Every time new sports documentaries are announced, be it on streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, both sports and movie fans get excited. In this article, we shortlist some of them that deserve a place in every fan's 2025 watchlist.
If you conduct a survey of 10 people and ask them what the most popular forms of entertainment are, the maximum votes will likely go to movies and sports.
This probably explains why sports documentaries are so popular as they offer the best of both worlds.
But what makes sports documentaries so special? Especially when compared to biopics and other forms of adaptations?
Well, documentaries help viewers connect better with the sport in question since they use real-life footage.
Every time new sports documentaries are announced, be it on streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video or for theatrical release, both sports and movie fans get excited.
In this article, we shortlist some of the best sports documentaries that deserve a place in every fan's 2025 watchlist.
Federer: Twelve Final Days | Amazon Prime
Federer: Twelve Final Days tracks the last 12 days of Roger Federer's professional career.
Holding the No. 1 spot in men's singles ATP ranking is no small feat and Federer held it for 310 weeks.
And so, it is not surprising that even people who don't follow tennis have heard about this legendary tennis player.
People are used to Federer's calm energy and charismatic poise on the court, but in this documentary by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, they get to see a different side of him - funny, grounded, and kind-hearted.
Tennis fans should especially look forward to the scenes from his final match at the Laver Cup that shed light on his endearing camaraderie with his longtime rival, Rafael Nadal.
Simone Biles Rising | Netflix
You won’t want to miss this intimate documentary about Simone Biles’ journey to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The four-episode series goes behind the scenes as Biles, who withdrew from events at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo amid struggles with her mental health, returns to gymnastics and prepares to resume her position at the top of the sport.
In the Arena: Serena Williams | ESPN+
Even though this was not the first time that sports fans were treated to a film on the life of Serena Williams, the legendary American tennis player has been the subject of several films and docuseries including Venus and Serena (2012), Serena: The Other Side of Greatness (2016), Being Serena (2018), King Richard (2021).
The Gotham Chopra-directed documentary, which is part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, looks quite promising, earning a spot on our list of sports documentaries to keep an eye on.
Quad Gods | HBO, Jio Cinema
In this 2024 movie by Jess Jacklin, the focus is on a group of New Yorkers with quadriplegia who form a connection when they meet at a neuro-rehabilitation lab at Mount Sinai Hospital.
They eventually ended up forming the world's first all-quadriplegic eSports team.
The growing friendship between the members and the way they lift each other up is heartening to watch.
The fact that gaming is not just something they do for fun, but it is part of who they are while also helping in their recovery journey, makes it that much more inspiring.
Sprint | Netflix
Directed by Phil Turner, the 10-part documentary encapsulated the journey of some of the best sprinters in the world from the World Championships 2023 to weeks before the Paris Olympics 2024.
It featured runners such as Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles and Shericka Jackson, among several others from the United States of America (USA), Jamaica, the United Kingdom (UK), Ivory Coast, Kenya and Italy.
Power of the Dream | Amazon Prime
Power of the Dream by Dawn Porter reminds viewers that no athlete can thrive in isolation.
Their circumstances often influence the athletes and their game, leading many to want to contribute to society.
The players of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) understand this well.
This documentary showcases how the WNBA has risen up, time and again, to speak up about issues that matter, including LGBTQIA+ rights, #BlackLivesMatter and more.
In fact, their collective power brought about political change when they decided to stand against former team owner Kelly Loeffler who engaged in a campaign undermining the players.
The Final: Attack on Wembley | Netflix
Out of all the sports documentaries on this list, The Final: Attack on Wembley might be the most chaotic and disturbing one.
Robert Miller and Kwabena Oppong have directed the film, which portrays the events of July 11, 2021, the day of the Euro 2020 Final between England and Italy.
As it was England's first major final since 1966, thousands of supporters arrived at the venue to see the football match.
However, many of them didn't have tickets and tried to gain entry by force. The underprepared staff had a tough time keeping things under control and many people were injured as a result.
The Final: Attack on Wembley helps viewers understand the implications of hooliganism in the name of sports.
It also attempts to explore how the mass frustration from the Covid-19 lockdowns played a role in fueling the violence.
Athletes of War | MUBI
Athletes of War by Gabriel Veras is a must-watch in 2025 because it is closely linked to the recently held Paris Olympics.
Told from the perspective of Ukrainian athletes, the documentary captures what it is like for them to train in the middle of an ongoing conflict that has led to so much death and destruction.
