England defeated Wales in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2022 to qualify for the round of 16 stages. Marcus Rashford was the star of the night as the Manchester United forward scored a brace for the three lions. Phil Foden, who made his debut in the FIFA World Cup 2022, score a splendid goal as well for Gareth Southgate's team. Till halftime Wales was able to hold on to a goalless draw. Gareth Bale was substituted at halftime and then the brawl started with the Wales team. First, Rashford found the net from a free-kick and then Foden scored from a Harry Kane pass. In the 68th minute, Marcus Rashford found the net again as England became the seventh team to score 100 or more goals in the FIFA World Cup. Wales is now out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 while England is all set to face Senegal in the knockouts. Read the England vs Wales full match report from our LIVE Blog.
Marcus Rashford scored the 100th FIFA World Cup goal for England. Image: FIFA
From South Africa's 27-year ICC wait to RCB's IPL triumph after 18 years, this year saw some decades-long trophy droughts coming to an end, which raises a question: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Find out why.
Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.
This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible.
Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."
1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days
South Africa celebrates their WTC 2023-25 Final victory against Australia. Image | Mint
For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.
South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.
This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.
They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.
2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days
RCB lifting the IPL 2025 title after defeating PBKS in the final. Image | NDTV
For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.
The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sportingmoments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.
The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.
3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days
Go Ahead Eagles celebrating their KNVB Cup win after 93 years. Image | Instagram
Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.
Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!
4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days
Bologna lifting the Italian Cup after 51 years in 2025. Image | SportsDesk
Bologna's victory in the Italian Cupafter 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.
Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.
5. Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days
Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup after victory over Man City in 2025. Image | Sky News
Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup.
The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!
6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days
Newcastle United lifting the League Cup in 2025. Image | Instagram
For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.
The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.
7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days
Harry Kane celebrating the Bundesliga win in 2025. Image | Instagram
For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.
But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.
This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.
Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S
8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days
Tottenham lifting the UEFA Europa League title after 17 years in 2025. Image | Sky News
2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.
The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.
After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.
11 players who have won the most trophies in football history
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has won the most trophies in football history (46). Here are the other 10 players who follow him on this list most successful football history.
Many great players have taken the football pitch and left the fans in awe. However, only a few players have gone on to win various trophies in their careers. In this special article, we will take a look at an elite list of players who have won the most trophies in football as a player.
But, yes, the below list only counts the major trophies won with teams and only only individual awards. We wanted to be clear with that at the start. With this list of "11 players who have won the most trophies in football history," we will able to judge which player has been a part of a winning team mostly.
Though, it is not always the case that when you win a trophy, you have a big role to play in that. But, in this list, all the players listed always had big contributions to their team's success. So, without further a due, let's checkout the list.
Top 11 players with the most trophies in football:
11. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)
Vitor Baia with the 2004 UEFA Champions League Trophy for FC Porto.
Vitor Baia spent most of his career with FC Porto except playing two years for Barcelona. Baia started his career with FC Porto in 1988 and left the club to join Barcelona in 1996.
Before retiring in 2007, he played for Barcelona in two stints and won the La Liga in 1997-98 season. His most success came his boyhood club FC Porto, where he won the Liga Portugal 10 times.
However, the biggest achievement was to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004 with the Dragons. Under the visionary eyes of Jose Mourinho, they created one of the greatest underdog success stories in European football.
In a total, Baia won 25 trophies with the Porto while adding the rest to his collection of glories for Barcelona. Unfortunately, he was not able to add any trophy while playing for Portugal.
Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool's one of the most legendary players. Apart from playing 13 years for the Reds, he played for Celtic for 8 years at the start of his career.
For Liverpool FC, he won a club record 8 Premier League titles along with three Champions League titles. He had won 7 English Super Cups and 2 FA Cup titles as well.
While playing for Celtic, he became the Scottish Champion four times.
Di Maria kissing the FIFA World CUP 2022 Trophy | Image - Mundo Deportivo
One of the most underrated players in modern football history, Di Maria always had to shine under the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Di Maria played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina and then shared club dressing room with Cristiano at Real Madrid.
