There’s no doubt that the Champions League is the ultimate club prize in football, and the names that have won it in the past is a who’s who of the greatest players to have ever graced a pitch.
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However, there are a number of world class players to never have lifted the trophy, and some to never even have come close.
Below, we chart the best 11 to have never tasted European glory throughout what were otherwise glittering careers.
GK: Gianluigi Buffon
Having spent his entire career with Juventus, the shot stopper came closest when his side made it to the final in 2003, only to be beaten by Serie A rivals Milan.
LB: Lillian Thuram
The Frenchman remains one of the most decorated defenders in football history, but the Champions League was the one title he never managed to get his hands on.
CB: Fabio Cannavaro
Despite turning out for the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus, it is laughable to conceive that the world’s smallest centre-back never lifted the title.
CB: Tony Adams
Played a huge part in Arsenal’s dominance of the English game in the late 90s, and even picked up a Cup Winner’s Cup medal for his troubles. But unfortunately he missed out on their more frequent forays into the Champions League.
RB: Gianluca Zambrotta
Spent his best years with Juventus, who came close in 2003, but joined Barcelona and Milan at the wrong time, missing out on a chance to lift the trophy with both clubs.
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