Europe is in many ways the center of the soccer-playing world. This is true of not only the national teams and their results on the world stage, but also the preeminence of the European club teams and leagues.

European nations (Germany, Italy, France and England) have combined to win 9 of the 18 FIFA World Cups held through 2006. To help further highlight Europe's place in world soccer, it is interesting to note that as of the April 2009 FIFA World Rankings, 12 of the top 15 ranked national teams in the entire world are European nations. That is why many people consider the European Championship the second most important sporting competition in the world (next to the World Cup), and why those matches are broadcast around the globe.

Spain, Italy, Germany and France have some of the most competitive and popular club teams and leagues in the world. The names of many European clubs are world famous: Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Rangers, Ajax, and many more.

The UEFA Champions League (or European Cup as it was formerly known) is the ultimate prize in club soccer. Each season, the top performing teams from the various European leagues qualify to play in the UEFA Champions League. The winner is crowned each year in May, and this represents the absolute pinnacle of club soccer.