For footballers across the globe, UEFA Champions League is akin to a badge of honour, as it involves the best of the teams and talents from all over the world. The cut-throat competition renders the championship qualities of a precious and an expensive asset. Hence, lifting the title becomes a long-cherished desire that never vanishes from the minds of footballers. However, there are several players with humongous talent and a plethora of prestigious titles who have been part of some competitive sides that were unable to secure the crowning glory of European football even once. So, today we will find out who they are.
Roberto Baggio
Nicknamed the “Divine Ponytail”, the Italian legend was unarguably one of the dangerous strikers and exceptional talent of his era. For his stupendous efforts on the field, Baggio had won Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player Of the year in 1993. His goal-scoring prowess forced clubs of all hue and size to chase him relentlessly and he has been part of Fiorentina, Juventus and a couple of Milan clubs during his magical journey. However, similar to the infamous penalty miss in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, not being part of any UEFA Champions League-winning side remains a blemish in an otherwise glittering career.
Giorgio Chiellini
Another celebrated player of this era, the Azzurri soccer legend has won a lot of laurels over the years. At 37 he has turned out over 500 times for Juventus and 114 for his national side Italy and simply refuses to slow down. In his illustrious career, he has been part of several sides that won 21 titles, including both club and country. However, the absence of the UEFA CL title from his successful career is be proving to be a major irritant for him. Under him, Juventus were finalists in 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons but failed to win on both occasions.
Sergio Aguero
The Argentine legend has been a weapon of mass destruction for the Manchester City club and he was instrumental in the club’s domination in the premier league circuit in the recent past. The 2021 season turned out to be partly joyous and partly gloomy for him as Juventus lost in the UEFA league final to their arch-rival Chelsea but Argentina lifted Copa America later on. As Aguero leads a retired life currently owing to a serious health condition, the lack of a UEFA title might haunt him for a while.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
At the age of 40 footballers usually lead retired lives or become managers of some prestigious clubs. However, Ibrahimovic happens to be a different kettle of fish altogether as he continues to represent his club and his national side as well. In his eventful career, the Swede has been part of several clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United etc and is the 11th highest goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League. But he is yet to be a part of the champions league winning side, though he had a close shave with the glory in 2016 when his side PSG entered Quarters.
Ronaldo Nazario
Undoubtedly one of the finest strikers of the era gone by, the Brazilian had all the talent at his disposal. He has been part of several historic moments in football as he has two FIFA and Copa America Trophies, a La Liga title (Real Madrid), a Copa del Rey (Barcelona) etc to his credit. On top of these, Ronaldo also has three FIFA World Player of the Year and two Ballon d’Or honours. Despite all these, a UEFA Champions League title has been missing from his trophy cabinet, and this would hurt the former great no less as a retired player now.
