Last updated on 30 May 2026
The English Football League Cup — now known as the Carabao Cup — is one of English football’s most prestigious knockout competitions, contested annually by all 92 clubs across the English league structure. First played in 1960-61, the League Cup has produced over six decades of dramatic finals, giant-killings, and iconic moments at Wembley Stadium.
This page provides the complete list of League Cup winners from 1961 to 2026, including every club to have lifted the trophy and the seasons in which they won it. From Liverpool’s record 10 titles to one-time winners like Swindon Town and Oxford United, the full Carabao Cup history is covered here.
The competition has been known by many names over the years — from the Milk Cup and Rumbelows Cup through to the Carling Cup, Capital One Cup, and now the Carabao Cup — but its status as a major piece of English football cup winners history remains unchanged. Use the table below to explore every winner, and scroll down for answers to the most frequently asked questions about the League Cup.
List of English Football League Cup Sponsors
Carabao Cup Winners: 2017-18 to Present
English Football League (EFL) Cup Winners: 2016-17
Capital One Cup Winners: 2012-13 to 2015-16
Carling Cup Winners: 2003-04 to 2011-12
Worthington Cup Winners: 1998-99 to 2002-03
Coca-Cola Cup Winners: 1992-93 to 1997-98
Rumbelows Cup Winners: 1990-91-1991-92
Littlewoods Challenge Cup Winners: 1986-87 to 1989-90
Milk Cup Winners: 1980-81 to 1985-86
Football League Cup Winners: 1960-61 to 1979-80
League Cup – Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about the English Football League Cup? Below we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about the Carabao Cup, covering everything from its winners and records to its history and format.
Which club has won the League Cup the most times?
Liverpool are the most successful club in League Cup history with 10 titles, winning it in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2012, 2022, and 2024. Manchester City are second with 9 wins, including a remarkable run of five consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021.
When was the first League Cup final played?
The first Football League Cup final was played in the 1960-61 season. Aston Villa were the inaugural winners, beating Rotherham United over two legs. The competition was played as a two-legged final until 1966, when Wembley became the permanent home for a single showpiece final.
What is the League Cup currently called?
The competition is currently known as the Carabao Cup, after the Thai energy drink brand that has sponsored the tournament since the 2017-18 season. Over the years it has carried many sponsor names including the Milk Cup, Littlewoods Cup, Rumbelows Cup, Coca-Cola Cup, Worthington Cup, Carling Cup, and Capital One Cup.
Who won the 2025 League Cup final?
Newcastle United won the 2025 League Cup (Carabao Cup) final, claiming their first major trophy since 1955. It was a historic victory for the Tyneside club, ending a 70-year wait for silverware.
Who won the 2026 League Cup?
Manchester City won the 2026 Carabao Cup, their 9th League Cup title overall. This continued their dominance as one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history.
How many different clubs have won the League Cup?
Since the competition began in 1961, 24 different clubs have won the League Cup. As well as the big names, one-time winners include clubs like Swindon Town (1969), Oxford United (1986), and Luton Town (1988) — a reminder that the League Cup has historically offered smaller clubs a path to major silverware.
Have any clubs won the League Cup in consecutive seasons?
Yes — Liverpool won it four years in a row from 1981 to 1984, the longest consecutive run in the competition’s history. Nottingham Forest also won back-to-back titles in 1978 and 1979, and Manchester City claimed five titles in a row between 2018 and 2021.
Where is the League Cup final held?
The League Cup final is held at Wembley Stadium in London. It has been played there as a single-leg final since 1967. The final is typically held in late February or early March each season, in front of 90,000 fans.
Which clubs have won the League Cup without ever winning the Premier League?
Several clubs have lifted the League Cup but never won the Premier League, including Swindon Town, Oxford United, Luton Town, Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City, and Middlesbrough. For these clubs, the League Cup represents their highest achievement in English football.
Does winning the League Cup qualify a club for European competition?
Not automatically. The League Cup winner used to receive a guaranteed place in the UEFA Europa League, but that is no longer the case. A club may qualify for Europe via the League Cup only if they finish outside the Premier League’s European qualification places and UEFA rules permit an additional berth — which is not guaranteed each season.