With his latest trophy for Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, he now has won 35 trophies in his career. Di Maria won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG and won his only Champions League title with Real Madrid.
However, just like Lionel Messi, his international success bloomed late in his career. He won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. But, his major success was to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored an important in the final.
Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America final.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa América Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
13/14
Real Madrid
1
4
Spanish Champion
11/12
Real Madrid
1
5
French Champion
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
6
UEFA Supercup Winner
14/15
Real Madrid
1
7
French Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
8
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
2
9
French League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
10
Spanish Super Cup Winner
12/13
Real Madrid
1
11
Portuguese Champion
09/10
SL Benfica
1
12
Portuguese League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
SL Benfica
3
13
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2007
Argentina U20
1
14
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
15
French Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
16
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
17
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2024
SL Benfica
1
Total Titles
35
8. Cristiano Ronaldo (36 trophies)
Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 36 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Portugal, as he lifted the UEFA Nations League 2025 for his country.
Ronaldo, who started his club career with Sporting CP, won the Portuguese Super Cup with the club in 2003. That was the start to a historical career which gave football fans joy for over two decades.
The Portuguese legend flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid, where he won four of his five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won a title for every club he has played for so far.
However, one of his biggest achievements as a player was to win the UEFA European Cup with Portugal in 2016. Besides scoring over 900 career goals, Ronaldo's success for every team is what makes him a legend.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Club/National Team
1
European Champion
2016
Portugal
2
Champions League Winner
17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 13/14, 07/08
Real Madrid, Manchester United
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2018, 2017, 2015, 2009
Real Madrid, Manchester United
4
English Champion
08/09, 07/08, 06/07
Manchester United
5
Spanish Champion
16/17, 11/12
Real Madrid
6
Italian Champion
19/20, 18/19
Juventus FC
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
17/18, 16/17, 14/15
Real Madrid
8
Winner UEFA Nations League
2019, 2025
Portugal
9
English FA Cup Winner
2004
Manchester United
10
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
11
Italian Cup Winner
20/21
Juventus FC
12
English League Cup Winner
2009, 2006
Manchester United
13
Spanish Super Cup Winner
17/18, 12/13
Real Madrid
14
Italian Super Cup Winner
20/21, 18/19
Juventus FC
15
English Super Cup Winner
07/08
Manchester United
16
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2003
Sporting CP
17
Arab Club Champions Cup
2023
Al-Nassr
Total Trophies
35
7. Ryan Giggs (37 trophies)
Gigs with the Champions League title for Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs played all his life for one football club; Manchester United. In his 24-year career at the club, he won a total of 37 trophies, a record for the club.
Not only that, with 13 Premier League titles, he is league's most successful player ever. With the Red Devils, he also went on to win two UEFA Champions League title.
For United, he played 963 games and has 168 goals and 265 assists, another record for United.
Busquets showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Sergio Busquets, the FC Barcelona and Spain legend is one of the most underrated players ever to play. The central defender was part of one of the greatest international team which won 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Euros for Spain.
The former Barcelona captain won 9 La Liga titles. Not only that, he won 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups as well for the Catalan club.
However, his biggest achievement in club football was to win three UCL titles for Barcelona. His latest trophy is the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners with Inter Miami CF.
Maxwell won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
Maxwell, the Brazilian left back might be the only unknown player on this list. The defender achieved most of his success playing for PSG in France.
However, he found success with FC Barcelona as well. But, joined PSG to find more chances as well.
Maxwell's first trophy was with Cruzeiro, winning the Brazilian Cup in 2000. Soon the joined Ajax, wining two Dutch League titles.
His move to Barcelona via Inter Milan and FC Empoli saw him winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2011. But his most success came with PSG, winning the Ligue 1 four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.
Pique showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Another player from that legendary Spanish and Barcelona team, who features in this list. Although known for his career at FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique had success with Manchester United as well.
It might be quite revealing for many that, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, against whom he had some tough battles later.
Pique won 9 La Liga titles for Barcelona to go with 3 UCL titles for the club. But before reaching there he had won the Premier League and Champions League for United in the 2007-08 season.
