The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in history, with nearly every top club in Europe competing and vying for the title regularly. There have been many great players in its history, but only a handful have set records that have stood the test of time.
Let’s take a look at the five footballers who have performed in the Champions League the most times in its history.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: 177 appearances
During Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Young Boys, footballing ace Cristiano Ronaldo made history by equaling one of his former Real Madrid teammates’ all-time Champions League appearance record.
Given that Ronaldo does not appear to be retiring anytime soon, he will undoubtedly add to his count, and it will be intriguing to watch how many appearances he accumulates before hanging up his boots.
2. Iker Casillas: 177 appearances
Before Ronaldo, it was Iker Casillas who held the record – with the Spanish legend widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. The Spaniard retired in 2020, but not before winning everything there was to win in the sport, a haul which included three Champions League honors.
3. Xavi Hernandez: 151 appearances
Before Ronaldo, the record was held by Iker Casillas, a Spanish legend widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in the sport’s history. The Spaniard announced his retirement in 2020, but not before winning everything there was to win in the sport, including three Champions League titles.
4. Lionel Messi: 150 appearances
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the best player in football history, is still going strong in the league, making his 150th appearance for Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Club Brugge.
The Argentine is two years younger than Ronaldo, his main competitor, and it will be interesting to watch if he can catch up to him in the future.
5. Ryan Giggs: 145 appearances
Ryan Giggs, one of the most accomplished footballers in history, spent his entire professional career with Manchester United, making 145 games in the tournament. During his remarkable career, the Welshman won the Champions League twice and should have won it a lot more.
