Everton have played more seasons in English football’s top division than any other club:
One hundred and twenty-three since the Football League began in 1888, according to a breakdown of the game’s longest-serving clubs. In that time, they’ve spent just four seasons outside it.
Two relegations, four seasons
The first came in 1930-31, when Everton went down alongside Leeds United and Manchester United. They won the Second Division title the following season and returned straight away, with Dixie Dean among the goals.
The second cost them more time. Everton finished bottom of the First Division in 1950-51, relegated alongside Sheffield United, and spent three seasons in the second tier before winning promotion back for 1954-55.
They haven’t left the top flight since.
That run now stretches into a 73rd consecutive season as Everton prepare for 2026-27. Only Arsenal, unbroken since 1919-20, have a longer active streak. Liverpool, ever-present since 1962-63, rank third.
How close have they come?
Not every one of those seasons has been comfortable. Everton have gone into the final day of the season needing results elsewhere to go their way on more than one occasion — in 1994, having trailed Wimbledon 2-0 at half-time before winning 3-2, and again in 1998, when survival came down to goal difference.
More recently, 2021-22 and 2022-23 both went to the final weeks. Under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership, hundreds of millions were spent on transfers with little return on the pitch, and Everton avoided the drop with points to spare rather than comfort.
Why the record matters
The financial gulf between the Premier League and the Championship means relegation now carries consequences way beyond the club’s position in the pyramid. A club with Everton’s history going down would, in theory, be one of the bigger shocks English football has produced in years.
It also changes how the last four decades are perceived. Everton’s last league title came in 1987, and their most recent major trophy, the FA Cup, dates to 1995.
On silverware alone, that’s a story of decline. In terms of top-flight survival, Everton have been among the most consistent clubs in the country.
Where Everton rank…
Arsenal’s run, dating to 1919-20, remains some way clear. Liverpool trail Everton’s own starting point by eight years. Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea and Man City all have shorter current streaks, each shaped by a relegation that Everton avoided.
None of that guarantees anything. Survival has been tight in recent seasons, and the record only stands for as long as it isn’t broken. As things stand, though, Everton’s 73rd consecutive season in the top flight begins on August 22.
