7th May, 2024
Let’s face it, goals are glorious, but hoisting a trophy above your head? That’s the ultimate validation in the beautiful game.
Some players just have a knack for collecting silverware, like a magpie with a glint in its eye.
So, who are the most decorated footballers, the champions who’ve consistently reached the pinnacle of success?
This list unveils the ten players who have won the most trophies in football history.
- Ryan Giggs (34 trophies): A one-club legend, Giggs’ trophy haul is a testament to Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Welsh winger boasts an incredible 13 Premier League titles and was a key figure in their historic Champions League triumphs.
Notable trophies won:
Premier League: 13x (1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13)
FA Cup: 4x (1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04)
League Cup: 4x (1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10)
Champions League: 2x (1998–99, 2007–08)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (35 trophies): A relentless goalscoring machine, Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet reflects his hunger for success. League titles in England, Spain, and Italy showcase his adaptability, while his record five Champions League wins solidify his legend.
Notable trophies won:
Premier League: 3x (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09)
LaLiga: 2x (2011–12, 2016–17)
Serie A: 2x (2018–19, 2019–20)
Champions League: 5x (2007-08, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
European Championship: 2016
UEFA Nations League: 2018-19
- Gerard Pique (37 trophies): A rock at the back, Pique’s trophy collection reflects his contribution to both club and country. He was part of Barcelona’s treble-winning squads and a vital cog in Spain’s World Cup and European Championship victories.
Notable trophies won:
Premier League: 2007-08
LaLiga: 8x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Champions League: 4x (2007-08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2012
World Cup: 2010
- Andres Iniesta (37 trophies): The ultimate playmaker, Iniesta orchestrated victories for club and country with his magical passing and vision. He won every trophy possible with Barcelona and scored the iconic World Cup-winning goal for Spain in 2010.
Notable trophies won:
LaLiga: 9x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18)
Champions League: 4x (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2x (2008, 2012)
World Cup: 2010
- Maxwell (37 trophies): A surprising entry, perhaps, but the Brazilian defender benefitted from playing for dominant sides under Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. He holds the record for most trophies won by an active European player at his retirement.
Notable trophies won:
Serie A: 3x (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09)
LaLiga: 2x (2009–10, 2010–11)
Champions League: 2010–11
Ligue 1: 4x (2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16)
- Sergio Busquets (37 trophies): The silent hero of Barcelona and Spain’s golden era, Busquets established himself as the world’s best holding midfielder. He recently added to his collection by winning the Leagues Cup with Messi at Inter Miami.
Notable trophies won:
LaLiga: 9x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23)
Champions League: 3x (2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2012
World Cup: 2010
UEFA Nations League: 2023
- Hossam Ashour (39 trophies): While lesser-known globally, Ashour is a legend in Egypt. The defensive midfielder spent his entire career at Al-Ahly, helping them to a staggering 39 trophies, solidifying his place as one of the country’s most decorated players.
Notable trophies won:
Egyptian Premier League: 13x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20)
Egypt Cup: 4x (2005–06, 2006–07, 2016–17, 2019–20)
Egyptian Super Cup: 10x (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017، 2018)
CAF Champions League: 6x (2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020)
CAF Confederation Cup: 2014
African Super Cup: 5x (2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014)
- Hossam Hassan (41 trophies): Not only Egypt’s most decorated player, Hassan is also their record goalscorer. His 14 Egyptian Premier League titles and three African Cup of Nations wins mark him as a true African great.
Notable trophies won:
Egyptian Premier League: 14x (1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04)
Egypt Cup: 5x (1984-85, 1988-89, 1992-93, 1995-96, 2001-2002)
Egyptian Super Cup: 2x (2001, 2002)
CAF Champions League: 2002
African Cup of Nations: 3x (1986, 1998, 2006)
- Dani Alves (44 trophies): The king of trophies, Alves recently became the first footballer to reach 44 after securing Olympic gold. The Brazilian full-back dominated in Spain with Sevilla and Barcelona, before adding more silverware in Italy and France.
Notable trophies won:
LaLiga: 6x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16)
Champions League: 3x (2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
Serie A: 2016–17
Ligue 1: 2x (2017–18, 2018–19)
Copa America: 2x (2007, 2019)
Summer Olympics: 2020
- Lionel Messi (44 trophies): A true icon, Messi’s trophy haul is staggering. He collected an incredible 34 trophies at Barcelona, before adding to his collection at PSG. The crowning moment of his career, however, was lifting the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. His insatiable hunger for victory continues, with a Leagues Cup win at Inter Miami marking the latest chapter in his trophy-laden career.
Notable trophies won:
LaLiga : 10x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Champions League: 4x (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
Ligue 1: 2x (2021–22, 2022–23)
Copa America: 2021
World Cup: 2022