The UEFA Champions League is Europe’s crown jewel of football. And just winning it once is enough to make a player’s career, legends and superstars from every generation have chased that same glorious moment when the final whistle signals and the famous “big ears” trophy is held aloft and into the night sky.
For a lucky handful, that dream has been an annual reality.
Lifting the Champions League once is arduous, but these players have done what most professionals have only dared to dream about; they’ve not only reached football’s pinnacle within Europe, they’ve made camp there as tenants for the long haul.
Season after season, they have demonstrated their class and composure in the world’s most gruelling club competition, and they do have the winners’ medals to prove it.
Anyway, here are the 10, and this is the post-European Cup era.
1. Luka Modrić – 6 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
For over a decade, Luka Modrić has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid. When the Croatian maestro first arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu from Tottenham in 2012, few could have predicted just how essential he’d become to Madrid’s modern European dynasty.
A midfield metronome, Modrić combined technical elegance with unrelenting work rate, controlling the tempo on football’s biggest nights.
His ability to deliver world-class performances when it mattered most played a key role in Madrid’s historic Champions League dominance.
Key Contributions
- 2014 (La Décima): Played a crucial role in ending Madrid’s 12-year drought, providing creativity in midfield.
- 2016-2018 (Three-Peat): The heartbeat of Zidane’s side, controlling games with his vision and work rate.
- 2022 & 2024 (Ancelotti’s Second Era): Defied age (winning at 37 and 38) as the veteran leader of a new generation.
Defining Moment
- 2018 Ballon d’Or: Became the first player not named Messi or Ronaldo to win it in a decade, largely due to his UCL mastery.
With six Champions League medals to his name, Modrić not only helped shape one of the greatest eras in football history — he secured his status as one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the competition.
2. Toni Kroos – 6 Titles
(Bayern Munich: 2013 | Real Madrid: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
Toni Kroos is the definition of composure under pressure. Whether he’s threading passes through packed defences or dictating the pace of a match, the German maestro makes the extraordinary look routine.
Kroos’ Champions League journey began with Bayern Munich, where he lifted his first title in 2013. That would have been enough for most players, but Kroos was only getting started. After joining Real Madrid in 2014, he became a key figure in a golden era of European dominance, adding five more Champions League winners’ medals to his collection.
Key Contributions
- 2013 (Bayern): A key playmaker in Jupp Heynckes’ treble-winning side.
- 2016-2018 (Madrid’s Three-Peat): Formed the legendary “KCM” midfield (Kroos-Casemiro-Modrić).
- 2024 (Farewell Season): Retired at the top after a masterful final campaign.
Defining Moment
- 2017 Final Assist: His pinpoint cross set up Ronaldo’s opener vs. Juventus.
Elegant, efficient, and unflappable, Kroos has earned his place in football history as one of the most decorated midfielders in the Champions League era.
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3. Dani Carvajal – 6 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
From Real Madrid’s academy to the summit of European football, Dani Carvajal’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The Spanish right-back returned from a brief spell in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and slotted straight into Madrid’s first team, becoming an integral part of their defensive and attacking play.
Key Contributions
- 2014 (La Décima): The breakout star, providing width and defensive solidity.
- 2016-2018: Locked down elite wingers (like Salah in 2018).
- 2024 (Captain): Lifted the trophy as Madrid’s leader.
Defining Moment
- 2022 Final Assist: Set up Vinícius’ winner vs. Liverpool.
Carvajal’s energy, commitment, and consistency made him a reliable figure during countless high-pressure Champions League nights.
His six winners’ medals reflect both his longevity at the top level and his crucial role in Madrid’s defensive line across an era of unprecedented European success.
4. Nacho – 6 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
Every successful team has its unsung heroes, and for Real Madrid, Nacho has been exactly that. A loyal servant to the club, Nacho’s versatility and selfless attitude have seen him plug defensive gaps time and time again, whether at centre-back or full-back.
Key Contributions
- Played multiple positions (CB, RB, LB) whenever called upon.
- 2024 (Captaincy): Led Madrid to glory in his final season.
Defining Moment
- 2017 Final: Shut down Juventus’ attack after coming on early for an injured Ramos.
Though he’s rarely in the headlines, he has earned six Champions League medals thanks to his quiet reliability, always stepping up whenever Madrid needed him.
Football isn’t just about the flashy moments, and Nacho’s decorated career is proof that hard work, patience, and team-first mentality can lead to greatness.
5. Karim Benzema – 5 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Karim Benzema’s transformation from a supporting striker to Real Madrid’s main man is one of football’s great evolution stories. Originally the perfect link-up partner for Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema stepped into the spotlight after the Portuguese icon’s departure and proved that he was a world-class goalscorer in his own right.
Key Contributions
- 2022 Campaign: 15 goals, including hat-tricks vs. PSG and Chelsea.
- 2018 Final: Scored a bicycle kick vs. Liverpool.
Defining Moment
- 2022 Semifinal – His extra-time penalty vs. Man City sent Madrid to the final.
A striker with intelligence, flair, and ice-cold composure, Benzema has left an indelible mark on the Champions League.
