After Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Trophée des Champions, Lionel Messi took a step toward becoming the most decorated player in football history.
The Legendary Argentine forward added yet another trophy to his extraordinary collection after winning his first Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG was crowned champions of France after a 1-1 draw against Lens at the Parc des Princes.
Despite Corentin Jean’s equaliser just before the end of regulation, Messi’s thunderous strike midway through the second half (his fourth league goal of the season) was enough for PSG to win their 10th league championship.
This was Messi’s first trophy with PSG following his emotional departure from Barcelona last summer. It certainly does seem fitting that the guy widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is on track to finish his playing career with more championships than any other player in history.
But how many team trophies has the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner now won during his illustrious career, and where does he sit on the list of players with the most trophies in football history?
Let’s take a look:
11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (31 trophies)
At 40 years old, Zlatan won his 32nd trophy with AC Milan last season (the Serie A title, no less) and recently extended his playing career for at least one more year.
10. Xavi (33 trophies)
One of the greatest midfielders of all time and Barcelona’s current Head Coach, Xavi collected trophies for fun during his career as a Barcelona player between 1998-2015.
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9. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)
The retired Portuguese goalkeeper won most of his titles with FC Porto, plus a few more with Barca in the 1990s.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo (34 trophies)
Ronaldo returned to Manchester United last summer to win trophies but will end his first season back at Old Trafford empty-handed. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed success with every club he’s played at and is determined to add more trophies to his extensive collection before calling time on his remarkable career.
7. Gerard Pique (35 trophies)
Still part of Barcelona’s first team aged 35, Pique will be hoping to add a few more trophies to his collection before leaving Camp Nou.
6. Kenny Dalglish (35 trophies)
One of Liverpool and Celtic’s greatest ever players, Dalglish won 35 trophies between 1969-1990. Dalglish helped Celtic dominate Scottish football before moving to Anfield in 1977, where he inspired Liverpool to a host of titles both domestically and in Europe.
5. Ryan Giggs (36 trophies)
A one-club man, Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs continues to occupy a place in the top five… for now. Ryan Giggs also won 23 other trophies with Man Utd including two Champions Leagues and three FA Cups.
4. Andres Iniesta (37 trophies)
Now in his fourth year with Japanese side Vissel Kobe after leaving Barcelona in 2018, it’ll be interesting to see if 37-year-old Iniesta returns to European football before hanging up his boots.
3. Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade (37 trophies)
Maxwell may not be as revered as some of the other legends on this list, but the former Brazilian full-back has a staggering collection of winners’ medals thanks to his spells with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona and PSG.
2. Lionel Messi (39 trophies)
It hasn’t been a vintage season for Messi but the GOAT contender will be pleased to win his first league title outside of Barcelona. As one of only two footballers to win more than 40 trophies, Messi is surely destined to end his career at the very top of this list.
1. Dani Alves (43 trophies)
But sitting four trophies clear at the top of the list of Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who may extend his stay at Camp Nou for one more season after returning to the Catalan club last summer. Will he add at least one more trophy to his collection before retiring? You certainly wouldn’t bet against him.
GOAT🐐