10 Players Who Have Won the Most Trophies in Football History

You’re a diehard football fan who lives and breathes the beautiful game. You know all the stats, follow all the drama, and have endless debates about the greatest players. But have you ever wondered who has the most trophies on their mantle? We’re talking about the players who have won it all, the champions of champions whose trophy cabinets are fit to burst.

Get ready because we’re counting down the 10 players with the most club and international trophies in football history. From legendary midfielders to iconic strikers, these footballing greats have racked up the silverware over their storied careers. So, let’s dive in and pay tribute to football’s most decorated legends.

Defining Success in Football: Why Trophies Matter

For professional football players, success is defined by trophies; the more silverware there is, the better. While talent, skill, and statistics are all good, what truly matters at the end of a career is how many titles a player has won.

Victory is the Ultimate Goal

In such a competitive sport, victory is the ultimate goal. Footballers dedicate their lives to training, sacrificing relationships and hobbies, all for the hope of standing on the winner’s podium. The most prestigious trophies, like the World Cup or Champions League, are the highest achievements in football. Winning these titles cements a player’s status as a legend.

Legacy and Longevity

The players with the most trophies are often considered the greatest of all time. They have demonstrated not just skill but also the longevity and consistency to win multiple titles over many years.

Team Glory

While individual awards have their place, football is ultimately a team sport. Trophies represent collective glory and highlight a squad that came together to achieve something greater than themselves. Players who win many titles over their careers show a commitment to team success above all else. They value team dynamics, sacrifice, hard work, and a winning mentality.

Trophies are the definition of success in football. They demonstrate a player’s hunger for victory, longevity, and team spirit. The players who won the most titles cement themselves as legends, their overflowing trophy cabinets a symbol of their footballing greatness. For these champions, winning really is everything.

Players Who Have Won the Most Trophies In Football History

Top players in football, like other sports, are often measured by the number of trophies they win during their career. Some of the most decorated players have won over 20 major trophies in their careers, spanning over 15-20 years at the top level.

Let’s take a look at some of the all-time greats who have the most trophies to their name.

10. Sergio Busquets (34 Trophies)

Sergio Busquets is one of the most decorated footballers of all time. The Spanish defensive midfielder has won an incredible 34 trophies over his illustrious career with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

Busquets made his debut for Barcelona in September 2008. Busquets won three Champions League titles, 9 La Liga titles, 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups with FC Barcelona. Along with that, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the 2021 UEFA Euro Cup was one of the highlights of his international career. His ability to read the game, break up opposition attacks and keep possession have been pivotal to Barcelona’s success.

With the Spanish national team, Busquets has been equally impressive. He was an integral part of the team that won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012: the 2008 European Championships, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Spain dominated world football during this era, and Busquets’ ability to control the tempo of games from midfield was key to their success.

At Barcelona, Busquets has developed into a club legend. He is the third Player to have made the most appearances for the club, with 722 appearances. While not always the most flashy or skilful Player, Busquets’ intelligence, work ethic and positional mastery have been invaluable. His place among the all-time greats of Barcelona is assured.

Busquets continue to perform at the highest level for clubs and countries. Although now in his mid-30s, his playing style is based on reading the game rather than physicality, which means he has a number of years left at the top. He has a strong chance to add to his trophy collection further and cement his status as one of football’s most decorated players.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo (34 Trophies)

With 34 trophies to his name so far, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in history. Over his illustrious career, the Portuguese superstar has won an incredible seven league titles, five Champions Leagues, and five Ballon d’Or awards for being the world’s best Player.

Ronaldo first gained worldwide fame playing for Manchester United in the Premier League. From 2003 to 2009, he helped lead United to three consecutive Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. His flashy skills, blistering pace, and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford. By the time he left United, Ronaldo had already won nine trophies with the club.

Ronaldo then joined Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he cemented his status as an all-time great. At Madrid, Ronaldo evolved into a lethal goalscoring machine and holds the record for most goals in club history. During his nine seasons with Los Blancos, Ronaldo led the club to two La Liga titles and four more Champions League trophies. He also won two Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.

Even at 39, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. Since joining Juventus in 2018, he has already won two Serie A titles and a Supercoppa Italiana. He currently plays for Al Nassr. Ronaldo continues to break records and add to his trophy haul, driven by an unparalleled work ethic and competitive spirit. With Ronaldo leading the line, Al Nassr will likely win more silverware in the coming seasons.

