Why Only 5 Clubs Have Ever Been Allowed To Keep The Original UCL Trophy

The UEFA Champions league is the most prestigious competition in European football at club level. Since it was first introduced in 1956 as the European Cup, Multiple clubs have won it.

If every club were to be given the original trophy, that would mean that by the end of the 2019/20 season UEFA would have made 64 original trophies but that is not the case.

Clubs who win it are only given a replica of the trophy. But UEFA made exceptions before 2009 and clubs could keep the original trophy Parmanently if they satisfy the following conditions:

1. Win it 3 times in a row.

2. Win five titles in total.

Under this rules, five clubs had the honour of keeping the it:

Real Madrid ( 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1966 )

The Spanish side were the first side that had the privilege of acheiving that feat. After winning 5 in a row from 1956 - 1960, they were finally given the original trophy upon their sixth win in 1966.

1956

1957

1958

1966

Ajax ( 1971 - 1973 )

Dutch side Ajax were the next team to deny UEFA the honour of getting back their trophy.

Upon their third conservative European cup win in 1973, they joined Real Madrid in the history books as the 2nd side to keep the trophy permanently.

1971

1972

1973

Bayern Munich ( 1975 - 1976 )

Bayern picked up where Ajax left by going on to win the trophy three times in a row after Ajax's last win in 1973.

The Germans finally joined the exclusive list in 1976 after their 3rd win on the bounce.

1975

1976

1977

AC Milan ( 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990 and 1994)

The Italians may not have won 3 in a row but they did win their fifth title.

Their first came in 1963, their second title in 1969. They waited 20 more years to win another two.

Finally 1994, they won their fifth title and joined the exclusive list of clubs who kept a permanent trophy.

1989

1990

1994

Liverpool ( 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 2005 )

The Reds won their first European cup title in 1977 and followed it up with another success the following year.

In the next 3 years, they would win another two but had to wait another 21 years to win a fifth and join the exclusive list of clubs who had the honour of keeping the trophy permanently.

In 2005, a Stephen Gerrard inspired side came back from a 3-0 first half deficit to win the trophy in extra - time.

1978

1984

2005

They are they last side to get a permanent trophy because in 2009 UEFA changed the rules.

A multiple - winners badge was introduced which is always on the left sleeve of the shirt of any team that achieves the feat during Champions League Matches.

Here are photos of some badges UEFA has used in recent years:

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DISCLAIMER: All images are for illustrative purposes only.