Top 10 players with most appearances in Champions League semi-finals

Published at :April 19, 2024 at 6:45 PM

Modified at :April 19, 2024 at 6:47 PM

Few have tasted the sweetness of Champions League success, but these footballers have proven their mettle by making it to the final four time and time again

The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious club competitions in the world, and reaching the semifinals is a significant achievement for any team. Over the years, some players have stood out for their consistent performances in the tournament, earning them a spot among the top 10 players with the most semifinal appearances.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 players who have made the most appearances in the Champions League semi-finals, and explore their contributions to their respective teams.

10. Dani Alves – 14 appearances

During his time at Barcelona, Alves was known for his attacking prowess and his ability to provide assists for his teammates. He was also a reliable defender, and his tireless work rate made him a fan favourite at the Camp Nou. In total, Alves made 14 appearances in the semifinals of the Champions League.

After leaving Barcelona in 2016, Alves continued to ply his trade at the highest level with stints at Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and São Paulo. He recently turned 40 on the 6th of May and hasn’t officially hung up his boots yet.

9. Thomas Muller – 15 appearances

Thomas Müller is a Bayern Munich legend who has made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League. The German forward has made 15 appearances in the semifinals of the competition, known for his versatility and intelligence on the pitch, Müller’s contributions have helped Bayern to numerous titles, including the historic treble in 2013 and 2020 recently.Müller could have added 2 more appearances to his tally of 15, had his team progressed through the quarter-finals against Manchester City.

8. Lionel Messi – 15 appearances

“Busquets’s departure is the beginning of the road for Messi to return” – Javier Tebas, LaLiga president.

Messi’s PSG were humbled by FC Bayern in the UCL Round of 16. Otherwise, there was every ounce of potential in the PSG squad to go through further in the competition. Nevertheless, Lionel Messi has already made a name for himself with 15 semi-final appearances in the history of the competition with Blaugrana.

After Sergio Busquets announced he will leave Barca by the end of the season. There has been growing optimism in Camp Nou, with a major reduction in wage bill chunk, the Messi-Barca reunion could be economically feasible. And Messi could continue building his UCL semi-final stats from where he left initially.

7. Luka Modrić – 16 appearances

Luka Modrić is a midfield maestro who has consistently performed at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League. The Croatian star has made 15 appearances in the semifinals of the competition, known for his impeccable passing and vision on the field, Modrić has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s recent successes in the competition, including their historic run of three consecutive titles from 2016-2018.

As Los Blancos go against Man City at Etihad on 18 May (12:30 am IST), Ancelotti’s team selection could help Modrić take the count further.

6. Xavi – 16 appearances

At 43, Xavi Hernández currently manages his old club, Barca. FC Barcelona hasn’t been at their best in UCL this season, which saw them pack bags early in the Group stages – as they finished third. But Xavi has made his mark in competition in his playing days already.

The Spanish midfielder made 16 appearances in the semifinals of the competition. Known for his incredible passing range and vision on the field, Xavi was a crucial component of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style of play that helped them to win four titles in a nine-year period. He remains one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the competition.

5. Sergio Ramos – 16 appearances

PSG have a major task at hand as the 4-time Champions League winners contract runs out on June 30, 2023.

Sergio Ramos is one of the greatest defenders in the history of the UEFA Champions League, with his commanding presence on the field helping Real Madrid to multiple titles. The Spanish center-back has made 16 appearances in the semifinals of the competition. Known for his aerial prowess, physicality, and leadership skills, Ramos has been a rock at the heart of Real Madrid’s defense, and his performances in the knockout stages have been nothing short of legendary.

4. Xabi Alonso – 17 appearances

Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma got the better of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of the Europa League. Alonso has a lot to prove his mettle on the managerial ground. But we are very sure he has done fabulously in his footballing career.Xabi Alonso is a midfield maestro who played a vital role in multiple Champions League-winning teams during his career. The Spanish midfielder made 17 appearances in the semifinals of the competition. Known for his pinpoint passing, tactical intelligence, and leadership skills, Alonso was a key figure in Liverpool’s incredible comeback in the 2005 final and Real Madrid’s historic La Decima triumph in 2014. He remains one of the most respected players in the history of the competition.

3. Karim Benzema – 18 appearances

Benzema Real Madrid — **Benzema won the Ballon d’Or 202**2

Karim Benzema is a French striker who has been a key player for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. With 17 semifinal appearances in the Champions League competition, he went on further to collect 5 UCL winner’s medal. Benzema is known for his technical ability, clever movement off the ball, and his knack for scoring important goals in big matches. He has played a vital role in Real Madrid’s recent successes in the competition, and if they continue their European dominance, Benzema could potentially take it a notch ahead.

2. Toni Kroos – 18 appearances

Toni Kroos is a German midfielder who has made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League, particularly at his current club Real Madrid. He has won three consecutive titles from 2016-2018, and his performances in the competition have established him as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Kroos is known for his superb vision, passing ability, and composure on the ball, which have made him a vital cog in Real Madrid’s midfield.

We will count on the German Sniper to make it 18 very soon.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 21 appearances

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in the history of the UEFA Champions League, with a staggering 21 appearances in the semifinals of the competition. The Portuguese forward has also scored a record-breaking 13 goals at this stage of the tournament. Ronaldo’s dominance in the competition is unrivaled, and his record of semifinal appearances may seem unbreakable. However, if Real Madrid continues their European dominance, Karim Benzema, with 17 semifinal appearances to his name, could potentially surpass Ronaldo’s record in the next 2-3 years.

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