Middlesbrough have a successful history stretching back to 1876. During this time, Boro have lifted multiple trophies including the Second Division, the Third Division and a League Cup.
The mid-1990s to the mid-2000s saw Middlesbrough’s greatest success with Boro making regular appearances in England’s major domestic cup finals. However, fans would have to wait until 2004 to see a major trophy down at the Riverside Stadium when the club lifted the League Cup.
Middlesbrough lifted the EFL Cup in 2004
Middlesbrough throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s were on the hunt for their first major trophy in their history. Boro had reached the EFL Cup final twice prior to 2004 – unsuccessful both times.
However, under the guidance of Steve McClaren and with two legends, Gareth Southgate and Juninho in the squad, Middlesbrough were finally able to reach the promised land. The club knocked out Brighton, Wigan, Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal on their way to the final.
Then, at the Millennium Stadium, Joseph-Désiré Job’s goal combined with Boudewijn Zenden’s penalty were enough to beat Bolton 2-1. The 128-year wait for a major trophy was finally over.
List of Middlesbrough’s EFL Cup Finals:
- 1997: Leicester 1-0 Middlesbrough (aet), (replay)
- 1998: Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough (aet)
Middlesbrough have won the second-tier four times
Middlesbrough’s first professional trophy came in the 1926/27 season when they won the Second Division to reach the top tier of English football once more. The club would go on to repeat this feat just two years later, with another Division Two title in 1929.
It would then be 45 years until this was achieved again as Middlesbrough dominated the second tier and won the division by a margin of 15 points. This included an impressive 8-0 home victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
Their final second-tier title came in the 1994/95 season. Boro won the league with 82 points in their final season at Ayresome Park before they moved to the Riverside Stadium.
List of Middlesbrough’s other promotions:
- First Division runners-up: 1997/98
- Championship runners-up winners: 2015/16
- Second Division playoff winners: 1988
- Third Division runners-up: 1966/67
- Third Division runners-up: 1986/87
Middlesbrough have reached two other major cup finals
Middlesbrough have come close to adding to their trophy collection over the years. Boro reached the FA Cup final in 1997. This campaign would be a miserable one for the club as they were defeated by Chelsea in their second final that season by the Londoners in a 2-0 defeat. Boro were also relegated from the Premier League in the same campaign.
Then, in 2006 Middlesbrough reached the UEFA Cup final, now known as the Europa League. Boro topped their group, not losing a game. McClaren’s side then beat Stuttgart and Roma on away goals before producing memorable comebacks against Basel and FCSB. However, the final was a disaster as Sevilla beat Middlesbrough 4-0.
Middlesbrough have won several lesser trophies
Middlesbrough have lifted several other cups in their time including the Anglo-Scottish Cup and the FA Amateur Cup.
The Kirin Cup is perhaps the least known trophy Middlesbrough have won. Back in 1980, Boro travelled to Japan to partake in the tournament in which they came out on top.
List of Middlesbrough’s other trophies:
- FA Amateur’s Cup: 1894/95, 1897/98
- Anglo-Scottish Cup: 1975/76
- Kirin Cup: 1980