Determining the "worst" Premier League champion is a complex and subjective exercise. While every title-winning team has demonstrated excellence and consistency over a season, some have achieved the feat in less convincing or memorable fashion than others. Examining points totals, goal differences, and subsequent performance in the following season provides some metrics for comparison.
Several teams are often cited in discussions about underwhelming Premier League champions. Manchester United's 1996-97 title win, with 75 points, is statistically one of the least impressive. While boasting legendary players like Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, they won with the lowest points total for any Premier League champion.
Blackburn Rovers' 1994-95 victory was followed by a significant drop in performance the next season. While their title win was a remarkable achievement, their subsequent decline highlights the difficulty of sustaining success in the Premier League.
Leicester City's incredible 2015-16 title win is arguably the greatest underdog story in Premier League history. However, their title defense was a stark contrast, as they struggled domestically and ultimately led to the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri. Despite a strong Champions League run, their league form was poor, and they finished with just 44 points the following season, the lowest ever by a reigning champion in the Premier League era.
Chelsea's 2015-16 season, following their 2014-15 title win, was a disaster. Under Jose Mourinho, the team experienced a dramatic collapse in form, finishing tenth in the league. This stark regression exemplifies how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Liverpool's 2024-25 title win was followed by a disastrous start to the 2025-26 season. Despite heavy investment in the summer, the team has struggled to replicate their previous success, with multiple losses and a significant drop in the league table.
Ultimately, declaring one team the "worst" champion is a matter of opinion. Each title-winning team deserves respect for their achievement. However, by examining their performance relative to expectations and their subsequent seasons, we can identify those who, for various reasons, have a less compelling claim to Premier League glory.
