The Biggest ‘Sleeping Giants’ in European Football
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In the top divisions of European football, there are many clubs in which can be seen as many as ‘sleeping giants’. In this article we will go through our top choices on who we would consider the real sleeping giants of football. With rich histories, passionate fans, and iconic stadiums, these teams have not been in the limelight in recent years, hence the term ‘sleeping giant’. Yearning for success, all of these teams have the foundations to make them successful once again.
The clubs listed below have a deep heritage known across Europe, despite having no recent successes.
Stade de Reims, France
Reims, also known as Stade de Reims, is a club steeped in history, once graced the summit of French football with a great record of domestic titles, only a few teams have more titles than . The Stade Auguste-Delaune is home to Reims and has been even before the historical glory days.
Hamburger SV, Germany
With a stadium fit for the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 and located in one of the biggest cities in Germany, Hamburger SV, is titan of German football. Despite their recent struggles, the club and fans are looking to return to the Bundesliga and compete at the top like in former times.
SPAL, Italy
SPAL, nestled in the heart of Ferrara, Italy, carries with it a legacy. The Stadio Paolo Mazza, though modest in size, pulsates with the passion of the tifosi who pack its stands. SPAL is a club with a huge significance within Italy, it just needs the success to match. Currently in the third tier of the Italian league, fans will have to wait a few more years at least.
Deportivo la Coruna, Spain
For the readers that have followed European football for more than 10 years will understand that Deportivo la Coruna were once a powerhouse in Spanish football. The Riazor Stadium, located on the coast seaside backdrop, stands as a symbol of the club’s enduring spirit. The deportivistas have a team in the third tier of Spain but will also be hopeful of a return to La Liga and even European football.
AFC Sunderland, England
AFC Sunderland, located in the northeast city of Sunderland truly is a focal point for the community. The Black Cats have a passionate fanbase that fills the Stadium of Light for most home games even though the team haven’t won a trophy in many years.
Everton, England
Another English team on the list is Everton, a club steeped in tradition and history. Whilst Goodison Park in Liverpool has been their home for many generations, they will move to a new Everton Stadium (on Bramley-Moore Dock) in the 2025/2026 season. One of the signs of a team with a good fanbase is when they play away from home, Everton have one of the best supporting away sides in the Premier League. Get your Everton tickets here on SafeTicketCompare.com.
Torino FC, Italy
Torino FC, a symbol of resilience and determination, has a storied past that resonates deeply within the hearts of its supporters. The Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, a monument to the club’s enduring legacy, bears witness to the unwavering passion of the Granata faithful who eagerly await a resurgence that will see their team scale the heights of Italian football once more.
Marseille, France
Marseille, aka Olympique de Marseille a club synonymous with passion, boasts one of the most passionate fanbases in European football. The Stade Velodrome turns into a cauldron of noise and emotion for every OM match. As the team from the city Marseille strives to reclaim its former glories, the fans will be there to support them on their way to the top. Only Paris Saint-Germain have had more success than OM in the French Ligue 1.
Parma, Italy
Another club that older readers will appreciate is Italian team Parma, a club with a rich history of success. The historic Stadio Ennio Tardini is the home of the club and is steeped in tradition. Can Parma once again return to the pinnacle of Serie A, only time will tell.
Newcastle United, England
Although currently enjoying success with new owners, Newcastle United are still in search of a major trophy. The ‘geordies’ fill St James’ Park with an electric atmosphere on matchdays all hopeful of glory in the next few seasons.
Sheffield Wednesday, England
Located in the steel city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wednesday, with its rich heritage and storied past, holds a special place in the hearts of football fans in South Yorkshire and beyond. Hillsborough Stadium, steeped in history, serves as a fortress for the Owls faithful who eagerly await a return to the upper echelons of English football.
Bristol City, England
Bristol City is a club with a proud tradition that boasts a passionate fanbase that fills Ashton Gate with an electric atmosphere. Whilst currently located further down the English league system, the Bristol team regularly get strong attendances, much higher than other rival teams. If Bristol City were ever promoted to the top division, expect sell out crowds for every game.
Final Thoughts
Every season ,the clubs listed above are aiming for success, however, whether they can bring glory back remains to be seen. With passionate and loyal fans, excellent stadiums in good cities, the teams above have everything a major team would need, minus success. Can any of the teams listed reclaim their rightful place among the elite of European football.
