Morocco vs Spain on Tuesday afternoon in a World Cup round of 16 tie between two nations from different continents separated by less than ten miles.
Match Details:
Location:Â Doha, Qatar
Stadium:Â Education City Stadium
Date:Â Tuesday 6 December
Kick-off Time:Â 8:30 PM IST
Watch: Sports 18/HD, Jio Cinema App
Morocco vs Spain: Match Preview:
A composed and controlled victory against Canada â reflective of their conduct throughout the competition â ensured that Morocco became the first African team to top their World Cup group in the 21st century.
â Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) December 5, 2022
Luis Enrique lamented that his side had been "dismantled" and "collapsed" during the second half of Spain's defeat to Japan. La Roja finished behind Samurai Blue in Group E and spent three second-half minutes out of the competition entirely while Costa Rica briefly led Germany (although Enrique didn't find that out until after the match).
Yassine Bounou was a late withdrawal from the squad that defeated Belgium 2-0 in Morocco's second group game. The goalkeeper returned against Canada â the country of his birth â unscathed.
اÙÙ ÙØªØ®Ø¨ اÙÙØ·ÙÙ ÙÙØ§Ø¬Ù اÙÙ ÙØªØ®Ø¨ Ø§ÙØ¥Ø³Ø¨Ø§ÙÙ ÙÙ Ø§ÙØ¯Ùر اÙ16 Ù Ù Ù ÙØ§Ùسات ÙØ£Ø³ Ø§ÙØ¹Ø§ÙÙ Morocco will be facing Spain ðªð¦ in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022#DimaMaghrib ð²ð¦ #TeamMorocco#FIFAWorldCup@pumafootballpic.twitter.com/FITdDIUTRZ
Enrique is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal ahead of Spain's first knockout tie. The 52-year-old made five changes to the lineup that drew with Germany for their game against Japan. With 20 minutes still to play in that defeat, Enrique had subbed four of the newcomers for the players they initially replaced.
ð£ï¸ @Pedri: "Todos los futbolistas de la @SEFutbol estamos acostumbrados a jugar partidos con la presión del público en contra. A mà me gusta sentirla".
â Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) December 5, 2022
Morocco vs Spain: Head to Head:
Spain have an excellent record against Morocco and have won two out of the three matches that have been played between the two teams, with the other match ending in a draw.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and ended in a 2-2 draw.
ð£ï¸ @LUISENRIQUE21: "Lo que caracteriza a esta @SEFutbol es nuestra manera de competir y de encarar cada partido. Esto es innegociable".
â¡ï¸ "España siempre corre riesgos, desde que saltamos al campo".
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 1st leg: Merino's injury time goal helps Sapin draw 2-2 against 10 men Dutch team
Read the Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 1st leg highlights as Mikel Merino's injury time goal helped Spain draw 2-2 against Netherlands.
Hello and welcome to another big night of international football. Tonight, we will be covering three out of four UEFA Nations League 2025 quarterfinals.
This is Koushik Biswas, with the buildup, news, LIVE updates, scores and free commentary of the Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-final 1st Leg match.
In the last six games, the Dutch team have been undefeated but only won two of those six games. In the meantime, the EURO 2024 Champions, Spain, have not lost a single game since lifting the title and have won five out of six games in the UEFA Nations League.
So, this sets up to be a thrilling counter between two proud footballing nations. Therefore, sit back and relax as we bring you everything on the Netherlands vs Spain match from the web desk.
Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Mar 20, 2025, 10:36 PM
Final Verdict
Not many people saw this coming—hardly anyone pegged the Dutch to come out on top before the match kicked off. However, Koeman’s men came so close to earning every bit of a well-deserved victory.
They started off a little wobbly, sure, but soon found their rhythm, moving the ball with confidence. Gakpo and Frimpong were electric out wide, constantly throwing the Spanish defense off balance, while the backline held strong—almost to the very end—until Merino slipped one through.
