You might know Real Madrid as the kings of the Champions League, and for good reason! They’ve won the trophy a whopping 15 times, more than any other team.
But how did they do it? Well, it’s not just about the club as a whole. The players have played a massive role in this success story. Some of these footballers have lifted the big-eared trophy so many times, they probably need a bigger trophy cabinet at home!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Real Madrid players with the most UCL trophies. These players have made history and become legends of the game. Let’s find out who they are and how many times they’ve won the most prestigious club competition in Europe.
These are Some of the Real Madrid Players With the Most UCL Trophies
1. Luka Modrić (6 titles)
Luka Modrić has won an incredible six Champions League titles with Real Madrid, cementing his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. The Croatian maestro lifted the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. Modrić’s vision, creativity, and tireless work ethic have made him a vital cog in Real Madrid’s success over the past decade.
One of Modrić’s most memorable moments came in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus, where he provided a stunning assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal. He also assisted the last-minute equalizer scored by Sergio Ramos in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.
His consistent performance and pitch leadership have earned him numerous individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2018. Even at 38, Modrić continues defying expectations, signing a new contract with Real Madrid until 2025.
2. Toni Kroos (6 titles)
Toni Kroos, the German midfield maestro, has won an incredible six Champions League titles in his illustrious career. He lifted the trophy with Bayern Munich in 2013 and then added five more with Real Madrid in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. Kroos holds the unique achievement of being the first German player to win the Champions League with two different clubs.
His vision, passing ability, and set-piece prowess have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s European dominance. Kroos’ partnership with Luka Modric and Casemiro formed the backbone of a Real Madrid side that ruled Europe. Even in his final game for the club, Kroos set up the opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final.
With six Champions League triumphs, Kroos joins an elite group of players who have won the competition the most times. He shares this record with his Real Madrid teammates Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Nacho, as well as the legendary Paco Gento. Kroos’ remarkable achievement cements his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
3. Dani Carvajal (6 titles)
Dani Carvajal has won an incredible six Champions League titles with Real Madrid, cementing his status as one of the club’s all-time greats. He lifted the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and most recently in 2024. Carvajal’s defensive prowess and consistency have made him a key figure in Real Madrid’s success over the past decade.
As a right-back, Carvajal excels at shutting down opposing attackers with his excellent positioning, tackling, and anticipation skills. He reads the game exceptionally well and always seems to be in the right place at the right time to make crucial interventions. Carvajal’s reliability and leadership at the back have been invaluable to Real Madrid’s Champions League triumphs.
4. Nacho (6 titles)
Nacho has won the Champions League an incredible six times with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. He shares this record with his teammates Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal.
Nacho’s versatility allows him to play as a center-back, right-back, or left-back, making him a valuable asset to the team. His loyalty to Real Madrid shines through, as he has spent his entire career with the club since joining their youth system at age 11.
Despite facing competition from world-class defenders, Nacho has made over 300 appearances for Real Madrid, cementing his place in the club’s history. His consistent performances and dedication have contributed to the team’s unparalleled success in Europe’s top competition.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (5 titles)
Cristiano Ronaldo stands tall as the king of the UEFA Champions League, winning the prestigious trophy an incredible five times. He lifted the coveted cup four times with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and once with Manchester United in 2008.
Ronaldo’s impact on Real Madrid’s Champions League success cannot be overstated. He scored crucial goals, delivered in high-pressure situations, and led his team to victory time and time again.
Ronaldo’s hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the knockout stages of the 2016-17 season showcased his ability to single-handedly turn ties in Real Madrid’s favor. His goals in the finals, including the winning penalty in the 2016 shootout against Atletico Madrid, cemented his status as a big-game player.
CRISTIANO RONALDO WINS THE ALL TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP SCORER AWARD 🐐 🤍pic.twitter.com/wPRHzjQMQJ
— Kay | Snapchat & IG Ads (@KayRMFC) August 29, 2024Ronaldo’s unparalleled goal-scoring record in the Champions League, with 105 goals for Real Madrid alone, played a massive role in the club’s unprecedented three-peat from 2016 to 2018. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the UEFA Champions League All-Time Top Scorer Award by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
6. Karim Benzema (5 titles)
Karim Benzema has played a huge part in Real Madrid’s Champions League success, winning the trophy an impressive 5 times in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. He has scored 90 goals in the competition, making him the fourth-highest scorer in Champions League history.
As Real Madrid’s main striker, Benzema has led from the front, netting crucial goals and providing assists for his teammates. In the 2021/22 season, he scored an amazing 15 goals on the way to Madrid lifting their 14th European Cup. This included back-to-back hat-tricks in the knockout rounds, a feat never before achieved by a player his age.
Benzema’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess have been key to Real’s recent Champions League triumphs. He has started in all 5 of the finals he has won and even scored in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool in 2018. His performances in 2021/22 earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, cementing his status as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.
7. Gareth Bale (5 titles)
Gareth Bale won the Champions League five impressive times with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. He scored some really important goals in the finals that helped his team win the trophy.
In the 2014 final, Bale headed in the goal that put Real Madrid ahead 2-1 in extra time against Atlético Madrid. Then in 2018, he scored an unbelievable overhead kick goal and a long-range strike to lead Madrid to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Those two goals in the 2018 final made him the first substitute to ever score twice in a Champions League final.
Bale formed a super attacking trio with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. The three of them combined to score an amazing 97 goals in the 2013-14 season when the club won the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
8. Casemiro (5 titles)
Casemiro, a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, won five UEFA Champions League titles during his time with the club. He celebrated victories in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Known for his defensive skills, Casemiro played a vital role in controlling the midfield and breaking up opposition attacks.
One of his standout moments came in the 2017 final against Juventus. Casemiro scored a memorable goal from long range, helping Real Madrid secure a 4-1 victory. His ability to combine defensive duties with occasional goals made him an essential part of Real Madrid’s success.
9. Marcelo (5 titles)
Marcelo, the legendary Brazilian left-back, has won an incredible five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He lifted the famous trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022, cementing his place as one of the most successful players in the competition’s history.
What makes Marcelo’s achievements even more impressive is his attacking contributions from the left-back position. He always looks to bomb forward and join the attack, creating chances for his teammates and scoring important goals himself.
In the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, Marcelo scored a crucial goal to help Real Madrid win the match 4-1 after extra time. His strike, along with goals from Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, secured Real Madrid’s 10th European Cup title, known as “La Decima”.
With five Champions League winners’ medals in his collection, Marcelo will always be remembered as one of the greatest left-backs to ever play the game. His contributions to Real Madrid’s success in Europe’s premier club competition will never be forgotten.
10. Isco (5 titles)
Isco, the magician from Malaga, dazzled fans with his creativity and flair in midfield for Real Madrid. He played a key role in their Champions League triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Isco’s dribbling skills and ability to unlock defenses made him a vital part of the team.
In the 2016-17 season, Isco had his best year, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists in La Liga. He also put on a masterclass in the Champions League final against Juventus, completing two key passes and drawing three fouls in the 4-1 victory.
Although Isco’s role diminished in his later years at the club, his contributions during Real Madrid’s golden era cannot be overlooked. He will always be remembered as one of the most talented playmakers to wear the famous white shirt.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s UCL success story continues to amaze football fans around the world. With a record-breaking 15 titles, including their most recent triumph in the 2023-24 season, the Spanish giants have cemented their place as the kings of European football.
As the club looks ahead to the future, their star-studded squad, bolstered by the addition of Kylian Mbappé, promises even more thrilling UCL campaigns and potential successes in the years to come.
