The most iconic Europa League players of all time
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo played as an Europa League player for the first time during his early career with Sporting CP in Portugal. He helped his team reach the quarter-finals in the 2002-03 season, scoring two goals. In 2022 he also played for Manchester United in the Europa League before he left the club for Al Nassr.
Fernando Torres
During his time as a Europa League player, Fernando Torres made a significant impact with his former club Atlético Madrid. He scored 13 goals in the competition, including two in the 2012 final against Athletic Bilbao, helping Atlético win their second Europa League title.
Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben played as a Europa League player during the 2009-10 season with Bayern Munich. He scored four goals in the competition, including a brace in the 2010 final against Inter Milan, helping Bayern win their first European trophy in nine years.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk played as a Europa League player during his time with Scottish club Celtic. He was a key team member that reached the round of 32 in the 2014-15 season, scoring two goals as a Europa League player before being eliminated by Inter Milan.
Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil played as a Europa League player during his time with Arsenal. He made 24 appearances as a Europa League player, scoring six goals and providing nine assists, helping Arsenal reach the final in the 2018-19 season, where Chelsea defeated them.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney played as a Europa League player with Manchester United. He scored eight goals in the competition, including a hat-trick against Club Brugge in the 2015-16 season, helping Manchester United win the title that year. Rooney also holds the record for most goals scored for Manchester United in European competitions.