Top 10 players to win both Champions League and Copa Libertadores

One of these players has won both the trophies in a single season.

Believe it or not, there are several players from across the globe who have won both the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores in the course of their careers, making it one of the greatest accomplishments of all time. The difficulty of both competitions notwithstanding, the diverse nature of the competition is a massive challenge in itself as well.

However, the fact that only Argentine and Brazilian athletes have ever won both trophies may not come as much of a shock. The Copa Libertadores in South America and the Champions League in Europe are both very prestigious competitions.

Here are the top 10 footballers that have taken home both awards.

10.  Juan Pablo Sorin

The first athlete to win both trophies was Argentinian international Pablo Sorin. It's impressive that he actually took first place in both contests within the same year.

Sorin started the 1995–96 campaign with Juventus. However, he played in only five of the team's matches. He qualified to get a Champions League medal, thanks to his brief cameo against Borussia Dortmund in the group stages, which lasted just 45 minutes.

He returned to Argentina in January, and River Plate won the Copa Libertadores a short time later.

9. Cafu

With Sao Paulo, Cafu won the Copa Libertadores twice in the 1990s. The Brazilian full-back also played for AC Milan's storied Champions League-winning squad against Liverpool in the 2006–07 season.

If not for Steven Gerrard's heroics, Cafu would have won another Champions League trophy in 2005.

8. Danilo

In 2016 and 2017, Danilo won the Champions League twice while playing for Real Madrid. In the 2016 San Siro final versus Atletico Madrid, he was deployed as a second-half substitute after starting each final on the bench.

Prior to his 2016 win with Real Madrid, the Brazilian had also won the Copa Libertadores with Santos in 2011.

7. Neymar

When he played for Santos, Neymar was genuinely unique. He scored in the Copa Libertadores final in 2011. After moving to Europe, the Brazilian superstar scored in the 2014–15 Champions League final as well.

He finished third on the 2015 Ballon d'Or list with FC Barcelona, thanks to his efforts during their treble-winning 2014–15 season.

6. Rafinha

Between 2011 and 2019, Rafinha played more than 250 times for Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League in 2012–13.

Later in his career, in 2019, the Brazilian defender won the Copa Libertadores while playing for Flamengo.

5. Ronaldinho

Everyone can recall the days when Ronaldinho was the best player in the world. The Brazilian star helped Barca win the Champions League in 2005. However, do you know the tale of the time he and Atletico Mineiro controlled South America, winning the Libertadores in 2012?

4. Roque Junior

In 1999, Roque won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras. He was also a World Cup winner in 2002 with Brazil. In 2003, he won the Champions League with Italian giants AC Milan.

The strangest time in Roque Junior's great career occurred shortly after the Champions League triumph. The Brazilian defender was loaned out to Leeds United, but his time at Elland Road was a catastrophe.

Leeds conceded 25 goals in his seven appearances for the club, and he was sent off on his home debut. Nonetheless, he managed to score a brace against Manchester United.

3. David Luiz

With David Luiz around, there was never a dull moment. The flashy defender helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2011-12, scoring in a penalty shootout after doing his famous 20-yard run-up. This year, the Brazilian also found success with Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores.

2. Ramires

Ramires won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras in 2020, and he will be remembered warmly at Stamford Bridge as well. After all, it was his daring lob against Barcelona that ignited Chelsea's comeback at Camp Nou. Later that year, the Blues ended up winning the Champions League in 2012.

1. Carlos Tevez

Tevez began his career with Boca Juniors to eventually retire from the same club. Tevez had significant success in Argentina, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2003.

Later, Tevez became a member of one of Manchester United's most formidable attacking trios. He won the Champions League with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in 2008.