Best XI with the most Champions League titles in history

The Champions League, or European Cup as it was previously called, is the most prestigious trophy in club football. And over the years, some of the best players in the world have been able to win it multiple times. Here is an XI of players to lift the trophy the most number of times. 

Most Champions League trophies XI-

GK: Keylor Navas (3 titles) 

The ex-Real Madrid player holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles as a goalkeeper. He was the preferred choice of Zinedine Zidane during their three consecutive European victories, and he is currently a part of the PSG team.

RB: Dani Carvajal (6 titles) 

Carvajal was the first choice for Real Madrid during their three consecutive wins and was also a part of the team that completed the Decima with Carlo Ancelotti. Now, he has won two more Champions League titles with Don Carlo and has six to his name, the joint-most in history.

CB: Nacho (6 titles) 

Although not a starter for Real Madrid in their dominant run in the second half of the 2010s, Nacho has been a pivotal player since the departure of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane. The Castilla academy graduate stepped up and ended his career with his boyhood club by lifting their 15th Champions League trophy as the captain, extending his tally to six after a solid career as an extremely reliable option whenever called upon.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapha%C3%ABl_Varane

CB: Paolo Maldini (5 titles) 

Briefly moving away from Real Madrid to AC Milan, Paolo Maldini is still hailed as the best defender of all time. His 5 titles for AC Milan are the most for a defender, and while he could easily feature anywhere in the back four, he slots in at left-back. 

LB: Marcelo (4 titles) 

The Brazilian has the most number of Champions League titles as a left-back and played an important role in helping the side win them. On his day, Marcelo was an unbelievable player, not only contributing to the defence but also playing some brilliant passes for attackers to get on the end of.

CM: Luka Modric (6 titles) 

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric, is truly one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the pitch. With an impressive six Champions League titles under his belt, Modric has consistently showcased his exceptional talent alongside his trusted midfield partner, Toni Kroos, at Real Madrid. Together, they’ve formed a dynamic duo that’s left an indelible mark on the world of football.

CM: Toni Kroos (6 titles) 

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— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) June 2, 2024

Kroos retired at the top after winning the sixth Champions League trophy in his career. His first victory came with Bayern Munich before his move to Real Madrid, where he established himself as a club legend, winning five UCL trophies.

CAM: Lionel Messi (4 titles)  

All four of Messi’s Champions League victories have come with Barcelona, with the Argentinian playing a big part in all of them. He is currently with PSG after leaving the Blaugrana in the summer of 2021. 

RW: Alfredo di Stefano (5 titles) 

The Real Madrid icon is among the highest scorers in the history of the club and also has 5 European Cup titles to his name, all with Los Blancos. It is no surprise, hence, that Madrid has named their training ground after the club legend. 

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo (5 titles) 

Winning four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and his first with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo is among the most successful players ever. He is also the top goalscorer in the history of the competition with 140 strikes. 

LW: Paco Gento (6 titles) 

In a career that spanned 18 years, Paco Gento won the European Cup a record six times, which has not been matched since. All of the left-winger’s wins came with Real Madrid during an illustrious career. 

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