Top 10 Most Decorated Football Player: Messi and Iniesta Leads the List of Most Trophies Won

Football is a team sport, and lifting silverware is the ultimate prize for any player and team. A lot depends on the team's performance collectively in the silverware success. A trophy is a deciding factor in a footballer's career, drawing fame and spotlight. Over the course of history, few names have risen above the rest to guide their team to trophies to attain the tag of most decorated football player. Some of the most decorated players in the history of the game have evolved into a source of inspiration for many around the world.

With their talent and hard work, they have shown incredible consistency throughout their successful career for both club and country, amassing a stellar trophy collection. Several players, including some of the greatest footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, have collected countless domestic, continental and International trophies. While motivating fans and inspiring young players around the globe to take up the sport.

We have made a list of most decorated footballer to mark the legacy courtesy of their long and successful career. Let's take a glance at the list of the top 10 most decorated football player in world football.

List of Most Decorated Football Players

Here's the list of the most decorated player in football to have claimed numerous trophies dominating for their respective clubs and country. Their legendary careers are defined by historic successes on the biggest stages.

Who is the Most Decorated Player in Football?

Before we go through the ranks of most decorated football player. We wish to inform our readers that only major trophies have been considered, to compile the list of successful players. Without further delay, let's understand the magnitude of these players' success.

10. Kenny Dalglish (Scotland)

The Scottish icon Kenny Dalglish is regarded as an influential figure in British football history, fondly called “King Kenny” by the Anfield faithful for his remarkable achievements and incredible history as a Liverpool player. The Scotsman made a name for himself at Celtic by winning multiple league titles in his homeland. In 1977, the legendary forward moved to Merseyside to join Liverpool, where he lifted every single major trophy.

He scaled new heights at Anfield, leading the Reds to win a staggering 8 English League titles, 2 FA Cups, 7 Community Shields and 2 League Cups. Dalglish established himself as one of the greatest Liverpool players of all time, while taking his trophy tally to 35 after playing Celtic and Liverpool. At the time of his retirement, the Liverpool icon earned the tag of one of the most decorated football player in football history.

9. Andres Iniesta (Spain)

The Catalan giants Barcelona have achieved one of the most successful eras under Pep Guardiola. The backbone of that Blaugrana squad was Spanish icon Andreas Iniesta, who lifted 35 trophies in total throughout his professional career. He started out as a futsal player during his youth, but he transitioned to football, joining the famed La Masia as he impressed their scouts. Iniesta marked himself as one of the greatest midfielders in history.

The Spanish midfielder ranks 9th on the list of the most decorated footballer, amassed numerous club titles and continental glories. With Barca, he won the Spanish titles 9 times, four UEFA Champions League & six Copa Del Rey titles. For Spain, the two-time European champion also secured two UEFA Euros and a FIFA World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. Iniesta scored the winner in the 116th minute to earn his biggest honour in his professional career.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo racked up 36 trophies throughout his glittering career. Ronaldo's five UEFA Champions League titles gave him the nickname “Mr Champions League” Ronaldo is a star for the big nights. You can rarely keep Cristiano quiet when the lights are shining the brightest. He clinched his first trophy in Portugal in 2002, and since the most decorated player in football hasn't slowed down.

The five-time Ballon d'Or awardee has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy with Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus in Europe. Even at 40, the forward is still chasing silverware, playing for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr. In middle east, he won his first trophy in Saudi Arabia, though it might not be counted as a major success for a player like him. In 2025, he added the Second Nations League triumph to his cabinet.

7. David Alaba (Austria)

The Austrian legend David Alaba was vital cog in Bayern Munich's trophy laden dynastly, taking charge of the backline in his prime. Alaba’s versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions in defence, along with number six role in midfield. Arrvied in Munich as a starry-eyed youngster to one of the best players under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. In terms of silverware, the Austrian won a record 10 Bundesliga titles, 12 German domestic trophies along with several continental success.

Alaba has been awarded with “Austrian Player of the Year” accolade for a record 10 times. After a successful lenghty spell, he moved to Madrid, and lifted La Liga twice and as many UEFA Champions League triumphs with Los Blancos. He was instrumental in club's success in Spain and Europe. The 33-year-old has slowed down a bit owing to injuries. Regardless, his 37 major trophies put him in the top 7 of our list of most decorated football player.

