
In brief
Xavi, Gerard Pique, and Thomas Muller are some of the most decorated football players in history.
Given that they are still playing, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema may go up the list.
With an astounding 39 trophies under his belt, Hossam Ashour is Africa’s most successful player ever.
It is the goal of every football player to lift as much trophy as they can manage. The trophy cabinets of some of the greatest players in the history of the beautiful game are incredibly plain, demonstrating how hard it is to receive any kind of recognition in the sport.
Over the course of their lengthy and illustrious careers, players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have led their respective clubs to an incredible number of championships, making it appear easy for many years. Then there are mercenaries like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who, despite being excellent players in their own right, go around the world’s most successful clubs to pick up trophies whenever they choose.
Based on the quantity of trophies they have accumulated over their playing careers, this article now examines the most successful football players in history. A few of these gamers even have the opportunity to increase their already incredible hauls.
1Lionel Messi
46 trophies

Many people believe that Messi is the best football player of all time and the most decorated player in history. The Argentine won three more trophies at Paris Saint-Germain after amassing an astonishing 34 at Barcelona. When Messi played a key role in La Albiceleste’s victory in Qatar in 2022, it appeared as though he would finish his career without winning the World Cup.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, and it took him just one month to add to his impressive trophy collection. Messi won the Leagues Cup for the Florida-based team after scoring an incredibly amazing 10 goals in his first seven games. For Messi, Beckham, and all those connected to the Major League Soccer team, this was a historic event as it was Inter Miami’s first trophy ever. Argentina’s 2024 Copa America medal was the most recent international victory in the legendary player’s glittering career; in October 2024, he won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, his 46th trophy.
Awards for Lionel Messi’s Career
A trophy
Win total (years won)
La Liga
10 times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19)
The Copa del Rey
2007–2009, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2020–21
Spain’s Supercopa
The following eight times: 2005-06, 2006-07, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2016-17, and 2018-19
League of Champions
Four times: from 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, and 2014–15
The UEFA Super Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
Ligue 1
In 2021–2022 and 2022–2023
The Trophy of Champions
One (2022)
The League Cup
One (2023)
The Shield of MLS Supporters
One (2024)
The Copa America
Twice (2021, 2024)
The World Cup
One (2022)
FIFA World Youth Championship
One instance (2005)
Olympic Gold Medal
1x (2008)
UEFA Cup of Champions-CONMEBOL
One (2022)
2Dani Alves
43 trophies

Dani Alves is considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and the first player in football history to win 43 titles. The Brazilian defender has won trophies with Sao Paulo and Bahia in his own country.
He also had a lot of success in France with Paris Saint-Germain, Italy with Juventus, and Spain with Sevilla and Barcelona. Additionally, he brought home five medals for his nation, including two Copa America wins in 2007 and 2019, which were twelve years apart. Alves’ club career was equally successful in continental play as it was in domestic leagues and cups, winning three Champions League crowns and two UEFA Cups.
Dani Alves’s Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Nordeste Copa
1x (2002)
La Liga
2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11
The Copa del Rey
Five times (2006-07, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16)
Spain’s Supercopa
Five times (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013).
League of Champions
(2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15) Three times
The UEFA Super Cup
(2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) Four times
The UEFA Cup
(2005–06, 2006–07) twice
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2013)
Serie A
1 time (2016–17)
Italy’s Coppa
1 time (2016–17)
Ligue 1
(2017–18, 2018–19) twice
France Cup
1 time (2017–18)
The League Cup
1 time (2017–18)
The Trophy of Champions
1x (2017)
Paulista Campeonato
One (2021)
The Copa America
Two times (2007, 2019)
FIFA World Youth Championship
One time (2003)
FIFA Confederations Cup
Two times (2009, 2013)
Olympic Summer
One (2020)
3Hossam Ashour
39 trophies