They also voice their concerns about the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to participate and the possibility of facing them in competition.
This thought-provoking documentary celebrates the resilient Ukrainian athletes and their determination to send a message to people around the world through their actions.
RCB and PBKS reaching the IPL 2025 Final has given us another set of teams for the 18th season who will face each other in this high-stakes match. Check out how IPL Finals since 2008 looked like.
Since the inaugural season of IPL in 2008, it has delivered unforgettable final encounters. From Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings competing for the title in the first season, to Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru gearing up to win their first in IPL 2025, we have come a long way.
Here's how IPL Finals since 2008 looked like with the teams being a part of it:
The Ultimate Chronicle: IPL Finals since 2008
Visual representation of IPL Finals since 2008 and its contenders. Image | sportzpoint.com
Take a look into the two teams emerging every season to fight for the IPL title since 2008-2005:
Shreyas Iyer's stunning 87* runs against MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 puts him at the forefront of most 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs. Explore the complete list and key performances!
In a crucial stage like IPL playoffs, captains are expected to not only lead their team but also deliver crucial performances. The ability to score big when the team need you the most sets certain leaders apart.
We bring you the most 50+ scoresas a captain in IPL playoffs. See how Shreyas Iyer is leading this elite group with being the exceptional captain that he is.
1. Shreyas Iyer (3 times) | DC, KKR, PBKS
Shreyas Iyer during his unbeaten 87 vs MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer has swiftly risen as a captain who performs under pressure in IPL playoffs. He holds an exceptional record of being the only captain to lead 3 different franchises to the final (Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025).
He has also delivered 50+ scores thrice for his team in IPL playoffs. Here's a breakdown of that:
65* vs MI (Final, IPL 2020): An unbeaten 65* off 50 balls in the vital match while captaining DC, which came off when the team's top-order collapsed early. Despite their defeat in that match, Iyer's knock helped them reach a hopeful total.
58* vs SRH (Qualifier 1, IPL 2024): A captain's knock of 58* runs (from 24 balls) that set the tone for KKR's successful victory in the Q1 and led them into the finals.
87* vs MI (Qualifier 2, IPL2025): From handling Bumrah's brilliant yorkers and turning them into boundaries, to keeping the asking rate down with towering sixes, this man has done it all in this match under pressure! Iyer's 87* off 41 balls (featuring five 4s and eight 6s) took PBKS to the final after 11 long years.
Rohit Sharma hitting a six against DC in IPL 2020 Final. Image | NDTV
The five-time IPL winning captain, Rohit Sharma, holds a place with his 2 times delivering 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs, playing for Mumbai Indians.
He scored both of them in Finals, contributing to MI's title-winning years. Here's a breakdown of that:
50 vs CSK (Final, IPL 2015): Helped MI set a strong total with his 50 runs off just 26 balls, showcasing his leadership in the team's title-winning efforts for the 2nd time in IPL.
68 vs DC (Final, IPL 2020): Played a captain's knock of 68 runs (from 51 balls) to control the chase and secure their 5th IPL title.
3. MS Dhoni (2 times) | CSK
Dhoni in action against DC in IPL 2012 Qualifier 2. Image | NDTV
One of the most successful captains in IPL history, MS Dhoni has played a significant role with the bat along with wicket-keeping and strategising overall. He scored 50+ knocks 2times as a captain in IPL playoffs for Chennai Super Kings.
He scored both of them against MI, in different IPL seasons. Here's a breakdown of that:
51* vs MI (Eliminator, IPL 2012): Dhoni's explosive knock of 51* runs from just 20 balls helped CSK post a competitive total which eventually converted to a victory.
63* vs MI (Final, IPL 2013): In a hard-fought final against MI, his unbeaten 63 off 45 balls kept the hopes alive for CSK, but fell short of 23 runs in the end.
David Warner celebrating after his match-winning 93 against GL in IPL 2016 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
David Warner was a dominant force at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad and an equally good captain. He delivered many impactful performances throughout, along with 50+ scores 2 times in playoffs.
He scored both of them in IPL 2016, the season when SRH became champions. Here's a breakdown of that:
93* vs GL (Qualifier 2, IPL 2016): A sensational match-winning knock of 93* runs off 58 balls when the team needed it the most. He single-handedly chased down and took the match out of a poor situation, securing the win.
