The 100 Champions League Legends with the Most Games Played
The UEFA Champions League is where football’s greatest players prove themselves year after year. This definitive ranking counts down the 100 players with the most matches played in the competition’s history—recognising the ultimate symbols of consistency, longevity, and elite performance.
100. Miralem Pjanić
Miralem Pjanić was a composed and intelligent midfielder who excelled at controlling the tempo of matches. With 83 appearances for five clubs, he consistently demonstrated his passing range and set-piece precision.
99. Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda was an energetic and skillful winger who brought flair and commitment to the left flank. He reached 83 appearances and was a key contributor during Chelsea’s rise in Europe.
98. Casemiro
Casemiro anchored Real Madrid’s midfield during a golden era. Across 83 appearances, his defensive positioning and crucial goals helped define multiple Champions League titles.
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97. Arturo Vidal
Arturo Vidal brought tenacity and drive to the midfield. Known for his aggressive style and leadership, he featured in 83 matches with four clubs.
96. Gonzalo Higuaín
Gonzalo Higuaín was a prolific striker with sharp finishing instincts. Over 83 Champions League games, he led the line effectively for top clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus.
95. Lúcio
Lúcio was a powerful central defender who commanded the back line with authority. His 83 appearances included a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s 2010 triumph.
94. César Azpilicueta
César Azpilicueta was a model of consistency and discipline in defense. With 83 appearances for Chelsea, his reliability earned him captaincy and respect across Europe.
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93. Pedro
Pedro’s intelligent movement and ability to deliver in big games made him an important asset. He scored key goals during his 84 appearances, especially with Barcelona.
92. Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba’s speed and attacking intent made him a constant threat from left-back. In his 84 Champions League matches, he formed a deadly partnership with the forwards.
91. Jérôme Boateng
Jérôme Boateng brought a mix of strength and passing range to central defense. He appeared in 85 matches and was vital to Bayern Munich’s defensive solidity.
90. Marc-André ter Stegen
Marc-André ter Stegen established himself as one of the top modern goalkeepers. His 85 appearances were marked by composure, excellent distribution, and sharp reflexes.
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89. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney was a dynamic forward who delivered goals and assists in crucial moments. With 85 Champions League games for Manchester United, he helped lead them to the final stages multiple times.
88. Axel Witsel
Axel Witsel offered calmness and control in midfield. Over 85 appearances with five clubs, he maintained consistency and reliability in possession.
87. Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho was a master of positioning and reading the game. His 86 appearances for clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid showcased his defensive intelligence.
86. Kaká
Kaká was one of the most graceful attacking midfielders of his era. He made 86 appearances, producing moments of brilliance and winning the 2007 Champions League with Milan.
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85. Ederson
Ederson’s distribution and shot-stopping ability defined his role in Manchester City’s rise. In 86 games, he helped redefine the modern goalkeeper’s expectations.
84. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé has already made 87 appearances and continues to break records with his pace, finishing, and confidence. He’s one of the youngest to reach this milestone.
83. Iván Helguera
Iván Helguera was a steady presence in Real Madrid’s defense and midfield. His 87 Champions League games were part of a dominant era in the early 2000s.
82. Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci was a central figure in Juventus’ defensive system. With 87 appearances, he showcased tactical discipline and long-range passing.
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81. Franck Ribéry
Franck Ribéry brought flair, creativity, and goals to Bayern Munich’s flank. He was instrumental across 87 appearances and part of their 2013 Champions League-winning squad.
80. Dejan Stanković
Dejan Stanković was a hardworking and technically skilled midfielder. He made 87 appearances, playing key roles at Lazio and Inter Milan.
79. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has consistently performed in crucial moments. His 88 appearances include heroic displays for Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
78. Hasan Salihamidžić
Hasan Salihamidžić was a versatile and energetic presence on the wing. He played 88 games, primarily with Bayern Munich, contributing both defensively and offensively.
77. Paco Gento
Paco Gento was a pioneer in European football, playing 88 matches for Real Madrid. He won an unprecedented six European Cups, setting a lasting legacy.
76. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling brought pace and direct attacking play across his 88 appearances. His contributions to Manchester City’s European campaigns were crucial in recent years.
75. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has been one of the most lethal wingers in the Champions League. With 88 games and 47 goals, he played a massive role in Liverpool’s 2019 title win.
74. Álvaro Morata
Álvaro Morata has been a reliable forward across several top clubs. In his 89 Champions League appearances, he contributed important goals and brought movement and aerial threat to the frontline.
73. Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero was Juventus’ attacking inspiration for over a decade. He made 89 appearances, combining flair, creativity, and clinical finishing on European nights.
72. Alessandro Costacurta
Costacurta was a defensive cornerstone for AC Milan during their golden era. Across 90 Champions League games, his experience and positioning anchored one of Europe’s greatest back lines.
71. Mats Hummels
Hummels impressed with his composure and tactical awareness. In 90 appearances, he contributed to deep runs with both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
70. Daniel Carvajal
Carvajal’s tenacity and overlapping runs made him a key piece in Real Madrid’s multiple European titles. With 91 appearances, he has delivered consistently at the top level.
69. Didier Drogba
Drogba’s physicality and clutch finishing defined his Champions League legacy. Over 92 appearances, he scored vital goals, including in the 2012 final for Chelsea.
68. Nicolás Otamendi
Otamendi brought aggression and strength to the backline across 92 matches. His defensive presence was crucial for both Manchester City and Benfica.
67. Raphaël Varane
Varane displayed maturity beyond his years in Europe’s top competition. With 92 appearances, he was part of four Champions League titles at Real Madrid.
66. Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand was a commanding presence at the heart of Manchester United’s defense. In 93 appearances, he provided leadership, pace, and assurance under pressure.
65. Michael Ballack
Ballack’s aerial ability and long-range shooting gave him an edge in midfield. His 93 Champions League matches featured standout performances for Bayern and Chelsea.
64. Fernando Morientes
Morientes was a traditional striker with sharp instincts in the box. With 93 appearances and 33 goals, he was a key finisher during Real Madrid’s early 2000s era.
63. Maxwell
Maxwell quietly played an important role for clubs like Inter, Barcelona, and PSG. The Brazilian left-back made 94 appearances, valued for his positional awareness and passing.
62. Jan Oblak
Oblak has been a wall in goal for Atlético Madrid. With 94 appearances, his shot-stopping and command of the box have made him one of Europe’s most consistent keepers.
61. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger was a midfield general for Bayern Munich. Over 95 appearances, he mixed work rate and leadership, helping the club to continental glory.
60. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva’s creativity and work ethic have made him indispensable for Manchester City. In 96 matches, he’s been key to their tactical flexibility and attacking control.
59. Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich’s intelligence and adaptability have shone in his 96 Champions League appearances. Whether as a full-back or midfielder, he brings structure and vision to Bayern Munich’s game.
58. Claude Makélélé
Makélélé redefined the defensive midfield role. With 96 appearances, he was the silent engine behind Real Madrid and Chelsea’s European pursuits.
57. Javier Mascherano
Mascherano’s commitment and tactical understanding were essential for Barcelona’s success. In 96 matches, he offered versatility and heart at both center-back and midfield.
56. Ivan Rakitić
Rakitić was a balanced and composed midfielder. In 97 Champions League games, he contributed goals and control during Barcelona’s midfield-dominant years.
55. Javier Zanetti
Zanetti was the symbol of consistency and professionalism for Inter Milan. His 97 appearances saw him perform at a high level well into his late 30s.
54. Guti
Guti’s flair and creativity lit up Real Madrid’s midfield. Despite often being a squad player, he made 97 appearances and delivered moments of magic when called upon.
53. Edwin van der Sar
Van der Sar was a calm and commanding figure in goal. His 98 appearances included crucial saves for Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United.
52. Alessandro Nesta
Nesta was one of the finest defenders of his generation. Across 99 Champions League games, his reading of the game and impeccable timing defined AC Milan’s strong defenses.
51. Andriy Shevchenko
Shevchenko was a lethal forward, especially with AC Milan. His 100 appearances in the competition included 48 goals and a Champions League title in 2003.
50. Marcelo
Marcelo was one of the most attack-minded left-backs in modern football. In 102 Champions League appearances for Real Madrid, he played a pivotal role in five European title wins with his flair and creativity.
