Winning the Champions League remains the ultimate dream for clubs across Europe. Yet for some, that dream has never become reality—despite decades of participation. These 15 clubs have played the most games in the competition’s history without lifting the trophy.
15. Valencia – 128 games
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Valencia came painfully close in the early 2000s, reaching back-to-back finals in 2000 and 2001, only to fall short each time. Despite a strong European pedigree, the Spanish side still awaits its first Champions League title.
14. Club Brugge – 139 games
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The Belgian giants were runners-up in 1978, losing to Bayern Munich in the final. Since then, they’ve been regulars in the group stage but have never broken through to win it all.
A dominant force in France during the 2000s, Lyon have consistently featured in the Champions League. Their best run came in 2010 when they reached the semifinals.
Norwegian champions Rosenborg were a staple in the Champions League throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite their frequent appearances, they’ve never progressed past the quarterfinals.
11. Sparta Prague – 162 games
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Sparta Prague have a long history in European competition, with most of their appearances coming during the European Cup era. A deep run has always eluded the Czech side.
10. Panathinaikos – 163 games
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The Greek club reached the final in 1971, losing to Ajax. More recently, they’ve made it to the quarterfinals twice, but Champions League glory remains out of reach.
9. Shakhtar Donetsk – 166 games
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Shakhtar have been Champions League regulars since the early 2000s and are known for developing top talent. The Ukrainian side’s best finish came in 2011, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Croatia’s most successful club has participated frequently in the Champions League but never advanced beyond the group stage. Their dominance at home hasn’t translated to European success.
7. Rangers – 179 games
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Rangers first entered the European Cup in 1956 and reached the semifinals in 1960. Despite their rich history, the Scottish giants have never gone that far again in the Champions League era.
6. Atlético Madrid – 180 games
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Atlético have reached three Champions League finals (1974, 2014, 2016), losing all of them. Under Diego Simeone, they’ve been close on multiple occasions, but the trophy remains elusive.
5. Olympiacos – 186 games
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The Greek powerhouse has dominated domestically but has struggled in Europe’s elite tournament. Their best Champions League campaign was in 1998/99, falling just short of the semifinals.
Turkey’s most successful club won the UEFA Cup in 2000 but has never reached a Champions League final. They’ve had multiple quarterfinal appearances but still chase the big prize.
3. Anderlecht – 200 games
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Belgium’s most decorated club has won European trophies in the past but not the Champions League. They reached the semifinals in the 1980s and haven’t returned to those heights since.
2. Arsenal – 225 games
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Arsenal were finalists in 2006 and semifinalists again in 2025. The Gunners have been a Champions League mainstay but have yet to lift the trophy, despite numerous deep runs.
1. Dynamo Kyiv – 261 games
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Dynamo hold the unfortunate record for most games played in the Champions League without winning it. The Ukrainian club reached the semifinals three times but have never gone further.