Over nearly two decades at the highest levels of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. His trophy cabinet is a testament to his sustained excellence and winning mentality. Ronaldo is a once-in-a-generation talent who has brought joy to millions of fans around the world.

8. Vítor Baía (34 trophies)

Vítor Baía is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During his career, he won a total of 34 trophies, making him one of the most decorated players in football history.

Baía spent the majority of his career with FC Porto, where he won a record-breaking 27 trophies over 16 seasons. This includes two Champions League titles, eight Primeira Liga titles and four Taça de Portugal titles. Known for his shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence and distribution, Baía was instrumental in Porto’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Baía made his first-team debut against Vítoria de Guimarães and remained a starter for the next seven seasons, winning five leagues and two Taça de Portugal while surrendering only 116 goals (16.5 per year). Between 1994 and 1996, he made his name as a world-class goalkeeper, being voted for the “ESM Team of the Year” after the 1994-95 season and being named in the “IFFHS’ World’s Best Goalkeeper of the Year 1995” list, finishing sixth in the voting and improving to fifth the following year; as a result, he was named in the Portugal squad for Euro 1996, being transferred after this tournament to Spain’s FC Barcelona for the highest amount paid for a player in the position in the world.

During his two-and-a-half-year stint, Baía missed only one La Liga match as Barcelona finished second to Real Madrid and won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. However, he also experienced knee problems. In the summer of 2000, Baía signed with Porto after being released by Barcelona. After missing a year due to injury, he returned in the 2001-02 season against S.C. Vila Real in a reserves match on November 26, 2001. Sixteen days later, he made his competitive debut against C.D. Santa Clara in the Cup; after a good recovery, he was added to the list for the 2002 World Cup.

With an astounding 34 trophies won over the course of his career, Vítor Baía has secured his place as one of the most successful footballers of all time. His legacy at Porto, in particular, will live on for generations, having helped transform the club into a European powerhouse in the late 20th century. He fully deserves his spot among the most decorated players in football history.

7. Kenny Dalglish (35 Trophies)

Kenny Dalglish is a Scottish former football player and manager who played as a forward for Celtic and Liverpool. Nicknamed “King Kenny”, Dalglish is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest-ever footballers. As a player, he won numerous honors, including six English First Division titles and three European Cups. He was also part of the Liverpool team that won the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1986.

After retiring as a player, Dalglish went into management, firstly with Liverpool, then Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. He led Blackburn to the Premier League title in 1995. As Liverpool manager, he won three First Division titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups, making him by far the club’s most successful manager. With Liverpool as a player and manager, Dalglish won a total of 20 major trophies, making him one of the most decorated figures in British football. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

During his career, he made 338 appearances for Celtic and 515 for Liverpool as a forward, and he earned a record 102 caps for Scotland, scoring 30 goals, which is also a joint record. Dalglish received the Ballon d’Or Silver Award in 1983, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1983, and the FWA Footballer of the Year in both 1979 and 1983. Dalglish was deemed the greatest striker in postwar British football by FourFourTwo magazine in 2009, and he is a member of the Scottish and English Football Halls of Fame.

Kenny Dalglish epitomized the Liverpool way. His silky skills, clever passing and goalscoring prowess made him a nightmare for defenders to mark. But there was so much more to his game. His vision, awareness and selflessness were second to none. He made those around him better players and had the ability to lift his teammates with a single pass or goal.

Off the pitch, Dalglish was a quiet, modest family man. But on it, he displayed a ruthless streak and steely determination to win. He led by example, and his trophy haul at Anfield, both as a player and manager, stands as a lasting monument to his brilliance. King Kenny’s enduring popularity and status on Merseyside is a reflection of the joy and success he brought to so many. A true Liverpool legend.

6. Ryan Giggs (36 Trophies)

Ryan Giggs is a Welsh football coach and former player who played his entire professional career for Manchester United and is the co-owner of Salford City. During his time at United, from 1991 to 2014, Giggs won a record 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and two Champions League trophies.

With 963 appearances for Manchester United, Giggs holds the club record for most appearances. His longevity and ability to play at the highest levels for over two decades epitomized the Manchester United spirit. His speed, skill, and stamina allowed him to excel as a left winger. Ryan Giggs is Manchester United’s most-capped Player of all time, making 963 appearances in 23 years for the club. He later served as caretaker manager for the club in 2014.

Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, Giggs blossomed into a legend at Old Trafford. Along with fellow United legends like Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and David Beckham, Giggs defined an era of dominance for the club. The group of young talents Ferguson cultivated would come to be known as the “Class of ’92.”

Giggs’ trophy haul is utterly staggering. In addition to 13 league titles and 2 Champions League wins, he won 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 9 FA Community Shields, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. For both Manchester United and Welsh football, Giggs’ accomplishments are amazing. His place in the annals of football history is secure as one of the most successful players of all time.

Even after retirement, Giggs’ connection to United remains strong. He served as a coach under Louis van Gaal and hopes to someday become the permanent manager at Old Trafford. For the club’s greatest legend, coming home to United for good would provide a fitting end to an iconic career. Ryan Giggs’ name will forever be synonymous with Manchester United’s preeminence in world football.

5. Gerard Pique (37 Trophies)

Gerard Pique has won an incredible 37 trophies over his career, making him one of the most decorated footballers of all time. Piqué began his professional career with Manchester United in 2004. He returned to Barcelona in 2008 and helped the club win trebles in 2008–09 and 2014–15.

The towering center-back has spent nearly his entire career at Barcelona, the club where he started as a youth player. At Barca, Pique has won a staggering 31 trophies, including 9 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League trophies.

Pique is known for being an intelligent defender who relies on his reading of the game and positioning rather than pace or tackling. His ball-playing ability and distribution from the back have allowed Barcelona’s tiki-taka style of play to flourish. Pique’s trophy haul at Barcelona is a testament to being part of one of the greatest teams of all time, featuring legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. Along with his club success, Pique has also won major trophies for Spain, including the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. Known for his charismatic and, at times, controversial personality, Pique has become an iconic figure in Spanish football.

With 8 league titles, 6 Copa del Reys, and 4 Champions League titles, Pique has won more trophies at Barcelona than most players do in their entire careers. His World Cup and European Championship wins cement his status as an all-time great. Though some criticize him for his outspoken nature or occasional defensive lapses, Pique will go down in history as a pivotal figure in one of football’s most successful dynasties.

Pique has undoubtedly secured his place among the most decorated players of his generation. His 37 trophies are a testament to being an integral part of Barcelona and Spain’s golden era of success.

4. Maxwell (37 Trophies)

Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade is considered a football legend for his trophy cabinets. The Brazilian left-back, has won an incredible 37 trophies in his career, making him one of the most decorated players of all time.

Maxwell started his career in Cruzeiro, Brazil, before moving to Europe, where he enjoyed successful spells at Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. At Barca, Maxwell was part of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side that won 14 major honors in just four seasons. During his time in Catalonia from 2008 to 2012, Maxwell won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and two Champions Leagues.

After leaving Barcelona, Maxwell headed to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to win trophies at an astonishing rate. In his five seasons in the French capital, Maxwell won four Ligue 1 titles, three Coupes de France, and four Coupes de la Ligue. In total, Maxwell won an incredible 37 trophies in his 18-year career before retiring in 2017. His major achievements include two La Liga titles, four Ligue 1 titles, and three Serie A titles.

The Brazilian was never the star of the show and was happy to play a supporting role at the biggest clubs. His longevity and ability to be a consistent performer at the highest level for nearly two decades are truly remarkable. Maxwell was a model professional who gave his all for every team he played for and fully deserved all the success that came his way during his illustrious career.

While Maxwell may not be remembered as one of the all-time greats, his trophy haul marks him out as one of the most decorated players of his generation. The Brazilian knew what it took to be part of a winning team and will go down as one of football’s most successful left-backs. For the sheer number of trophies won, Maxwell is truly in a league of his own.

3. Andres Iniesta (39 Trophies)

Andres Iniesta is one of the most decorated players in football history. Throughout his illustrious career, the Spanish midfielder has won an incredible 39 trophies at both club and international levels.

From an early age, Iniesta showed tremendous promise and potential. He joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 12 and steadily progressed through the ranks. He made his first-team debut in 2002 and never looked back. With Barca, Iniesta won an astounding 30 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. His vision, dribbling skills, and passing were instrumental to the club’s success.