69 vs RCB (Final, IPL 2016): A classy knock in the final of the same season, where his explosive 69 runs (off 38 balls) helped SRH set 208 runs on board. They successfully defended and lifted their maiden IPL title by winning that match.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, ending his 13-year-long ODI career. However, he will continue to play T20I cricket. Maxwell has taken this decision to prioritise the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, the Big Bash League and his other global cricket.
Let's take a look at all the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket.
Maxwell's ODI career
Glenn Maxwell scored 3,990 runs in his ODI career at an average of 33.81, with his highest score being 201 not out. He scored four centuries and 23 half-centuries. In bowling, he took 77 wickets at an average of 47.32, with his best performance being 4/40. Maxwell played 149 ODIs for Australia.
In the 2023 World Cup, Maxwell made the record for scoring the fastest century in World Cup history by scoring a century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands. Apart from this, he also created a stir in the cricket world by playing an innings of 201 runs against Afghanistan.
All the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket
Highest Individual score in an ODI run-chase: Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 in the 292-run chase against Afghanistan during the World Cup 2023. This is the highest individual score by any batter in a run chase in ODIs. He also became the first ever Australian player to score a double-century in the format.
Fastest ODI century for Australia: Glenn Maxwell smashed a century off just 40 balls against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the World Cup in 2023. This is the fastest century for Australia in their ODI cricket history.
Highest career strike-rate: Glenn Maxwell retires from ODIs with a career strike-rate of 126.70, the highest for any player in the world who has played 100 or more ODIs. Among all players, Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike rate with Andre Russell on top, who strikes at 130.22 in 56 ODIs.
Most centuries in the World Cup while batting at no.5 or below: Glenn Maxwell scored three centuries in the World Cup during his illustrious ODI career. These are the most for any batter in World Cup history while batting at no.5 or below.
Second fastest double century in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell smashed the second-fastest double century in ODIs. He reached the 200-run mark against Afghanistan in World Cup off just 128 balls with the fastest being from 126 balls by Ishan Kishan against Bangladesh in 2022.
Third most sixes in World Cup history: Glenn Maxwell finished his career with 43 sixes in the World Cup, the third most behind Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle. During the World Cup in 2023, he went past David Warner to become the leading six-hitter for Australia in the format.
Second most sixes for Australia in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell finished with 155 sixes in ODIs, second most maximums for Australia in the format, only behind Ricky Ponting who smacked 159 sixes.
Till now, 9 European clubs (Under UEFA) have managed to win a treble, which includes the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the UEFA Champions League/UEFA Europa League.
In football, a team wins a treble when they win three major trophies in a single season. Winning the continental treble means winning the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the main continental trophy, for UEFA, which is the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.
Though winning the Europa League is also considered a treble, it is not accepted wholeheartedly by the pundits and fans as winning the UEFA Champions League.
Till now, 9 European clubs have been able to win the continental treble. Before we discuss all the European treble winners in men's football history, we must know about the types of Trebles we have in football.
Barcelona is the only club to win multiple trebles with both their men's and women's team, completing the feat in 2024.
Continental treble
This is considered the actual treble in football where a team go on to win the national league, national cup competition and the main continental trophy. Celtic Football Club in 1966-67 became the first team in football history to win a Continental treble. Till now, 22 men's teams have won the Continental Treble, with 30 being the total number of times. In Europe, only 8 football teams have been able to accomplish the feat.
Domestic treble
Generally, for most of the footballing nations, winning a domestic treble is not possible since they do not allow first-division teams to win any secondary cup or league. A domestic treble includes winning three national competitions, including the national league title, the national cup competition, and one secondary competition. Countries which were under British or French possessions once allowed domestic trebles to happen. Celtic with 8 domestic trebles, and Rangers, with 7, are the most successful teams when it comes to winning domestic trebles.
European treble winners in men's football history
1. Celtic | 1966-67
Celtic team with their 1966-67 European Cup trophy. Image | Celtic Star
In the 1966-67 season, Celtic became the first team ever to win the continental treble when they won the Scottish Football League, Scottish Cup and European Cup (UEFA Champions League now).
Celtic with 58 points in the Scottish Football League went past Rangers to clinch the national league. In the Scottish Cup, they defeated Aberdeen Football Club by 2-0 in the final to win the trophy. William Wallace was the goalscorer for them in the final.
In the European Cup, Celtic defeated Inter Milan by 2-1 in Lisbon to become the first-ever Treble winner in football history. Thomas Gemmell and Thomas Chalmers were the scorers for Cletic that day.
