The Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, yet even some of the biggest names in
the sport have never claimed the trophy. Since 1955, 23 teams have lifted this prestigious cup, with Real
Madrid leading the way with 15 titles. While many clubs have basked in the glory of victory, others have
faced the heartbreak of defeat. In this video, we’re counting down 10 major clubs that have come close
but remain without a Champions League title. Let’s dive into the stories of these teams and their near-
misses on Europe’s biggest stage.
Valencia
Valencia are one of the biggest clubs in Spain. They have come agonizingly close to Champions League
glory, reaching the final twice in consecutive years.
In 2000, they lost to Real Madrid, and in 2001 they fell to Bayern Munich on penalties. Led by players like Gaizka Mendieta and Santiago Cañizares, this Valencia side was one of the strongest in Europe.
However, financial issues have since seen Valencia struggle to compete at the highest level, and that golden opportunity for Champions League success seems to have passed.
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Zenit St. Petersburg are one of the biggest and most successful Russian clubs having dominated the
domestic league in recent years. Despite this Zenit have yet to make a significant impact in the
Champions League.
Zenit’s most notable European success came in the 2007-2008 season when they won the UEFA Cup. However, this victory hasn’t translated to success in Europe’s premier club competition.
Their best Champions League performance came in the 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 seasons when they
reached the round of 16. Despite boasting talented players like Hulk, Axel Witsel, and more recently
Malcom, Zenit have struggled to progress deep into the tournament.
The club has dominated domestically, winning multiple Russian Premier League titles, but the step up to Champions League success has proven challenging. As the standard-bearers of Russian football in Europe, Zenit continue to dream of one day lifting the prestigious trophy.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen, newly crowned German champions, who finished the 2023/24 Bundesliga season
unbeaten were known before their league and cup double as “Neverkusen” due to their habit of finishing
as runners-up.
Leverkusen reached the final in 2002 with a talented squad including Michael Ballack. They faced Real
Madrid but lost 2-1, unable to overcome Zinedine Zidane’s famous volley. Painfully for them, Bayer
became the second club to finish runner-up in both the Champions League, domestic league and cup
competitions in the same season.
Since then, Leverkusen have been regulars in the competition but have struggled to replicate that run to
the final.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur, giants from North London, have yet to taste Champions League glory. Their best
performance came in the 2018-19 season when they reached the final under Mauricio Pochettino. In an
all-English affair, they faced Liverpool but lost 2-0.
Spurs have had some memorable moments in the competition, including their dramatic quarter-final
victory over Manchester City in 2019. However, they’ve struggled to consistently qualify for the
tournament in recent years.
With a new stadium and a passionate fanbase, Tottenham continue to dream of European success, but
the Champions League trophy remains elusive. They have tasted the european glory though, winning the
Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Cup twice.
Napoli
We move to Italy fort he next club, SS Napoli. The club of Diego Maradona has experienced a resurgence
in recent years, having won their third Scuddeto in 2023.
However, their Champions League performances have been inconsistent. Their best showing came in
2023 when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time, losing to AC Milan.
With their exciting brand of football and passionate support, Napoli are always a dark horse in the
competition, but have yet to make a deep run.
Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais, commonly known as Lyon, have been regulars in the Champions League but have
never managed to go all the way. They are one of France’s biggest clubs. Only one French club has ever
won the Champions League, though, that is Marseille.
Lyon’s best performances came in the 2009-10 and 2019-20 seasons when they reached the semi-finals,
before falling to eventual champions Bayern Munich on both occasions.
Lyon dominated French football in the early 2000s, winning seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to
2008. During this period, they were consistent performers in the Champions League but couldn’t
translate their domestic success to the European stage.
With a strong academy producing talents like Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon have always
had the potential to challenge Europe’s elite. However, that coveted Champions League trophy continues
to elude them.
Roma
AS Roma another Italian giant without the famous trophy. The Giallorossi have a massive fanbase and are
one of the most supported teams in Italy, but European success has been limited.
Roma’s best Champions League performance came in 1983–84 when they reached the final. Playing in
their home Stadio Olimpico they’ve lost to Liverpool after penalties.
Despite producing talents like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, Roma have yet to translate their
passionate support into Champions League glory. In 2022 they’ve won their first European trophy, lifting
the Conference League in the competition’s inaugral season.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain have experienced a dramatic rise following major investment. PSG have dominated
French football, having been France’s most successful club in the 21st century.
Despite having signed several of the world’s greatest players, including Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and
they still haven’t won the Champions League.
Their came closest in 2020 when they reached the final for the first time, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich. A
year later, they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Manchester City.
The pressure to deliver European success in Paris is immense, but despite significant investments, the
Champions League trophy still eludes them.
Atlético Madrid
Next up is Atlético Madrid, a club that’s experienced heartbreak on the biggest stage not once, but three
times.
Los Colchoneros reached the final in 1974, 2014, and 2016. The 2014 final against city rivals Real Madrid
was particularly painful. Atlético led until the 93rd minute when Sergio Ramos equalized, sending the
match to extra time where Real ultimately triumphed 4-1.
Two years later, they faced Real again in the final, losing on penalties. Under Diego Simeone, Atlético
have become a European powerhouse, but that elusive Champions League trophy continues to slip
through their fingers.
Arsenal
Another North London giants, Arsenal. The Gunners have a rich history in English football, with 13 league
titles and a record 14 FA Cups. But Champions League glory has eluded them.
Arsenal’s closest brush with Champions League victory came in 2006. Led by Thierry Henry, they reached
the final in Paris against Barcelona. The Gunners took an early lead, but with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann
sent off, they ultimately fell 2-1.
Since then, Arsenal have struggled to make deep runs in the competition. Their 19 consecutive
qualifications from 1998 to 2016 is impressive, but the ultimate prize remains out of reach
