German giants Bayern Munich have been ranked as the most attacking football team in the world this season, according to a new report released by the CIES Football Observatory on Wednesday. The study evaluated clubs based on their offensive style and dominance in possession, highlighting teams that consistently push forward and dictate play in the final third.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain secured second place on the list, while Spanish powerhouse Barcelona came in third. Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen followed closely in fourth position, reflecting their aggressive tactical approach this campaign. Olympique de Marseille also made the top ten, finishing 10th overall.

Interestingly, clubs outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues also featured prominently. MLS side Columbus Crew ranked fifth, ahead of Danish club Nordsjælland in seventh and France’s AS Saint-Étienne in eighth place, showing that attacking football is not limited to Europe’s biggest competitions.

According to CIES, the rankings were determined using four key performance indicators: the percentage of ground passes received in the opponent’s attacking third, shorter average passing distance, rhythm of passing during possession, and overall duration of possession. These metrics aim to measure not just goals scored, but how teams build attacks and control the tempo of games.

Opinion: Attacking Football Is Becoming the New Identity of Modern Clubs

This ranking highlights a growing trend in modern football — teams are no longer judged solely by trophies but by how boldly they play. Bayern Munich topping the list comes as no surprise, given their relentless high-pressing style and quick ball circulation. However, the inclusion of clubs like Columbus Crew and Nordsjælland suggests that tactical innovation is spreading across leagues, challenging the dominance of traditional European giants.

For fans, attacking football offers excitement and emotional connection, but it also raises questions about balance. While possession-heavy and aggressive systems entertain supporters, they can sometimes leave teams vulnerable defensively. The real challenge for these clubs will be sustaining this attacking identity while maintaining consistency in results — because, in the end, beautiful football still needs silverware to complete the story.