2. 1971-72 | Ajax
Ajax 1971-72 team that won the European Treble | Image: X
Ajax, the football club from the Netherlands became the second European team to win the treble in the 1971-72 season. They won the Eredivisie, their national league and then won the KNVB Cup and later on won the European Cup to complete their treble. That season, Ajax were nearly the invincible team losing just one game in the whole season.
In the Eredivisie, Johan Cruyff became their top goal scorer with 25 goals. Ajax with 63 points, 8 points cleared Feijenoord in the second position. In the KNVB Cup, they defeated FC Den Haag in the final by 3-2 to win the cup. Cruyff had scored the opener in that game also and scored three goals in the tournament.
In the European Cup, they defeated Inter Milan by 2-0 with Johan Cruyff scoring a brace for them. In all together Cruyff had scored 33 goals for them that season in the three tournaments.
In the 1987-88 season, PSV became the second team from the Netherlands to win the historical treble. That season they won the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup and the European Cup. They won their 10th Eredivisie title with 59 points, 9 points clear of Ajax in the league table. Wim Kieft scored 29 goals in that season for PSV in the league.
In the KNVB Cup final they defeated Roda JC by 3-2 in the extra time. Then, they went on to win the European Cup by defeating Benfica in the final by a 6-5 penalty shootout. Ronald Koeman came out as one of the standout performers for PSV that season.
Manchester United players with their 1999 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
It took 11 more years for any team to win the European Treble and Manchester United became the first team from England to achieve that feat. United, under Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League after not winning any trophies in the previous season. The treble is regarded as the achievement in his career, and he was awarded the knighthood in November 1999 after that success.
They won the Premier League with 79 points, 1 point more than Arsenal. Dwight Yorke with 18 goals was their and League's joint-highest goal scorer in that season. In the FA Cup, despite facing difficult opponents throughout the tournament, Ferguson's men kept on fighting back, and after two semi-final replays against Arsenal and a final against Newcastle United, they won the FA Cup. Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham scored for them in a 2-0 win in the final.
In the Champions League, they were drawn into the group of death alongside FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Brondby. They qualified for the knockouts as the runner-up from the group and defeated Inter Milan and Juventus in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively, before beating FC Bayern Munich in a historic comeback in the final. In front of 91000 people in Barcelona, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in the added minutes to hand Manchester United a terrific 2-1 win over Bayern.
Barcelona players with their 2009 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 season became the first Spanish team to win the European Treble. Under their former captain, and Barcelona B coach Pep Guardiola, the Spanish giants reached their peak in that season winning the La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. They are still the only Spanish team to win the European Treble.
After selling players like Deco and Ronaldinho, Barcelona started to reorganise their shape as a club and Lionel Messi alongside Samuel Eto'o became their hero at the front. They won La Liga with 87 points, 9 points clear of Real Madrid. Samuel Eto'o with 30 goals in the league was their top scorer.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic Bilbao by 4-1 as Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Bojan scored for them after conceding an early goal.
In the 2008-09 Champions League, Barcelona had to clear the qualifying round first to enter the group stage. They defeated Wisła Kraków in a two-legged qualifying round before entering the group stage alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP and Basel.
That header from Lionel Messi that saw FC Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League.
They topped the group stage and then went on to beat Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea in the knockouts before beating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the final in Rome. Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored one goal each as Barcelona scripted history. Messi finished with 38 goals in all competitions that season. That season saw Lionel Messi win his first Ballon d'Or award with a record margin of 240 points than second-position Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona in 2009 became the first team to win a "sextuple" in European football history.
6. 2009-10 | Inter Milan
Inter Milan players after their historical 2009-10 European Treble
Right after Barcelona's historical 2008-09 season, Inter Milan created their history as they became the first and still the only Italian team to win the European treble. They were the sixth European Treble winners in the men's football history. It was the "special one", Jose Mourinho's second and last season with the club that helped the Italian giants create history.
After a historical season with FC Barcelona, Samuel Eto'o was swapped with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and was sold to Inter Milan. Eto'o that season went on to become the only player to win back-to-back European Treble. That season Inter Milan won their fifth consecutive Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League.
They first won the Coppa Italia by beating Roma in the final. Diego Militao scored the lone goal for them in the final. Then, they won the Serie A on the final match day with 82 points, 2 points more than Roma.Diego Militao scored 22 goals in the league season for them.
In the UEFA Champions League, they were clubbed with Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv and Rubin Kazan and progressed to the knockout stage as the runner-up of the group. In the knockouts, they defeated Chelsea, CSKA Moscow and Barcelona before winning 2-0 against Bayern Munich in the final. Militao scored a brace for them and won the player of the match award as well.
