Full List Of Conference League Winners: European Glory, Prize Cash, And Europa League Upgrades
The UEFA Conference League has rapidly evolved from a newly introduced third-tier European experiment into one of the most unpredictable and captivating tournaments in world football. Since its launch for the 2021–22 season, the competition has provided mid-tier powerhouses and historic clubs an elite platform to capture continental silverware.
Beyond the prestige of lifting the iconic 11-kilogram trophy, becoming Conference League winners dramatically alters a club's trajectory by offering direct qualification to the following season's UEFA Europa League league stage.
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up | Final Score | Host Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | AS Roma | Feyenoord | 1–0 | Air Albania Stadium, Tirana |
| 2022–23 | West Ham United | Fiorentina | 2–1 | Fortuna Arena, Prague |
| 2023–24 | Olympiacos | Fiorentina | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | OPAP Arena, Athens |
| 2024–25 | Chelsea | Real Betis | 2–1 | Stadion Wrocław, Wrocław |
| 2025–26 | Real Betis | Fiorentina | 2–0 | Red Bull Arena, Leipzig |
From Tirana to Leipzig: How Modern Champions Conquered Europe
The inaugural 2021–22 campaign set a massive precedent when José Mourinho’s AS Roma defeated Feyenoord in Tirana, earning the Italian giants their first major UEFA trophy in decades. That victory established the Conference League as a legitimate battleground for elite managers and ambitious squads seeking silverware.
Subsequent editions expanded the tournament's reputation for late drama and emotional underdog stories:
- West Ham United (2022–23): David Moyes led the Hammers to a dramatic 2–1 victory over Fiorentina in Prague, ending a 43-year major trophy drought for the East London club.
- Olympiacos (2023–24): The Greek giants made history by defeating Fiorentina in Athens, becoming the first-ever Greek club to lift a major European trophy.
- Chelsea (2024–25): The Premier League side navigated a grueling European schedule, defeating Real Betis in Wrocław to complete their sweep of all major UEFA club competitions.
- Real Betis (2025–26): Manuel Pellegrini's side produced a tactical masterclass in Leipzig, finally securing European silverware after multiple deep runs in previous seasons.
Europa League Passports and Cash Injection: The Real Reward for Winning
Winning the UEFA Conference League is far more than a ceremonial achievement; it delivers an immediate sporting and financial windfall for the champion club. The most critical incentive is the automatic berth into the UEFA Europa League league stage, allowing clubs to bypass dangerous summer qualifying rounds.
Financial rewards for Conference League winners include:
- Direct Prize Money: The tournament winner receives a €5 million bonus solely for winning the final match, on top of accumulated group stage and knockout performance payouts.
- Market Pool & Coefficient Boost: Champions earn a higher share of UEFA television rights revenue and significantly boost their UEFA club coefficient ranking for future European draws.
- Ticket & Commercial Revenue: Winning European silverware opens lucrative commercial sponsorship bonuses and guarantees high-capacity European matchdays for the following season.
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The 2026–27 Road Ahead: Playoff Finalizing and Streaming Access
As the 2026–27 UEFA Conference League season gets underway in August 2026, dozens of clubs across Europe are battling through the final qualifying playoff rounds to secure their place in the 36-team league phase.
Key dates and operational details for the upcoming campaign:
- Playoff Round Finals: Taking place in late August 2026, determining the final group of clubs advancing to the main draw.
- League Phase Draw: Scheduled for August 28, 2026, where qualifying clubs will discover their software-drawn fixture list.
- Broadcast Access: Football fans can stream matches live via official rights holders including TNT Sports in the UK, Paramount+ in the US, and DAZN across select European territories.
