Winning the UEFA Champions League is the ultimate dream for any European club, yet some of the biggest names in world football are still chasing that elusive crown. While some have come painfully close, others continue to fall short despite their history, finances, or fanbase. With PSG finally breaking their curse in 2025, here’s a look at the ten biggest clubs that have yet to lift the most prestigious trophy in club football.
10. Dynamo Kyiv
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One of Eastern Europe’s true giants, Dynamo Kyiv have long been a powerhouse in Ukrainian football. They’ve reached the Champions League semifinals three times — in 1977, 1987, and 1999 — but never made it to the final. Legends like Andriy Shevchenko and Serhiy Rebrov lit up Europe in their time, but the club has yet to take that final step.
9. Galatasaray
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Galatasaray boast one of the most passionate fanbases in Europe and a stadium that intimidates even the best. Despite lifting the UEFA Cup and Super Cup in 2000, they’ve never come close to a Champions League title. A pair of quarterfinal appearances remains their best result, and Turkish fans are still waiting for a serious run at the big one.
With a massive following and a proud domestic history, Schalke 04 remain a sleeping giant. Their deepest Champions League run came in 2011 when they reached the semifinals, only to fall to Manchester United. Despite struggles in recent seasons, the club’s pedigree and fan loyalty keep their name among Europe’s biggest non-winners.
Valencia came agonizingly close in back-to-back finals in 2000 and 2001. They lost to Real Madrid in the first and then fell to Bayern Munich on penalties a year later. That golden generation faded, and the club has since struggled to get past the quarterfinals — leaving fans wondering what could have been.
6. Bayer Leverkusen
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Leverkusen’s 2002 final against Real Madrid ended in heartbreak, thanks to Zidane’s iconic volley. That season saw them finish second in the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League — a painful triple blow. Despite domestic success under Xabi Alonso, European glory still remains just out of reach.
5. Lyon
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Lyon dominated French football in the 2000s but never translated that into Champions League success. They reached the semifinals twice, both times eliminated by Bayern Munich — in 2010 and again in the COVID-adjusted 2020 campaign. With PSG now champions, Lyon’s own European drought looms even larger.
4. AS Roma
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Roma’s lone Champions League final came in 1984 — a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool on home soil in Rome. They reached the semifinals again in 2018, only to be knocked out by the same opponent. Despite a proud history and iconic players like Francesco Totti, the European crown still eludes them.
Spurs stunned Europe with their 2019 run to the final, overcoming Manchester City and Ajax in thrilling fashion. But in the final, they fell flat in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool. It remains their only appearance in the final, and a reminder of how quickly dreams can turn into disappointment.
2. Arsenal
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The Gunners had their best shot in 2006, reaching the final after beating Real Madrid, Juventus, and Villarreal. They led against Barcelona but ended up losing 2-1 after a late collapse. That remains their only final appearance, and with no deep runs in recent years, their wait goes on.
1. Atlético Madrid
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No club has suffered more heartbreak in the Champions League than Atlético Madrid. They’ve reached the final three times — and lost all three. Most painfully, they lost twice to rivals Real Madrid, including the infamous 2014 final where they conceded in the 93rd minute. For Diego Simeone’s side, the quest for that first title is still unfinished.
