Listed: The Top 20 Match-winners Who Have Never Claimed the Champions League Trophy
In the world of football, winning the Champions League is the pinnacle of success for many players. However, there are several legendary figures who have graced the game with their talent but have never managed to claim Europe's most prestigious trophy.
One such player is Hernan Crespo, who netted two goals in a Champions League final but was denied the trophy. Crespo's career was marked by brilliance, but the elusive Champions League title remained just out of reach.
Michael Ballack is another example of a player who played for a club like Real Madrid but never won the Champions League. Ballack's career was defined by his resilience and determination, but he too ended his career without the coveted trophy.
Cesc Fabregas, with over 100 appearances in the Champions League, is another player who has never won the trophy. Fabregas's technical prowess and vision have been admired by fans and pundits alike, but the Champions League title has eluded him.
Lilian Thuram, a successful defender, and Fabio Cannavaro, a World Cup winner, are two other notable names who never won the Champions League. Thuram, despite playing for Juve in the 2003 Champions League final, and Cannavaro, despite playing for Parma during the peak of their European powers, both missed out on the trophy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, with 56 Champions League goals to his name, is the highest-scoring player never to have won the tournament. Van Nistelrooy's goal-scoring exploits have been legendary, but the Champions League title has remained elusive.
Antoine Griezmann, despite winning the World Cup, Europa League, and being named best player in La Liga, has never claimed a league title or a Champions League trophy. Griezmann's talent and versatility have been on display for all to see, but the Champions League title has continued to evade him.
Other players who have never won the Champions League include Gabriel Batistuta, who had a successful career at Roma, and Dennis Bergkamp, who won the UEFA Cup with Ajax and Inter Milan.
Francesco Totti, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero, who have given a decade of service to their respective clubs and won multiple league titles, have also never seen their teams to Champions League glory.
Patrick Vieira, who was a stalwart for Arsenal across three title wins and a World Cup and European Championship for his country, was a nearly man in European football and never won the Champions League.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has made the most Champions League appearances without ever lifting the trophy, has run out of time to get his hands on Europe's biggest prize.
Kylian Mbappe, despite several notable performances and reaching the Champions League final with PSG in 2020, has yet to win the trophy.
These players, despite their numerous achievements and contributions to the game, will always be remembered for their unsuccessful attempts to win the Champions League. Their stories serve as a reminder that even the greatest players can have one unfulfilled dream.
