Top 5 players with most Champions League appearances

These players have cemented their place in the Champions League history with their incredible longevity.

The UEFA Champions League is the premier club football competition in the world, bringing together the best teams from across Europe to battle for the ultimate prize in club football. Over the years, many great players have graced the competition, but only a select few have made the kind of impact that puts them in the record books. Here are the top five players with the most Champions League appearances.

*Data was last updated after the quarter-finals of the 2022-23 season.

5- Karim Benzema (149)

Karim Benzema has been a mainstay of the Real Madrid team for over a decade. He has won five Champions League titles with the club and has scored over 70 goals in the competition. Benzema’s combination of pace, power, and technical ability has made him a nightmare for defenders to deal with, and he is sure to add to his impressive Champions League tally in the coming seasons.

4- Xavi Hernandez (151)

Xavi Hernandez is one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football, and his record in the Champions League speaks for itself. The Spanish maestro won the competition four times with Barcelona and played a pivotal role in the team’s dominance during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Xavi’s passing, vision, and ability to control the tempo of games made him a key figure in Barcelona’s success, and his tally of 151 Champions League appearances is a testament to his longevity at the highest level.

3- Lionel Messi (163)

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballer of all time, and his record in the Champions League is nothing short of remarkable. The Argentine has won the competition four times with Barcelona and has scored a staggering 129 goals in 163 appearances. Messi’s ability to dribble past multiple defenders and score from almost any position on the pitch has made him a nightmare for opposition teams, and he shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to break records year after year.

2- Iker Casillas (177)

Iker Casillas is a legendary goalkeeper who spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid. He won the Champions League three times with the club and was an integral part of the team that dominated European football during the early 2010s. Casillas’ shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes, and leadership qualities made him one of the most respected players in world football, and his tally of 177 Champions League appearances is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

1- Cristiano Ronaldo (183)

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his record in the Champions League is simply staggering. The Portuguese superstar has won the competition five times with two different clubs (Manchester United and Real Madrid) and has made the most appearances in UCL history.

Ronaldo’s athleticism, speed, and incredible ability to score from almost any position on the pitch have made him a constant threat in the competition, and his tally of appearances is a testament to his legendary career.