Europe’s Biggest Clubs Without a Champions League Title

September 18, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The UEFA Champions League is the ultimate prize in European club football — a tournament that tests the best and rewards only the elite. While many of Europe’s biggest clubs have etched their names into history, several iconic teams are still searching for that first elusive title. Based on fanbase size, financial strength, and how close they've come to victory, here are the 10 biggest clubs to never win the Champions League — ranked from #10 to #1.

#10 Dynamo Kyiv

Dynamo Kyiv are Ukrainian football royalty and have been a regular feature in European competitions since 1990. Despite their consistency, they've never progressed beyond the semi-finals, with their best runs coming in 1977, 1987, and 1999. The club has produced legends like Andriy Shevchenko and Sergei Rebrov, but a Champions League title still eludes them.

#9 Galatasaray

Turkish giants Galatasaray are known for their raucous home atmosphere and passionate supporters. They've won the UEFA Cup and Super Cup, but their Champions League journey has been less fruitful. Quarter-final appearances in 2001 and 2013 are their high points, both ending in defeat to Real Madrid. The dream of lifting Europe’s top prize continues.

#8 Schalke

Schalke are one of Germany's most storied clubs, boasting one of the largest fanbases in world football. However, their European success has been minimal. A semi-final finish in 2011, where they were outclassed by Manchester United, remains their best Champions League showing. Recent domestic struggles have only widened the gap between history and ambition.

#7 Valencia

Valencia CF — Media Whale Stock / Shutterstock.com

Valencia came agonizingly close to Champions League glory with back-to-back final defeats in 2000 and 2001. They fell to Real Madrid and then Bayern Munich, the latter on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. Despite fielding legendary talents, the trophy has always remained just out of reach for the Spanish club.

#6 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen celebrating — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bayer Leverkusen's best shot came in 2002, when they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the final thanks to Zidane’s iconic volley. That season, they also finished runners-up in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal — a heartbreaking trio of near-misses. Although they’re back on the rise, Leverkusen are still chasing that first major European crown.

#5 Lyon

Lyon dominated French football in the 2000s but never made it count on the continental stage. They’ve reached two Champions League semi-finals, both ending in defeat to Bayern Munich — in 2010 and again in the COVID-adjusted 2020 format. Despite their domestic pedigree, they’ve never managed to break into the Champions League elite.

#4 Roma

Roma came closest in 1984, losing the final to Liverpool on penalties — a particularly painful loss as the match was held at their home stadium. Their recent best came in 2018 when they were edged out by Liverpool in a 7-6 thriller over two legs. Despite a rich footballing heritage, they’re still waiting for a European breakthrough.

#3 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s incredible 2019 run, including comeback wins over Manchester City and Ajax, ended in heartbreak. In the final, they lost 2-0 to Liverpool after conceding a penalty in the opening minute. That remains their only final appearance, and while it captured the imagination, Spurs are still without European silverware.

#2 Arsenal

Arsenal reached the final in 2006 and even led Barcelona through Sol Campbell’s first-half header. But late goals from Eto’o and Belletti turned the tide. It was their best campaign by far, and the departure of Thierry Henry a year later was a painful coda. Despite consistent UCL appearances under Wenger, the title never came.

#1 Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid celebrating a goal — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Atletico Madrid have suffered perhaps the most agonizing Champions League defeats of all. In 2014, they were seconds away from winning before Sergio Ramos scored in stoppage time, leading to a 4-1 loss in extra time. Two years later, they lost to Real Madrid again — this time on penalties. With three final losses and no trophy, Atleti top the list of Europe’s nearly-men.