Tottenham Hotspurs is famously known for its inconsistent performances and major trophy drought. Spurs won the League Cup back in 2008. After 2008's glory, Spurs have not won any major trophies, but several of their former players have found success elsewhere. 

Over 100 trophies have been won by former Tottenham Hotspurs players over the last 15 years, with players like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale responsible for over 40 of those. Here is the list of the former Tottenham Hotspurs players who have left Tottenham over the past decade and gone on to win silverware in one of Europe's top-flight leagues.

Tottenham Hotspur Players Who Won Trophies After Leaving

Luka Modric with Real Madrid 

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, roped in the Croatian maestro back in 2012.

• 6x UEFA Champions League Winner (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x FIFA Club World Cup Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023)
• 4x La Liga Champion (2016-2017, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup Winner (2023-24)
• 2x Spanish Cup Winner (2013-14, 2022-23)
• 5x Spanish Super Cup Winner (2012-13, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)

Kyle Walker with Manchester City 

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's head coach, insisted the signing of the English full-back in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Champions League (2022-23),
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2024),
• 6x English Premier League Champion (2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2018-19, 2017-18),
• 1x UEFA Super Cup (2023-24), 
• 2x English FA Cup Winner (2023, 2019),
• 4x Carabao Cup Winner (2018,2019,2020,2021), 
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2018-19, 2019-20).

Gareth Bale with Real Madrid and Los Angeles FC

Gareth Bale left Tottanham and joined Real Madrid on September 1, 2013. After spending a long elusive career at Madrid, he returned to Tottenham on loan in Sptember 2020.

The Welsh stalwart came back to Madrid before permanently joining Los Angeles FC in July 2022.

• 5x UEFA Champions League Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2015, 2018, 2019)
• 3x La Liga Champion with Real Madrid (2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22)
• 3x UEFA Super Cup Champion with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Cup Champion with LAFC (2021-22)
• 1x Supporter's Shield Winner with LAFC (2021-22)

Emerson Royal with AC Milan (1 trophy)

AC Milan signed Emerson Royal on a €15m transfer on 12 August 2024.

• 1x Supercoppa Italiana (2024)

Lucas Moura with Sao Paulo

Lucas Moura was one of the most crucial player in Tottenham's iconic run in 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. Sao Paulo signed Moura on a free-transfer in August 2023.

• 1x Copa do Brasil (2023)
• Supercopa do Brasil (2024)

Roman Pavlyuchenko with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Tottenham star left the North London side to join Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012.

• 1x Russian Cup (2015)

Steven Pienaar with Bidvest Wits FC

The now-retired South African star left the club in July 2012.

• 1x Soth African Cup (2018)

Rafael van der Vaart with FC Midtjylland

The former Dutch international left Tottenham in 2012.

• 1x Danish Superliga (2017-18)

Kieran Trippier with Atletico Madrid

The English international left Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2019.

• 1x La Liga (2020-21)

Fernando Llorente with Napoli

The Spanish World up winner joined Napoli in September 2019.

• 1x Coppa Italia (2019-20)

Victor Wanyama with CF Montreal

The former Kenyan international joined Montreal in March 2020.

• 1x Canadian Championship (2021)

Erik Lamela with Sevilla

The Argentine midfielder Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League (2022-23)

Paulinho with Guangzhou Evergrande

The former Brazilian star left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2015.

• 3x Chinese Super League (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)
• 1x AFC Champions League (2015)

Fedrico Fazio with Roma

The Argentine left Tottenham in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Conference League (2021-22)

Dimitar Berbatov with Manchester United

The former Bulgarian international and United legend left Tottenham in 2008.

• 2x Premier League Winner (2008-09, 2010-11)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2009)
• 3x English League Cup Winner (2009, 2010)
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2010-11,2011-12)

Didier Zokora with Sevilla

The former Ivory Coast Defensive Midfielder left Tottenham in 2009.

• 1x Spanish Cup Winner (2009-10)

Christian Eriksen with Inter Milan 

• The Danish Midfielder left Tottenham in 2020
• 1x Italian Champion (2020-21)

Robbie Keane with the Los Angeles Galaxy

The Irish legend left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2011.

• 3x MLS Cup Champion (2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winner (2010-11)

Adel Taarabt with Queens Park Rangers

The Moroccan midfielder left Tottenham to join Queens Park Rangers on loan in 2009.

• 1x English 2nd tier Champion (2010-11)

Paul-Jose Mpoku with Standard Liege

Mpoku left Tottenham Hotspur in 2011.