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6. Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 Titles
(Manchester United: 2008 | Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
No list of Champions League legends would be complete without CR7. The competition’s all-time leading goalscorer (as of 2024), Ronaldo built his legacy on the grandest stage of them all.
His first Champions League triumph came with Manchester United in 2008, where he scored in the final against Chelsea.
It was at Real Madrid that Ronaldo truly made the tournament his playground.
From 2014 to 2018, he won the trophy four times, spearheading Madrid’s attack and delivering countless memorable performances, including clutch goals in semifinals and finals alike.
Key Contributions
- 2017: Back-to-back hat-tricks vs. Bayern and Atlético.
- 2014 (La Décima): Scored a record 17 goals in one campaign.
Defining Moment
- 2018 Overhead Kick – His stunning strike vs. Juventus.
The ultimate big-game player.
7. Gareth Bale – 5 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
When it comes to delivering on the biggest occasions, few can match Bale. Be it was his towering header in the 2014 final against Atlético Madrid or his unforgettable overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018, the Welshman always found ways to rise to the moment.
Injuries may have interrupted stretches of his Madrid career, but when it came to Champions League nights, Bale was often the difference-maker.
Key Contributions
- 2014 Final: Headed the go-ahead goal vs. Atlético.
- 2018 Final: That bicycle kick vs. Liverpool.
Defining Moment
- 2018 Heroics – Came off the bench to win Madrid the trophy.
Five winners’ medals and a highlight reel full of jaw-dropping goals confirm his status as one of the most impactful players in the competition’s modern era.
8. Casemiro – 5 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
If you asked Real Madrid fans to name the unsung hero behind their Champions League dominance, Casemiro would top the list. The Brazilian defensive midfielder was the rock at the base of Madrid’s midfield, breaking up play, shielding the defence, and launching counterattacks.
Key Contributions
- 2017 Final: Scored a long-range rocket vs. Juventus.
- Tactical Balance: Allowed Kroos & Modrić to flourish.
Defining Moment
- 2022 Semifinal: Dominated Man City’s midfield.
The most underrated player of Madrid’s golden era. Tactically intelligent and physically relentless, Casemiro brought balance to a team packed with attacking talent.
9. Isco – 5 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
During Real Madrid’s era of European domination, he was the creative spark that added finesse to the midfield. Be it starting matches or coming off the bench, the Spanish playmaker brought technique and vision to Madrid’s game, playing a major role in multiple Champions League campaigns.
Key Contributions
- 2017 Semifinal: Ran the show vs. Atlético.
- Versatility: Played as a 10, winger, or false nine.
Defining Moment
- 2017 UCL Run: Key in Zidane’s 4-3-1-2 system.
His ability to find space and control possession under pressure helped Madrid navigate past the world’s toughest opponents on countless occasions.
10. Marcelo – 5 Titles
(Real Madrid: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Few players have combined flair and leadership the way he did during his glittering Real Madrid career. Known for his attacking runs, dazzling footwork, and infectious charisma, the Brazilian left-back was a staple in the Madrid starting XI for over a decade.
Key Contributions
- 2017 Final: Assisted with Ronaldo’s second goal.
- Leadership: Captain in 2022.
Defining Moment
- 2022 Final: Lifted the trophy in his last UCL game.
The most joyful player in Madrid’s history. He wasn’t just a defender, he was a playmaker from the back, an extra attacker in the final third, and a leader both on and off the pitch.
Full List of European Cup/ Champions League
In the history of the Champions League, originally known as the European Cup from its inception in 1955 until 1992, only five players have lifted the trophy six times.
The first to achieve this remarkable feat was Spanish midfielder Paco Gento, who won it five times in a row with Real Madrid between 1956 and 1960, and again in 1966.
| Titles | Club(s) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Real Madrid | Paco Gento, Luka Modrić, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernández |
| Bayern Munich / Real Madrid | Toni Kroos | |
| 5 | Real Madrid | Juan Alonso, Rafael Lesmes, Marquitos, Héctor Rial, Alfredo Di Stéfano, José María Zárraga, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Isco, Marcelo, Lucas Vázquez |
| AC Milan | Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini | |
| Manchester United / Real Madrid | Cristiano Ronaldo | |
| 4 | Real Madrid | Joseíto, Enrique Mateos, Juan Santisteban, José Santamaría, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane |
| Liverpool | Phil Neal | |
| Ajax / Real Madrid / AC Milan | Clarence Seedorf | |
| Barcelona | Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Xavi | |
| Manchester United / Barcelona | Gerard Piqué | |
| Real Madrid / Chelsea | Mateo Kovačić | |
| Bayern Munich / Real Madrid | David Alaba |
Recap
Lifting the Champions League trophy is a dream every footballer shares, but only a few ever get to experience it, and even fewer manage to do it again and again.
The players on this list didn’t just win the Champions League; they dominated it, across different seasons, different opponents, and in many cases, evolving roles within their teams.
Who will be the next to join these Champions League icons? Only time and a few more magical European nights will tell.
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