Top 5 Footballers Who Never Won International Trophy, Including Maldini
- The finalists for the UEFA Euro and Copa America tournaments are set, with the finals scheduled for July 14
- Several players in both competitions are within touching distance of clinching a maiden international trophy
- Yen.com.gh shines the spotlight on players who failed to win an international trophy ahead of both finals
With just under 100 days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, anticipation is steadily building among football fans around the globe.
Once the tournament kicks off, stadiums will be packed, millions will tune in from home, and the world’s biggest stars will compete on the sport’s grandest stage.
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The tournament promises weeks of thrilling action, unforgettable moments and intense rivalries as nations battle for football’s most prestigious trophy.
Many players in the finals are on the verge of claiming their first international title.
For these athletes, it would be a significant source of pride, especially considering that many world-class players have retired without tasting international glory.
With this context, YEN.com.gh highlights a list of world-class players who have never won international titles.
World Class players who never won international titles
Raul Gonzalez
The former Real Madrid forward is among the many world-class players who never experienced the joy of international glory.
The La Roja captain, who had a very much colourful career at club level with Real Madrid, had an international career laced with heartbreak. The mercurial forward was dealt another blow at the 2006 FIFA World Cup when France rallied to a commanding victory spearheaded by the iconic Zinedine Zidane.
Raul's hopes of winning an international title were dashed when coach, Luis Aragones, opted against including him in Spain's triumphant 2008 squad.
Michael Ballack
The German midfield maestro is another player who, despite an illustrious career, never clinched an international title.
Ballack had a trophy-laden career spanning multiple leagues across Europe. However, the former German captain failed to secure international silverware with Die Mannschaft.
Ballack was part of the team that lost the FIFA World Cup final to Brazil in 2002, and he was also part of the German team that suffered a final defeat against Spain.
Johann Cruyff
The iconic Dutch maestro is perhaps the most renowned footballer to never win an international trophy.
The Ajax legend, who revolutionised the game with his "total football" approach, led the Dutch team to prominence in the 1970s. However, despite his brilliance, the iconic No. 14 fell short of securing a major title, succumbing to defeat against West Germany in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final.
Franck Ribery
Another world-class player who never tasted international glory during his career is Franck Ribéry. The mercurial attacker remains one of the finest players the French national team has ever produced.
Unfortunately for Ribéry, the trophy-laden days of Les Bleus came both too early and too late for him. He wasn't an elite footballer in the early 2000s, and by 2018 when France won the World Cup, he was well past his prime.
Paolo Maldini
The charismatic defender is another legendary player who never won an international trophy with the Italian national team.
The AC Milan icon endured a series of international heartbreaks, including the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. However, the events of the 2002 Korea/Japan tournament were too much for Maldini, leading him to retire from international football.
Italy would go on to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup, just four years after Maldini's retirement.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
