EFL Cup: 5 Most Successful Teams in the Competition’s History

The EFL Cup, now called the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, debuted as the Football League Cup in the 1960–61 season. A whopping 92 teams across four domestic levels in England are eligible to participate in the single-leg knockout — except for the semi-finals — competition. The final takes place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in March, with the winner securing a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The EFL Cup does not always get the respect it deserves, primarily thanks to the popularity of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and FA Cup, with many fans considering it a trophy of little significance. The most ambitious teams in England, however, approach the competition with the required seriousness, doing their best to add the trophy to their collection. Continue reading to check out the five most successful teams in the competition’s history.

#5 Aston Villa: 5 Wins

Kicking off the list is Birmingham powerhouse Aston Villa. The Villans have played nine League Cup finals so far, taking the trophy home five times.

Aston Villa’s last success in the competition came in the 1995–96 season. They claimed a convincing 3-0 win over Leeds United in the grand event, with Savo Milosevic, Ian Taylor, and Dwight Yorke scoring at Wembley Stadium.

Aston Villa crashed out in the Round of 16 this year, losing 2-1 to underdogs Crystal Palace at Villa Park.

#4 Chelsea: 5 Wins

The pride of West London, Chelsea, has contested 10 EFL Cup finals. The Blues have a 50% conversion rate, having secured the gold medal five times and settled for the silver on five occasions.

Chelsea’s last EFL Cup victory came a decade back, in 2014–15. The Pensioners beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final, with John Terry and Diego Costa finding the back of the net.

Chelsea suffered a Round-of-16 exit in the EFL Cup this season. Enzo Maresca’s side lost 2-0 away at Newcastle United.

#3 Manchester United: 6 Wins

Record 20-time English champions Manchester United are in third place. The Red Devils have been a part of 10 EFL Cup finals over the years, winning six and losing four.

Manchester United last lifted the League Cup in 2022–23. They claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the final, thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

The Mancunians have secured a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals this season, beating Leicester City 5-2 in the Round of 16. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight.

#2 Manchester City: 8 Wins

Manchester City have dominated the EFL Cup in recent years, with six of their eight wins coming in the last 11 seasons. They had a historic run under manager Pep Guardiola, winning the EFL Cup in four consecutive seasons between 2017–18 and 2020–21. The Cityzens have only lost one League Cup final over the years, with that defeat coming to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1973–74 season.

Manchester City last won the Carabao Cup in 2021, beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the final. Aymeric Laporte scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

The reigning English champions failed to go deep in the competition this year, crashing out in the Round of 16 after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

#1 Liverpool: 10 Wins

Liverpool is the most successful team in the history of the EFL Cup. The Reds have played 14 finals since the 1960–61 season, coming out on top on 10 occasions.

Liverpool’s last EFL Cup victory came at Chelsea’s expense in the 2023-24 season. Then-coach Jurgen Klopp had limited options due to injuries to key players, whereas Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea was at near full strength. Against the odds, the Reds held firm, keeping the game goalless at the end of 90 minutes before Virgin van Dijk won it in the 118th minute.

The Merseysiders are on course to defend their title this term, having booked a place in the quarter-finals. They will have to beat Southampton to progress to the semis.