49. Koke
Koke became the heartbeat of Atlético Madrid’s midfield with his composure and work ethic. His 102 appearances reflect a career spent leading Diego Simeone’s side in some of Europe’s fiercest battles.
48. Luís Figo
Figo brought elegance and skill to the Champions League with clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter. In 103 matches, he was a consistent creative threat on the wing.
47. Fernandinho
Fernandinho was the glue in Manchester City’s midfield during their rise to dominance. Across 103 appearances, his tactical awareness and defensive stability stood out.
46. Oliver Kahn
Kahn was a fierce and vocal leader in goal for Bayern Munich. With 103 matches played, he was a commanding presence and reached the 2001 final triumph.
45. Cesc Fàbregas
Fàbregas controlled the tempo of matches with his vision and technique. He made 104 Champions League appearances, shining for Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
44. Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann’s clever movement and goal-scoring ability made him vital to Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. With 105 appearances and 42 goals, he has delivered time and again on Europe’s biggest stage.
43. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva’s leadership and defensive quality have remained top-level for over a decade. He played 105 Champions League matches with Milan, PSG, and Chelsea, always bringing calm under pressure.
42. Frank Lampard
Lampard combined relentless energy with a knack for scoring from midfield. In 105 appearances, he tallied 23 goals and played a key role in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League win.
41. Víctor Valdés
Valdés was the last line of defense during Barcelona’s tiki-taka era. His 106 Champions League games were filled with calm decision-making and crucial saves in key moments.
40. Marquinhos
Marquinhos has shown consistency and versatility as both a center-back and defensive midfielder. With 107 appearances for PSG, he has anchored their defense during deep European runs.
39. İlkay Gündoğan
Gündoğan combined intelligence with technical quality, helping dictate midfield play. In 107 appearances, he contributed important goals and leadership, notably during Manchester City’s 2023 campaign.
38. David Beckham
Beckham was known for his pinpoint passing and free kicks. His 107 Champions League games included memorable performances with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
37. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo’s elegance and passing range defined an era of midfield mastery. He played 108 Champions League matches, guiding Milan and Juventus with quiet authority.
36. Patrice Evra
Evra was a reliable and energetic left-back across 108 appearances. He reached multiple finals with Manchester United and Juventus, always delivering consistency.
35. Ashley Cole
Cole was one of the best left-backs of his generation. With 108 Champions League appearances, he was defensively solid and a key contributor for Arsenal and Chelsea.
34. John Terry
Terry led Chelsea through their most successful period in Europe. His 109 appearances were marked by aerial dominance, leadership, and fearless defending.
33. Gary Neville
Neville was Manchester United’s trusted right-back for over a decade. Across 110 Champions League appearances, he offered defensive solidity and tireless commitment.
32. Arjen Robben
Robben’s trademark cut-ins and clutch goals made him a standout performer. With 110 appearances and 31 goals, he was decisive in Bayern Munich’s 2013 title run.
31. Dani Alves
Alves combined attacking energy with defensive reliability. He played 111 times in the Champions League, collecting multiple titles with Barcelona.
30. Petr Čech
Čech’s commanding presence in goal helped Chelsea reach multiple European finals. In 111 appearances, he was known for big saves and calm leadership.
29. Thierry Henry
Henry was a consistent goal threat in the Champions League, especially with Arsenal. Across 112 appearances and 50 goals, he left a lasting mark as one of Europe’s elite strikers.
28. Philipp Lahm
Lahm’s intelligence and precision defined his 112-match Champions League career. Whether at full-back or in midfield, he was a leader and technical master for Bayern Munich.
27. Carles Puyol
Puyol was Barcelona’s defensive rock during their most successful era. In 115 Champions League appearances, he brought unmatched passion and reliability.
26. Ángel Di María
Di María combined flair with work rate, often stepping up in big games. Over 116 appearances for four clubs, he created and scored vital goals in knockout rounds.
25. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso was the model of calm and control in midfield. Across 119 Champions League appearances for clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, he dictated tempo and contributed key goals from deep.
