The 50 Players with the Most Final Appearances – Ranked
The Champions League has delivered iconic moments, unforgettable finals, and legendary careers. While goals and trophies often steal the spotlight, few achievements speak louder than consistently reaching the biggest stage in club football.
We’ve gone back through the tournament’s history and ranked the 50 players who have appeared in the most Champions League finals. From current stars to historic greats, this list counts down from No. 50 to No. 1—one final at a time.
50. Kenny Dalglish – 4 finals
The Scottish legend played in four European Cup finals with Liverpool during their golden era. He lifted the trophy three times, solidifying his legacy as one of Britain’s most iconic forwards.
49. Johan Cruyff – 4 finals
Cruyff led Ajax to three consecutive European titles in the early ’70s and later played one more final with Barcelona. He won three out of his four finals, revolutionizing the game on and off the pitch.
48. Roberto Donadoni – 4 finals
A key figure in AC Milan’s dominant side under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, Donadoni featured in four finals. He won just one of them, despite being part of one of the greatest squads ever.
47. Andrés Iniesta – 4 finals
The Spanish maestro appeared in four Champions League finals with Barcelona and won all four. His performances were instrumental in Barca’s modern dynasty under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
46. Eusébio – 4 finals
Benfica’s greatest icon, Eusébio, reached four finals during the club’s golden period in the 1960s. However, he lifted the trophy just once, in 1962, despite some legendary performances.
45. Fernando Morientes – 4 finals
The Spanish striker played four finals—mostly with Real Madrid—and collected three titles. He was often a decisive figure in Europe’s biggest matches during the Galáctico era.
44. Keylor Navas – 4 finals
Navas was Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper during their three-peat from 2016 to 2018. Out of four finals, he emerged victorious in three and played a pivotal role in their European dominance.
43. Frank Rijkaard – 4 finals
The Dutch defensive midfielder appeared in four finals with AC Milan and Ajax, winning just one. Though his title count was low, his midfield presence in key games was enormous.
42. Thomas Müller – 4 finals
Müller reached four finals with Bayern Munich, winning twice in 2013 and 2020. His ability to perform in big moments makes him one of the most reliable players of his generation.
41. Franco Baresi – 4 finals
The legendary Milan captain featured in four finals but surprisingly never lifted the trophy. Despite the lack of European silverware, Baresi’s leadership and defensive brilliance were second to none.
40. Andrea Pirlo – 4 finals
Pirlo appeared in four finals—two each with Milan and Juventus. He won two titles with Milan in 2003 and 2007, showcasing his elegance and intelligence on the biggest stage.
39. Pachín – 4 finals
The Real Madrid full-back played in four finals during the club’s early dominance but didn’t manage to win any of them. Still, he remains a key figure in their European Cup history.
38. Giuliano Sarti – 4 finals
Sarti kept goal for Inter Milan and Fiorentina, reaching four finals and winning two. He was a pillar of Helenio Herrera’s catenaccio dynasty in the 1960s.
37. Edgar Davids – 4 finals
The Dutch pit bull played in four finals, primarily with Juventus, and won just one. Known for his grit and energy, Davids brought fire to every European battle.
36. Domiciano Cavém – 4 finals
The Portuguese winger was part of Benfica’s golden generation, playing in four finals and winning two. His contributions helped shape the club’s glorious 1960s era.
35. António Simões – 4 finals
Another Benfica legend, Simões lifted the European Cup twice in four appearances. His pace and trickery made him a constant threat on the left wing.
34. Héctor Rial – 4 finals
A cornerstone of Real Madrid’s first European dynasty, Rial played in four finals and won all four. He remains one of the most successful forwards in UCL history.
33. Alessandro Del Piero – 4 finals
Del Piero reached four finals with Juventus, but managed to win only once—in 1996. Despite the tough losses, his loyalty and class on the field are remembered fondly.
32. Giacinto Facchetti – 4 finals
Facchetti was part of Inter Milan’s back-to-back wins in the 1960s and featured in four finals. He triumphed in two, becoming a symbol of defensive excellence.
31. Daniele Massaro – 4 finals
Massaro represented AC Milan in four finals during their 1990s peak. He won just one but famously scored twice in the 1994 demolition of Barcelona.
30. Bernd Dürnberger – 4 finals
Dürnberger was part of Bayern Munich’s squad during their dominant run in the 1970s. Despite playing in four finals, he never managed to win the European Cup.
29. Ryan Giggs – 4 finals
The Manchester United legend featured in four finals between 1999 and 2011. He lifted the trophy twice and was a central figure during United’s European resurgence.
28. Costa Pereira – 4 finals
Benfica’s long-serving goalkeeper played in four finals during the club’s golden years. Despite his consistency, he ended his European journey without a single win.