What a ride it’s been! That’s all from us on this live blog—thanks for sticking with us through every twist and turn. Good night. See you on Sunday for the second leg.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:42 PM
Full-time | NED 2-2 ESP
An injury time equaliser from substitute Mikel Merino helps Spain extend their undefeated run to 22 games now.
We move to the second leg with everything at square.
A 93rd-minute equaliser from Mikel Merino helps Spain hold on to a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands!
Nico Williams with a shot from the left, and Verbruggen made only a half save.
Merino was at the right place to take advantage of the rebound ball.
Big, big goal!
NED 2-2 ESP
Mar 20, 2025, 9:37 PM
90+1' | Change for Netherlands
Reijnders is replaced by Wieffer.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:36 PM
90' | 5 minutes added
5 minutes have been added as injury time.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:34 PM
89' | Huijsen takes a chance
Huijsen takes a chance with a long range left-footed shot.
He was on-target but Verbruggen dived to his left to make the save.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:34 PM
88' | Van Dijk makes a block
Oyarzabal with a volley from close range but Van Dijk was there to make the save.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:32 PM
86' | Save from Verbruggen
Top-class save from Verbruggen. Huijsen found Nico making a run. Nico then went inside the box and sent a curling shot.
Verbruggen had to dive to his left to make the save.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:29 PM
84' | Change for Spain
Final change for Spain. Merino replaces Ruiz.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:28 PM
84' | Change for Netherlands
Depay is replaced by De Ligt.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:27 PM
82' | Direct red card for Hato
A straight red card for Hato for a dangerous challenge on Le Normand.
The Netherlands are down to 10 men.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:24 PM
79' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Virgil Van Dijk for a foul inside the box during the corner.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:23 PM
77' | Le Normand with a great interception
Xavi Simons was running away with the ball and made an effort at the goal. But, Le Normand came running from behind to let it go for a corner.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:23 PM
76' | Chance for NIco
Chance for Nico Williams but he could not hold on to the ball with his first touch.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:19 PM
73' | Changes for Netherlands
Out: FDJ, Kluivert
In: Koopmeiners, Simons
Mar 20, 2025, 9:18 PM
72' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Perez for a sliding tackle on Frimpong. He will miss the second leg.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:17 PM
72' | Save from Verbruggen
A deflection from Van Dink was going into the goal and Verbruggen dived to his left to make the save.
Mar 20, 2025, 9:16 PM
HE MAKES THEM COUNT
4 - Tijjani Reijnders is the first player in history to put @OnsOranje in front with each of his first-ever four goals for the Netherlands. Advantage. pic.twitter.com/oDcsZ5cRBe
Frimpong did all the running for him, and his cutback found a running Reijnders, who made no mistake inside the box.
Netherlands have the lead.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:51 PM
Second half starts!
We are back from the break.
Spain starts things off!
Mar 20, 2025, 8:36 PM
Half-time | NED 1-1 ESP
Spain started the game like the Champions of Europe and Nico Williams gave them the lead. But, since then, Netherlands have attacked like a team on a mission.
Gakpo found the equaliser, and they could have had a few more if Simon was not there.
Cubarsi had to leave the field due to injury, and Dean Huijsen replaced him.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:33 PM
45' | Two minutes added
Two minutes added to the first-half as Lamine Yamal miss-hit the free-kick.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:32 PM
45' | Yellow card
Free-kick for Spain from a dangerous position as Gakpo pushed Pedro Porro down. Yellow card for him.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:29 PM
42' | Reijnders hits the crossbar
Frimpong, with the corss and Reijnders, went for the side volley and kissed the crossbar with his effort.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:28 PM
41' | Dean Huijsen makes his debut
Dean Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands, makes his international debut in the Netherlands, against Netherlands.
