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They bossed the leagues but terribly failed to lead their countries to international glory.
As the UEFA European Championship stands as one of the most prestigious prizes in international football, the quest to lift the coveted trophy has been the pinnacle of ambition for many of the game's greatest talents.
Yet, amid the glitz and glory of this illustrious tournament, there exists a cohort of footballing legends who, despite their unparalleled skill and remarkable careers, have never tasted victory in the Euros.
Pulse sports explores 5 great players who never lifted the Euros.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
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Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his charisma, athleticism, and acrobatic goals, represented Sweden with distinction throughout his international career. Despite his individual brilliance and numerous achievements at the club level, including multiple league titles with various European clubs, Ibrahimović never lifted the UEFA European Championship trophy with Sweden.
Luis Figo (Portugal)
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Luis Figo, the Portuguese winger known for his dribbling ability, vision, and crossing accuracy, enjoyed a stellar career representing clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. While Figo achieved success at the club level, including winning the UEFA Champions League, he fell short in his quest for UEFA European Championship glory with Portugal, despite coming close in 2004 when Portugal reached the final.
Gialuigi Buffon (Italy)
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Gianluigi Buffon, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, enjoyed a distinguished career representing Italy. Buffon's leadership, shot-stopping ability, and longevity in the game earned him widespread admiration, but he was unable to secure victory in the UEFA European Championship, despite reaching the final in 2012.
Ryan Giggs (Wales)
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Ryan Giggs, the legendary Welsh winger who spent the entirety of his club career at Manchester United, never had the opportunity to compete in the UEFA European Championship during his playing days. Despite his immense talent and numerous accolades at the club level, Giggs was unable to showcase his skills on the international stage in this tournament.
George Best (North Ireland)
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George Best, often described as one of the most naturally gifted players in the history of the sport, represented Northern Ireland during his international career. Best's dazzling dribbling, creativity, and goalscoring prowess earned him widespread acclaim, but he never had the opportunity to compete in the UEFA European Championship, as Northern Ireland did not qualify during his playing days.
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