• 1x Belgium Cup Winner (2018)

Vedran Corluka with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Croatian Center back left Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

• 4x Russian Cup Winner (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
• 1x Russian Champion (2018)
• 1x Russian Super Cup Winner (2019-20)

Clint Dempsey with Seattle Sounders FC

The USMNT legend left Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

• 1x MLS Cup Winner (2015-16)
• 1x US Open Cup winner (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winners (2013-14)

Benjamin Stambouli with Paris Saint-Germain

Benjamin Stambouli left Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 to join Paris Saint-Germain.

• 1x Ligue 1 (2015-16)
• 1x French Cup (2015-16)
• 1x French League Cup (2015-16)
• 2x French Super Cup (2015-16, 2016-17)

Vincent Janssen with CF Monterrey

Vincent left the Spurs in 2019.

• 1x CONCACAF Champions League Winners (2020-21)
• 1x Mexican League (2019-20)
• 1x Mexican Cup Winner (2019-20)

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou with Besiktas

He left Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Lig (2021-22)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2020-21)

Juan Foyth with Villarreal CF

The Argentine World Cup winner left Tottenham in 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League Winner (2020-21)

Carlos Vinicius with PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray

The Brazilian left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 1x KNVB Cup (2021-22)
• 1x Dutch Super Cup (2023)
• 1x Turkish Champions (2023-24)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

Cameron Carter-Vickers with Celtic FC

The USA international left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2022.

• 2x Scottish Cup Winner (2022-23, 2023-24)
• 2x Scottish League Cup Winner (2022-23, 2024-25)

Joe Hart with Celtic FC

The legendary England goalkeeper left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 2x Scottish Premiership Winner (2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Scottish League Cup (2021-22, 2022-23)

Toby Alderweireld with Al-Duhail and Royal Antwerp

The Belgian Mid-field maestro left Tottenham Hotspur to join Al-Duhail in 2021.

• 1x Qatari Cup with Al-Duhail (2021-22)
• 1x Belgian League (2022-23)
• 1x Belgian Cup winner (2023)

Davinson Sanchez with Galatasaray

Sanchez left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

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

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.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

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 sporting moments 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.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

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's victory in the Italian Cup after 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

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!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

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

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.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

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

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

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.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025

The English Premier League, or the Premier League, has been the best football league in Europe for a long now. As per UEFA Club Coefficients, the Premier League is the best football league on the continent, with the best standard of football and competitiveness. 

The competitiveness not only makes it tough for teams to finish at the summit of the points table, but the battle for the UEFA Champions League spot also intensifies. This season, Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC, Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League from the Premier League. 

This is the first time six teams from any league have qualified for the Champions League. Not only that, there is also a chance that another team can qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on Chelsea's performance in the Conference League final this season. 

Read Also | Ranking all 33 UEFA Champions League finals

How do teams qualify for the Champions League from a league?

Till the 2022-23 season, every top-four team from the European Leagues used to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Along with the top four teams, the Europa League winners also qualified for the Champions League next season. 

But, from the 2024 season, along with the top four teams and Europa League/Conference League winners, leagues started getting an additional European Performance Spot. EPS is awarded to the league with strong UEFA coefficient performances, which the Premier League earned this season as well. 

Read Also | Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit

Premier League teams to qualify for the Champions League every season since 2016

2015-16

In the 2025-16 Champions League season, Chelsea qualified as the champions of the Premier League 2014-15. Manchester City and Arsenal qualified as the second and third finishers of the league. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United qualified for the Champions League play-off round as the UEFA Europa League 2014-15 winners.

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. Manchester United

2016-17

Leicester City surprised everyone to win the 2015-16 Premier League after a historic season. They entered the Champions League as the champions of England. Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City qualified as the second to fourth spot finishers. 

• Leicester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (3rd)
• Manchester City (4th)

2017-18

Chelsea qualified for the Champions League by winning the 2016-17 Premier League. Spurs, who were very close of a title, finished second to qualify for Europe. Manchester City and Liverpool qualified as the third and fourth place finishers. 

Meantime, Manchester United, who were sixth in the league qualified after winning the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League. 

• Chelsea (Champions, 1st)
• Tottenham Hotspur (2nd)
• Manchester City (3rd)
• Liverpool (4th)
• Manchester United (6th, qualified via Europa League win)

2018-19

Manchester City's domination in the Premier League started with winning the 2017-18 season, as they entered the Champions League 2018-19 as the champions of England. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool were the other teams to qualify for Champions League.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur played an all-England final where Liverpool defeated Spurs by 2-0 to win the title. 

