As the 2024/25 football season draws to a close, the spotlight is once again on the world’s most decorated players, with new silverware being claimed across Europe and beyond. The debate over the greatest player of all time continues to intensify as Lionel Messi extends his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the most career trophies, while other legends also cement their legacies.
Harry Kane’s Trophy Drought Ends
After several heartbreaking final defeats, England’s Harry Kane finally lifted his first major trophy when Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title. This long-awaited triumph brings relief for the England captain, who had previously lost six finals for club and country. With his first medal now secured, Kane is eager to add more trophies before calling time on his career.
Lionel Messi’s Unrivaled Success
Lionel Messi has become synonymous with winning. The Argentine forward has racked up an astonishing 46 career trophies, more than any other player in football history. His cabinet is filled with individual accolades—including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards—and team achievements that span every major competition.
Messi’s glory years at Barcelona delivered 34 trophies, while his brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain brought three more. The pinnacle of his career came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored twice in the final to help Argentina secure the title. Not content with his legacy, Messi made history in the United States by leading Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup, marking the club’s first trophy.
In July 2024, Messi captained Argentina to a second consecutive Copa America win, a first in the 21st century for La Albiceleste and a record-extending 16th continental title for the country. He further extended his record by winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami in October, taking his tally to 46 and setting himself apart from all other players.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Modern Icon Still Chasing the Top Spot
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated players of his generation, sits just behind Messi with 34 major trophies. His relentless drive has seen him achieve league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, as well as a record five Champions League titles. Ronaldo’s individual honors, including five Ballon d’Ors, match his goal-scoring exploits and impact on the game.
Despite turning 40, Ronaldo continues to compete at the highest level, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Although he missed out on the league title and suffered penalty shootout defeats in the King Cup of Champions and Euro 2024, Ronaldo’s place among football’s elite is unquestioned.
Other All-Time Trophy Collectors
Dani Alves is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs ever and holds third place on this prestigious list with 44 trophies. Alves achieved most of his success in Spain with Sevilla and Barcelona, but also won major honors with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. His gold medal with Brazil at the 2021 Summer Olympics capped an illustrious career.
From Africa, Hossam Hassan stands out as Egypt’s most decorated footballer, amassing 41 trophies, including 14 Egyptian Premier League titles and three African Cup of Nations wins. His legendary status is matched by his incredible longevity and goal-scoring record for both club and country.
Hossam Ashour, another Egyptian star, earned 39 trophies during his 17-year career with Al-Ahly, making him one of the most successful players in African football history. Ashour’s remarkable consistency helped Al-Ahly dominate domestically and on the continental stage, even though he did not add further trophies after moving to Al Ittihad.
A New Era for Club Glory
With Liverpool recently securing the Premier League and Crystal Palace winning their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup, the race for silverware shows no signs of slowing down. Each season brings new opportunities for stars to chase legendary status.
Notable Achievements of the Top Trophy Winners:
Lionel Messi:
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LaLiga: 10x (2004–05 to 2018–19)
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Champions League: 4x (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
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Ligue 1: 2x (2021–22, 2022–23)
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Copa America: 2x (2021, 2024)
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World Cup: 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo:
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Multiple league titles in England, Spain, and Italy
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Champions League: 5x
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Ballon d’Or: 5x
Dani Alves:
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LaLiga: 6x
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Champions League: 3x
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Serie A: 1x
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Ligue 1: 2x
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Copa America: 2x
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Olympic Gold: 2021
Hossam Hassan:
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Egyptian Premier League: 14x
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African Cup of Nations: 3x
Hossam Ashour:
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Egyptian Premier League: 13x
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CAF Champions League: 6x
As football’s landscape continues to shift, the race for silverware among the game’s greatest players remains as fierce as ever, with Messi now standing alone at the summit.
