Burnley Football Club, established in 1882, is one of the oldest and most venerated brands in English football. With the iconic Turf Moor as their home ground and the blue and yellow shirts of their passionate supporters, Burnley’s history is woven into the story of football in England. The history of Burnley encompasses the full spectrum of footballing fortunes, from the heady heights of league championships to the battle to stay in the lower divisions, culminating in some rather modest trophies, reflecting a resilient club that has managed to rise on multiple occasions and compete at the top.
In this article on the 96.com app, we are going to revisit Burnley FC’s greatest achievements and all of their historic trophies, looking through the moments where the club prospered and the moments that showed their strength in English football.
List of all trophies won by Burnley FC (Updated 2025)
2x English Champions (Top Division)
- Seasons: 1920/21, 1959/60
Burnley’s first title in the top league came in the 1920/21 season, when they finished at the top of the league with 59 points (the old two-point system) thanks to a 30-match unbeaten run, during John Haworth’s time as manager.
Burnley’s second title came during the 1959/60 campaign, when Harry Potts was manager and the team was filled with amazing players like Jimmy McIlroy and Ray Pointer. Burnley played probably the most aesthetically pleasing football in the land, and the team was fully deserving of the title that they earned by beating Manchester City 2-1 on the last day of the season and finished ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers by only a point.
1x FA Cup Winner
- Season: 1913/14
Burnley’s one and only FA Cup win came in the 1913/14 season when they beat Liverpool 1-0 at the Crystal Palace, with none other than King George V, the first reigning monarch ever to attend an FA Cup final, watching on in person. The winning goal was scored by Bert Freeman, and Burnley made history, claiming their first major honour.
2x English Super Cup Winner (FA Charity Shield)
- Seasons: 1960/61, 1973/74
Burnley have won the Charity Shield (now Community Shield) twice. The first was in 1960 after their league win, drawing 2-2 with Wolves and sharing the trophy, as was the custom then.
The second was in 1973/74 when Burnley were invited as Second Division champions. They beat Man City 1-0 at Maine Road, with Colin Waldron scoring the final goal.
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Also Read: 5 Highest Attendances in Burnley FC Premier League Matches
4x English Second Tier Champion (Now EFL Championship)
- Seasons: 1897/98, 1972/73, 2015/16, 2022/23
Burnley are 4-time winners of the second tier, highlighting their ability to return to the top flight.
- In 1897/98, they finished first in the Second Division, earning promotion to the First Division.
- They dominated the second tier in 1972/73, playing the best football under the management of Jimmy Adamson.
- In 2015/16, Sean Dyche’s side stormed to the title on 93 points with Andre Grey scoring 25 goals.
- Most recently, in 2022/23, Vincent Kompany led a new look side to the second-tier title on 101 points, showing dominant form in securing Premier League promotion.
1x English Third Tier Champion (Now League One)
- Season: 1981/82
After struggling for some years, Burnley found themselves in the third tier of English football in the early 1980s. In 1981/82, they were crowned Third Division Champions under Manager Brian Miller. This was an important part of the process of re-establishing the club during a very difficult period for the club.
1x English Fourth Tier Champion (Now League Two)
- Season: 1991/92
Perhaps the most humbling but also the most significant title came in the 1991/92 season when Burnley won the Fourth Division title under Jimmy Mullen, only a few years after almost losing their league status in 1987. Burnley were promoted by mixing youth and experience, which would be the start of their journey back to the top.
Conclusion
While Burnley may not possess the volume of silverware found at the biggest clubs in England, it represents perseverance, commitment, and long-lasting enthusiasm. Burnley have demonstrated their capacity for resilience again and again, from their two top-flight victories through to winning trophies across all four levels of English professional football. Their honours embody the essence of a traditional football club, knowing deep down their roots are firmly planted in English football history, motivating players and supporters alike.
As Burnley continues to contest in the Premier League, and above, the club’s trophies, a historic overview of titles, along with their hard-earned legacy, will remain a testament of pride and long-lasting commitment, a commitment built on loyalty, determination and the love of the game and follow all updates on the 96 official website.