FC Bayern Munich with the UEFA Champions League 2012-13 trophy
In the 2012-13 season, FC Bayern Munich became the first and only German team to win the European Treble. Under head coach Jupp Heynckes, they won their 22nd Bundesliga title, and 5th UEFA Champions League title alongside the DFB-Pokal title.
Before the season they brought in players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Dante, Claudio Pizarro, Mitchell Weiser, Tom Starke and Mario Mandzukic alongside Javi Martinez for a then-record signing fee.
In the league, they acquired a record-breaking 91 points as Mario Mandzukic finished with 15 goals against his name. In the DFB-Pokal, they defeated VfB Stuttgart in the final by 3-2 as Mario Gomez scored a brace for them.
In the Champions League, they were grouped with Valencia, BATE Borisov and Lille. They moved to the next stage as the group champions and then faced Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona in the knockouts. In an all-German final, they defeated Borrusia Dortmund by 2-1 to complete their treble. Mario Mandzukic and Arjen Robben scored for them in the final.
8. 2014-15 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona players after winning the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League. Image | FC Barcelona
Under head coach Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona in the 2014-15 season became the first team in European football history to win the treble more than once. In the summer, Barcelona signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez which helped them create one of the most successful trios in football history in M-S-N with Messi, Suarez and Neymar. They had also signed Marc-André ter Stegen and Ivan Rakitic same season.
They won the La Liga narrowly with 94 points, 2 points clear of Real Madrid. Lionel Messi (43) was outscored by Cristiano Ronaldo (48) in the league that season. Neymar also scored 22 goals for Barcelona in the league that season.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic by 3-1 as Messi scored a brace and Neymar netted once.
In the Champions League, they faced PSG, Ajax and APOEL in the group stage and advanced to the knockout stage as the champions of the group. They then went on to beat Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich before beating Juventus by 3-1 in the final. Neymar, Rakitic and Suarez scored in that final. Messi with 58 goals in all competitions was their top scorer. After that performance, Messi went on to beat Ronaldo and Neymar to win his 5th Ballon d'Or.
9. 2019-20 | FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich won their second European Treble in the 2019-20 season
Post Barca's remarkable success in the 2014-15 season, German club FC Bayern Munich went on to equal their records as the second team in European Football history to win the treble more than once. Under coach Hansi Flick they went on to become the second team in European football to win the "sextuple".
Niko Kovac was the manager for FC Bayern Munich when they started the season, and then Hansi Flick was named as the interim manager. In a season hit by Covid-19, Bayern were forced to play behind closed doors.
However, that did not restrict them from being their brutal best. Robert Lewandowski broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Bundesliga season (34) as Bayern lifted the league for the 29th time.
In the DFB-Pokal final, they defeated Bayer Leverkusen by 4-2 as Robert Lewandowski scored a brace for them.
In the UEFA Champions League round of 16, they defeated Chelsea. Then, they humiliated Barcelona by an 8-2 win (the biggest margin in a UEFA Champions League knockout game) and thrashed Lyon by 3-0 before beating PSG by 1-0 in the final. Kingsley Coman scored the all-important goal for them in the final.
10. 2022-23 | Manchester City
Manchester City with their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2022-23 season
In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City became the second English team and 8th overall team to win a European Treble. Pep Guardiola created one of his records as he became the first coach in European history to win the treble more than once.
Manchester City were coming into the season as the Premier League defending champions and signed players like Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez to strengthen their squad. Erling Haaland went on to break the record for the most Premier League goals scored in a single season as he scored 35 goals in the whole season. City went on to win their 7th Premier League title with 89 points.
In the FA Cup final, City's captain Iikay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in the FA Cup final's history as they defeated Manchester United by 2-0 in the final.
The Haaland riot continued in the UEFA Champions League as well as he scored four goals against RB Leipzig in the round of 16. They then went on to beat Bayern in the quarters and Real Madrid in the semis before beating Inter Milan in the final by 1-0. Rodri scored the lone goal for them in the final and was named player of the final as well.
Erling Haaland scored 52 goals in his 53 games for Manchester City that season. However, despite that performance, he could not beat Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or trophy.
11. 2024-25 | PSG
PSG became the latest team to win the European treble under Luis Enrique as they clinched their first-ever Champions League trophy, and also lifted the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France trophies.
