4 footballers who won almost all major trophies

Juan Mata
Juan Mata

Accolades are what the big names in any sport play for. After all, it is what sets them apart from the rest. The more a player is able to win, the more valuable he gets. There are the likes of Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, and Pele, who have won a tonne of accolades and have registered their name in the history of sports as the 'ultimate winners', to Jermain Defoe and Antonio Di Natale, who haven't won a major trophy in their career.

These accolades are a symbol of their hard work and passion that they have put forward in order to secure glory and a few such footballers have surprisingly won enough trophies to seal their legacy as some of the best footballers around. Their trophy cabinet has been filled with multiple accolades, and have inspired every other football player to embark on a journey like none other.


#4 Juan Mata - Manchester United.

Mata is considered by many as one of the most underrated talents in the football world as he is one of the most skilled attacking midfielders ever to play in the modern era. His debut season with Chelsea is what he is remembered for as he won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2012 for both himself and his club. A lesser known fact is that Mata is one of the only few Spanish football players to have won almost all the major trophies that are available.

With FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, the English FA Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Euro, and English League Cup, Mata surely has some accolades on his CV. The UEFA Super Cup and a League title is what the Spaniard is missing. Indeed, his time at Manchester United this season has raised some questions, but his determination will surely get him the missing titles.

#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - LA Galaxy

Zlatan has a tonne of trophies
Zlatan has a tonne of trophies

There is no doubt that the big Swede is one of the greatest strikers of the modern era, as he recently scored the 500th goal of his career, making him one of the most prolific strikers ever to step foot on the pitch. However, he is also one of the most decorated footballers of all time, as Zlatan can brag about his 33 major trophies won across five different countries.

The Swedish has won a La Liga title, two Spanish Super Cups, 4 Serie A titles, 5 Italian Super Cups, 4 Ligue 1 titles, 2 French Cups, 4 French Super Cups, 3 French League Cups, 2 Eredivisie titles, a Dutch Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, 2 Dutch Super Cups, a UEFA Europa League, a UEFA Super Cup and an English Super Cup, making him one of the most decorated footballers of all time.

His individual credentials as well have been more than what we can account for. A UEFA Champions League and a major International trophy is what Zlatan needs in order to complete his trophy cabinet.

#2 Maxwell

Maxwell is one of the most decorated footballers ever.
Maxwell is one of the most decorated footballers ever.

One of the most efficient attacking left-backs ever to step foot on the pitch, Maxwell was an extremely strong, quick and agile football player who set the bar high enough for his teammates to follow. Known dominantly for his time with Barcelona and PSG, he is also remembered as one of the most decorated football players of all time, lifting 36 major trophies all across Europe's top leagues.

With Barcelona, Maxwell won the UEFA Champions League, 2 La Liga titles, a Spanish Cup, and 3 Spanish Super Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups and 2 FIFA Club World Cups.

With Internazionale, the Brazilian has won 3 Serie A titles and an Italian Super Cup.

His time with PSG was filled with Silverware as he won 4 Ligue 1 titles, 3 French Cups, 4 French League Cups, and 4 French Super Cups. In addition to that, Maxwell's time with Ajax earned him 2 Dutch league titles and a Dutch Cup. Furthermore, Maxwell won a title with his very first club in Brazil, winning the Brazilian Cup with Cruzeiro.

#1 Dani Alves - Paris Saint Germain

Most decorated footballer ever.
Most decorated footballer ever.

Regarded as one of the best right-backs of all time, it was more than just a loss for Barcelona to let go of their best defender back in 2016 as he left behind a legacy like no other player ever did. Alves moved to the French side after spending a season with Juventus in Italy, and at the age of 35, he still continues to perform at the top condition.

He is also the most decorated football player in the history of the sport, winning more titles than any other player including Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane.

With 43 major trophies, he has set the level high for his fellow football players. While playing for Barcelona, Alves lifted 3 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 La Liga titles, 4 Spanish Cups, 5 Spanish Super Cups, 5 FIFA Club World Cups, and 3 UEFA Super Cups.

With his former club Sevilla, Alves won a Spanish Cup, a Spanish Super Cup, two Europa League titles and a UEFA Super Cup.

His time with Juventus was short-lived, yet he was able to win the Serie A and the Italian Super Cup in just one season.

Since his arrival in Paris, Alves has secured a Ligue 1 title, a French Cup title, a French League Cup title, and 2 French Super Cups, making him the most decorated footballer ever.

In addition, Alves has also won 2 Confederations Cup with Brazil, the under-20 World Cup, and the Copa America.

Quick Links

Edited by Emeka Monyei