He replaces Cubarsi.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:27 PM
39' | Cubarsi is down
He was limping for a bit, and now he is down. He is getting medial attention and will be replaced.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:26 PM
39' | Cucurella gets a verbal warning
It is not a yellow card for the defender but he gets a verbal warning from the referee for a foul on Frimpong
Mar 20, 2025, 8:23 PM
36' | Simon makes a save
Huge save!
Simon made himself big as Depay had the chance to extend the lead for them from close range.
Chance missed for the home side.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:22 PM
35' | Save from Verbruggen
Lamine Yamal with an outside-the-boot flick pass from Zubimendi. Zubimendi went for the volley, and Verbruggen had to go down to his side quickly to make the save.
Netherlands are putting their feet on the accelerator.
Gakpo with a menacing cross and Simon had to be quick to get a touch to it to nuilfy the attack.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:16 PM
28' | Gakpo strikes | NED 1-1 ESP
The Dutch are level, and the fans are just over the moon!
Gakpo strikes for them.
Frimpong had a great run to keep the ball in play and then pass it across. After a poor clearance from Cubarsi, Kluivert found Gakpo at the edge of the box.
The Liverpool striker did not miss the chance with a bullet strike.
All square now.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:12 PM
24' | Sapin defenders have been solid
Cucurella, Cubarsi, and Le Normand have been solid so far, not letting Dutch strikers have any space in the final third.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:10 PM
21' | Chance for Van Dijk
The Dutch captain had the chance to score after Hato brought down the corner so that he could go for the goal.
But, he was not on target,
Mar 20, 2025, 8:08 PM
20' | First corner of the match
First corner of the match goes to Netherlands.
Le Normand went for a hard tackle against Gakpo and he conceded the corner.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:06 PM
19' | Morata should have scored here
Porro with a long cross from Nico, and then Cucurella sent a lobbed ball for Moraata to hit the net.
But, he missed the chance.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:05 PM
15' | Cucurella has been excellent for Spain so far
The Chelsea defender makes another block inside the box to eliminate any chances for Netherlands.
Mar 20, 2025, 8:01 PM
12' | Long way to go though
With early goals, teams always get the chance to make a comeback.
Netherlands, with the support behind them, will look to do the same.
Gakpo nearly found Frimpong inside the box. But Cucurella came from behind to make the interception and it was an easy save for Simon.
Mar 20, 2025, 7:57 PM
9' | Nico Williams scores | NED 0-1 ESP
Nico Williams scores for Spain.
Great pressing from Lamine Yamal, who took the ball away from Hato, and the Pedri passed it across Nico for him to make a quick turn and send it past Verbruggen.
Spain take the lead.
Mar 20, 2025, 7:55 PM
7' | Spain controlling the game
Spain are looking in control with central defenders and mid-fielders enjoying more possession on the ball.
Mar 20, 2025, 7:54 PM
That special header!
Fans celebrate Van Persie’s legendary diving header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
Mar 20, 2025, 7:51 PM
LIVE Score
Mar 20, 2025, 7:51 PM
3' | Gakpo misses the target
Netherlands with their first attack of the night.
After a swap of play from right to left, Gakpo took a chance with a long range shot.
He was off-target, though.
Mar 20, 2025, 7:50 PM
2' | Pedri makes an effort at the goal
Within the first two minutes, we have Spain making an attack.
Starting XI: Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata (c), Nico Williams.
Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Dean Huijsen, Alejandro Grimaldo, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Óscar Mingueza, Aleix García, Alejandro Baena, Ayoze Pérez, Samuel Aghehowa, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Mar 20, 2025, 6:50 PM
Lineups | Netherlands
Starting XI: B. Verbruggen, L. Geertruida, J. P. van Hecke, V. van Dijk, J. Hato, F. de Jong, T. Reijnders, J. Frimpong, J. Kluivert, C. Gakpo, M. Depay.
Subs: Nick Olij, Mark Flekken, Matthijs de Ligt, Youri Baas, Kenneth Taylor, Mats Wieffer, Xavi Simons, Teun Koopmeiners, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey.