It’s okay if you’ve never heard of Ashour. Indeed, we commend your football expertise if you are aware of him. After making his Al-Ahly debut in 2003, the Egyptian helped the team win 39 trophies over the following 17 years, including 10 Egyptian Super Cups and 13 Egyptian Premier League crowns.
After a stint at Al-Ittihad, the defensive midfielder, who earned 15 appearances for his country, hung up his boots in 2022. It is not surprising to see one of Al-Ahly’s long-serving players on the top of this list because they are the most decorated club in football history and have a strong grasp on the competitions they play in.
Hossam Ashour: Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Premier League of Egypt
13 times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20)
Cup of Egypt
2004–06, 2006–07, 2016–17, and 2019–20—four times
The Super Cup in Egypt
10 times in the following years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018
Confederation Cup of CAF
1 instance (2014)
CAF Champions League
2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, and six times
Super Cup in Africa
Five times in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, and 2014
4Andres Iniesta
37 trophies

Iniesta is the first name that comes to mind when you consider the best midfield players of the last 30 years. During his 16-year tenure in Barcelona’s first squad, the midfield maestro earned nine La Liga crowns and four Champions Leagues, among other accolades. When he scored a thrilling goal for Spain against the Netherlands in the 116th minute of the 2010 World Cup final, it was his finest moment.
In October 2024, Iniesta, who is now 40, declared his intention to retire, calling it “the most difficult of my life.” It is unclear what Iniesta will do next, although it is probable that he will soon be involved in coaching in some form.
Career Trophies for Andres Iniesta
A trophy
Win total (years won)
La Liga
9 times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18)
The Copa del Rey
From 2008–09 to 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18, six times
Spain’s Supercopa
Five times in 2005, 2006, 2011, 2013, and 2016
League of Champions
Four times: from 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, and 2014–15
The UEFA Super Cup
Twice (2011, 2015)
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
The Cup of the Emperor
One (2019)
The Super Cup in Japan
One (2020)
The J1 League
One (2023)
The World Cup
1 instance (2010)
European Championship
Two times (2008, 2012)
Championship of the European Under-19
1x (2002)
European Under-16 Championship
1x (2001)
5Gerard Pique
37 trophies

Pique, one of the most accomplished football players in history, announced his retirement from the game in 2022. During his remarkable career, the Catalan defender played for Manchester United, Barcelona, and Spain. He was a key player in Spain’s triumphs at the 2010 European Championship and the 2012 FIFA World Cup, and he earned four Champions League titles.
Many will notice that the list includes several Barcelona stars from the twenty-first century. This just serves to highlight how successful the Catalonian giants have been over the last 20 years. At Camp Nou, Pique had multiple teammates at the center of the Barcelona backline, including Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano.
Career Trophies for Gerard Pique
A trophy
Win total (years won)
The Premier League
One time (2007–08)
League Cup
One time (2005–06)
The Community Shield
1x (2007)
La Liga
2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23, and 9x
The Copa del Rey
2007–2009, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2020–21
Spain’s Supercopa
(2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018) Six times
League of Champions
(2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15) Four times
The UEFA Super Cup
Two times (2009, 2015)
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
The World Cup
1 instance (2010)
European Championship
1 instance (2012)
Championship of the European Under-19
1x (2006)
6Sergio Busquets
37 trophies

After an incredible football career, Busquets has solidified his status as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in history. With Barcelona, the Sabadell native won 32 trophies, including three Champions Leagues and nine La Liga championships. Despite being one of the club’s most underappreciated stars, Busquets’ prize haul demonstrates that he was a top-tier player at his peak.
In addition, he has won three titles with Spain: the UEFA Nations League in 2023, the European Championship in 2012, and the World Cup in 2010. Alongside his old Barcelona teammate, Busquets joined Messi at Inter Miami and increased his total by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Career Trophies for Sergio Busquets
A trophy
Win total (years won)
La Liga
2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23, 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11
The Copa del Rey
2007–2009, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2020–21
Spain’s Supercopa
In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2023, seven times
The League Cup
One (2023)
The Shield of MLS Supporters
One (2024)
League of Champions
(2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15) Four times
The UEFA Super Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2009, 2011, 2015)
The World Cup
1 instance (2010)
European Championship
1 instance (2012)
7Cristiano Ronaldo
36 trophies

