Football has seen countless legends grace the pitch, but only a select few have built legacies filled with silverware. These players have dominated both club and international football, collecting trophies year after year.
From record-breaking attackers to rock-solid defenders, here are the five most decorated footballers of all time:
5. Maxwell – 37 Trophies
One of the most underrated footballers on this list, Brazilian left-back Maxwell enjoyed an illustrious career at top European clubs, winning major honors with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
His first taste of silverware came in 2000 when he won the Copa do Brasil with Cruzeiro. After moving to Europe, Maxwell added 11 trophies with Barcelona, including a UEFA Champions League title. Later in his career, he dominated French football with Paris Saint-Germain, winning 15 trophies in five seasons before retiring.
4. Andrés Iniesta – 37 Trophies
A true midfield maestro, Andrés Iniesta cemented his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats during his 16-year spell at Barcelona. He played a crucial role in the club’s golden era, as well as Spain’s historic international success.
Iniesta’s remarkable trophy collection includes nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey trophies, six Spanish Super Cups, and four UEFA Champions League titles. On the international stage, he was instrumental in Spain’s dominance, scoring the decisive goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and winning the tournament.
Even after leaving Barcelona, Iniesta continued winning, adding the Emperor’s Cup (2019), the Japanese Super Cup (2020), and the J1 League (2023) to his honors with Vissel Kobe in Japan.
3. Hossam Ashour – 39 Trophies
The only player on this list without ties to European football, Egyptian defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour spent most of his career at Al Ahly, where he became one of the most successful club footballers in history.
During his 17-year tenure with the Egyptian giants, Ashour lifted an astonishing 13 Egyptian Premier League titles, 10 Egyptian Super Cups, six CAF Champions League trophies, and five CAF Super Cups. Despite his dominance at club level, he never won a major title with the Egyptian national team.
After leaving Al Ahly, Ashour had a brief stint with Al Ittihad but did not add any more trophies to his collection.
2. Dani Alves – 44 Trophies
Known for his attacking flair and boundless energy, Dani Alves is one of the most successful footballers ever. His trophy-laden career spanned over two decades, with triumphs in multiple leagues and international competitions.
Alves won his first major title, the Copa do Nordeste, with Brazilian club Bahia in 2002. He then secured five trophies with Sevilla, followed by 23 with Barcelona, where he was a key figure in their golden generation. His career continued with more silverware at Juventus (two titles) and Paris Saint-Germain (five titles), while he also lifted six trophies with Brazil’s national team.
1. Lionel Messi – 44 Trophies
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi tops this list with a staggering 44 trophies. His achievements span club and international football, making him the most decorated player in history.
During his legendary Barcelona career, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, eight Spanish Super Cups, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four UEFA Champions League titles. After leaving Spain, he added two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophée des Champions with Paris Saint-Germain.
On the international stage, Messi’s accolades include the U-20 World Cup, the 2008 Olympic gold medal, and Argentina’s long-awaited 2021 Copa América triumph. In 2022, he fulfilled his ultimate dream by leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory.
Now playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi has already won the Leagues Cup and is expected to add more titles to further cement his legacy.
Conclusion
These football legends have not only dominated the sport but also redefined what it means to be successful. Whether through sheer talent, consistency, or leadership, they have earned their place in football history as the most decorated players of all time.
