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All you need to know about past winners of the CAF Champions League

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As Mamelodi Sundowns and FAR Rabat prepare to face off in the first leg of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final, the spotlight once again falls on Africa’s most prestigious club competition — and the elite group of teams that have lifted its coveted trophy.

First contested in 1964 as the African Cup of Champions Clubs before being rebranded in 1997, the CAF Champions League has long been the ultimate prize in African club football, producing legendary teams, iconic players and unforgettable moments.

This year’s final adds another chapter to that rich history. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns are chasing a second title after their 2016 triumph, while Morocco’s FAR Rabat are aiming to end a 41-year wait since their historic victory in 1985.

A competition dominated by giants

Egypt’s Al Ahly remain the undisputed kings of the competition, having won a record 12 titles. Their dominance, particularly in the modern era, has set the benchmark for success on the continent.

Fellow Egyptian side Zamalek follow with five titles, while TP Mazembe of DR Congo have also enjoyed multiple triumphs, particularly during their golden eras in the 1960s and late 2000s.

North African clubs — especially from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia — have historically dominated the competition, benefiting from strong domestic leagues, infrastructure and continental experience.

However, clubs from sub-Saharan Africa have also left their mark. Enyimba of Nigeria won back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, while South Africa’s Orlando Pirates (1995) and Sundowns (2016) have both claimed continental glory.

Morocco and South Africa’s legacy

Moroccan clubs have played a major role in the competition’s history, with Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca among the most successful teams.

Raja’s famous victory in 1999 and Wydad’s recent successes, including their 2022 triumph, have cemented Morocco’s reputation as a powerhouse of African club football.

FAR Rabat’s sole title came in 1985, making them one of the earliest Moroccan sides to conquer the continent. Their return to the final in 2026 signals a resurgence for the club, who are now just two matches away from rewriting their history.

South Africa’s presence has grown steadily over the years. While Kaizer Chiefs reached the final in 2021, it is Sundowns who have been the country’s most consistent continental performers in recent times, reaching back-to-back finals in 2025 and 2026.

Modern era brings greater competition

Since the introduction of the group stage in 1997, the competition has evolved significantly, becoming more competitive and commercially attractive.

CAF’s recent decision to increase the winner’s prize money to USD 6 million reflects the growing stature of the tournament and its importance in global football.

The modern Champions League is no longer dominated by a handful of teams — clubs from across the continent now have the resources and ambition to compete at the highest level.

What this year’s final means

The 2025/26 final is more than just a battle for silverware — it is a clash of history and ambition.

For Sundowns, victory would confirm their status as one of Africa’s modern giants. For FAR Rabat, it would mark a return to glory after decades away from the summit.

Whichever side prevails, they will join a prestigious list of champions that defines African club football.

Full list of CAF Champions League winners

  • 1964 – Oryx Douala (Cameroon)

  • 1965 – Stade d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

  • 1966 – AS Real Bamako (Mali)

  • 1967 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

  • 1968 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

  • 1969 – Ismaily (Egypt)

  • 1970 – Asante Kotoko (Ghana)

  • 1971 – Canon Yaoundé (Cameroon)

  • 1972 – Hafia (Guinea)

  • 1973 – Vita Club (DR Congo)

  • 1974 – CARA Brazzaville (Congo)

  • 1975 – Hafia (Guinea)

  • 1976 – MC Alger (Algeria)

  • 1977 – Hafia (Guinea)

  • 1978 – Canon Yaoundé (Cameroon)

  • 1979 – Union Douala (Cameroon)

  • 1980 – Canon Yaoundé (Cameroon)

  • 1981 – JS Kabylie (Algeria)

  • 1982 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 1983 – Asante Kotoko (Ghana)

  • 1984 – Zamalek (Egypt)

  • 1985 – FAR Rabat (Morocco)

  • 1986 – Zamalek (Egypt)

  • 1987 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 1988 – Entente Sétif (Algeria)

  • 1989 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 1990 – JS Kabylie (Algeria)

  • 1991 – Club Africain (Tunisia)

  • 1992 – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 1993 – Zamalek (Egypt)

  • 1994 – ES Sétif (Algeria)

  • 1995 – Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

  • 1996 – Zamalek (Egypt)

  • 1997 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 1998 – ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire)

  • 1999 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 2000 – Hearts of Oak (Ghana)

  • 2001 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2002 – Zamalek (Egypt)

  • 2003 – Enyimba (Nigeria)

  • 2004 – Enyimba (Nigeria)

  • 2005 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2006 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2007 – Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

  • 2008 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2009 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

  • 2010 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

  • 2011 – Esperance (Tunisia)

  • 2012 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2013 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2014 – ES Sétif (Algeria)

  • 2015 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

  • 2016 – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

  • 2017 – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 2018 – Esperance (Tunisia)

  • 2019 – Esperance (Tunisia)

  • 2020 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2021 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2022 – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

  • 2023 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2024 – Al Ahly (Egypt)

  • 2025 – Pyramids FC (Egypt)