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There have been instances where footballers have traveled from country to country, changing clubs before eventually finding one that suits them the most. In contrast, there are some players who decide to dedicate themselves completely to a single team, becoming legends of the club.
Loyalty is a trait that is highly respected in the world of football. Sticking with your beloved club no matter what situation they are in is one of the noblest deeds a footballer can carry out.
The players on this list have turned their club into a second home and devoted all their time and effort to ensuring progress is made. While moving to another club to win trophies is nothing to frown upon, we also need to appreciate those who stick with their club through thick and thin.
On that note, let's take a look at five of the most loyal players in Europe's top five leagues
#5 Sergio Busquets: 13 years
Sergio Busquets has been an ever-present gem in Barcelona’s midfield since his promotion to the senior squad in 2008. The Spaniard has played with some of the greatest footballers in Europe over the course of his incredible career. Busquets was made Barca’s captain at the start of the 2021-22 season, succeeding club legends Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta.
Busquets has been with Barca for over 13 years and has made a whopping 659 appearances for the Blaugrana. The Spaniard’s technical ability made him stand out in the past, and he still possesses the same magic. Busquets ranks second in the La Liga standings for most completed passes.
With the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi stealing the spotlight, Busquets’ performances have often gone under the radar in the past. However, there is no denying the efforts of Busquets have helped Barca in many tricky scenarios.
The 33-year-old has won eight La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Spanish Cups and eight Spanish Super Cups with Barca, amongst other trophies.
#4 Mark Noble: 15 years
West Ham United’s beloved captain Mark Noble has been with the club since he was a teenager. The Englishman made his debut in 2004 as a 17-year-old and had brief loan spells at Hull City and Ipswich. Ever since his return to the Hammers in 2006, Noble has remained a key figure in the West Ham midfield.
The 34-year-old has earned many plaudits from fans as well as manager David Moyes, who believes players like Noble are a rarity in the Premier League. Noble has made 513 consecutive appearances for West Ham over a span of 15 years. The Englishman announced his retirement at the end of the current season, but he hopes to bring the curtain down with European glory.
West Ham secured a spot in the Europa League after a disappointing end to last season. They seemed destined to get a top-four place, but slipped up at crucial moments and ended up in sixth. David Moyes will hope that will do a better job this time, regardless of the outcome of their current Europa League campaign.
#3 Marcelo: 15 years
One of the greatest left-backs of the 21st century, Marcelo has been pivotal in Real Madrid’s success across Europe. The Brazilian’s vigor on the flank has provided fans with entertainment for over a decade and a half. Marcelo joined the Los Blancos in 2007 from Fluminese and has been a regular feature of their starting XI.
Marcelo has made 538 appearances for Real Madrid in an illustrious career that spans 15 years. Five La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, five Spanish Super Cups, and two Spanish Cups are just a few trophies the Brazilian has won.
Apart from terrific defensive awareness, Marcelo also has a knack of scoring goals. The Brazilian has scored 38 goals for Real Madrid in his career. Replacing a football great like Roberto Carlos is almost impossible, and if anyone has come close to doing so, it is Marcelo.
The 33-year-old is nearing the end of his football career and is considering retiring at the end of the 2021/22 season.
#2 Francesco Magnanelli: 16 years
Francesco Magnanelli’s footballing journey has been simply magical. The Italian played for four other clubs across the domestic system in Italy before joining Sassuolo. When he signed for them in 2005, Sassuolo were in the fourth tier of Italian football.
Magnanelli played a crucial part in their rise to Serie A. The Italian never lost hope and saw his side promoted to the Italian top-flight seven years after he joined. The 37-year-old has made 475 appearances for Sassuolo across a span of 16 years.
The club captain is on his last legs and has played less than 150 minutes in the league this season. Magnanelli has firmly established himself in the club’s folklore and will undoubtedly receive a legendary farewell once he decides to call it quits. The Italian’s contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 season.
#1 Giorgio Chiellini: 16 years
Giorgio Chiellini turns 38 this August, but he continues to put in world-class performances on the pitch. The Juventus captain has been one of the most consistent centre-backs ever since his club debut in 2005. The Italian is fiercely passionate about the club and has bravely led his team to glory.
After a whopping 551 appearances in 16 years, Chiellini has become synonymous with Juventus. The Italian has won nine Serie A titles, five Super Cups and five Italian Cups with the Bianconeri. Chiellini’s most recent triumph came at the Euros. The centre-back was a key figure for the Italians in their successful campaign.
After a shocking start to the season, Juventus are currently fourth in the league. Chiellini has another year left on his contract and he will hope that Juventus perform better in the upcoming campaign.
