time with both teams unable to find a breakthrough in regular time. However, in the 116th minute, Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi, who had been a revelation throughout the tournament, scored a dramatic late winner with a header. The goal not only secured a 1-0 victory but also sealed Olympiacos's place as the first-ever Greek club to win a major European trophy. The home crowd’s explosion of joy captured the spirit of the Conference League perfectly—a new tournament, new heroes, and historic firsts.
2025: Chelsea Completes the Set
The 2025 final in Wrocław, Poland, was a defining moment for Chelsea, who completed the unique "clean sweep" of all major European club trophies. After a challenging domestic season, the Blues faced a determined Real Betis side. The Spanish team took a surprise lead through Abde Ezzalzouli, and Chelsea found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime. However, the second half saw a completely different Chelsea team emerge. Enzo Fernández's equalizer was followed by a header from Nicolas Jackson, before goals from Jadon Sancho and Moisés Caicedo sealed a dominant 4-1 victory. The win provided a much-needed morale boost and signaled a positive end to the season, with new manager Enzo Maresca crediting the win as a potential turning point for the team's "winner mentality."
The Current Campaign: Looking Ahead to the Fifth Champion
As we look to the 2025-26 season, the Conference League continues to grow in stature and excitement. The competition has introduced a new league phase format, with 36 teams vying for a place in the knockout rounds. The competition is currently in the midst of its third qualifying round, with some intriguing matchups already taking shape.
Early contenders have emerged from some of Europe’s most competitive leagues, but the beauty of this tournament is its unpredictability. Will a familiar face from a major league lift the trophy? Or will another underdog story unfold, creating a new set of heroes and adding another chapter to this burgeoning European competition? The final, set to take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, on May 27, 2026, promises another unforgettable night of football.