In terms of quality, the Champions League is arguably the top competition in world football. Here, year after year, the world's greatest players compete for the most prestigious trophies at the club level.
Many players have cemented their legacy's status in the Champions League, which was founded in 1954 and renamed the UEFA Champions League in 1992. Many of these players have played for Real Madrid, the most successful team in the history of the competition (14 titles).
Here is a selection of the 30 greatest Champions League players, including some of Real Madrid's icons. Selecting this list is an extremely difficult task, with Casemiro, Roberto Carlos, Puyol, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Big Inzaghi all missing the list. However, it also shows that fans have enjoyed a staggering number of quality stars since the early '90s.
To ensure that as many modern legends as possible make it into the top 30, we only focus on players from the UEFA Champions League era (after 1992). This means that the likes of Paco Hento, Di Stefano, Giorgio Best and Eusebio are not eligible to be selected.
30. Carvajal
Champions League titles: 5
For fans, Carvajal shouldn't be on this list, but it shouldn't be overlooked that he has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid – the same number as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric. Although the Spanish full-back may not have been as important as those players, he still played his part and started all five of the finals he won.
29. Robben
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Arjen Robben is a very fast winger who is adept at cutting inside from the right flank and has played in the Champions League for a number of teams, most notably Bayern Munich. His unique style, coupled with a lethal left foot, makes him a nightmare for defenders. Robben's ability to create and score goals has been crucial to Bayern's success. In the 2013 Champions League final, Robben scored the decisive goal against Borussia Dortmund, which was also his peak. His performances in the Champions League, full of winning goals and dribbles, have made him one of the most memorable wingers in the competition. Everyone knows exactly what the Dutchman wants to do every time he gets the ball - cut inside and shoot, but few can stop him.
28. Henry
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry's combination of pace, skill and finishing is a stretch for any defender. Although Thierry Henry failed to lift the Champions League with Arsenal, he played a key role in Barcelona's 2009 triumph. The Gunners were beaten in the 2006 Champions League final by his future club, but if Arsenal win in the final, the French superstar will be higher in the rankings as he is a regular for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. But this is not the case at Barcelona, who is largely in the shadow of Messi.
27. Van Nistelrooy
Champions League titles: 0
Known for his predatory instincts, calm shots and clever movements, Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the most lethal strikers in the Champions League. His goalscoring percentages for five consecutive seasons at Manchester United and Real Madrid (56 goals in 73 games) earned him a reputation for reliability and efficiency, and ultimately made him a Champions League legend. Although he is the only player to have never won the Champions League and made it to this list, it is a testament to the Dutchman's ability.
26. Sergio Busquets
The number of Champions League titles: 3
As a footballer, Busquets' football IQ is at a different level than most of his opponents – whether in La Liga or the Champions League. The Spanish midfield maestro was not as recognised as teammates Xavi and Iniesta at the peak of Barcelona, but he is arguably as important as Xavi and Iniesta. Sergio Busquets is the anchor of Barca's midfield and is admired by all his team-mates as well as his coach. It's no exaggeration to say that Sergio Busquets is one of the greatest midfielders of his generation or any other.
25. Giggs
Champions League titles: 2
As a player who has played for just one team in his career, Ryan Giggs has contributed immensely to Manchester United's success in Europe. His skill, creativity, leadership and extraordinary professional longevity have been integral to Manchester United's dominance. Ryan Giggs played a key role in the 1999 Champions League final. The Welsh star also won the Champions League in 2008, nine years after his first success in the competition.
24. Shevchenko
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Andrey Shevchenko was the most feared and respected striker in the Champions League in the early 2000s and is still in the top 10 of the Champions League's all-time goalscorers list with 48 goals in 100 appearances. In 2003, Shevchenko won the Champions League with AC Milan.
23. Eto'o
The number of Champions League titles: 3
Samuel Eto'o is a lethal striker with a combination of speed, technique and lethal shooting eye. He is probably one of the most underrated players of his generation, having won the Champions League three times – twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan. The Cameroonian star even helped Inter Milan to a semi-final win over Barcelona in 2010 before biting his former club back.
