Despite captivating our hearts with iconic displays throughout the years, some of football’s most legendary players were unable to win Europeâs most prestigious club competition.
It goes without saying they still had incredible careers, but for some reason or another, the Champions League eluded them. Here are five of the greatest players who, despite consistently playing at the highest level, never lifted the Champions League trophy:
Patrick Vieira
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira was a vital cog in the machine that was Arsene Wengerâs Invincibles back in 2004. Having won the World Cup in 1998, the tenacious Frenchman was a one man army for club and country in his pomp. But after years of dominating displays, he was unable to conquer Europe with any of the clubs he played for – although his talent certainly merited it.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The man who infamously stated âhe came like a king and left like a legendâ when departing PSG in 2016, Ibrahimovic was unable to get his hands on the big prize. In fact, the Swede holds an unenviable record of making the most appearances in the competition (124) and never winning it.
Ibrahimovic was an outstanding player and he provided us with moments weâll never forget, but his recent retirement means his trophy cabinet will forever be without a Champions League winners medal.
Fabio Cannavaro
One of the all-time greats and a Balon dâOr winner in 2006, Cannavaro is without question one of the finest centre backs to ever grace the sport. Standing at 5 feet and 9 inches, Cannavaro dispelled the myth that a centre back needs to be tall in height.
Be that as it may, after spells at European powerhouses Juventus, Inter and Real Madrid, a Champions League winners medal is missing from his impressive collection. However, he did win the World Cup with Italy in 2006, not a bad consolation.
Cesc Fabregas
Former Spanish prodigy Cesc Fabregas has made over 100 appearances in the competition, but could only manage a runners-up medal with Arsenal in 2006. After rejoining his boyhood club Barcelona five years later, he was still unable to lift the trophy under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
He secured a move to The Gunnersâ London rivals Chelsea in 2014, but still couldnât get his hands on the big one.
Ronaldo
His namesake Cristiano has a total of five winner’s medals â but the âoriginalâ Ronaldo never won the Champions League.
PSV, Inter, Barcelona, Madrid and Milan are among the forward’s former teams, but the man who was named the best player in the world in 1997 and 2002 was never able to scoop the big one in club football. El Phenomenon is arguably the greatest out and out striker ever, but his failure to win the cup with the big ears will remain a blot on his record.
