Rangers

ScotlandEst. 1872Manager: Philippe ClementIbrox Stadium

Europa League#32 · 1W-1D-6L · 4 pts

Rangers Football Club, officially known as Rangers FC, is one of Scotland's most successful and historically significant football clubs, founded in 1872 in Glasgow. The club was established by four young men - Peter Campbell, William McBeath, Peter McNeil, and his brother Moses McNeil - who had been playing informal football games in Glasgow's West End. Rangers quickly became a dominant force in Scottish football, joining the Scottish Football League in 1890 as one of the founding members. The club's early success was immediate, winning their first Scottish League title in the 1890-91 season. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rangers established themselves as a powerhouse in Scottish football, developing a fierce rivalry with Celtic FC that became known as the Old Firm derby, one of the most intense rivalries in world football. Rangers' golden era came in the post-World War II period, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s when they achieved considerable success both domestically and in European competitions. The club won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972, defeating Dynamo Moscow 3-2 in Barcelona, marking their greatest European triumph. Under manager Jock Wallace and later Graeme Souness, Rangers continued to dominate Scottish football through the 1970s and 1980s. The 1990s brought unprecedented success under manager Walter Smith, with Rangers achieving the historic feat of nine consecutive Scottish Premier League titles from 1989 to 1997, equaling Celtic's previous record. This period, led by players like Ally McCoist, Brian Laudrup, and Paul Gascoigne, is considered one of the most successful eras in the club's history. However, Rangers faced their greatest crisis in 2012 when financial difficulties led to the club entering administration and subsequently liquidation. A new company, Sevco Scotland Ltd, acquired the assets and formed a new Rangers FC, but was forced to start in the fourth tier of Scottish football, the Third Division. This period, known as the 'wilderness years,' saw Rangers work their way back up through the divisions, achieving promotion in consecutive seasons. The club returned to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 under manager Mark Warburton, but initially struggled to compete with Celtic's dominance. The appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager in 2018 marked a turning point, with the former Liverpool captain bringing renewed ambition and tactical discipline. Under Gerrard's guidance, Rangers ended Celtic's nine-year title streak by winning the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership undefeated, going the entire season without losing a league match. Rangers have won a total of 55 Scottish league titles, making them the most successful club in Scottish football history in terms of league championships. They have also won 34 Scottish Cups and 27 League Cups, cementing their status as Scotland's most decorated club. The club's European pedigree includes memorable runs in various competitions, including reaching the UEFA Cup final in 2008, where they lost to Zenit St. Petersburg in Manchester. Rangers' supporter base is global, with official supporters clubs worldwide, and the team traditionally draws support from Protestant and Unionist communities, contrasting with Celtic's Catholic and Irish nationalist fanbase. This religious and political divide has historically defined the Old Firm rivalry, though the club has worked to modernize its image and broaden its appeal. The club's motto is 'Ready,' and their traditional colors of royal blue have been worn since the 1870s. Notable players throughout Rangers' history include John Greig, the club's greatest servant who made over 750 appearances, Ally McCoist, the club's leading goalscorer with 355 goals, and international stars like Jim Baxter, Derek Johnstone, and more recently, James Tavernier. The club has also been home to numerous international managers and has contributed significantly to Scottish national team selections over the decades. Rangers' influence extends beyond football, as they have played a significant role in Scottish sporting culture and identity. Despite the challenges of the 2010s, Rangers have re-established themselves as a major force in Scottish football and continue to compete at the highest level, with ambitions to reclaim their position as Scotland's premier football club and make further impacts in European competition.