In the previous part of the ranking, we ranked the best players in Champions League from 11 to 20. Now we are going to have a look at the top ten legends of the league which are absolutely the masterpieces in the world of football. These  gave the Champions League another level taste and popularity.

10

Clarence Seedorf

• UCL Clubs (AC Milan, Ajax, Real Madrid)
• UCL Titles : 4

The only player to win Champions league with three different clubs, Clarence Seedorf was a masterpiece of art on the pitch. His adaptability was his main key to his success and also this player was consistent on the pitch. Whether playing for Real Madrid, AC Milan, or Ajax, Seedorf’s passing range, vision, and midfield management skills were vital to his teams’ dominations.

The role of Seedorf in AC Milan dominance is undeniable. He was really a pure talent helping his team to touch the heights of success.

Seedorf may not be the first person that comes to mind when discussing the competition’s greats, but his resume of accomplishments in European football speaks for itself.

9

Raul

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

Raul’s remarkable ability to score goals and his leadership qualities will always be remembered in the Champions League. Before joining Schalke, he was a longtime employee of Real Madrid. He won the competition three times, rising to the top of the scoring standings. But it didn’t lasted long as Ronaldo Messi era started.

Raul exceptional ability to deliver goals in important situations made him one of the best players in the competition. Not only he is a legend of champions league but also he stands as the third top scorer in history of Real Madrid scoring 323 goals which is third highest recrod for club.

8

Sergio Ramos

• UCL CLUBS (Real Madrid, Sevilla, PSG)
• UCL Titles : 4

Sergio Ramos, truly a tough defender and miracle player on the pitch. Real Madrid’s four Champions League titles in five years can be attributed in large part to Sergio Ramos’s perseverance, leadership, and talent for scoring important goals, most notably his equalizer in the 2014 final. Because of his incredible goal in the final seconds against Real Madrid’s fiercest rival, Atletico Madrid, he is considered as the hero of Real Madrid.

His defence and ability to rise in crucial occasions made him the pillar of Madrid’s success in European football. Apart from his abilities his leadership was the main thing which gave Madrid a lot especially in the era of prime Barcelona. Real Madrid perhaps would not have gone so far without him.

7

Xavi

• UCL Clubs (Barcelona)
• UCL Titles : 4

Xavi no doubt is the best midfielder of Barca. He was the backbone of the Barca’s playstyle Tiki Taka. He was the core player of Barcelona because of his superb passing, superb vision, and mastery of the game’s tempo. Xavi, who won four Champions League titles, was crucial to Barcelona’s success in Europe because of his tricky game sense and ability to control play from midfield.

Even though he wasn’t the team’s biggest star, his contributions to Barca are indisputable. And he is included in this list of greats because of his contributions to the success of Barcelona which no other midfielder did or can at present.

6

Paolo Maldini

• UCL Clubs (AC Milan)
• UCL Titles : 3

The ideal example of a defender and the loyalty, Paolo Maldini has won this title for 3 times. His loyalty for AC Milan can’t be repeated by any player. Maldini was well known for his accurate tackling, superb positioning, and ability to read the game. He also had a low tolerance for fouls as a means of dismantling opponents.

His longevity, elegance, and devotion to AC Milan established a standard for defenders in subsequent generations. It is crucial to remember that Maldini was competing well before the competition’s founding in 1992 and that he actually won the European Cup twice more. Many defenders came before and after him like Sergio Ramos Virgil Van Dijk, Carlos Puyol and much more but no defender has surpassed him in this position and hence he is included in this list of UCL legends.

5

Karim Benzema

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

Karim Benzema is probably the goal machine and one of the best players Real Madrid ever had. He stands fourth in Champions League’s top scorer list with a record of 90 goals and also has a record 152 appearances in the Champions League. The role of Benzema for Madrid in 2014 and 2016-18 UCL occasions is undeniable. Despite the presence of Portuguese star and Gareth Bale, Benzeme cemented his side in these tournaments and can’t be neglected.

Even after Ronaldo’s departure from the Bernabeu, Benzema saved Madrid and also strengthened his reputation as a genuine modern-day great. With one of the greatest individual campaigns supporters have ever witnessed, Benzema, the top scorer of the 2021–22 Champions League campaign and the best player in the competition, led Real Madrid to their 14th championship.

4

Andres Iniesta

• UCL Clubs (Barcelona)
• UCL Titles : 4

Barca’s legend known for his creativity, dribbling skills and calm in disturbing situation, Iniesta has played a vital role for Barcelona. Iniesta along with Xavi and Sergio Busqets destroyed almost all teams and this trio was a menace for opponent’s defence.

Champions League history was cemented by Iniesta’s performance in pivotal moments, such as his 2009 semi-final winner against Chelsea. The midfield player’s resume is filled with numerous noteworthy achievements and moments, like his goal in the 2010 World Cup final. Yet his most breath-taking record is of 4 Champions League which are very hard for normal players.

3

Luka Modric

• UCL Clubs (Real Madrid, Tottenham)
• UCL Titles : 6

Luka Modric has fairly cemented his side at Real Madrid. From Real Madrid worst signing in 2012 to the one of best midfielders in world, he has proved everybody wrong. He is the central part of Real Madrid team and his exceptional skills like passing, coming out of pressure and hard work has made him this good.

The incredibly talented Modric was a key member of Real Madrid’s Champions League wins in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. He has a history of turning in standout performances in the biggest European games. One of the biggest midfielders and passers, his trivela assist in 2022 against Chelsea is an example of his superb passing. And due to his such feats, he stands 3rd in this list.

2

Lionel Messi

• UCL Clubs (Barcelona, PSG)
• UCL Titles : 4

The Argentinian miracle, Lionel Messi falls 2nd in the list and also in the list of top scorers with a number of 129 goals. His dribbling, finishing and playmaking played great role in Barcelona 4 titles of champions league between 2006-2015. His goal against Manchester United in 2009 and 2011 are an example of his exceptional goal scoring ability.

Unfortunately, he was not as good at PSG as he was at Barca. Even though Messi was unable to lead Paris Saint-Germain to European success, his incredible performances continued to inspire admiration from both fans and colleagues, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in competition history and possibly the greatest player of all time.

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

• UCL Clubs (Manchester Utd, Real Madrid, Juventus)
• UCL Titles : 5

The one and only unrepeatable, Cristiano Ronaldo stands at top in both lists with a goal count of 141 goals in Champions League. The monster of the Manchester United had exceptional skills of pace, dribbling, finishing and heading too. His injury in 2014 affected his dribbling but still was unable to stop him from scoring and he is still top scorer in history of football.

He started his journey at Manchester United leading to UCL 2008 win. After winning in 2009, he joined Los Blancos where he managed to win 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 UCL titles. After leaving Madrid, he joined Juventus in 2018 and having some achievements he made a return to Old Trafford. His five Champions League titles and 141 goals make him the best player in the history of the tournament.