In football, winning trophies is the ultimate indicator of success. Silverware solidifies a player’s legacy, whereas individual genius garners praise. A handful have accumulated unheard-of collections of titles over the years, their careers characterised by steady victories at the top level.
Lionel Messi further cemented his status as the most decorated football player in history on October 2, 2024, when he won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami, his 46th major title. Messi might increase this total even further with the December MLS Cup final and a possible FIFA Club World Cup appearance.
Even if the Argentine is the only player at the top, there are other players who have amassed an impressive collection of trophies. The ten most decorated football players in history are listed below.
10. With 34 trophies, Cristiano Ronaldo
Throughout his career, which included stints with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed 34 major championships.
Ronaldo’s biggest achievements occurred at Real Madrid, when he became the competition’s all-time leading scorer and won four Champions League trophies in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In addition, he won two Serie A titles with Juventus, three Premier League titles with Manchester United, and two La Liga wins with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo cemented his reputation as one of the game’s greatest players by leading Portugal to their first-ever major championships at the international level, including the 2019 UEFA Nations League and the 2016 UEFA Euro.
10. 34 Trophies for Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish, a legend in both Celtic and Liverpool, is still regarded as one of the most renowned players in British football. He is the tenth most decorated player in history with 34 major trophies.
Prior to relocating to Liverpool, where he became a representation of their might, Dalglish won four Scottish league titles with Celtic in the early 1970s. He helped the Reds win three European Cups (1978, 1981, and 1984) and six English league titles. He is most known for having scored the game-winning goal in the 1978 final against Club Brugge.
After retiring from playing, Dalglish became a successful player-manager, leading Liverpool to two FA Cups and three more league titles in the late 1980s.
9. Ángel Di María, who has 35 Trophies
One of the greatest big-game performers in football, Ángel Di María has won numerous league titles and played a significant role in Argentina’s most recent global triumph.
Spain (Real Madrid), France (PSG), Italy (Juventus), and Portugal (Benfica) are the four nations where the Argentine winger has won league titles. When he was voted Man of the Match in the Champions League final in 2014, he led Real Madrid to La Décima, which was his most memorable club moment.
The 2021 Copa América final against Brazil, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Di María’s goal helped Argentina win their third world championship, are just a few of the big finals in which he has scored for Argentina.
8. Giggs, Ryan (35 Trophies)
Ryan Giggs, a legend of Manchester United, is one of the most decorated players in football and holds the record for the most Premier League titles won by a single player (13).
A member of United’s illustrious Class of ’92, Giggs was instrumental in two Champions League victories (1999 and 2008), with his assist to Teddy Sheringham in the 1999 final being the game-winning move. As he evolved from a flying winger in the 1990s to an astute playmaker in his latter years, his versatility was crucial to his durability.
He has played for United for 24 years and still holds the record for most appearances (963 games).
7. The 36-trophy Maxwell
Maxwell, one of football’s most modest champions, amassed an incredible 36 prize collection in four different leagues.
He was a versatile left-back who won league titles in Spain (Barcelona), France (PSG), Italy (Inter Milan), Brazil (Cruzeiro), and the Netherlands (Ajax). Maxwell was a dependable member of top teams despite never being a superstar. He played a significant part in PSG’s supremacy in France and assisted Barcelona in winning the 2010–11 Champions League.
6. Busquets, Sergio (36 Trophies)
The beating heart of Barcelona and Spain’s golden age was Sergio Busquets, a master of placement and control.
The club’s dominance under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique was largely attributed to Busquets’ nine La Liga wins and three Champions League victories with Barcelona. His ability to intelligently break up play and set the tempo let players like Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi flourish.
Busquets had a key role in Spain’s triumphs in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, helping to shape one of the most successful national teams in football history.
5. Ashour Hossam (37 Trophies)
During his illustrious career with Al Ahly, the most decorated African football player, Hossam Ashour, won a record 37 major titles.
Over the course of 16 years, Ashour, a one-club man, helped Al Ahly dominate both Egyptian and African football, winning six CAF Champions Leagues and 13 Egyptian league crowns. Al Ahly’s standing as Africa’s most prosperous club was solidified by his leadership and dependability.
4. 37 Trophies for Gerard Piqué
With 37 major championships, Gerard Piqué is the most decorated defender in football history and a pivotal member of Barcelona’s golden generation.
Piqué established a renowned combination with Carles Puyol and later flourished with Samuel Umtiti, winning nine La Liga crowns and four Champions League titles. Barcelona’s tiki-taka system relied heavily on his aerial prowess and poise when in control.
Piqué was a key player in Spain’s victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. Before going back to Barcelona, he also played for Manchester United for a short time, winning the Premier League in 2007–08 and the Champions League in 2008.
Andrés Iniesta, who has 38 Trophies
With 38 major championships, Andrés Iniesta is the most decorated football player in Europe and a master on the ball.
Barcelona won nine La Liga championships and four Champions League trophies because to Iniesta’s vision, dribbling, and passing. His thrilling strike in the last seconds against Chelsea in the 2009 semi-final is still regarded as one of the greatest moments in football history.
He secured Spain’s first-ever world title on the international scene by scoring the game-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. Additionally, he won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012, as he helped Spain win a major international trophy for the third time in a row.
2. 41 Trophies for Dani Alves
Dani Alves, the most successful right-back in history, flourished at Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus, PSG, and São Paulo while winning 41 major championships.
Alves, who is well-known for his attacking style, won three Champions League medals and six La Liga titles with Barcelona. He also formed a lethal right-wing combo with Lionel Messi. In addition, he won two Ligue 1 championships with PSG and Serie A with Juventus.
Alves won the Confederations Cup, two Copa Américas, and an Olympic gold medal with Brazil on the international scene.
1. 46-time trophy winner Lionel Messi
With Barcelona, PSG, Argentina, and Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has accumulated an incredible 46 major titles, making him the most decorated player in football history.
Messi won eight Spanish Super Cups, four Champions League medals, and ten La Liga championships, demonstrating his dominance in Spanish football. With his dribbling, finishing, and playmaking skills, he redefined football and played a key role in two treble-winning seasons (2009, 2015).
His most treasured victory occurred in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory, receiving the Golden Ball for best player in the tournament and scoring twice against France in the final.
Messi keeps setting new records with Inter Miami, and his legacy is still unmatched.