After winning his second UEFA Nations League championship with Portugal, Ronaldo rose in the rankings. The Al-Nassr attacker was replaced due to injury after scoring Portugal’s crucial equalizer against Spain. His colleagues, however, prevailed in the penalty shootout and assisted Ronaldo in collecting his third international trophy.
Despite being 40 years old, the five-time Champions League champion still has a tremendous drive for success. Despite his advanced age, the Portuguese football player is still going strong, and as his longevity continues to astound the world, you wouldn’t bet on him rising even higher on this list in the upcoming season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
The supertaca Oliveira Candido
1x (2002)
The Premier League
Three times (2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09)
FA Cup
One time (2003–04)
League Cup
(2005–06, 2008–09) twice
The Community Shield
1x (2007)
La Liga
(2011–12, 2016–17) twice
The Copa del Rey
(2010–11, 2013–14) twice
Spain’s Supercopa
Twice (2012, 2017)
Serie A
(2018–19, 2019–20) twice
Italy’s Coppa
One time (2020–21)
The Supercopa Italiana
twice (in 2018 and 2020)
Arab Club Champions Cup
One (2023)
League of Champions
Five times: 2007–2008, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18
The UEFA Super Cup
Two times (2014, 2017)
FIFA Club World Cup
(2008, 2014, 2016, 2017) Four times
European Championship
1 instance (2016)
The UEFA Nations League
Two times (2018–19, 2024–25)
8David Alaba
36 trophies

Since David Alaba worked for both Real Madrid and Bayern, his trophy collection was had to be full of awards, right? It’s a great tragedy that the 32-year-old has suffered from injuries in recent years since, when healthy, he is unquestionably one of the best defensive players in the game.
Before relocating to the Spanish capital, Alaba had over 15 years of success in Germany, winning two Champions League crowns and ten Bundesliga titles. Naturally, his quest for trophies did not end there. Having won two La Liga crowns and two more Champions League trophies since joining Los Blancos in 2021, he has continued to triumph. Oh, and he has won Austria’s footballer of the year award ten times.
David Alaba’s Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
The Spanish Super Cup
In 2021–2022 and 2023–2024
Super Cup in Germany
Five times: 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, and 2020–21
The Spanish Cup
One instance (2022–2023)
The UEFA Super Cup
Three times (2013–14; 2020–21; 2022–23)
Cup of Germany
(2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20) Six times
La Liga
In 2021–2022 and 2023–2024
Bundesliga
For example, 2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21
FIFA Club World Cup
Three times (2014, 2021, 2023)
League of Champions
Four times: 2012–13, 2019–20, 2021–22, and 2023–24
9Kenny Dalglish
35 trophies

During his professional football career, “King Kenny” made a name for himself as a legend in both Celtic and Liverpool. Dalglish arrived to Liverpool after winning 11 trophies in Scotland, where he won every trophy imaginable, including three European Cup trophies and six First Division crowns.
Although he is more well-known to modern fans for leading Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League championship in 1994–1995, Dalglish was a consistent winner while he was a player. He is still considered one of Liverpool’s greatest players, which is quite an accolade given his abundance of skill to have performed and won trophies in front of the Anfield supporters. He also went on to become a fairly successful manager, winning four more league titles after that (though they are not included in the magnificent table below).
Kenny Dalglish’s Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Premier Division of Scotland
Four times: in 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, and 1976–77
The Scottish Cup
Four times: in 1971–72, 1973–74, 1974–75, and 1976–77
League Cup in Scotland
One time (1974–75)
The Drybrough Cup
One time (1974–75)
The Glasgow Cup
One time (1974–75)
First Division Football League
Six times (1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86)
The European Cup
Three times (1977-78, 1980-81, 1983-84)
The European Super Cup
1 instance (1977)
FA Cup
1 instance (1985–86)
League Cup
Four times (1980–1981, 1981–1982, 1982–1983, 1983–1984)
Super Cup of the Football League
1 instance (1986)
FA Charity Shield
Five times in 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, and 1986
The British Home Championship
Three times (1974, 1976, 1977)
10Ryan Giggs
35 trophies