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester United (2nd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (3rd)
• Liverpool (4th)

2019-20

After winning the Champions League, Liverpool finished second in the Premier League, just one point behind the champions, Manchester City. Chelsea and Spurs qualified as the third and fourth team from Premier League.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Liverpool (2nd)
• Chelsea (3rd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (4th)

2020-21

Liverpool finally broke City's Premier League domination as they lifted 2019-20 Premier League title with 18 points lead over Manchester City, who finished second. Manchester United and Chelsea were the other teams to qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester City and Chelsea played an all-English Champions League in 2021, where Chelsea won their second UCL title. 

• Liverpool (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester City (2nd)
• Manchester United (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)

2021-22

Manchester City again won the Premier League title to qualify for Europe, with Manchester United finishing second in the league. Liverpool and Chelsea were the other tequalified as the third and fourth teams from the Premier League. 

Liverpool lost the Champions League final against Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester United (2nd)
• Liverpool (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)

2022-23

City defended the Premier League title in the 2021-22 season and entered the Champions League 2022-23, which they eventually won, beating Inter Milan in the final. 

Liverpool, who lost the Premier League race by just one point, qualified alongside Chelsea and Spurs.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Liverpool (2nd)
• Chelsea (3rd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (4th)

2023-24

City won their third consecutive Premier League title helped them earn the Champions League spot. Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League 2023-24. 

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Manchester United (3rd)
• Newcastle United (4th)

2024-25

Back-to-back four Premier League titles for City ensured them another go at the Champions League. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa were the other teams from Premier League to qualify for the new format Champions Legaue. 

Arsenal were the only team from the Premier League to play semi-final that season.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Liverpool (3rd)
• Aston Villa (4th)

Read Also | Most English Top Flight Titles: Liverpool equal with United

2025-26

A record six teams qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League season from the Premier League. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea qualified as the top four teams. The EPS allowed an added spot as Newcastle United qualified as the fifth team.

Spurs qualified as the Europa League 2024-25 winners. Chelsea can also become the seventh team to qualify from the Premier League, if they win the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on 28th May. 

• Liverpool (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Manchester City (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)
• Newcastle United (5th)
• Tottenham Hotspur (17th, qualified via Europa League win)

The game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad was stopped for a few minutes as Luka Modric was substituted in the second half.

Real Madrid players gave him a guard of honour while Toni Kroos and Carlo Ancelotti gave a special hug to Real Madrid's most decorated player ever. 

Read Also | Luka Modric to Depart Real Madrid After Club World Cup, Leaving Legacy as Club Legend

Modric will end his Real Madrid career with the FIFA Club World Cup and, till now, has won 28 trophies for the Los Blancos. 

Along with Modric, it was also Carlo Ancelotti's last home match for Real Madrid, as he will also be leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season. 

The Champions League has always been a huge honour for any team. Teams like Real Madrid have won the trophy as many as 15 times while AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich have won found success in Europe's biggest club competition. 

As a result, the players from such elite teams as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, and AC Milan dominate the charts of players with the most Champions League titles.

Also Read: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

Players who have won the most Champions League titles

Iconic Real Madrid left-winger Paco Gento used to hold the record for the most Champions League titles by a player. He has won six trophies in his 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled his record and became the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. 

Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is tied up at 5 UCL titles with players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Larence Seedorf as well as other Real Madrid giants in Hector Rial and Marquitos, Lucas Vázquez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and a few others.

Also Read: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League Goals

Former Barcelona superstars, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and Gerard Pique won four titles as a player. 

List of Players who have won more than four UCL titles:

Real Madrid CF announced that their captain, Luka Modric, will conclude his illustrious tenure with the club following the Club World Cup, set to begin on June 18 in the United States. The Croatian midfielder, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, will bid farewell after an extraordinary 13-year journey.

Since joining Real Madrid in 2012, Modric has been a cornerstone of one of the most triumphant eras in the club’s storied history.

Over his 13 seasons, he amassed an unparalleled 28 titles, including 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.

His trophy cabinet makes him the player with the most titles in Real Madrid’s 123-year history, a record shared by only five players in football history who have won six European Cups.

Modric’s individual accolades are equally remarkable. In 2018, he claimed the Ballon d’Or, FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards.

He has been named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI six times and was recognised as the Champions League Best Midfielder twice. On the pitch for Real Madrid, Modric made 590 appearances, scoring 43 goals, and earned a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.

Internationally, Modric is Croatia’s record holder for appearances with 186 caps. His leadership guided Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball, and a third-place finish in 2022, earning the Bronze Ball.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised Modric’s impact, stating, “Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of Madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”