He was also an integral part of the Spanish team which won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro in 2012.
Probably the best midfielder of the modern era, Andres Iniesta with 41 trophies is the third most successful footballer ever.
Another important player of that iconic Spanish and Barcelona team, Iniesta found success early in his career. He won his first major trophy with Spain U-17 team winning the U-17 Euros in 2000. He followed that up with the U-19 Euro title next year.
His Barcelona career started in 2002 which continued till 2018. In those 17 year at Barcelona, he won 32 trophies. Post that, he joined Japanese club Viseel Kobe where he won three trophies as well.
Along with all club level success, Iniesta's greatest achievement was to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside lifting the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cup. His goal in the 2010 World Cup final to hand Spain their first-ever World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup moments.
Iniesta called it a day in 2024 after spending a year at the Emirates Club.
Dani Alves celebrating the Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo. Image | sportstar
Before Lionel Messi took over as the player with most trophies in football history, it was Dani Alves who had the record. The defender won 23 trophies in eight years at Barcelona.
Dani Alves won six La Liga and three Champions League titles with Barcelona. He then won 19 more titles while playing for Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo. He won domestic titles in Italy, France, Brazil and Spain as, which makes him one of the greatest of his era.
The defender won six major titles with his national team, Brazil. He started his Brazil career by winning the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003. Alves then won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. He concluded his international career by winning the Olympic gold in 2021.
Despite the recent off-field controversies, with 43 trophies in his cabinet, Dani Alves is one of the greatest ever to play the game.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
1
Copa América Winner
18/19, 06/07
Brazil
2
Champions League Winner
14/15, 10/11, 08/09
FC Barcelona
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2016, 2012, 2010
FC Barcelona
4
Spanish Champion
15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09
FC Barcelona
5
Italian Champion
16/17
Juventus FC
6
French Champion
18/19, 17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
7
Uefa Supercup Winner
15/16, 11/12, 09/10, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
8
Uefa Cup Winner
06/07, 05/06
Sevilla FC
9
Spanish Cup Winner
15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
10
Italian Cup Winner
16/17
Juventus FC
11
French Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
12
Spanish Super Cup Winner
13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10, 07/08
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
13
French League Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
14
Confederations Cup Winner
2013, 2009
Brazil
15
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2003
Brazil U20
16
French Super Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
17
Olympic Medalist
2021
Brazil Olympic Team
18.
Copa do Nordeste
2002
Bahia
19.
Campeonato Paulista
2021
São Paulo
Total Titles
43
1. Lionel Messi (46 trophies)
Messi celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2022 victory.
Leo Messi is the player with the most trophies in football history. With his latest triumph at the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, the magician from Argentina won his 46th trophy in his career.
Messi won back-to-back four international trophies with Argentina within three years. He won the Copa America 2021 and then went on to win the Finalissima 2022. Then he capped off his greatest achievement by winning FIFA World Cup 2022.
The Argentine maestro has also won the Olympic Gold Medal with his country in 2008. His latest international success came in Copa America 2024.
In club football history, Messi is the most successful player with 41 club trophies to his name. He started his career with his boyhood club Barcelona and played 18 seasons for the club, scoring a record 672 goals.
The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. Alongside European success, he won 10 La Liga titles as well, most for Barcelona. He has also won Spanish Cup seven times.
After his great stint at Barcelona, Messi went to the French League to play for PSG. However, he was unable to bring the UCL to the French giant, he won the French League with them. In addition, he won the French Super Cup for the season 2022-23 with PSG.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa América Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
4
4
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
5
Spanish Champion
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
10
6
French Champion
22/23, 21/22
Paris Saint-Germain
2
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
8
Spanish Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
7
9
Spanish Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
8
10
Supporters' Shield Winner
23/24
Inter Miami CF
1
11
Leagues Cup Winner
2023
Inter Miami CF
1
12
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2005
Argentina U20
1
13
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
14
French Super Cup Winner
22/23
Paris Saint-Germain
1
15
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
Total Titles
46
Note: Debangshu Biswas first wrote this article and then got updated by Koushik Biswas. Stats are taken from Transfermakrt.com and accurate as of 19-01-2025
Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?
Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot. However, players like Viktor Gyökeres, Mohamed Salah and a few others are also in race.
The European leagues are up and running and we have already witnessed some great encounters between the top European teams. The hunt to win the European Golden Boot is also taking shape for the 2024-25 season.
Some big names from the Top five European leagues are already in full swing and they are scoring loads of goals to clinch the coveted annual award for the highest goalscorer in Europe. However, some young and talented players have enlisted themselves in the charts as well; even from outside of the top five European leagues.
Sportzpoint brings you all the details about the leading goalscorers in the top five European leagues, details of the UEFA League ranking, and the leading goalscorers competing for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot.
The European Golden Boot Race
Bayern forward Harry Kane won the 2023-24 Golden Boot. (Image Credit | SuperSport))
The Golden Boot is awarded by European Sports Media (ESM) which is a unified association of Football Magazine publications such as Marca, Kicker, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frankfurter AZ, etc. They took over since 1996-97 season and started a new ranking system based on the position of the league for the respective players.
The UEFA coefficient ranking is considered a measure for weighting points, with the principle being to acknowledge players who score in leagues of higher quality according to rankings, which makes it tougher to find the back of the net.
The number of goals scored in the top five leagues of Europe are counted with a multiplier of two, while those from leagues ranked six to 21 receive a 1.5 multiplier, and goals from all other leagues are counted as one.
This is how the points system works.
⚽️🏆 Players with the Most European Golden Boot Wins:
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: 6 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 🇺🇾 Luis Suarez: 2 🇫🇷 Thierry Henry: 2 🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski: 2
The Ultimate European Golden Boot Race (Among the top 10 European Leagues according to UEFA coefficient rankings)
Considering the players from the top 10 European leagues in this list, this is what the current race of chasing the 2024-25 European Golden Boot looks like:
El Clasico is considered as the greatest football rivalries, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is the list of the top 10 greatest El Clasico matches ever played.
Zamorano celebrating his goal in the 1995 El Clasico. Image | TheHardTackle
The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.
The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.
9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014
Gareth Bale(right) celebrating his 85th minute winner against Barcelona in the 2014 El Clasico. Image | Sky Sports
The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Balesecured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.
8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010
Xavi Hernandez after scoring the first goal of the night in the 2010 El Clasico. Image | CNN
After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.
Lionel Messi celebrating his hattrick in the 2007 El Clasico. Image | 90MIN
This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.
Messi scored a hat-trick, whileVan Nistelrooy scored twice andRamos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.
6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005
Raul Gonzalez celebrating his goal in the 2005 El Clasico. Image | Squawka
The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.
5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960
Alfredo Di Stefano trying to score a goal in the 1960 El Clasico. Image | Alamy
Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.
The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.
4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015
Luis Suarez(centre) celebrating his goal in the 2015 El Clasico. Image | FC Barcelona
During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.
2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011
Cesc Fabregas(left) celebrating his assist to Lionel Messi(right) in the 2011 El Clasico. Image | TheNewYorkTimes
One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.
Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.
1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017
Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.
What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:
Rank
Player
From
To
Transfer Fee
1
Phillipe Coutinho
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€142 million
2
Eden Hazard
Chelsea
Real Madrid
€130 million
3
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspurs
Real Madrid
€85 million
4
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
Real Madrid
€80 million
5
Julian Alvarez
Manchester City
Atletico Madrid
€82 million
6
Luis Suarez
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€75 million
7
Diego Costa
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€57 million
8
Raphinha
Leeds United
FC Barcelona
€67 million
9
Ferran Torres
Manchester City
FC Barcelona
€46 million
10
Conor Gallagher
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€35 million
10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.
9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:
Image Credit: Barca Universal
FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.
The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.
8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:
Image Credit: Republic World
Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.
7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:
Image Credit: Reddit
Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.
Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.
6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.
Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.
5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: X
One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.
Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.
3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.
2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.
1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:
Image Credit: Barca Blaugranes
The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.
After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.
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