Who has the most Champions League appearances in history?

Carlo Garganese

• 9 May 2024 12:01 BST
• 4 min read

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most Champions League appearances of all time.

The Portuguese football legend has played 183 times in the prestigious competition, while he is also the Champions League’s all time record goalscorer too.

The majority of his appearances in the best club competition in world football came during his illustrious spell with Real Madrid, in which time Ronaldo won the Champions League on four occasions. He also won the trophy with Man Utd in 2008.

READ MORE: Champions League all-time top scorers - Ronaldo, Messi and the greatest goal kings

Iker Casillas previously held the record for the most Champions League appearances in history before he was overtaken by Ronaldo in 2021. The former Spain goalkeeper played 177 times in the competition, with 150 of those appearances coming in a Real Madrid shirt.

Lionel Messi holds the record for the third most Champions League appearances of all time - with 163. The World Cup winner has also scored the second highest tally of goals in the competition’s history.

Karim Benzema is fourth on this list with 142 games played in the Champions League. The former Lyon and Real Madrid forward has netted 90 goals in the competition - the fourth most of any player in history.

READ MORE: Who is the oldest player to score in Champions League history?

Thomas Muller and Xavi are tied with 151 Champions League appearances apiece, while Toni Kroos is narrowly behind with 150 Champions League games under his belt. He will draw level with Muller and Xavi if he features for Real Madrid during the 2024 final.

Raul Gonzalez and Sergio Ramos have both made 142 Champions League appearances and they are joint-eighth as a result. Ryan Giggs completes the top 10 with 141 games played in the competition.

The 10 players with the most Champions League appearances in history