27. Mauro Tassotti – 4 finals
A defensive stalwart for AC Milan, Tassotti played in four finals during the late ’80s and early ’90s. He walked away with just one winner’s medal despite being part of a legendary backline.
26. Tarcisio Burgnich – 4 finals
Inter Milan’s no-nonsense defender played in four European Cup finals during the 1960s. He failed to win any of them but remained an anchor in one of the era’s toughest defenses.
25. Barry Hulshoff – 4 finals
A pillar of Ajax’s historic side, Hulshoff played in four finals and won three. His defensive leadership helped guide the club through its most successful European spell.
24. Wim Suurbier – 4 finals
Suurbier, like Hulshoff, was part of Ajax’s triple-winning team in the early ’70s. The right-back won three of his four final appearances, defining an era of Dutch dominance.
23. Nacho Fernández – 5 finals
Often a quiet presence, Nacho played a key role in Real Madrid’s recent European successes. He won all five finals he appeared in, a flawless record for the versatile defender.
22. Marcelo – 5 finals
One of the most successful left-backs in Champions League history, Marcelo appeared in five finals for Real Madrid—and won every single one of them.
21. Gareth Bale – 5 finals
Bale left his mark on multiple finals with iconic goals, including a bicycle kick in 2018. He featured in five and won all five with Real Madrid.
20. Didier Deschamps – 5 finals
The French midfielder captained Marseille to victory in 1993 and also played finals with Juventus. Out of five appearances, he won twice and later lifted the trophy again as a coach.
19. Isco – 5 finals
A key creative force in Real Madrid’s midfield during their dominant run, Isco appeared in five finals. He won them all, adding his name to the club’s rich legacy.
18. Karim Benzema – 5 finals
The talismanic striker helped lead Madrid to five European crowns. With clutch goals and elite performances, Benzema boasts a perfect record in UCL finals.
17. José María Zárraga – 5 finals
Zárraga captained Real Madrid during their early European reign in the 1950s. He featured in five finals and won every single one, an underrated legend of the club.
16. Patrice Evra – 5 finals
The French left-back reached five finals with Manchester United and Juventus but won only once. Despite the losses, his consistency in reaching the big stage stands out.
15. José Santamaría – 5 finals
A defensive rock for Real Madrid in the ’50s and ’60s, Santamaría played in five finals and won four. He was a foundational figure during their first golden age.
14. Clarence Seedorf – 5 finals
Seedorf remains the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs. He played in five finals and lifted the trophy four times—a true midfield maestro.
13. Mário Coluna – 5 finals
One of the finest midfielders of his era, Coluna was at the heart of Benfica’s European success. He reached five finals and won twice during the early 1960s.
12. Edwin van der Sar – 5 finals
The Dutch goalkeeper played in five finals with Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. He won two of them—one in 1995 and another in a memorable penalty shootout in 2008.
11. José Augusto – 5 finals
The Portuguese winger reached five finals with Benfica, winning two. He was part of the team’s legendary core that challenged and sometimes overcame Real Madrid’s dominance.
10. Phil Neal – 5 finals
Phil Neal was a reliable force in Liverpool’s backline during their European glory years. He played in five finals and won four, even scoring in multiple title matches.
9. Fernando Cruz – 5 finals
The Benfica defender was a mainstay during the club’s historic run in the 1960s. He reached five finals and claimed two titles, contributing to one of Portugal’s most successful eras.
8. Alessandro Costacurta – 6 finals
Costacurta was part of AC Milan’s most dominant generations under Sacchi and Capello. Despite reaching six finals, the Italian center-back only came away with one winner’s medal.
7. Luka Modrić – 6 finals
Modrić has won every final he’s played in, boasting a perfect 6-for-6 record with Real Madrid. His control and creativity in midfield have been vital in Madrid’s modern European era.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – 6 finals
Ronaldo appeared in six finals and won five, becoming the Champions League’s all-time top scorer. He was decisive in multiple title matches, including a brace in the 2017 final.
5. Toni Kroos – 6 finals
Kroos has been a midfield maestro for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. With five wins from six finals, he is one of the most decorated playmakers in European history.
4. Daniel Carvajal – 6 finals
Carvajal has been Real Madrid’s go-to right-back during their recent dominance. He’s played in six finals and won five, combining defensive solidity with attacking thrust.
3. Alfredo Di Stéfano – 7 finals
Di Stéfano was the face of Real Madrid’s early European dynasty. He played in seven finals and won five, scoring in all of them—a feat no one has matched to this day.
2. Paco Gento – 8 finals
The only player to appear in eight European Cup finals and win six of them, Gento’s record stands alone. His speed and longevity made him a legend for both Real Madrid and the tournament itself.
1. Paolo Maldini – 8 finals
Maldini reached eight finals over an astonishing 25-year career with AC Milan. Though he won just three, his consistency at the highest level defines greatness across generations.
