The 10 Biggest Clubs That Have Never Won the Champions League
The Champions League is the ultimate stage in European football, where the best clubs battle for glory and immortality. Since its creation in 1955, only 23 teams have lifted the trophy, while many others have come close but fallen short. Despite their history, fan base, and financial power, some of the biggest names in world football are still chasing their first Champions League triumph. Here are the 10 biggest clubs that have yet to win Europe’s most prestigious prize.
10. Dynamo Kyiv
Dynamo Kyiv is a giant of Ukrainian football with decades of tradition and consistency in Europe. They reached the semifinals in 1977, 1987, and 1999, but could never take the final step. Legends like Andriy Shevchenko and Sergei Rebrov made their mark, yet the club still waits for its first Champions League crown.
9. Galatasaray
Galatasaray has one of the most passionate fan bases in world football, creating unforgettable atmospheres in Istanbul. While they won the UEFA Cup and Super Cup in 2000, their Champions League record is modest, with quarterfinal appearances as their best result. For such a historic side, the big trophy remains elusive.
8. Schalke 04
Schalke 04 is one of Germany’s most traditional clubs, backed by a massive fan following. Their best Champions League run came in 2011, when they reached the semifinals before losing to Manchester United. Despite past domestic glory, the Gelsenkirchen side still longs for European success.
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7. Valencia
Valencia reached back-to-back Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001 but heartbreak followed both times. Real Madrid defeated them in 2000, and Bayern Munich edged them out on penalties a year later. Their passionate fans still remember how close they came to European immortality.
6. Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen became infamous as “Neverkusen” after falling short in 2002. That year, they lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane scoring one of the greatest goals in the competition’s history. Despite domestic success in recent years, the club is still chasing its first European crown.
5. Lyon
Lyon dominated French football in the 2000s, winning seven straight Ligue 1 titles. However, the Champions League has always remained just out of reach. They reached the semifinals twice, in 2010 and 2020, but both times Bayern Munich ended their dreams.
4. Roma
Roma has a rich history but continues to fall short on the European stage. Their biggest chance came in 1984, when they hosted the final at the Stadio Olimpico, only to lose on penalties to Liverpool. More recently, they reached the semifinals in 2018, again falling victim to the Reds.
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3. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s golden run in 2019 shocked Europe, with memorable victories over Manchester City and Ajax. Yet their first-ever Champions League final ended in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool. The North London club has shown it can compete with the best, but the dream remains unfulfilled.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal came closest in 2006, when they faced Barcelona in the final. Despite leading through Sol Campbell, late goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti broke Gunners’ hearts. With only one final appearance in their history, Arsenal’s wait for Europe’s biggest prize continues.
1. Atlético Madrid
Few clubs know Champions League heartbreak like Atlético Madrid. They have reached three finals, losing all of them — including two to archrivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. Their fans still dream of the day when the club can finally lift the trophy and erase years of near misses.
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