Mar 20, 2025, 6:20 PM
Recent form | Netherlands
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Result
20 Nov 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 - 1
Netherlands
D
17 Nov 24
Netherlands
4 - 0
Hungary
W
15 Oct 24
Germany
1 - 0
Netherlands
L
12 Oct 24
Hungary
1 - 1
Netherlands
D
11 Sept 24
Netherlands
2 - 2
Germany
D
Goals Scored (Conceded)
8 / 5
Games over 2.5 goals
2 / 5
Mar 20, 2025, 6:18 PM
Recent form | Spain
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Result
19 Nov 24
Spain
3 - 2
Switzerland
W
16 Nov 24
Denmark
1 - 2
Spain
W
16 Oct 24
Spain
3 - 0
Serbia
W
13 Oct 24
Spain
1 - 0
Denmark
W
9 Sept 24
Switzerland
1 - 4
Spain
W
Goals Scored (Conceded)
13 / 4
Games over 2.5 goals
4 / 5
Mar 20, 2025, 6:08 PM
Netherlands Squad
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Nick Olij, Mark Flekken,
Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida, Jurriën Timber, Virgil van Dijk, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jeremie Frimpong, Matthijs de Ligt, Youri Baas,
Football fans from India can watch the Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 1st leg match LIVE on Sony Ten 3 TV Channel on Television and Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription.
Mar 20, 2025, 2:49 PM
Tonight's Venue | De Kuip
Mar 20, 2025, 2:48 PM
Match Details
Match: Netherlands vs Spain
Tournament: UEFA Nations League 2025 quarter-finals, 1st Leg
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 (35 trophies)
Ronaldo with his latest trophy for Al-Nassr FC.
Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 35 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Al-Nassr FC as he helped them win the United Arab Club Champions Cup 2023.
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 Euro Cup with Portugal in 2016. Beside 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
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
Spain will compete against Morocco to acquire the honour of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, and Camp Nou in Barcelona are the frontrunners for Spain. In contrast, Morocco is vouching for the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca which is yet to be constructed.
The scenario
(Image Credit | StadiumDB.com on X)
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco's joint bid 'YallaVamos' has clinched the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights following FIFA's official announcement on 11 December 2024. Centenary celebration matches will be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay as FIFA confirmed on the same day following the conclusion of FIFA's virtual assembly meeting.
However, the venues and stadiums for the 2030 World Cup are far from being decided yet, but hosting the world cup final is an honour in itself. That is why two of the host nations, Spain and Morocco have already joined in races to bring the grand World Cup final event to their country. Morocco aims to host the final in the Hassan II Stadium, which is yet to be constructed but is planned to have a capacity of hosting 115000 spectators.
🚨🚨💣BREAKING: La maquette officielle du stade Hassan II de Benslimane (Casablanca) 🏟️
Il sera le plus grand et le plus beau stade du monde, avec une capacité d’environ 118 000 places.
Santiago Bernabeu, the home ground of Real Madrid can hold 78,297 spectators as of now, which must reach the 80000 mark as required by FIFA. Barcelona's beloved Camp Nou stadium is currently under renovation but it will hold 105000 spectators once the constructions are complete. However, the final decision will be made in 2026 and every stadium will receive the required time to match FIFA's commitments.
FIFA will also have full availability of the Hassan II Stadium inCasablanca during the tournament, as the stadium will be under the ownership of the Moroccan Ministry of Sports. In contrast, both the Bernabeu and Camp Nou, owned by Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively, will not offer that level of availability due to their business operations within the stadium. This may give the African stadium a certain advantage in the race to host the final.
The tussle between the cities will also be another interesting thing to watch in the discussions to host the opening match of the tournament. Madrid and Barcelona are likely to lock horns off the pitch to host the opening match of the grand event; if they lose the final to Casablanca. Barcelona City Council has already shown interest in securing the opening match hosting rights.