22. Pique
Champions League titles: 4
Pique was arguably the best centre-back in the world at his prime. Pique won his first Champions League title with Manchester United in 2008, although he did not play in the win over Chelsea in Moscow. In the summer of 2008, Pique returned to his former club Barcelona and established a good relationship with Puyol. Pique won three more Champions League titles for Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015, and in November 2022, at the age of 35, Pique ended his illustrious career.
21. Van der Sar
Champions League titles: 2
Edwin van der Sar is United's best number one goalkeeper of the last two decades, winning the Champions League for the Red Devils for the second time in 2008 and saving Nicolas Anelka's crucial penalty in the final against Chelsea. The Dutch goalkeeper won the Champions League for the first time with Ajax 13 years ago and his intimidating power in front of goal was enough to terrify the best strikers in world football.
20. Tony Cross
Champions League titles: 4
Toni Kroos is one of the best midfield pairings of all time with Luka Modric, and he is one of the most creative players in the championship game. However, he is far behind third-placed Luka Modric for several key reasons. Firstly, Kroos has four Champions League winners' medals, while Modric has five. Secondly, Modric was more decisive in the knockout stages.
19. Marcelo
Champions League titles: 5
Marcelo is not only one of the greatest players in Champions League history, but the Brazilian left-back also won the Copa Libertadores. His defense is excellent, but what gets the most attention is his contribution to the offense. Marcelo will rush up front whenever he gets the chance, and his samba talent has helped him win a lot of assists, making him one of the most technically talented left-backs in world football.
18. Drogba
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Didier Drogba is one of the strongest strikers in Champions League history, combining brute force with technical brilliance. During his time at Chelsea, he became a key player for Chelsea in the Champions League, often contributing to the team in the most crucial moments. The most obvious example was Didier Drogba's equaliser and the winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich to win Chelsea's first Champions League title.
17. Lewandowski
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Robert Lewandowski is one of the all-time top goalscorers in Champions League history, scoring 94 goals in just 119 appearances, making him the third-most goalscorer in Champions League history. In April 2013, Lewandowski played for Borussia Dortmund and became the first player to score four goals in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with a superb finishing touch, before moving to Bayern Munich in 2014. It was at Bayern that Lewandowski won his first (and so far only) Champions League title. In the interrupted 2019-20 season, no player scored more Champions League goals than Robert Lewandowski. Robert Lewandowski is currently playing for Barcelona, while Barcelona are not as strong as they used to be.
16. Ronaldinho
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Ronaldinho is the living embodiment of happy football, and his technique, creativity, talent and unpredictability make him a one-of-a-kind talent. The Brazilian star played a major role in Barcelona's Champions League triumph in 2006.
15. Kaka
Number of Champions League titles: 1
At his peak, Kaka was an attacking midfielder who blended speed, technique and keen shooting touch. He excelled in the 2006-07 season, leading AC Milan to Champions League glory and becoming the top scorer in the tournament.
14. Casillas
The number of Champions League titles: 3
Casillas is a true legend in goal, and his contribution to Real Madrid's Champions League campaign is well documented. His reflexes, saves and leadership skills were key to Real Madrid's success and won them three Champions League titles.
13. Gareth Bell
Champions League titles: 5
In Real Madrid's 2018 Champions League final win over Liverpool, Gareth Bale needed just 30 minutes to claim the "Man of the Match". A stunning barb that the unfortunate Liverpool goalkeeper Lloris Karius had almost no chance to block. Bale then added a goal to a 3-1 win for Real Madrid, and that performance alone makes him deserve to be at the top of this list. In his chaotic nine-year career at the Bernabeu, he won the Champions League a total of five times.
12. Gerald
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Gerrard is perhaps best remembered for his heroics in the 2005 'Istanbul Miracle', where his determination and goalscoring prowess made him one of the most influential midfielders in Champions League history.
