In the modern era of English football, many fans still ask: who was the first EPL champion? In other words—who won the very first season under the Premier League brand? In this article, AnnuGoal will take you on a journey through history, clarifying the difference between the “first English champion ever” and the “first EPL champion,” and exploring the legacy that followed.
English top-flight origins and the first champion ever
Before the Premier League existed, the highest level of English football was the Football League First Division, itself evolving. The first-ever champion of English league football was Preston North End, who won the inaugural 1888–89 Football League season—a milestone in the sport. They achieved the feat without losing a single match, finishing unbeaten and earning the nickname “the Invincibles.”
During that 1888–89 season, Preston North End also secured the FA Cup, completing England’s first league and cup double. Their undefeated run over the 22 fixtures remains a legendary achievement in the annals of English football.
So when someone asks about the first English champion, the answer is Preston North End. But that is not the same as “first EPL champion” in the narrow sense of the Premier League era.
Birth of the Premier League and its first champion
A new era begins (1992)
In 1992, the top clubs in the First Division broke away to form the Premier League, initiating a new era of commercial and sporting independence. This rebranding—along with lucrative television contracts—transformed English football forever.
The first season under this new structure was 1992–93. That campaign marked the beginning of the competition we now think of simply as the “EPL” (English Premier League).
The inaugural EPL champion: Manchester United
The first EPL champion was Manchester United, who captured the 1992–93 title under Sir Alex Ferguson. They finished 10 points clear of their closest rivals and ended a 26-year wait for a top-flight league trophy. The arrival of Eric Cantona mid-season injected flair into the side and helped drive United’s push to the title.
That victory marked the start of Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League era, as they went on to win many more titles in the following decades.
Preston North End vs Manchester United: Clarifying the distinction
Because of the duality in phrasing, it’s important to distinguish:
- Preston North End is the answer to “first English football champion” (1888).
- Manchester United is the answer to “first EPL champion” (1992–93).
These two facts are both correct, but they relate to different eras of English football.
Legacy and impact of being “first”
Preston North End’s lasting aura
Preston’s feat in 1888–89 still carries weight. Completing a full season unbeaten and securing both league and cup titles in the very first competitive league season placed them forever in English football folklore. Their achievements laid the foundations for the league system that followed.
Though Preston has never returned to elite dominance, their name remains in every comprehensive list of English football champions and their “Invincible” season is celebrated by historians and fans alike.
Manchester United’s modern dominance
By being the first EPL champion, Manchester United etched themselves into the brand identity of the new league. Their success in 1992–93 was not just a playoff—they became a blueprint for the commercial and sporting model that followed: global appeal, expanding fanbase, and sustained ambition., and top-tier infrastructure.
The first few seasons of EPL: champions and their stories
Here’s a quick snapshot of the initial years of the Premier League:
| Season | Premier League Champion | Notes / Highlights |
| 1992–93 | Manchester United | Won by 10 points; first ever EPL title. |
| 1993–94 | Manchester United | Continued dominance. |
| 1994–95 | Blackburn Rovers | Broke United’s streak—boosted by Alan Shearer, backed by Jack Walker. |
| 1995–96 | Manchester United | Reclaimed the title and reinforced their hegemony. |
These early seasons set the tone: United’s consistent presence, occasional challenges.
Why the distinction matters for fans and history
For supporters, journalists, and historians alike, knowing both sides of this coin reveals deeper truths:
- The first English champion underscores the foundational roots of organized league football in England.
- The first EPL champion shows where modern football really begins.
- Many debates and “record tallies” depend on whether they count from 1888 or 1992—so clarity is essential.
Conclusion
The first EPL champion is Manchester United, winners of the inaugural 1992–93 season under the Premier League format. Meanwhile, the first-ever English league champion (in 1888) was Preston North End, whose unbeaten campaign remains legendary. In this article, AnnuGoal has walked you through the distinction, provided historical context, and shown why both facts matter to fans across generations.
Now that you know who the first EPL champion was, you might want to explore:
- The list of all EPL title winners
- Preston’s full history and legacy
- Records for longest unbeaten runs, most titles, or era-by-era dominance
Dive into more articles and facts—and stay tuned to AnnuGoal for your next deep football journey.