What was remarkable was Giggs’ longevity. The Welshman played a crucial part for Manchester United until he hung up his boots at the age of 40. He began his career as a crafty winger with lightning-fast speed and then changed his style to playmaker.
Giggs won 36 trophies throughout his 24-year professional stint with the Red Devils. His record of 13 Premier League titles might never be surpassed. Sir Alex Ferguson’s long-standing faith in the winger was a major factor in his success at Old Trafford. He played a significant role during his manager’s reign of terror, proving that his faith paid off.
The Career Trophies of Ryan Giggs
A trophy
Win total (years won)
The Premier League
13 times (1992-1, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13)
FA Cup
Four times (in 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, and 2003–04)
League Cup
2008–09, 2009–10, 2005–06, 1991–92, and 4x
The Community Shield
1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013 are the nine times.
League of Champions
Two times (1998–99, 2007–08)
The UEFA Super Cup
1 instance (1991)
FIFA Club World Cup
1x (2008)
The Intercontinental Cup
1x (2008)
11Toni Kroos
34 trophies

Toni Kroos, who waltzed onto the list with 34 trophies to boot, was a calm and collected figure in the Real Madrid engine room. Interestingly, five of those six Champions Leagues have been won in Spain. The midfielder was something of a serial winner, even at Bayern Munich.
In six years, he won three German Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, and three Bundesliga crowns. Griefswald-born Kroos has won a World Cup with Germany, which sets him apart from many of the players on this list. It was fitting that the German midfielder earned another Champions League trophy in his last match for Los Blancos. What an amazing player.
The Career Trophies of Toni Kroos
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Super Cup in Germany
1 instance (2012–13)
The Spanish Super Cup
In 2017–18, 2019–20, 2021–22, and 2023–24, four times
The Spanish Cup
One instance (2022–2023)
Cup of Germany
(2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14) Three times
The UEFA Super Cup
Five times (2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2022–23)
La Liga
2021–22, 2023–24, 2019–20, and 2016–17
Bundesliga
(2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14) Three times
FIFA Club World Cup
2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 6x
League of Champions
(2012–13, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24) In six instances
The World Cup
1 instance (2014)
12Thomas Muller
34 trophies

With 749 appearances for Die Roten at the time of writing, 248 goals, 274 assists, and a key role in 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League victories, Thomas Muller—the man behind Bayern Munich—is the quintessential one-club man. Having assisted Germany in winning the 2014 World Cup, he also has one of the most assists in World Cup history.
Additionally, the quiet workhorse has the same number of assists in Europe’s top club competition as Xavi and is in the top 20 all-time Champions League goal scorers. Muller is perhaps one of the most underappreciated football players in history when you take those goals and assists into account. He is tied with Giggs for the most league titles and is now tied with Kroos for the most decorated German football player of all time, so whatever he loses in individual honors, he more than makes up for it in team honors.
Thomas Muller: Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Bundesliga
13 times (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2024-25)
Super Cup in Germany
Eight times during 2010–11, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23
Cup of Germany
Six times: 2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, and 2019–20
The UEFA Super Cup
Two times (2013–14, 2020–21)
FIFA Club World Cup
2x (2014, 2021)
League of Champions
Two times (2012–13, 2019–20)
The World Cup
1 instance (2014)
13Karim Benzema
33 trophies

Benzema won seven titles at Lyon and the UEFA Nations League with France in 2021, in addition to his 25 trophies at Real Madrid. The Frenchman, who is currently in his late 30s, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 and might add to his trophy collection in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad is expected to compete in future tournaments after winning the Saudi Pro League in the 2022–2023 season.
Due to his years-long exile from the France squad, the striker was not able to participate in the 2018 World Cup winning campaign, which denied him another honor. As evidenced by his tenure with Los Blancos, Benzema was regarded as a superb team player for the bulk of his career. However, in 2022, he received the Ballon d’Or for his individual efforts.
Karim Benzema: Professional Honors
A trophy
Win total (years won)
Ligue 1
Four times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08)
France Cup
One time (2007-08)
The Trophy of Champions
Two times (2006, 2007)
La Liga
(2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22) Four times
The Copa del Rey
(2010–11, 2013–14, 2022–23) three times
Spain’s Supercopa
2012, 2017, 2020, and 2022 Four times
League of Champions
Five times (2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22)
The UEFA Super Cup
4 times in 2022, 2016, 2017, and 2014
FIFA Club World Cup
Five times in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022
League of Nations
One time (2020–21)
14Xavi
33 trophies
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