In Ligue 1, they clinched the French Championship with 84 points, as Ousmane Dembele, with 21 goals, won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot.
In the Coupe de France final, they defeated Reims by 3-0 as Bradley Barcola scored a brace and Achraf Hakimi scored another goal to seal the win.
In their historic Champions League season, Dembele finished as their top scorer of the season while Desire Doue scored a stunning brace to help them lift the title. Achraf Hakimi scored in all quarters, the semis and the final to become one of the heroes for them.
With this win, Luis Enrique became the second manager to win two European trebles with two different teams.
Football facts: Players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever
From Lautaro Martinez's recent heartbreak to Gianluigi Buffon's three final losses, explore the players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever. Here's to the players who came so close, but never won.
The pain of a Champions League final defeat is a feeling few footballers will ever experience. But for some, that crushing disappointment has become an all too familiar nightmare.
The recent 2025 final saw Lautaro Martinez experience this heartbreak, joining a list of legendary players who have been extremely close to European glory, not once, but multiple times.
Check out the list of players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever.
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus) | 3 Finals
Gianluigi Buffon walking past the trophy with runners-up medal after their loss in 2017 UCL finals. Image | BBC
One of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, Gianluigi Buffon was the extraordinary last line of defence for Juventus for many years. He reached the finals 3 times out of which twice he led the the team as a captain, and lost all of them.
2003 Final: Faced AC Milan that ended 0-0 after extra time, where Buffon made a crucial save from Filippo Inzaghi in the normal time. However, Juventus ultimately lost 3-2 on penalties.
2015Final: Led Juventus againstBarcelona and faced a 3-1 defeat, despite a commendable performance.
2017 Final: Lost 4-1 against Real Madrid and it was painful as the opponent dominanted completely in the second-half.
Paolo Montero in 2003 Champions League final. Image | Juvefc.com
Paolo Montero was a key central defender of Juventus' backline during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He too reached the finals thrice and never tasted victory in any of the Champions League finals.
1997 Final: Juventus were the defending champions in this season, and was unable to control Borussia Dortmund, lost 3-1 in the finals.
1998 Final: Lost 1-0 vs Real Madrid in a tense final, which marked their second consecutive final defeat.
2003 Final: Battled AC Milan to a 0-0 draw and eventually lost 3-2 in penalties.
Alessio Tacchinardi (Italy, Juventus) | 3 Finals
Alessio Tacchinardi playing for Juventus in 2003 UCL final. Image | Getty
Another player of Juventus, Alessio Tacchinardi, a hardworking midfielder, finds his place in this list with 3 final defeats. He also has the same story as Montero, with disappointing losses in the years 1997, 1998, and 2003.
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan) | 2 Finals
Lautaro Martinez walking past the UCL Cup with runners-up medal after losing against PSG in the final. Image | Facebook
The Argentinian striker, Lautaro Martinez is Inter Milan's attacking shepherd and captain. He made his way up in this list with their recent loss in the 2025 Champions League final against PSG. He was a part of 2 finals and lost both the times.
2023 Final: Despite great efforts, lost 1-0 toManchester City in a thrilling final. Martinez had a chance to equalize but couldn't convert, a moment that lingered in the memory for Inter fans.
2025 Final: A heavy 5-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain which added a second layer to his final setbacks.
Antoine Griezmann (France, Atletico Madrid) | 2 Finals
Antoine Griezmann in 2016 Champions League final. Image | BBC
Antoine Griezmann was the creative heartbeat and primary attacking threat for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid during their golden era. He reached the finals 2 times with this side and met with defeats every time.
2014 Final: Faced cross city rivals Real Madrid in a dramatic final, and lost 4-1.
2016 Final: Another defeat against Real Madrid, where they lost 5-4 (Juanfran missed the decisive penalty) in penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/c47AJrklfHlemaSWG4CW.jpeg)
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/qRz8xCMuvEHUNIbCO0NP.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/UEUaOAzUQkiVVSinQmhL.png)
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/7gEs6TuKI7yIfKLmDBGt.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/n879JfduQwbwNodU8IGw.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/a3bab612eafa863831d3f5bc30118a31fa6c8d2279aa5ef6143bb37f6d81820f.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/a40d22bdb4d69c7c1f4e0cbeda5f6a875454ea08eb19874cf8cfca4e54889c2f.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/3ac3cb81cb97a74d9a107271245089d57a0d6f120a6ed4bda1b9d3e325a1225c.jpeg)
