The UEFA Champions League is where the best clubs in the world compete, but some players have made their mark by representing multiple teams in the tournament. Moving between clubs and adapting to different playing styles is no easy task, yet a select group of footballers have done it at the highest level.
We have taken a closer look at the players who have played for the most different clubs in Champions League history and ranked them from 15th to 1st.
15. Zé Roberto – 4 Clubs
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The versatile Brazilian midfielder played for four different clubs in the Champions League, showcasing his technical brilliance across Europe. He featured for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Hamburg, making an impact wherever he went. His ability to adapt to different playing styles made him a valuable asset for every team he represented.
A clinical striker, Kluivert played for Ajax, AC Milan, Barcelona, and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. His career was defined by his movement, finishing ability, and football intelligence. Kluivert was instrumental in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League triumph and remained a top forward throughout his career.
The Danish playmaker was an artist on the ball and played in the Champions League for Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Ajax. His vision, dribbling, and passing ability made him one of the best midfielders of his generation. Laudrup’s success in multiple leagues translated well into Europe’s biggest competition.
12. Cristiano Ronaldo – 4 Clubs
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One of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo played in the Champions League for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He holds the record for most goals in the tournament and has won the trophy multiple times. His impact at every club he played for is unmatched.
11. Clarence Seedorf – 4 Clubs
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Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. He also represented Sampdoria in the competition. His leadership, technical ability, and experience made him a key figure in every team’s midfield.
10. Hernán Crespo – 5 Clubs
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The Argentine striker played for five clubs in the Champions League, including Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and AC Milan. Known for his sharp finishing and movement in the box, Crespo was a consistent goal threat throughout his European career. He famously scored twice in the 2005 Champions League final for Milan.
Sánchez brought his explosive playing style to five different clubs in the Champions League. He featured for Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. His ability to dribble past defenders and score crucial goals made him a key player in each squad.
8. Samuel Eto’o – 5 Clubs
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Eto’o was a lethal striker who played in the Champions League for Real Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. He won the trophy three times and was instrumental in Barcelona’s 2006 and 2009 triumphs as well as Inter Milan’s 2010 victory. His pace, power, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders.
7. Miralem Pjanić – 5 Clubs
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The Bosnian midfielder played for Lyon, Roma, Juventus, Barcelona, and Besiktas in the Champions League. Known for his passing and free-kick ability, Pjanić was a crucial playmaker in each team’s midfield. His technical skills and tactical intelligence helped him excel at the highest level.
6. Axel Witsel – 5 Clubs
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Witsel was a composed and versatile midfielder who played for Standard Liège, Benfica, Zenit St. Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Atlético Madrid. His physical presence, ball control, and defensive skills made him an essential figure in the midfield for each of his clubs.
A well-traveled striker, Morata played in the Champions League for Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, and back to Juventus. His movement, aerial ability, and knack for scoring important goals made him a reliable option for every team he joined.
4. Fernando Morientes – 5 Clubs
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Morientes was a complete forward who played in the Champions League for Real Madrid, Monaco, Liverpool, Valencia, and Marseille. He won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid and played a crucial role in Monaco’s surprise run to the 2004 final.
3. Javier Saviola – 6 Clubs
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Saviola’s technical brilliance and pace saw him represent six clubs in the Champions League. He played for Barcelona, Monaco, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Benfica, and Olympiacos. Despite his smaller stature, his dribbling skills and ability to find the net made him a dangerous forward.
2. Nicolas Anelka – 6 Clubs
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Anelka’s nomadic career saw him play for six different clubs in the Champions League, including PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Juventus. His combination of speed, skill, and finishing made him a valuable player across Europe.
The ultimate Champions League journeyman, Ibrahimović played for a record seven clubs in the tournament. His journey took him through Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, and Manchester United. Despite never winning the trophy, his incredible goal-scoring ability and confidence made him one of the most entertaining players to watch.
