UEFA Champions League: History, Top Teams, and Legendary Players

The Champions League is a sensational football competition that was established in 1955, and it was named as the European Cup. The members of the European Football Association can take part in this Champions League. At the very start of the competition, only the champions of the National League and their defending competitors were allowed to participate in the game but in 1997 this concept was totally changed and the runner-ups of the stronger league were also made to dissipate in the competition. However, in 1999, the rules of entry in the championship were revised and the third and fourth runner-ups were also allowed to participate in the game. In 2005 a new rule was made where the defending Champions automatically qualified for the next championship. 

The teams who have won the UEFA championship League five times over all three consecutive Times are honored with the multiple winner baggage. There are 16 who are honored with the multiple winner baggage they are: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Ajax, and AC Milan. Until 2009 the team who had won the European Champions club was allowed to keep the cup and for the next season, a new one was commissioned. From 2009 a new rule was made in which the winning team receives a full-size replica of the trophy, while the original one is UEFA. 

Among all the 23 clubs who have won the European Cup Real Madrid is the one who holds most of the victories. Even the inaugural edition of the championship was also won by Real Madrid, till now they have won 15 times in the European Cup.  Real Madrid won the title 5 consecutive Times From 1956 to 1960. Juventus was runner-up for most of the time but has faced seven defeats. Atletico Madrid is the team that reached the final three times but did not register a single win. Reims and Valencia were also the runners-up twice but did not taste the winning cake. Spain is the country who have given most champions, the two clubs have registered 20 wins and made their country proud. The six clubs of England made the country winning the trophy 15 times. The three clubs of Italy hold the trophy 12 times. Because of the Heysel disaster in 1985, the English teams were banned for 5 years from the competition. In 2024 Real Madrid came out as the champions by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0.

Also read : UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Schedule, Teams, Matches, & History

Top players and their ranking in the European Champions Cup

Many players have stabilized themselves as legendary players through their performances in the European Champions Cup which was initially founded as the European Cup in 1955 but in 1992 rebranded as the Champions League. Real Madrid has the most significant players. It is a great treat to watch the exceptional players with their extraordinary talent on the field. Their devotion to the game is really admirable. Many modern-day legends are exceptional in the game but here we are ranking the players who have won more cups than any other player. The ranking factors include overall Champions League legacy, Champions League goals, Champions League era,( 1992 onwards)iconic Champions League moments, and the Champions League titles. 

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo
  2. Lionel Messi
  3. Luka Modric
  4. Andres Iniesta
  5. Karim Benzema
  6. Paolo Maldini
  7. Xavi
  8. Sergio Ramos
  9. Raul
  10. Clarence Seedorf
  11. Zinedine Zidane
  12. Steven Gerrard
  13. Gareth Bale
  14. Iker Casillas
  15. Kaka
  16. Ronaldinho
  17. Robert Lewandowski
  18. Didier Drogba
  19. Marcelo
  20. Toni Kroos
  21. Edwin van der Sar
  22. Gerard Pique
  23. Samuel Eto’o
  24. Andriy Shevchenko
  25. Ryan Giggs
  26. Sergio Busquets
  27. Ruud van Nistelrooy
  28. Thierry Henry
  29. Arjen Robben
  30. Dani Carvajal

How can one give a watch to the UEFA Champions League?

CBS Sports presents the English language coverage of the Champions League on Paramount. Spanish fans need a VIX, TUDN, or a combination of Univision to watch The Ultimate Champions fight on the field. However, the talk recommendation is four Paramount Plus as it offers the best quality with the life coverage of every game. For Spanish fans, the VIX premium subscription is the only and best way to watch the ultimate saucer competition. 

Conclusion 

These are the heroes of the very popular UEFA Champions League. The contribution of these players in the European Cup is really exceptional. From 1995 till now, the Champions League has given us the best players. Real Madrid, who has won the 15 championship trophy, is the real inspiration for many other clubs who are trying very hard to win the Champions League. 

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Frequently asked questions( FAQS)

1)Who will hold the upcoming Champions League trophy?

All the clubs are trying their best to hold the upcoming Champions trophy. The 15-time Champions League winner, Real Madrid can also register the upcoming European Cup under them. After all, both winning and losing are part of a game, but the show must go on. 

2) What is the prize money of the UEFA Champions League?

The champions of UEFA get the prize money according to their performance in the game. Last year’s winner Real Madrid was given an offer of €85.14m prize money, but that was only possible if they had won every single match of the championship League. The winner of the Champions League gets the prize money of €25m ($27.8m), however the runner-up of the league gets the prize money of €18.5m ($20.5m).