The 2022 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley was a testament to Real Madrid’s unwavering dominance in European football. Despite a lackluster first half, Real Madrid’s determination shone through in the second half, culminating in goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior, securing their 15th European Championship title. The victory was a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Legends of the European Cup/Champions League
While most soccer fans can easily name the teams with the most European Cup/Champions League wins, the list of the most decorated players is often less familiar. Paco Gento, a Real Madrid legend, was the undisputed champion for decades, holding the record for most European Cup/Champions League titles with six. Nicknamed “The Gale of the Cantabrian Sea,” Gento played a key role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1966.
Real Madrid’s dominance in the competition is further highlighted by the fact that the majority of the top players on the all-time list have played for Los Blancos. Joining Gento with six European titles are current stars Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, and Nacho.
A Legacy of Success
Other notable names from the early years of the competition who boast five European Cup triumphs include Alfredo Di Stéfano, Héctor Rial, José María Zárraga, Marcos Alonso, Rafael Lesmes, and Juanito Alonso. The Champions League era saw another group of players achieve similar success. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Isco, and Marcelo, all contributed to five European title wins for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, also stands out with five Champions League titles. His contribution to Real Madrid’s success in the competition is undeniable, having starred in four of the club’s recent wins. His first Champions League victory came in 2008 while playing for Manchester United.
Beyond Real Madrid
Two AC Milan legends, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta, are also among the elite group of players with five European titles. They were integral parts of AC Milan’s victories in 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007. In their final triumph, Costacurta played a limited role, but Maldini was a vital starter in all five finals. The pair also experienced the disappointment of losing in three Champions League finals.
Several players have earned four European Cup/Champions League titles, many of them part of Real Madrid’s successful squads from 2014 to 2018. However, Clarence Seedorf and Samuel Eto’o stand out as the only players to have won the Champions League with three different clubs. Seedorf achieved this feat with Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, while Eto’o won with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.
Barça’s legendary squad from 2006 to 2015 also boasts a group of players with four Champions League titles. Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, Xavi Hernández, and Andrés Iniesta all contributed to the Blaugrana’s victories in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015.
The Legacy of European Champions
This list of players with multiple Champions League titles represents a remarkable collection of talent, skill, and dedication. They have shaped the history of European football, leaving a lasting legacy of greatness. Their names will forever be etched in the annals of the European Cup/Champions League, a testament to their mastery of the game.
