In today’s football landscape, the Champions League often gravitates towards the largest and wealthiest clubs. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the most prominent players always lift the trophy. Throughout history, some of the greatest players have narrowly missed out on winning the competition, while others haven’t even come close. We’ve compiled an exceptional XI featuring the top players who have yet to claim the Champions League title.
Gianluigi Buffon, the only goalkeeper to have ever been named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, has experienced heartbreak in three finals with Juventus. In 2003, he came excruciatingly close to victory, making two crucial penalty saves in a shootout against AC Milan at Old Trafford. However, Juventus ultimately faltered, missing three of their own spot-kicks.
“In September 2019, at the age of 42, he expressed, ‘For me, it’s a significant motivator, and I owe it to life for not granting me the Champions League victory yet. Otherwise, I would question why I continue to play.'”
Still active over three years later, it appears unlikely that the legendary Italian World Cup winner will ever clinch the title. He remains the sole currently active player in our team, but considering his current club, Serie B side Parma, it’s improbable they will contend for Europe’s most prestigious honor anytime soon.
Thuram, another finalist from 2003, showcased remarkable consistency as one of Europe’s top defenders throughout his career with Monaco, Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona. However, his greatest achievements came on the international stage with France.
In today’s football landscape, the Champions League often gravitates towards the largest and wealthiest clubs. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the most prominent players always lift the trophy. Throughout history, some of the greatest players have narrowly missed out on winning the competition, while others haven’t even come close. We’ve compiled an exceptional XI featuring the top players who have yet to claim the Champions League title.
Gianluigi Buffon, the only goalkeeper to have ever been named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, has experienced heartbreak in three finals with Juventus. In 2003, he came excruciatingly close to victory, making two crucial penalty saves in a shootout against AC Milan at Old Trafford. However, Juventus ultimately faltered, missing three of their own spot-kicks.
“In September 2019, at the age of 42, he expressed, ‘For me, it’s a significant motivator, and I owe it to life for not granting me the Champions League victory yet. Otherwise, I would question why I continue to play.'”
Still active over three years later, it appears unlikely that the legendary Italian World Cup winner will ever clinch the title. He remains the sole currently active player in our team, but considering his current club, Serie B side Parma, it’s improbable they will contend for Europe’s most prestigious honor anytime soon.
Thuram, another finalist from 2003, showcased remarkable consistency as one of Europe’s top defenders throughout his career with Monaco, Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona. However, his greatest achievements came on the international stage with France.
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