Arsenal’s trophy cabinet has always drawn fascination. Fans debate, journalists tally, and rivals envy: how many trophies has Arsenal won? Today, ChrisGoal takes you on a deep dive—counting every major title, noting controversies, and breaking down what “trophies” really mean for the Gunners.
The Big Picture: Arsenal’s Trophy Count
When you ask how many trophies has Arsenal won, the short answer is: it depends on what you’re counting. If you include all recognised major domestic and international honours, Arsenal officially claim around 48 trophies. That figure encompasses their league titles, FA Cups, League Cups, Community Shields, and European cups.
However, many football databases and fan sources often cite 47 trophies (or even 49) depending on how they treat the Community Shield or lesser tournaments. The discrepancy usually lies in whether to include the Football League Centenary Trophy or some early county/charity competitions.
For clarity in this article, we will follow the club’s own accounting and widely accepted lists to show you exactly how the 48 figure is constructed—and where the debates lie.
Domestic Glory: League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Shields
Let’s break down the domestic hauls—the backbone of Arsenal’s identity as an English giant.
English top-flight titles
Arsenal have lifted the top-flight English league 13 times, combining their First Division and Premier League wins. Their most famous triumph was the 2003–04 season, when they went unbeaten across 38 matches—a feat that remains iconic in football lore.
FA Cup conquests
The Gunners are the most successful club in FA Cup history, with 14 FA Cup wins. Names like Wenger, Henry, Bergkamp, and Pires are forever linked to some of those triumphs.
League Cup (EFL Cup)
A lesser trophy in prestige, but still official: Arsenal have won the League Cup twice (in 1987 and 1993).
Community Shields and Charity Shields
Here’s where part of the counting debate arises. Arsenal have been credited with 17 Community Shield trophies (including shared shields in earlier years). Some sources treat these as lesser “su,” and others include them fully in the tally.
The Centenary Trophy
This oddity is a one-off — the Football League Centenary Trophy, held in 1988 as a commemorative tournament. Arsenal include it in their total honours count (which is how club sources reach 48).
European & International Titles
On the continental stage, Arsenal’s trophy haul is lean but meaningful.
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: Arsenal won this in 1993–94—beating Parma in the final.
- Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: One less-remembered gem, Arsenal claimed the Fairs Cup in 1969–70.
Beyond that, Arsenal have not won a Champions League or Europa League trophy. Their 2006 Champions League final remains their closest reach to European glory at the highest level.
Reconstructing the 48 Trophy Figure
Here’s how the 48-trophy total is typically built:
| Competition | Titles | Notes |
| English top-flight (First Division / Premier League) | 13 | Highest level domestic titles |
| FA Cup | 14 | Most in FA Cup history |
| League Cup | 2 | Fewer, but still an official trophy |
| Community / Charity Shields | 17 | Includes shared and contested versions |
| Football League Centenary Trophy | 1 | Commemorative demand |
| Cup Winners’ Cup (Europe) | 1 | Major European success |
| Inter-Cities Fairs Cup | 1 | Predecessor to Europa competitions |
| Total | 48 | Club-accepted total including “shield” class trophies |
When some sources instead exclude the Centenary Trophy or debate counting certain shared Shield titles, they land on 47. Occasionally, more expansive listings include lesser regional or wartime cups to reach 49 or more.
Why Some Sources Say 47 or 49
These variations stem from:
- Shield debates: Some historians don’t count Community Shields as “major” trophies, or discount shared Shields.
- Centenary Trophy ambiguity: Since it was a one-off event, some stat sheets omit it.
- Wartime/Regional Cups: Pre-WWI or wartime tournaments sometimes appear in local lists but are often excluded from “major honours.”
- Updates and omissions: Newer wins (like recent Shields) or adjustments in official status can shift totals.
So when you hear 47, 48, or 49, know that all are defensible—depending on criteria.
Trophy Timeline: Milestones in Arsenal History
Let’s chart the peaks in Arsenal’s success:
- 1930s explosion: Under Herbert Chapman, Arsenal hoisted multiple league titles and FA Cups, cementing a golden decade.
- 1970 double: The 1970–71 season brought Arsenal’s first League + FA Cup double.
- 1980s–90s revival: George Graham’s regime gave trophies like League Cups and the surprise 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup.
- Arsène Wenger era: Arsenal added multiple league titles, FA Cups, and achieved the unbeaten “Invincibles” run in 2003–04.
- Recent years: Since Wenger’s exit, silverware has been scarce. The 2020 FA Cup under Mikel Arteta stands out as the sole major trophy of the present era.
Each era added layers to the club’s legacy—and contributed to that 48 total we mentioned earlier.
Comparison: Where Arsenal Stands Among English Giants
To understand whether “48 trophies” is impressive, context helps. In all-time honours, Arsenal often rank behind only Manchester United and Liverpool—particularly when counting major domestic and European trophies (league, FA Cup, League Cup, European trophies).
They outrank many other giants in England—especially on FA Cup count. But when you exclude “super cups” and minor trophies, the gap narrows.
The Last Trophy and Recent Droughts
Arsenal’s latest addition to the trophy cabinet was the 2023 FA Community Shield. That victory brought the shield tally to 17 in many club lists.
In terms of “major” trophies, the last one was the 2020 FA Cup—meaning Arsenal have endured a multi-year silverware drought in the league and European arenas. This drought fuels urgency in the fanbase and added pressure on modern squads.
Final Thoughts
How many trophies has Arsenal won? In most mainstream, club-aligned accounting, 48 trophies is the accepted sum—blending domestic dominance, Shields, and continental successes. Lower totals (47) or higher (49) arise, this number is more than a statistic—it tells the story of a club with lofty ambition, glorious peaks, and frustrating plateaus. It’s a reminder of heritage and a challenge for the future.
If you want, ChrisGoal can also break down how many Premier League titles Arsenal have, or compare that 48 with Liverpool, Man United, and others—just say the word!
