Considered to be the most prestigious competition in club football, the Champions League harbours all the best European teams in any given season. Fans are treated to multiple heavyweight clashes, featuring several great names. Having been established in 1955, the premium competition has witnessed a lot of legendary players throughout its running. Certain footballers have gone on to forge a legacy in the UCL, through sheer commitment and talent. On that note, let’s take a look at the 5 players with the most appearances in the Champions League.
5. Raul – 142 appearances
Before the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo usurped every record in club football, legendary Spanish forward Raul was the top scorer in the Champions League. A graduate of Real Madrid‘s esteemed academy, Raul went on to make the competition his own, scoring 66 goals in 130 appearances for Los Blancos. Having won the competition thrice with his boyhood club, he joined Schalke in 2010 to further his Champions League record, adding 12 appearances and five goals to his tally with the Germans.
4. Xavi – 151 appearances
A true legend of the game, Xavi spent the entirety of his playing career with Barcelona. Having made his debut in 1998, the gifted midfielder defended the crest of his boyhood club for another 17 years, departing Camp Nou in 2015. During his glittering career with the Blaugrana, Xavi managed to rack up 151 appearances, winning the competition on four occasions. He was a pivotal part of two treble-winning Barcelona sides in 2009 and 2015 respectively. Xavi is now back in Catalonia, in the capacity of a coach.
3. Lionel Messi – 152 appearances
Despite his superlative pedigree, Lionel Messi has to settle for a third-place finish on the list. The Argentinian has lit up the Champions League, ever since he debuted in the competition in 2004. In the 17 years that have followed, Messi has managed to rack up 152 appearances, 123 goals and four titles. In a controversial move this year, La Pulga departed Barcelona to join forces with PSG. He recently voiced his desire to win another UCL title before his retirement and deems PSG to be worthy enough of fulfilling his dream.
2. Iker Casillas – 177 appearances
“San Iker” is what fans have affectionately named Iker Casillas for his invaluable contributions to the beautiful game. The legendary goalkeeper had a stellar career, personifying loyalty through his love for Real Madrid. In the 16 years he spent with Madrid’s senior squad, Casillas made 150 Champions League appearances, earning three titles along the way. He even became the youngest shot-stopper ever to win a UCL trophy in 1999, achieving the feat in his debut campaign. After falling out of favor at the Bernabeu, Casillas joined FC Porto to add another 27 games to his appearance tally.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 180 appearances
Who else but Mr Champions League himself to top such a list. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players of the said competition, boasting uncountable records. Not only is the Portuguese superstar, the record goalscorer in the Champions League with 139 goals, but is also the player with the most appearances. The legendary forward has won the UCL once with Manchester United and a whopping four times with Real Madrid. He is still going strong at the ripe old age of 36, currently having five goals in four Champions League matches this season.
