Some clubs consistently defy the odds in the Champions League, reaching the latter stages despite having far smaller budgets than Europe’s elite. But for others, success on the continent has proven elusive — no matter the money spent or history behind them.
Clubs like Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Roma, and Paris Saint-Germain have all come close, yet the Champions League trophy remains just out of reach. Whether it’s heartbreaking final losses or missed opportunities, these teams are still waiting for their moment of European glory.
Here’s a look at 12 of the biggest clubs in football history that have never won the Champions League.
The Basque club has long been a respected force in Spanish football, with strong domestic campaigns and a reputation for developing top-tier talent. While they have competed regularly in Europe, their deepest run in the European Cup came in the 1982–83 season, where they reached the quarterfinals. Despite consistent appearances in recent years, a Champions League breakthrough has never materialized.
11. Sporting CP
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One of Portugal’s “big three,” Sporting CP is renowned for its world-class academy that produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo. Yet, the Lisbon-based club has never made it beyond the quarterfinals in the Champions League era. Their rich history and domestic success haven’t translated into European glory.
10. Galatasaray
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The most decorated club in Turkish football, Galatasaray famously won the UEFA Cup in 2000. In the Champions League, however, they’ve never advanced past the quarterfinal stage, despite passionate home support and iconic moments at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium. They remain Turkey’s strongest representative in European competition.
9. Schalke 04
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A proud and historic German club, Schalke reached the Champions League semifinals in 2011 before being eliminated by Manchester United. While they’ve had strong showings in Europe and won the UEFA Cup in 1997, the Champions League trophy has always eluded them. Relegation battles in recent years have further distanced them from European contention.
8. Valencia
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Valencia came agonizingly close to continental success, reaching back-to-back Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001. Unfortunately, they lost to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the latter in a dramatic penalty shootout. Once a European powerhouse, the club has since faded from the top tier of the competition.
7. Bayer Leverkusen
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Nicknamed “Neverkusen” due to near-misses, the German club reached the Champions League final in 2002 but lost 2-1 to Real Madrid – a match remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley. Despite consistent performances in Germany and Europe, Leverkusen still chases their first major European crown.
6. Lyon
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Lyon dominated French football in the 2000s, winning seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles, yet they have never reached a Champions League final. Their best chance came in 2020 when they reached the semifinals before falling to Bayern Munich. Known for developing talent, Lyon remains a respected force but still trophy-less in Europe’s premier competition.
5. AS Roma
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Roma’s greatest Champions League moment came in 1984, when they reached the final – played at their own Stadio Olimpico – only to lose to Liverpool on penalties. Despite numerous appearances in the tournament and a memorable semifinal run in 2018, the Giallorossi have never managed to go all the way.
4. Tottenham Hotspur
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Spurs reached their first-ever Champions League final in 2019 after an epic comeback against Ajax in the semifinals. However, they fell short in the final, losing 2-0 to Liverpool. The North London club has had several strong European campaigns but lacks a European title to show for it.
3. Arsenal
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A consistent presence in the Champions League during the Arsène Wenger era, Arsenal came closest in 2006, reaching the final against Barcelona. Despite taking the lead with ten men, they ultimately lost 2-1. Since then, the Gunners have struggled to replicate that form on the continental stage.
2. Atlético Madrid
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Perhaps the most heartbreak-stricken club in Champions League history, Atlético has lost three finals – including two to city rivals Real Madrid, in 2014 and 2016. Known for their grit and intensity under Diego Simeone, they remain one of the biggest clubs yet to lift the trophy.
1. Paris Saint-Germain
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No club has invested more in pursuit of Champions League glory than PSG. Their best opportunity came in 2020, when they lost the final 1-0 to Bayern Munich. Despite boasting superstars like Neymar and Mbappé, Europe’s top prize continues to evade them – making them the biggest club never to win it.
Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.
