Football’s global appeal is driven by drama, elite talent and, ultimately, the pursuit of silverware. While thousands of professionals dream of lifting major titles, only a select few amass trophy hauls that etch their names permanently into football folklore.

Below are the nine most decorated footballers of all time, ranked by total trophies won.

Lionel Messi – 46 Trophies

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Lionel Messi has collected trophies across club and international football. He won 34 titles with Barcelona, added three more at PSG, and crowned his career with the 2022 FIFA World Cup and multiple Copa América triumphs.

Trophies Won:

LaLiga: 10

Copa del Rey: 7

Champions League: 4

Ligue 1: 2

Copa América: 2

World Cup: 1

Olympic Gold: 1

Dani Alves – 43 Trophies

The most decorated defender in football history, Dani Alves, collected silverware in Brazil, Spain, Italy, and France. His trophy cabinet includes three Champions League titles and two Copa América crowns.

Trophies Won:

LaLiga: 6

Champions League: 3

Serie A: 1

Ligue 1: 2

Copa América: 2

Olympic Gold: 1

Hossam Hassan – 41 Trophies

Egypt’s most decorated player and all-time top scorer, Hossam Hassan, dominated African football for decades. He won 14 Egyptian Premier League titles and three Africa Cup of Nations titles.

Trophies Won:

Egyptian Premier League: 14

Egypt Cup: 5

CAF Champions League: 1

AFCON: 3

Hossam Ashour – 39 Trophies

A one-club legend at Al-Ahly, Ashour spent 17 seasons sweeping up domestic and continental titles. He was central to the club’s era of dominance.

Trophies Won:

Egyptian Premier League: 13

Egyptian Cup: 4

CAF Champions League: 6

Sergio Busquets – 37 Trophies

One of the greatest defensive midfielders ever, Busquets won 32 trophies with Barcelona and continued adding titles at Inter Miami. His intelligence and consistency defined a generation.

Trophies Won:

LaLiga: 9

Copa del Rey: 7

Champions League: 4

World Cup: 1

Euro: 1

Gerard Piqué – 37 Trophies

Piqué starred for Manchester United and Barcelona, winning every major title available. He remains one of Spain’s most successful defenders.

Trophies Won:

LaLiga: 9

Champions League: 4

Premier League: 1

World Cup: 1

Euro: 1

Andrés Iniesta – 37 Trophies

The architect of Spain’s golden era, Iniesta enjoyed 16 glittering years at Barcelona before extending his career in Japan and the UAE. His 2010 World Cup final winner remains iconic.

Trophies Won:

LaLiga: 9

Champions League: 4

Copa del Rey: 6

World Cup: 1

Euro: 2

Cristiano Ronaldo – 36 Trophies

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, Ronaldo remains one of the game’s most driven competitors. His trophy success spans England, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

Trophies Won:

Premier League: 3

LaLiga: 2

Serie A: 2

Champions League: 5

European Championship: 1

David Alaba – 36 Trophies

The Austrian star won nearly everything with Bayern Munich before adding more titles at Real Madrid. Injury struggles aside, his trophy record remains extraordinary.

Trophies Won:

Bundesliga: 10

Champions League: 4

German Cup: 6

LaLiga: 2

(BusinessDay)