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The Complete History Of UEFA Conference League Winners
The UEFA Conference League may be the newest addition to European club competitions.
But in just a few seasons it has already delivered drama, memorable finals, emerging stars,s and historic achievements. Launched in 2021 as UEFA’s third-tier tournament. The competition has quickly become a staple of the football calendar, offering clubs across Europe a fresh route to continental glory.
As Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano prepare to contest the 2025/26 final. This is the perfect moment to revisit the winners, records, and defining milestones that have shaped this young competition.
A New Era in European Football
The Conference League was introduced to expand UEFA’s competitive structure, providing more clubs from a wider range of nations the opportunity to compete on the European stage.
Since its debut season, the tournament has grown in reputation, delivering fiercely contested finals and giving fans a chance to see rising clubs and players shine.
Despite its short history, the tournament has already produced iconic nights and historic firsts. The level of competition has made it a must-watch fixture each year. It proves that even Europe’s third-tier trophy can capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
Season-by-Season Winners
AS Roma team celebrating their victory in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League Final in 2022.
The inaugural champions were Roma in 2021/22, edging Feyenoord 1–0 in a tight final. West Ham United followed in 2022/23, defeating Fiorentina 2–1 to deliver a long-awaited European trophy to East London.
The Italian side returned to the final the next year but fell once again, losing 1–0 after extra time to Olympiacos in 2023/24.
Chelsea dominated the 2024/25 edition, powering past Real Betis with a commanding 4–1 victory. Should Crystal Palace triumph in the upcoming 2025/26 final England would extend its growing legacy in the competition.
Club and Country Dominance
England has emerged as the most successful nation so far. With two Conference League champions West Ham and Chelsea.
This position could strengthen further if Crystal Palace overcomes Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
Fiorentina, despite their strong showings, have become the competition’s unluckiest club. Two consecutive finals and two defeats place them at the top of the list for most appearances without lifting the trophy a stat Italian fans will hope is reversed in the future.
The Tournament’s Individual Records
The Conference League has also produced standout individual performers. Mikael Ishak holds the record for the most goals scored in the tournament proper with 13.
Arthur Cabral leads the all-time tally when qualifying rounds are included, with an impressive 21 goals.
Ayoub El Kaabi’s extraordinary 11-goal haul for Olympiacos in the 2023/24 season remains the highest single-season total. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr has scored nine goals for the current campaign. Which offers him a chance to write his name into the record books should he strike in the final.
Chelsea’s Historic 2025 Milestone
Chelsea F.C. won the 2025 UEFA Conference League final by defeating Spanish club Real Betis 4–1.
Chelsea’s triumph in 2024/25 was more than just another European title. Their victory cemented them as the first club in football history to complete the full set of major UEFA trophies. The Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-discontinued Cup Winners’ Cup.
This achievement marks a unique milestone that shows the richness of their continental pedigree.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Final
The 2026 UEFA Conference League final will be staged on Wednesday, May 27, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. With the competition continuing to grow independently following UEFA’s decision to drop the word “Europa” from its name the stage is set for another chapter in this evolving European story.
