Paris Saint-Germain may have successfully defended their UEFA Champions League crown with victory over Arsenal in Saturday’s final, but the French champions will not be taking home the original trophy.
According to UEFA regulations, the authentic Champions League trophy remains the property of UEFA, while winning clubs are presented with a full-sized replica.
Prior to a rule change introduced in 2009, clubs were permitted to keep the original trophy permanently if they won the competition five times in total or claimed three consecutive titles. Only five clubs managed to meet those requirements.
Below are the clubs that earned the right to retain the original European Cup trophy:
Liverpool
Liverpool secured permanent ownership of the trophy after capturing their fifth European Cup title in 2005, completing a remarkable comeback from three goals down to defeat AC Milan in the famous Istanbul final.
AC Milan
The Rossoneri became the fourth club to receive the honour when they lifted their fifth European crown in 1994.
Bayern Munich
The German giants earned the distinction after winning the competition three years in a row from 1974 to 1976, with club icon Franz Beckenbauer leading the team during that dominant spell.
Ajax
Ajax joined the exclusive list after claiming three successive European Cup titles between 1971 and 1973, during the golden era of Johan Cruyff and the Total Football revolution.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid were the first club to permanently keep the trophy, having won the first five editions of the European Cup from 1956 to 1960.
The Spanish powerhouse, still the most successful club in the tournament’s history, officially received the original trophy in 1967.
Why Barcelona Cannot Keep the Trophy
Although Barcelona have won the Champions League five times, the Catalan club does not own an original trophy.
UEFA discontinued the rule in 2009, ending the practice of clubs permanently retaining the silverware regardless of the number of titles won.
Instead, teams that achieve either five overall triumphs or three consecutive titles are awarded a special UEFA Badge of Honour, which can be displayed on their jerseys.