6. Gerard Piqué (Spain)

The next most decorated football player on the list is Gerard Pique accumulated a total of 37 silverpiece to his collection. The ex-Barcelona defender is considered as one of the best Spanish soccer players of all time. His ball playing ability, along with a perfect blend of technique and aggression. Pique first tasted silverware at Manchester United winning EPL, but it was Barcelona where he fullfilled his dream of lifting every prestigious trophy.

The 102 Spain capped defender has won a stellar 22 domestic trophies in Spain and four UEFA Champions League Europe as continental crowns. He looked up to fellow Spaniard, Carles Puyol and formed a formidable centre-back pairing. At commanding figure in backline, Gerard went on to become the leader of defence and had multiple partners like Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu. Pique hung up his boots in 2022 and has become the founder of a football league in Spain and looking to revolutionize the sport.

5. Sergio Busquets (Spain)

The former Barcelona orchestator Sergio Busquets is hailed as one of the best Spanish midfielders of all time. During time in Catalonia, the defensive midfielder was a mainstay of the Barcelona team that defined a generation. Busquets rewrote the position’s rules too with his exceptional off the ball movement, superb passing range, composure on the ball. Moreover, he was one of the best passers of the ball in La Liga.

The world cup winner, Sergio had won 9 Spanish top divison, 7 Copa Del Rey as many Spanish Super Cups in his trophy cabinet. Whereas, he has tasted continental glory on three occasions. He was also a key cog in the Spain team that created history by winning two European Championship and World Cup triumph in 2010. Most recently, the Spaniard added Leagues Cup, the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup while playing for Inter Miami.

4. Marquinhos (Brazil)

The Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has been spectacular for his club, playing a vital role in their decade-long dominance on French soil. Marquinhos’ transition from a talented defender to one of the best defenders in the world. The Brazilian international also played for Corinthians and Italian club Roma; however, the centre back won all his stunning 39-trophy haul in the French capital to become the most decorated football player.

Over the years, the 31-year-old dominated French football with a fantastic 25 trophies at his disposal. It includes 10 Ligue 1 titles, 8 French Cups, 6 French League Cup and 11 French Super Cups. In the 2024-25 campaign, he guided the Parisians to a historic season, winning their first UEFA Champions League title, followed by a sextuple. In addition to domestic treble with UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

3. Hossam Ashour (Egypt)

Perhaps not the famous player on the lift, but the Egyptian is one of the greats from the Arab football fraternity. Hossam Ashour has played as a defensive midfielder for Egyptian giants Al Ahly for 16 years, for just one club. He was a part club's academy before making his senior debut at debut as a 17-year-old and affirmed himself as the heart of the club's midfield unit. Ashour gained significant success in his club career, with 39 trophies to his credit.

The former Egyptian international screens the defence incredibly well in the pivot role. During his stay, Ahly dominated the Egyptian Premier League like no other team. They lifted 13 League titles, 8 Egyptian Super Cups, and 4 Egyptian Cups. They were also the top dogs in the CAF Champions League as Ashour won it six times, dominating the continental football. However, Ashour fell short on the international stage as Egypt lost multiple Afcon finals.

2. Dani Alves (Brazil)

The Brazilian icon Dani Alves is second most decorated football player; he was the most decorated player in world football for quite some time before his ex-teammate dislodged him. Alves was the first player ever to win 40 titles, the full back’s trophy haul is quite impressive, as he has won titles with multiple teams in multiple countries. His first silverware came in 2002 when he won the Brazilian regional league.

Known for his exploits were well noted in Europe, representing some of the biggest clubs in the world. Dani has claimed titles while playing for every significant club, he has played for, from Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus and Ligue 1 giants PSG. Solid in defending wingers and bombed forward to add assists and goals to his tally. He helped the Catalans win multiple league titles and continental trophies. For Brazil, he clinched two Copa America titles.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Arguably the greatest footballers of all time, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi completed the set in 2022 when he lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi is by far the most decorated footballer in the history of football, racking up 48 trophies, a magician with the ball on his feet. After clinching a record 34 titles with Barcelona, including multiple league titles and the Champions League. He became the club's all-time top appearances maker, goal scorer and assist provider of all time.

At PSG, the forward won two league titles before joining the MLS side Inter Miami. Messi reunited with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets as they set up a new league points record and lifted their first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield. Argentina defied destiny to win the Copa America in 2021, followed by a World title next year. Moreover, Lionel Messi added another Copa America triumph to his collection in 2024. In the United States, Messi steered Inter Miami to four trophies, including the Leagues Cup, MLS Supporters' Shield, MLS Eastern Conference and MLS Cup