Ranked: The oldest football clubs in history

The formation of the Football Association in 1863 marked a defining moment that laid the groundwork for the modern game we know today. Let's explore some of the oldest football clubs that shaped the sport, based on a ranking of GiveMeSport.

Formed in 1870, Maidenhead United is considered one of the oldest professional football teams in history. Nicknamed 'The Magpies,' they established themselves as a solid team during the 19th century, playing up at York Road, located west of London.

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'The Magpies' were one of the first teams to participate in the inaugural FA Cup and still exist today.

Kilmarnock is another historic football entity with deep roots in Scottish football. Labeled the second-oldest professional club in Scotland, it proudly boasts of playing at Rugby Park since 1899.

Kilmarnock has only claimed one major title, in 1965, winning the Scottish league after beating Hearts 2-0. However, they also claimed several Scottish cups for their trophy cabinet. The club remains in top-flight football following their 2023 promotion.

This great historic club was formed in 1867 as a branch of the Wednesday Cricket Club in Sheffield (England). The club turned professional in 1887.

Sheffield Wednesday won their first title in 1896, claiming their first FA Cup. 'The Owls' would win four English champion trophies, three FA Cups, one English League Cup, and one English Super Cup. The origin of their name was due to their matches only being played on Wednesday afternoons.

Queen's Park FC was established in 1867, making it the oldest football club in Scotland. Regardless of their rich history in Scottish football, they have never been able to win a national title.

In 2019, fans voted in favor of going professional, sending them to a third-place finish in the Scottish Championship in the 2022-23 season.

Nottingham Forest is one of the oldest football clubs in Europe. The team was founded in 1865 and joined the official football league in 1892.

Forest enjoyed a legendary stint under Brian Clough during the 1970s, winning the league title and League Cup in 1977-78. The club later won two consecutive European Cups, reports OneFootball.

Brigg Town FC is another ancient club in English football, established in 1864. 'The Zebras' never succeeded in the upper echelons of football, despite their long history.

After winning eight local league titles, they were elected to the English league system in 1976. Since then, they have achieved two league titles and two FA vases. They currently play in the Northern Counties East League Division One.

Wrexham is another historic club, from Wales, which was founded in 1864, making it the country's oldest football club. Its stadium, Racecourse Ground, is one of the largest stadiums in Wales.

The 'Red Dragons' were taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds (pictured) and Rob McElhenney in 2021.

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Although Stoke City claim they were founded in 1863, their first official match as a football club was played in 1868. The English club changed its name multiple times until settling for Stoke City in 1925, according to GiveMeSport.

Nicknamed 'The Potters', they helped form the Football League in 1888 as a founding member. Stoke City has remained a professional club since 1919. The club's only major trophy came in 1972, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the League Cup final.

Notts County, founded in 1862, is another historic club. They were created before the Football Association itself, reports GiveMeSport. 'The Magpies' were founders of the Football League in 1888, but never managed to win it.

Despite their historic status, they have only spent four seasons in the top flight of English football since 1926, reports OneFootball.

Founded in 1860, Hallam is another historic football team in Europe, playing their first-ever match that same year.

Their stadium, Sandygate, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest football ground in the world, having been in use since 1804. To this day, the local football club continues to share the historic pitch with Hallam Cricket Club.

Cray Wanderers FC was founded in 1860 after railway workers began coordinating football matches near St Mary Cray, Bromley (London).

The club enjoyed a brief professional stint between 1895 and 1907, but has since been considered a semi-professional entity.

Sheffield FC was founded in 1857 and is the oldest football club in the world, according to FIFA. The club was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit in 2004.

Despite their legacy, they have struggled to climb out of the lower divisions of English football. They currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One East.

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