The European Super League (ESL) was proposed in April 2021 as a breakaway football competition featuring top European clubs. The founding members included six English clubs (Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham), three Spanish clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid), and three Italian clubs (Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan). The league aimed to replace the UEFA Champions League for its participants and offer higher financial rewards.

The announcement sparked immediate backlash from fans, players, managers, and football organizations, who criticized it as a move driven by greed that would harm the sports competitive balance. UEFA, FIFA, and domestic leagues threatened severe sanctions. Protests from fans, particularly in England, forced most clubs to withdraw within days, effectively collapsing the project.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus continued to advocate for the ESL, claiming it was necessary to address football’s financial sustainability. Legal and political challenges to the concept remain ongoing, and discussions about reforming European competitions persist.