The UEFA Champions League and the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores stand as the pinnacle of club football in Europe and South America, respectively. Throughout the history of these prestigious tournaments, only 15 players have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both titles, all of whom hail from South America. This list features a mix of cult heroes and legends of the sport. Here’s a look at these exceptional players.
Marcelo (Real Madrid and Fluminense)
The legendary Brazilian left-back is the most recent addition to this elite group. Marcelo won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) before returning to his boyhood club, Fluminense, where he secured the Copa Libertadores in 2023.
David Luiz (Chelsea and Flamengo)
The Brazilian center-back had a successful European career, highlighted by winning Chelsea’s first Champions League in 2012. In 2021, he returned to Brazil and lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy with Flamengo in 2022, a decade after his UCL triumph.
Ramires (Chelsea and Palmeiras)
Ramires played a crucial role in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League victory, famously scoring against Barcelona in the semifinals. After a stint in China, he returned to Brazil and won the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras in 2020 before retiring.
Rafinha (Bayern Munich and Flamengo)
Although not a regular starter, Rafinha was part of Bayern Munich’s squad that won the Champions League in 2013. He later joined Flamengo, winning the Copa Libertadores in his debut season in 2019.
Julián Álvarez (Manchester City and River Plate)
Álvarez was instrumental in River Plate’s 2018 Copa Libertadores victory over arch-rivals Boca Juniors. He later joined Manchester City, celebrating the club’s first Champions League title in 2023. Álvarez is one of five players to have won the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and FIFA World Cup.
Neymar (Barcelona and Santos)
One of the most talented players of his generation, Neymar won the Copa Libertadores with Santos in 2011 before moving to Barcelona, where he secured the Champions League in 2015, the club’s last title in the competition.
Danilo (Real Madrid and Santos)
Like Neymar, Danilo was part of the Santos team that won the Copa Libertadores in 2011. He later enjoyed success in Europe, winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017.
Ronaldinho (Barcelona and Atlético Mineiro)
Regarded as one of the greatest players of his time, Ronaldinho won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006. He returned to Brazil later in his career, leading Atlético Mineiro to their first Copa Libertadores title in 2013.
Carlos Tévez (Manchester United and Boca Juniors)
An elite forward, Tévez won the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors in 2003 before moving to Europe, where he secured the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008.
Walter Samuel (Inter Milan and Boca Juniors)
Samuel won the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors in 2000 before moving to Europe, where he was part of Inter Milan’s treble-winning team that captured the Champions League in 2010.
Cafú (AC Milan and São Paulo)
One of the greatest right-backs in history, Cafú won the Copa Libertadores twice with São Paulo in 1992 and 1993 and later lifted the Champions League with AC Milan in 2007.
Dida (AC Milan and Cruzeiro)
Dida was a key figure for AC Milan, winning the Champions League twice in 2003 and 2007. He also won the Copa Libertadores with Cruzeiro in 1997.
Roque Júnior (AC Milan and Palmeiras)
Roque Júnior achieved remarkable success within four years, winning the Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras in 1999, the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003, and the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Juan Pablo Sorín (Juventus and River Plate)
Sorín’s unique achievement includes winning both the Champions League and Copa Libertadores in the same season (1995-96). He started with Juventus, who won the UCL, and later won the Libertadores with River Plate.
Willy Caballero (Chelsea and Boca Juniors)
Though primarily a backup goalkeeper, Caballero won the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors in 2003 alongside Tévez. Nearly two decades later, he was part of Chelsea’s squad that won the Champions League in 2021, despite not playing in the tournament.
This exclusive list highlights the unique accomplishments of these players, showcasing their contributions to both European and South American football.
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