Champions League Final Man of the Match: Every Winner of the 21st Century (Ranked)
On the grandest stage in European club football, a single performance can define a legacy. From Zidane’s legendary volley to Courtois’ record-breaking saves, we look back at every Man of the Match from the UEFA Champions League finals since 2000—ranked from 26 to 1.
26. Desire Doué – 2024/25
The 2025 final saw Desire Doué rise to the occasion with a mature, fearless display beyond his years. The young Frenchman lit up the pitch with his creativity and composure, earning a well-deserved Man of the Match award in the biggest game of his life.
25. Dani Carvajal – 2023/24
In a clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, veteran full-back Dani Carvajal rolled back the years. He opened the scoring and delivered a defensive masterclass, locking down his side of the field to guide Los Blancos to yet another European crown.
24. Rodri – 2022/23
After the heartbreak of 2021, Rodri made the difference in Manchester City’s first-ever Champions League triumph. The Spaniard struck the winning goal against Inter Milan and anchored midfield with authority, erasing any doubts from the final he missed two years earlier.
Read also: The 20 Most Valuable Football Leagues in the World – Ranked by Average Player Value
23. Thibaut Courtois – 2021/22
Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Liverpool would not have happened without Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian made nine sensational saves—the most ever in a Champions League final—delivering one of the finest goalkeeping performances in tournament history.
22. N’Golo Kanté – 2020/21
Chelsea's victory over Manchester City was built on N’Golo Kanté’s relentless energy. He broke up play, won duels all over the pitch, and completely stifled City’s creativity in a textbook midfield performance.
21. Kingsley Coman – 2019/20
In an eerie, fan-less final due to COVID-19, Kingsley Coman haunted his former club PSG with the winning goal. The French winger's back-post header sealed a tight 1-0 victory for Bayern Munich.
20. Virgil van Dijk – 2018/19
In a low-key final, Virgil van Dijk ensured Liverpool kept it simple and solid. Tottenham barely had a sniff as the Dutch defender marshalled the backline to a 2-0 win and Champions League glory.
Read also: The 20 Greatest Tottenham Hotspur Players of All Time
19. Gareth Bale – 2017/18
Subbed on with the match tied, Gareth Bale changed everything. His jaw-dropping bicycle kick and long-range strike sealed Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and left fans stunned.
18. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2016/17
Cristiano Ronaldo had won three Champions League finals before, but this was his moment. He scored twice in a commanding 4-1 win over Juventus, finally earning his first Man of the Match award on the grand stage.
17. Sergio Ramos – 2015/16
Once again the villain for Atletico Madrid, Sergio Ramos opened the scoring and buried his penalty in the shootout. His leadership and gamesmanship helped Real Madrid edge their city rivals in another tight final.
16. Andrés Iniesta – 2014/15
Iniesta pulled the strings from the start in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Juventus. His brilliant third-minute assist set the tone, and he became the first player to assist in three Champions League finals.
Read also: The 25 Greatest Borussia Dortmund Players of All Time – Ranked
15. Ángel Di María – 2013/14
In extra time, Real Madrid ran riot—but it was Di María who never stopped running. His tireless energy and line-breaking dribbles tore Atletico apart and helped Los Blancos claim La Decima.
14. Arjen Robben – 2012/13
After years of final heartbreak, Robben finally delivered. He assisted one and scored a slick late winner as Bayern edged Dortmund in an all-German classic at Wembley.
13. Didier Drogba – 2011/12
Drogba came up big when Chelsea needed him most. His powerful 88th-minute header forced extra time, and he then calmly buried the winning penalty in the shootout against Bayern in their own stadium.
12. Lionel Messi – 2010/11
In a final many consider footballing perfection, Messi was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Manchester United. He scored once and dominated from start to finish in a performance Sir Alex Ferguson called “the best team I've ever faced.”
Read also: The 11 Most Injury-Plagued Players in Modern Football History
11. Diego Milito – 2009/10
Milito scored twice to down Bayern Munich and complete Inter Milan’s historic treble. His movement and clinical finishing capped a season that few strikers could ever match.
10. Xavi Hernandez – 2008/09
Xavi ran the show as Barcelona outclassed Manchester United in Rome. His pinpoint cross for Messi’s header was the highlight of a midfield masterclass that left the English champions chasing shadows.
9. Edwin van der Sar – 2007/08
In a nerve-shredding all-English final, Van der Sar was the difference. He saved the decisive penalty from Nicolas Anelka, helping Manchester United beat Chelsea in the rain-soaked Moscow shootout.
8. Filippo Inzaghi – 2006/07
Inzaghi’s instincts were razor-sharp as he scored both goals in AC Milan’s 2-1 win over Liverpool. From a lucky deflection to a composed one-on-one finish, Pippo delivered when it counted most.
Read also: End-of-Season Prediction: Liga Portugal Betclic 2025/26 Final Standings
7. Samuel Eto’o – 2005/06
Down to ten men early and trailing, Barcelona turned to Eto’o to break the deadlock. His equalizer opened the door to a 2-1 comeback win over Arsenal, although his role remains hotly debated—even by Thierry Henry.
6. Steven Gerrard – 2004/05
Trailing 3-0 at halftime, Gerrard led Liverpool’s legendary comeback against AC Milan. His header and penalty-winning run sparked a revival that ended in one of the most dramatic shootout victories ever.
5. Deco – 2003/04
Deco was the architect of Porto’s shock 3-0 win over Monaco. With a goal and a flawless midfield display, he helped Jose Mourinho secure his first Champions League title.
4. Paolo Maldini – 2002/03
At 34, Maldini marshalled Milan’s backline to a shutout win over Juventus. The goalless 120 minutes were no classic, but the Italian legend’s leadership and discipline stood tall in the penalty shootout triumph.
3. Zinedine Zidane – 2001/02
Zidane’s volley against Bayer Leverkusen is still replayed around the world. The French icon’s left-footed strike on the stroke of halftime sealed the win for Real Madrid in Glasgow.
2. Oliver Kahn – 2000/01
Kahn was simply unbreakable in Bayern’s shootout win over Valencia. With three penalty saves, he put on a masterclass in mental toughness and shot-stopping under pressure.
1. Steve McManaman – 1999/00
In a final full of stars, McManaman delivered the game’s standout moment with a scissor-kick goal. His performance in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Valencia capped off a landmark night for English footballers abroad.
