Biggest Clubs to Never Win the Champions League

 

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European football, a stage where legends are made and clubs etch their names into history. 

While iconic teams like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich have lifted the trophy multiple times, 

some of Europe’s biggest clubs are still waiting for their first taste of Champions League glory.

Here’s a look at the biggest clubs to never win the Champions League.

1. Arsenal

Arsenal reached their first-ever Champions League final in 2006, losing 2–1 to Barcelona despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell. 

Since then, the Gunners have struggled to compete at Europe’s highest level.

With Mikel Arteta rebuilding the squad and returning to Europe’s elite, Arsenal fans hope the dream of lifting the trophy will finally come true.

2. Atlético Madrid

Few clubs have been as unlucky in the Champions League as Atlético Madrid. They reached the final in 1974, 2014, and 2016, 

but lost on all three occasions — twice to rivals Real Madrid in heartbreaking fashion.

Diego Simeone has made Atlético one of Europe’s toughest teams, but the Champions League crown still eludes them.

3. AS Roma

AS Roma boast one of the most passionate fan bases in Europe and a rich history in Serie A.

However, they have never managed to capture the Champions League title.

Their best run came in 1984, when they reached the final but lost to Liverpool on penalties at their own Stadio Olimpico.

4. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham reached their first-ever Champions League final in 2019, 

but fell to Liverpool in a 2–0 defeat. Despite having had world-class players like Harry Kane, 

Gareth Bale, and Luka Modrić, Spurs are still searching for their first major European triumph at this level.

5. Valencia

Valencia were one of the strongest clubs in Europe around the turn of the millennium. 

They reached back-to-back Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, but lost to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.

Despite their proud history and loyal supporters, Valencia’s European trophy cabinet remains incomplete.

6. Napoli

Napoli, inspired by Diego Maradona in the 1980s, won Serie A and the UEFA Cup, but have never come close to lifting the Champions League.

With stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, Napoli are once again competitive in Europe, but they still lack that elusive UCL triumph.

7. Bayer Leverkusen

Nicknamed “Neverkusen” for their near-misses, Bayer Leverkusen reached the 2002 Champions League final, 

where they lost 2–1 to Real Madrid thanks to Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley.

Despite consistently producing top talent, they are yet to win Europe’s biggest prize.

8. Sevilla

Sevilla are Europa League royalty, having won the competition a record seven times. 

Yet, in the Champions League, they have never gone beyond the quarterfinals.

Despite their dominance in Europe’s second-tier competition, the UCL remains out of reach.

9. Sporting CP

Sporting Lisbon, one of Portugal’s “Big Three,” have produced legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo. 

However, unlike rivals Benfica and Porto, Sporting have never lifted the Champions League.

They remain an iconic club with a proud tradition, but Europe’s top crown continues to evade them.

Final Thoughts

Winning the Champions League is one of the hardest achievements in football, requiring not only talent but also consistency, luck, and experience. 

For these clubs — giants in their own right — the pursuit of Europe’s greatest prize continues.

👉 Which of these clubs do you think will win the Champions League first? PSG, Arsenal, or maybe Atlético Madrid?