The most Champions League games played without a title – ranked from least to most

October 23, 2025 Kris Isaksen

They’ve dazzled in Europe, gone deep into tournaments, and built legendary squads — yet the Champions League trophy remains out of reach. These 15 clubs have played the most games in the competition without ever winning it. Here's the countdown from the fewest to the most matches played.

Valencia – 128 games

Valencia CF — Media Whale Stock / Shutterstock.com

Valencia came closest to European glory at the turn of the millennium, reaching back-to-back finals in 2000 and 2001. Despite legends like Pablo Aimar and Santiago Canizares, the Spanish club never managed to lift the trophy.

Club Brugge – 139 games

Belgian side Club Brugge have earned 139 appearances in the competition, often punching above their weight. Their strategy of developing young talent has kept them competitive, but a title challenge remains elusive.

Lyon – 148 games

French club Lyon have long been admired for their academy and attacking style, but European success has always been just out of reach. With 148 games played, they’re still waiting to crack the code.

Rosenborg – 152 games

Rosenborg have appeared in 152 Champions League matches and had their finest moment in 1996/97 when they reached the quarter-finals. That season included a stunning win over AC Milan at the San Siro.

Sparta Prague – 162 games

Dominant domestically, Sparta Prague have never replicated that form on the biggest stage. Their 162 games in the Champions League haven’t yielded a deep run, despite consistent participation.

Panathinaikos – 163 games

One of Greece’s most historic sides, Panathinaikos reached the European Cup final in 1971. But in 163 matches since, they’ve never been able to match that achievement in the modern Champions League era.

Shakhtar Donetsk – 166 games

With 166 appearances and a reputation for developing world-class talent, Shakhtar have become a European mainstay. Their best finish came in 2011 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Dinamo Zagreb – 170 games

Dinamo Zagreb have dominated Croatian football but never progressed past the group stage in the Champions League. With 170 games played, their continental success has remained limited.

Rangers – 179 games

Scottish giants Rangers reached the semi-finals in the early days of the European Cup, but haven’t come close since. Despite 179 appearances, they are still searching for a place in the modern UCL final.

Atletico Madrid – 183 games

Atletico have suffered two heartbreaking final defeats under Diego Simeone in the last decade. With 183 matches and several deep runs, their wait for a Champions League title remains agonisingly long.

Olympiacos – 186 games

Greek powerhouse Olympiacos have played 186 Champions League matches and had a memorable run in 1998/99. Despite winning the Conference League in 2024, the top prize continues to evade them.

Read also: The last 10 El Clásicos, retold

Galatasaray – 194 games

Turkey’s most successful club, Galatasaray have made it to the Champions League semi-finals once. In 194 games, they’ve earned respect across Europe but are still chasing their first final appearance.

Anderlecht – 200 games

Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht have hit the 200-match mark in the Champions League. Though they’ve lifted other European trophies, the continent’s biggest prize remains missing from their cabinet.

Arsenal – 228 games

Arsenal famously reached the 2006 final and have featured regularly in the competition. Now with 228 games played, their most recent deep run in 2025 reignited hopes under Mikel Arteta.

Dynamo Kyiv – 261 games

Topping the list, Dynamo Kyiv have played more Champions League games than any other club without winning it — 261 in total. Despite semi-final appearances and historic success in other European competitions, the UCL crown still eludes them.