Let's take a look at 10 such superstars who have yet to taste glory in Europe's elite competition.
1. Kylian Mbappé:
At just 24 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already achieved remarkable success. He has won a World Cup with France, claimed individual awards, and secured multiple domestic titles. However, the Champions League trophy has eluded him thus far. In 2020, his team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reached the final but fell short against Bayern Munich.
2. Erling Haaland:
One of the hottest prospects in world football, Erling Haaland, has taken the sport by storm. Despite his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, the Norwegian sensation has yet to compete in the Champions League final. After moving to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland aims to help his new club clinch their first-ever Champions League title.
3. Gianluigi Buffon:
Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. During his illustrious career, he represented top European clubs and achieved numerous accolades. However, the Champions League trophy remains an elusive dream for the Italian veteran. Buffon holds the record for the most Champions League final appearances without lifting the trophy.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovi:
Known for his charisma and extraordinary skills, Zlatan Ibrahimovi has showcased his talent at various top-tier clubs. However, Champions League glory has eluded him. Coincidentally, whenever Ibrahimovi left a club, they went on to win the coveted trophy. Despite winning numerous league titles, his only European triumph was the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in 2017.
5. Marcus Rashford:
A product of the Manchester United academy, Marcus Rashford has risen through the ranks to become one of England's brightest talents. While he was part of the club when they last won the Champions League, he was only a 10-year-old boy in the academy at the time. Since joining the senior team, Rashford has yet to come close to winning the prestigious competition.
6. Harry Kane:
Tottenham Hotspur's talismanic striker, Harry Kane, came agonizingly close to Champions League glory in 2019. His team reached the final but suffered defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Since then, Kane has not been able to guide his club back to the competition's pinnacle. Despite his consistent goal-scoring record, he remains without a Champions League title.
7. Robin van Persie:
Renowned for his lethal finishing and technical ability, Robin van Persie enjoyed a successful career at top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. However, the Champions League trophy eluded the Dutch forward. Van Persie reached the final with Arsenal in 2006 but fell short against Barcelona. He subsequently moved to Manchester United, where he did not taste European success either.
8. Edinson Cavani:
Edinson Cavani, a prolific goal scorer, has lifted numerous domestic trophies throughout his career. However, the Uruguayan striker has never won the Champions League. Despite enjoying success with Paris Saint-Germain and later joining Manchester United, Cavani retired without any European silverware in his cabinet.
9. Antoine Griezmann:
French forward Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed success both at the international and club levels. He has won European silverware, including the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup, but the Champions League trophy has remained elusive for him. Despite his immense talent and contributions to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Griezmann has yet to add the ultimate prize to his collection.
10. Cesc Fàbregas:
Cesc Fabregas, known for his exceptional passing range and vision on the field, has had a decorated career. The Spanish midfielder has won numerous titles, including league championships and domestic cups. However, the Champions League trophy has eluded him, despite reaching the final during his stints with Arsenal and Chelsea. Fàbregas remains one of the notable superstars who have come close but never lifted the coveted cup.