11. Zinedine Zidane
Number of Champions League titles: 1
Zidane's most iconic moment came in the 2002 Champions League final, when he sent Real Madrid to victory over Bayer Leverkusen with a brilliant left-footed volley. In fact, it was perhaps the most iconic goal in the history of the competition.
10. Clarence Seedorf
Champions League titles: 4
Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different teams. Whether at AC Milan, Real Madrid or Ajax, Seedorf's vision, passing range and midfield control have all played a crucial role in the team's success.
9. Raul
The number of Champions League titles: 3
Raul's outstanding goalscoring ability and leadership skills have left an indelible mark on the Champions League. Prior to his move to Schalke, Raul was a long-time player for Real Madrid, winning the Champions League three times and was the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer until Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo overtook him.
8. Ramos
Champions League titles: 4
Ramos' tenacity, leadership and knack for scoring crucial goals (notably his equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final) played a major role in Real Madrid's fourth Champions League triumph in five years. His defensive consistency and adaptability have made him a cornerstone of Real Madrid's success on the European stage.
7. Harvey
Champions League titles: 4
Xavi is the architect of Barcelona's 'tiki-taka' style, and his vision, precise passing and control of the tempo of the game have made him the heart of Barca. Xavi is a four-time Champions League winner, and his ability to command the game in midfield and his excellent understanding of the game have been crucial to Barcelona's success on the European stage.
6. Paolo Maldini
The number of Champions League titles: 3
Paolo Maldini is the embodiment of defensive excellence, having spent his entire career with AC Milan and winning the Champions League three times. Maldini is known for his precise interceptions, excellent positioning, and insight into the game, and he rarely gets away with his opponents by committing fouls. His longevity, grace and loyalty to AC Milan have set the benchmark for future generations of defenders. Given the nature of this list, it's important to note that Paolo Maldini had already won the European Championship twice before the 1992 Champions League was renamed.
5. Benzema
Champions League titles: 5
Karim Benzema is the fourth-most goalscoring player in Champions League history (90) and fourth in appearances (152). The French striker undoubtedly played his part in Real Madrid's Champions League triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, however, he was always content to act as Ronaldo's second-in-command, and as a result, he was often in the shadow of the Portuguese superstar. However, after Ronaldo left the Bernabeu, Benzema began to show his brilliance. As the top scorer and best player of the tournament in the 2021-22 season, Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid win their 14th Champions League title with his best personal performance.
4. Iniesta
Champions League titles: 4
Known for his dribbling, creativity and composure under pressure, Andres Iniesta has played a crucial role in Barcelona's success on the European stage. His midfield trio with Xavi and Sergio Busquets dominated Barcelona's tempo and left their opponents in the dust.
3. Modric
Champions League titles: 5
Modric has exceeded all expectations since joining Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. After a challenging start at the Bernabeu, the diminutive Croatian star was named the worst signing in La Liga that season, but after finally getting his footing, he was able to perform at an extraordinary level. Luka Modric was an integral part of Real Madrid's five Champions League triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. One of football's greatest passers, Modric's impressive out-of-foot assist against Chelsea in April 2022 will surely be remembered for many years to come.
2. Messi
Champions League titles: 4
Messi has scored a total of 129 goals in the Champions League, ranking second in the Champions League's all-time scoring list. The Argentine king's dribbling ability, unrivalled vision, goalscoring skills and organisational skills were crucial to Barcelona's four Champions League triumphs between 2006 and 2015.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Champions League titles: 5
Cristiano Ronaldo has performed well in the Champions League, breaking a number of records. From his breakthrough at Manchester United, to scoring goals at Real Madrid, to playing for Juventus and returning to Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo's impact in the Champions League has been huge and unparalleled. His five trophies (four at Real Madrid and one at Manchester United) speak volumes about his competitiveness and dominance, and his 141 goals in the Champions League are also the most in history.