Iniesta also enjoyed a trophy-laden international career with Spain. He was an integral part of the team that won two European Championships (2008 and 2012) and the 2010 World Cup. In the World Cup final, Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time to lift the trophy for the first time in Spain’s history. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Over 16 seasons with Barcelona, Iniesta made 674 appearances, 138 assists, and scored 57 goals. He left Barcelona at the end of 2017-18, and Iniesta signed up for the J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2018. After leaving the club in 2023, Iniesta signed for UAE Pro League club Emirates.

Iniesta’s legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation lives on. His honors, achievements, and elegant playing style have forever etched his name in football folklore.

2. Dani Alves (42 Trophies)

Dani Alves is a Brazilian footballer who has won 42 titles to his name. During his time at Barcelona from 2008 to 2016, Alves was an integral part of one of the most successful Barca teams in history, winning an incredible 23 titles in just eight seasons.

Alves is known for his attacking abilities from fullback and his accurate crossing and passing. At Barcelona, he formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi down the right flank. The duo terrorized La Liga defences for nearly a decade. Alves won three Champions League titles, six La Liga titles and four Copa del Rey titles during his time at the Camp Nou.

After leaving Barcelona, Alves had stints at Juventus and PSG, adding a few more trophies to his ever-growing collection before returning to his native Brazil to play for São Paulo. Even in the latter stages of his career, Alves demonstrated that he still possessed the skill, vision and trophy-winning mentality that made him such an asset for both club and country over the years.

Alves is a born winner and one of the most decorated players of his generation. His place in football history is assured due to his integral role in one of the most successful club teams ever assembled. Alves demonstrates that hard work, skill, determination, and the right mentality can lead to unprecedented success and a career filled with silverware.

1. Lionel Messi (44 Trophies)

Lionel Messi, commonly considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has won an incredible 44 team trophies over his career. Playing for Barcelona FC in La Liga, Messi has dominated the Spanish league, winning 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 3 European Super Cups, and 3 World Club Championships. On the European stage, Messi led Barcelona to 4 UEFA Champions League titles, the most prestigious club trophy in the world.

With the Argentine national team, Messi won the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and led his team to the 2014 World Cup final, though they ultimately lost to Germany. His skills, vision, and goalscoring prowess make him a threat unlike any other player. Despite his smaller stature, Messi weaves through defenders with ease and has a knack for scoring in almost every way possible with power, precision, and creativity.

Messi stands alone at the top. His dedication, passion, and loyalty to Barcelona have cemented his status as an all-time great. After 17 years of playing for the club, Messi has become synonymous with Barcelona. His departure in 2021 was the end of an era, but his accomplishments and records will live on forever in football history.

With 8 Ballon d’Or awards for being the world’s best Player and a record 6 European Golden Shoes for being Europe’s top goalscorer, Messi’s trophy cabinet is unrivaled. While team trophies are not won alone, Messi’s contributions and clutch plays have directly led to Barcelona’s success over the years.

A born winner and possibly the most naturally gifted football player ever, Lionel Messi is a living legend who has won it all. His name will be remembered long after he hangs up his boots as the G.O.A.T., the Greatest of All Time.

A player’s legacy is far more complex than numbers on a scoresheet. Many little details accumulate to determine how they are cherished and remembered by generations to come.

Who is the Player with the Most Trophies in Football History?

When it comes to the most decorated footballers of all time, one name stands out above the rest: Lionel Messi. This Argentine footballer has won an astonishing 44 trophies over his career so far, more than any other player in football history.

In the end, while statistics provide context, a player’s true greatness comes down to their impact, skill, and the memories and moments they create. Trophies are a testament to team success, but individual brilliance lives on forever in the hearts of fans. The players who won the most trophies deserve respect for their accomplishments, but there are many paths to becoming an icon.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the ten players with the most trophies in football history. From legendary goalscorers like Messi and Ronaldo to midfield maestros like Iniesta, this list features some of the greatest talents the beautiful game has ever seen.

While trophy counts don’t tell the whole story, they offer a glimpse into the sustained success and brilliance these players demonstrated in their careers. Their dazzling skills, game-changing performances, and knack for rising to the occasion time and again helped lead their clubs to glory. And if, eventually, their playing days are behind them, their legacy and place in football lore are firmly cemented.