Football nowadays is more competitive, and there are more tournaments than before. Every year, the players have the option to compete in a variety of competitions and win trophies. When you look at the players who have won the most trophies in the game's history, it's even more apparent. Nine of the ten players come from the previous three decades. Let's take a look at the five players who have won the most trophies in football history.
Which five footballers have the most trophies to their name?
These days, a player's career success is mostly determined by the number of trophies he has won. Therefore, football players are now more motivated to compete at the top level in order to win as many trophies as possible. Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium in London on Wednesday (June 1), giving Lionel Messi his 40th career trophy.
In addition, he became only the second player in history to win 40 or more trophies. Who else has more than 40 titles under his belt? Let's take a look at the top five footballers in terms of trophies won. (Sources: https://www.givemesport.com/ and https://www.sportsadda.com/)
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5. Ryan Giggs (36 Trophies)
Nationality: Wales
Ryan Giggs was a legendary Welsh midfielder who spent his entire professional career with English club Manchester United. Giggs made his senior debut for the Red Devils in 1990 and spent 24 years at the club, making him a one-club man. During his stint at United, Ryan Giggs won a total of 36 trophies, which included 13 Premier League, and 2 Champions League trophies. He represented Wales in 64 matches but never won a trophy with the national side.
4. Andres Iniesta and Maxwell (37 Trophies)
Nationality: Iniesta (Spain) & Maxwell (Brazil)
Andres Iniesta and Brazilian defender Maxwell both have 37 trophies to their name. Maxwell retired from professional football in 2017, while Iniesta is still continuing his professional football career in the Japanese League.
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Iniesta is considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and had enormous success with his former club, FC Barcelona. Iniesta also won the World Cup in 2010, as well as the 2008 and 2012 Euros. Maxwell, on the other hand, had achieved success with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and PSG.
3. Hossam Ashour (39 Trophies)
Nationality: Egypt
Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ashour has won 39 trophies with his former club Al Ahly, making him the most successful player for a single club. He played for the club from 2003 to 2020 before moving to Al Ittihad in 2020. Ashour has made more than 500 club appearances in the Egyptian League.
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2. Lionel Messi (40 Trophies)
Nationality: Argentina
Argentine sensation Lionel Andres Messi has won 40 titles in his career so far. Most of his success has come while playing for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021. Messi has won 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues with Barcelona. He also won the Copa America 2021 with the Argentina national team.
1. Dani Alves (43 Trophies)
Nationality: Brazil
Brazilian right-back Dani Alves has won the most with 43 trophies to date. Alves has played for Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG in Europe. However, most of his success has come while playing for the all-conquering FC Barcelona side from 2008 to 2018.
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With the Brazil national team, Alves has won the 2007 and 2019 Copa America titles. Dani Alves was signed by Barcelona again in 2021, and he can expect to add more trophies to his name before retiring from football.
Afterward
Thanks to advancements in medical and sports science, players may now participate at the highest level well into their late thirties. Longevity aids in high-level performance and raises the chances of winning more titles in football. Dani Lionel, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gerard Pique are all active players who have won over 30 trophies.
So far, we have discussed the highest number of Trophy winner footballers. However, these athletes may not have enough years remaining in their careers due to their age. Still, it will be fascinating to see who, at the end of their careers, comes out on top.
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