24. Pepe
Pepe was a fierce and uncompromising defender who anchored defenses at the highest level. In his 120 matches for Real Madrid, Porto, and Beşiktaş, he consistently delivered big performances in critical knockout games.
23. Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos redefined the left-back role with his pace, power, and long-range shooting. Over 120 appearances in Europe, mostly with Real Madrid, he added both defensive solidity and attacking threat.
22. David Alaba
Alaba’s versatility made him a crucial figure for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. With 122 Champions League games, he proved reliable in defense and calm under pressure in possession.
21. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimović made his mark with seven different clubs, combining strength, technique, and goal-scoring instinct. In 124 appearances, he netted 48 times, though a Champions League trophy eluded him.
20. Paul Scholes
Scholes was a quiet yet influential figure in Manchester United’s midfield. He appeared in 124 matches, offering vision, long-range goals, and a deep understanding of European football.
19. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon’s longevity at the top level is unmatched among goalkeepers. With 124 appearances, mostly for Juventus, he delivered countless world-class saves, even though a Champions League title remained out of reach.
18. Clarence Seedorf
Seedorf remains the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs. His 125 appearances reflect his adaptability, intelligence, and deep understanding of the European game.
17. Gerard Piqué
Piqué was a pillar of Barcelona’s defense during a golden era. Across 128 appearances, he provided aerial strength, ball-playing ability, and leadership in multiple title-winning campaigns.
16. Sergio Busquets
Busquets mastered the holding midfield role with positional awareness and crisp passing. In 129 matches, all with Barcelona, he was the quiet enabler behind their European dominance.
15. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta’s balance, vision, and ability to rise in big moments made him a Champions League legend. He made 130 appearances and played key roles in Barcelona’s four title runs during his career.
14. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski was one of the most consistent goal scorers of his generation. He scored 105 goals in 133 appearances, terrorizing defenses for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.
13. Paolo Maldini
Maldini’s elegance and leadership defined AC Milan’s backline for decades. With 135 Champions League appearances, he set the standard for defensive excellence on Europe’s biggest stage.
12. Sergio Ramos
Ramos was a big-game player known for goals, tackles, and never-say-die spirit. Across 142 matches, he scored 17 times and was pivotal in Real Madrid’s four titles in five years.
11. Raúl
Raúl was Real Madrid’s talisman before the Ronaldo era. In 142 games, he scored 71 goals, leading the team to three Champions League titles and becoming the original face of modern Madrid.
10. Luka Modrić
Modrić’s creativity and calm under pressure made him one of the finest midfielders of the 21st century. His 142 appearances helped Real Madrid dominate Europe in the 2010s.
9. Ryan Giggs
Giggs played at the highest level into his 40s, maintaining a key role in Manchester United’s Champions League campaigns. With 145 appearances, he remains one of the competition’s longest-serving wingers.
8. Manuel Neuer
Neuer revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper with his sweeper-keeper style. His 150 Champions League games were filled with crucial saves and fearless decision-making.
7. Toni Kroos
Kroos combined vision and tempo control like few others. With 151 appearances and five Champions League titles, he was the beating heart of both Bayern and Real Madrid’s midfields.
6. Xavi
Xavi was the brain of Barcelona’s midfield during their era of domination. In 151 appearances, he controlled matches with unmatched precision and orchestrated multiple Champions League triumphs.
5. Karim Benzema
Benzema evolved from support striker to talisman at Real Madrid. With 152 appearances and 90 goals, he delivered repeatedly in knockout stages and captained the team to its 14th title.
4. Thomas Müller
Müller was one of the most intelligent and unpredictable forwards in the competition. His 163 appearances for Bayern Munich included 57 goals and a key role in two Champions League titles.
3. Lionel Messi
Messi’s magic lit up the Champions League for nearly two decades. Across 163 matches, he scored 129 goals and created countless unforgettable moments with Barcelona and PSG.
2. Iker Casillas
Casillas was a symbol of Real Madrid’s resilience in Europe. With 177 appearances and countless heroic saves, he remains the most-capped goalkeeper in Champions League history.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo stands at the summit with 183 appearances and a record 140 goals. His five Champions League titles and unmatched consistency make him the ultimate figure in the tournament’s history.
