The race for the UEFA Champions League title for the 2021/22 season has been trimmed down to 16 teams, and the number is set to go down in March with teams contesting for the quarter finals spots, know who has the most appearances in the tournament
While there are regular names among the teams contesting for places in the quarters the same applies to players. The round of 16 will feature a number of players who have been here for a long time, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and more.
It is also key to note at this point that in the history of the Champions League, heading to the second set of matches in the Round of 16, there are 43 players who have reached at least 100 appearances in the competition.
The entertainment factor that comes with the Champions League will not only be limited to action on the pitch, as some of the top betting firms listed on Wincomparator come with welcome offers and bonuses that could be used in the Champions League matches. For example, 1XBet has one of the biggest, giving out up to $130 for new signups, while ShangriLa have a bonus of up to €100, same to Melbet.
List Of The Most Champions League Appearances By Club
So, who are the players with the most appearances in the Champions League?
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese forward has definitely earned his status as a Champions League legend. He has won five Champions League titles, with Manchester United and Real Madrid. With these wins come numerous appearances and he tops the list for most appearances at 181. These have come under three teams – 101 at Real Madrid, 23 at Juventus and 57 at Manchester United, where he is on his second stint.
Iker Casillas: The Spanish goalkeeper has his place in world football folklore. Just as he had great success with the Spanish national team, he also enjoyed successful years with Real Madrid in the Champions League. He has the second highest appearances in the Champions League, at 177, and having already retired from the game, there’s no chance he will add to that tally, unless he returns. His appearances came through two teams – 150 at Real Madrid and 27 at FC Porto.
Lionel Messi: The Argentina is another Champions League legend; he has won it four times and being still active, there’s no ruling him out as far as winning more is concerned. Also, being 34, he remains in contention to add to his current 155 appearances in the UEFA Champions League. He comes in at third among the players with the most appearances in the competition, having racked up 149 at Barcelona then six at his current team, PSG.
Xavi Hernandez: Former Spanish international Xavi Hernandez is one of the few top players who only featured for one team in this competition. After years at Barcelona, he is back as manager and on the official Champions League roster, he is listed as having made 151 appearances, making him the player with the fourth most appearances.
Raul Gonzalez: Another Spaniard in the list, Raul Gonzalez, was also a key player in the Champions League, turning out for Real Madrid. Currently the coach at Real Madrid junior teams, Raul is a three-time Champions League winner. At his prime, he made 142 appearances in the Champions League, featuring for Real Madrid and German side, Schalke 04.