The UEFA Champions League is the greatest league of European club football, bringing together the best teams from across the continent. Every season, great clubs battle through intense group stages and knockout rounds to claim this elite trophy. Known for its thrilling matches and dramatic moments, the competition gives a show of  top-tier talent and unforgettable performances. Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool have remarkable name in its rich history with their remarkable successes. The Champions League contains many good players as well as superstars of that era.

But today we are going to rank the top 20 players in history of Champions league which includes legends as well as the players of present times.

20

Toni Kroos

• UCL Clubs (Real Madrid, Bayern Munich)
• UCl titles : 6

One of the most creative minds to have graced the Champions League, Toni Kroos is half of one of the greatest midfield duos in history, along with Luka Modric. He is far behind his Croatian teammate, who is in third place, for a  very important reason. Modric has exhibited slightly greater decisiveness in the most significant knockout stage encounters. But still Kroos secures a great position in the ranking.

Over the past ten years, it has been enjoyable to watch Kroos showcase his skills as one of the most composed, composed, and technically confident football players of the Champions League era.

19

Marcelo

• UCL clubs (Real Madrid)
• UCL Titles : 5

Marcelo, a Brazilian left-back, is not only one of the greatest names in Champions League history, but he is also one of only a select few players to have won the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent competition. When Marcelo first joined Real Madrid, there were attempts to replace him in the starting lineup, but his incredible Champions League performances showed that giving up on him would have been a serious mistake.

Marcelo was a prolific assist producer and  he used to charge forward on the overlap at any given chance. He was one of the most technically proficient left-backs we have ever seen.

18

Didier Drogba

• UCL clubs (Chelsea Fc, Galatasaray, Marseille)
• UCL titles : 1

Didier Drogba is one of the strongest strikers to have played in the Champions Le

ague. He was a combination of raw strength and superb technical ability. He played a major role in Chelsea’s Champions League campaigns during his time there, frequently stepping up at crucial times.

This was best demonstrated by Drogba’s ability to rise to the occasion, which was demonstrated when he scored the winning penalty and the equalizing header in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, giving Chelsea their first Champions League title. The Ivory Coast international has strengthened his place among the competition’s greatest players with his legacy as a clutch performer, having consistently supported his team in the biggest games.

17

Robert Lewandowski

• UCL clubs (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona)
• UCL titles : 1

Robert Lewandowski is among the most fantastic forwards in the history of the Champions League. He has scored 94 goals in just 119 games. As result of this, he is the third-highest goalscorer in the competition. Before moving to Bayern Munich in 2014, he made charming finishes in Champions League with Borussia Dortmund. Against Real Madrid in April 2013, he became the first player to score four goals in a semifinal with a masterclass in finishing.

Lewandowski was also the top scorer of Champions League during 2019-20 campaign. He is playing with Barcelona at moment.

16

Ronaldinho

• UCL clubs (Barcelona, AC Milan)
• UCL titles : 1

Ronaldinho was a player who played with a charming smile on his face and magic in his boots. He was the living example of happy football. He was a special talent because of his technical proficiency, originality, flair, and unpredictable personality. The Brazilian won FIFA World Player of the Year for his performances, which were crucial to Barcelona’s Champions League victory in 2006.

His elite performances, skills and goals added a charm in the game and that is why he is among the greatest players of the Champions League. The Brazillian later moved to AC Milan in 2008 and showcased his skills in Italy leading his club to many major titles and giving his best.

15

Kaka

• UCL Clubs ( AC Milan, Real Madrid)
• UCL Titles : 1

Kaka was a great player. His combined skill, speed, and an excellent eye for goal to create an explosive attacking midfielder at the height of his game. His most successful campaign occurred in 2006–07, when he led AC Milan to victory in the Champions League and stood the league’s top scorer. The Brazilian had a large build, which helped him move both physically and mentally on the football field with surprising speed.

His career at Madrid was not much successful compared to AC Milan from perspective of Champions League but he has secured his position in this list because of his astonishing victory in 2006-07 tournament.

14

Iker Casillas

• UCL Clubs ( Real Madrid, Porto)
• UCL Titles : 3

It is often hard for a goalkeeper to secure his name in such big lists but Casillas was a pure warrior. He was the true legend of Madrid and his heroics for the Madrid in Champions League cannot be denied. Standing as the team’s last defence, hope he has saved Madrid a lot in crucial times especially in El Classico matches.

His leadership, reflexes, and ability to stop shots were crucial to Madrid’s success, as he won three Champions League titles. Casillas’ outstanding two saves against Arsenal in 2006 and his 2002 campaign highlights his temperament for big games. The Spanish legend’s career in Europe faded in his later years, with his final years in the competition coming with Portuguese side Porto.

13

Gareth Bale

• UCL Clubs ( Tottenham, Real Madrid)
• UCL Titles : 5

The significance of Bale for Real Madrid especially in UCl matches cannot be denied. Gareth Bale won the Man of the Match award in just thirty minutes during Real Madrid’s 2018 Champions League final victory over Liverpool. Enraged that Zinedine Zidane had included him among the substitutes, Bale stormed into the second half and almost instantly scored what could go down as the greatest goal in Champions League history: an incredible overhead kick that the poor keeper Loris Karius had no chance of stopping.

After scoring another goal in that match he led his team to the trophy and ther is no doubt in considering him in this list. Also during his nine years career at Real Madrid he won his other UCL titles and is considered among the great legends of Champions League.

12

Steven Gerrard

• UCL Clubs ( Liverpool FC)
• UCL Titles : 1

A hero remembered for his performance against AC Milan in 2005 in the final, S. Gerrard is considered one of the greatest midfieders in the history of Champions League. His tenacity, ability to score goals, and adaptability elevated him to the status of one of the most significant midfield players in Champions League history.

Because of his contagious never-say-die mentality, Gerrard helped Liverpool achieve despite all the odds and cemented his status as one of the greatest players the league has ever seen. Just two years later, he was denied the opportunity to raise the trophy a second time after watching his team lose the championship match 2-1 to the same opponents. But after all due to his heroics and profile, he is considered as one of the greatest players in league’s history and stands the legend of Liverpool.

11

Zinedine Zidane

• UCL Clubs ( Juventus, Real Madrid)
• UCL Titles : 1

Zinedine Zidane, who was renowned for his extraordinary abilities, vision, and knack for winning games, was a pleasure to watch. His most memorable performance occurred in the 2002 Champions League final, as he defeated Bayer Leverkusen with a stunning left-footed volley to secure Real Madrid’s victory. It’s actually one of the the most recognizable goals in the competition.

Not only a great player but also the greatest manager for Real Madrid, Zizou stands as one of great players in UCL history. He stands out as one of the best midfield players of all time thanks to his special combination of technical and physical skills as well as his game intelligence, especially in the Champions League.