However, the confirmation of hosting the tournament in Spain after 48 years since the 1982 World Cup, has brought great optimism to every authority and layman in the country. Pilar Alegría, the minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports in Spain, has expressed her excitement and expectations after winning the World Cup rights. She stated:
This is magnificent news for sport, society, and the economy. An event that will allow us to showcase to the world the excellent level of organization present in Spain. We are very happy, and today we begin working on this World Cup, which fills us with excitement to host and which will enable us to work together with our neighbors in Portugal and Morocco,
José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, President of the Higher Sports Council also expressed his joy:
This is a milestone that expands the pride of the entire Spanish society. It recognizes our ability to organize top-level sporting events and pays homage to the tradition and footballing success of our country,
FIFA dismisses Morocco's claims about Western Sahara in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid assessment report
FIFA has rejected Morocco's claims regarding the incorporation of Western Sahara into the Moroccan territory in its evaluation report of the bids for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA has rejected Morocco's claims to consider the status of Western Sahara as part of the Moroccan kingdom in its bid assessment report for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The highest governing body of world football has significantly overlooked a map submitted by Morocco during the evaluation process as the presented Western Sahara as Morocco's territory.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will reportedly be hosted in six countries across three continents to celebrate the centenary year of the World Cup. The FIFA Council adopted a key decision in October 2023 regarding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to finalize Portugal, Spain, and Morocco's combined bid to host the grand event. The council unanimously agreed to award Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay the hosting rights for some of the matches.
The geopolitical tension
The Western Sahara conflict is a long-standing territorial dispute in North Africa. When Spain surrendered control of the region in 1975, Morocco solidified its claim through a mass civilian movement known as the 'Green March'. This led to an extensive war with the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement. The Polisario Front declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and established a government-in-exile in Algeria. The conflict has resulted in a divided territory, with Morocco controlling the western portion and the SADR holding the eastern region. Morocco illegally annexed Western Sahara twice in the past, in 1976 and 1979. The United Nations offered its mediation efforts, but a lasting solution remains elusive, leaving the future of Western Sahara and its people uncertain.
However, Morocco submitted a map alongside their bid assessment that included Western Sahara in its territory. This move aimed at legitimizing the Makhzen regime's expansionist ideas. In a turnaround of events, FIFA has recognized the distinct and internationally acknowledged borders between Morocco and Western Sahara. FIFA effectively avoided the Moroccan government's territorial ambitions by rejecting the map. This sensitive political situation is still profoundly worrying for the governing body of world football.
🔴HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has the great pleasure of announcing to the Moroccan people that the FIFA Executive Committee has unanimously selected the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid as the sole candidate to organize the 2030 Football World Cup. pic.twitter.com/wCUFXBmL2c
Some other issues also may lead FIFA to go through various talks with respective authorities and its sub-committees. Amnesty International, an organization that works on human rights and the concerning instances, submitted a report on human rights abuses in the said territory of Morocco and Western Sahara. The report was named 'The States of the World's Human Rights 2024' and it included human rights abuses allegations such as torture and ill-treatment, women's rights, impunity, and many others.
FIFA's evaluation report
El Independiente, the renowned Spanish news outlet, has unveiled the Moroccan government's attempt to manipulate FIFA's evaluation report. The report, which assessed Morocco's bid for the 2030 World Cup, omitted a map showcasing Morocco's territorial claims over Western Sahara. This omission was deliberate, as the inclusion of such a map would have directly contradicted international law and UN resolutions. The UN firmly recognizes Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory awaiting decolonization. Morocco's efforts to assert its sovereignty over Western Sahara appear to be aimed at exploiting the region's natural resources. However, This initiative has no legal basis and is countered by FIFA's recent technical report.
El Independiente also indicated in a recent report that the controversy surrounding Morocco's falsified map, alongside other candidate-related issues, was a key topic of discussion within FIFA's committee, which includes representatives from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This pivotal decision by FIFA has evidently angered the Moroccan government, whose strategic plans have been significantly disrupted.