Elusive Trophy
The Champions League is recognized as the most prestigious club competition globally, and for many footballers, lifting the iconic trophy is a lifelong dream. Established in 1955, the European Cup saw Real Madrid claim the very first title. Renamed as the Champions League in the 1992/93 season, Real Madrid stands as the most successful club in the tournament’s history, boasting 15 titles.
Five players have achieved the remarkable distinction of being the most decorated throughout the tournament’s history, all of whom are associated with Real Madrid: Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernández, Dani Carvajal, and Paco Gento, each holding six Champions League titles. However, many world-class athletes have yet to claim this coveted trophy, prompting an analysis of those who have scored the highest number of Champions League goals without winning the competition.
Top Players with the Most Champions League Goals Without a Title
Ruud van Nistelrooy once held the record for the most goals scored in the Champions League without ever seizing the title. The Dutch forward netted an impressive 56 goals in 73 matches but was unable to grasp the trophy during his tenures at PSV, Manchester United, or Real Madrid. However, that changed on a recent Tuesday when Kylian Mbappé scored twice in a dramatic 2-1 victory against Marseille, placing him at the top of the list for goals scored without a Champions League trophy.
With a remarkable record of 57 goals in 88 Champions League matches, Mbappé has yet to lift the trophy, notably finishing as a runner-up in the 2020 final with PSG. The top five also includes legendary players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Antoine Griezmann, and Sergio Agüero. Currently in sixth place is Harry Kane, who is likely to break into the top five this season as Bayern Munich is expected to advance to the last 16.
