Trophies are often used as the ultimate measure of greatness in football. League titles, domestic cups, and continental honors usually define the careers of the sport’s biggest stars. But not every legendary player ends up with silverware in their cabinet.
This list highlights 15 incredible footballers—icons of their generation—who, despite their talent, influence, and longevity, retired (or are still playing) without winning a single major trophy. No league titles. No cup triumphs. Just brilliance unfulfilled by medals.
15. Son Heung-min
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A world-class forward and Tottenham icon, Son Heung-min has dazzled Premier League fans for nearly a decade. Despite reaching finals and racking up over 125 league goals, the South Korean has yet to lift a single trophy in his career.
One of Italy’s most passionate midfielders, De Rossi spent nearly two decades at Roma. Although he came close multiple times in Serie A, he never won a single piece of silverware domestically or in Europe.
A Liverpool legend and one-club man, Carragher won admiration for his grit and leadership. Still, while his teammates claimed European glory, he never managed to capture a single domestic or international trophy.
12. Robbie Fowler
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Nicknamed “God” by Liverpool fans, Fowler was one of the best finishers of his generation. But despite playing for several top clubs, including Leeds and Man City, he ended his career without any major titles.
11. Jay-Jay Okocha
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Okocha’s flair lit up stadiums in France, Turkey, and England, making him a fan favorite everywhere he played. Yet, for all his skill and showmanship, he walked away from the game without a single major trophy.
10. Fernando Torres
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Known for his electric pace and clinical finishing, Torres made headlines at Atlético and Liverpool. He did win trophies with Spain, but at club level he famously never lifted a league or cup title.
A two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, Hasselbaink was a goal machine for Leeds and Chelsea. Still, the Dutchman retired without a single major club honor to his name.
8. Gary Lineker
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One of England’s finest strikers, Lineker won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup and starred for Everton, Barcelona, and Spurs. Yet, shockingly, he never secured a single trophy during his club career.
7. Antoine Griezmann
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A gifted forward and creative playmaker, Griezmann has been a star for both Atlético Madrid and France. But while he’s had international success, he has never won a domestic trophy at club level.
6. Stanley Matthews
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Often considered one of the most influential players of the early 20th century, Sir Stanley Matthews played until age 50. His legacy is unmatched—but he never won a single league or cup title.
Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Banks helped England win the 1966 World Cup. Despite his international heroics, he never won a trophy with any of his clubs.
4. Sócrates
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Nicknamed “Doctor” for his medical degree and football intelligence, Sócrates was a generational talent in Brazil. Unfortunately, he never won a domestic league or cup trophy throughout his iconic career.
3. Bobby Moore
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England’s World Cup-winning captain in 1966, Moore was a defensive rock for West Ham. Yet, despite his legendary status, he never claimed a single trophy in club football.
2. Steven Gerrard
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One of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, Gerrard won the Champions League and other honors, but never a league title. His failure to win the Premier League remains a lasting mark on an otherwise illustrious career.
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A two-time World Cup winner and one of the most gifted wingers in football history, Garrincha mesmerized fans across Brazil. Despite his brilliance, he never managed to win a league title—or any major club trophy.
