Clarence Seedorf: The only player to win the UCL with three different clubs

• Clarence Seedorf is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the football world has ever seen
• The Dutchman won numerous titles in his legendary career but one thing that he stands out for is winning the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs
• Seedorf won the prestigious trophy while playing for Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan

Clarence Seedorf is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the football world has ever seen. Starting his professional career at Ajax, Seedorf went on to achieve success playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including La Liga giants Real Madrid and Italian football powerhouse AC Milan.

The Dutchman won numerous titles and individual awards in his legendary career but one thing that he stands out for is winning the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs. Despite Seedorf ending his playing career a decade ago, no player has managed to achieve this amazing feat.

Clarence Seedorf. Photo/ Cherwell.

He first won the title while playing for his boyhood club Ajax before moving to Real Madrid where he was part of the squad that triumphed in 1998. At AC Milan, Seedorf won two Champions League trophies. So in total the Dutch legend won four Champions League titles.

With such an achievement, it’s not surprising to find out that the great Brazilian footballer Pele chose Seedorf as part of the FIFA 100.

How Seedorf Won The Champions League With Three Different Clubs

Clarence Seedorf is from a family with footballing roots as his father, Johann Seedorf, was a footballer and talent agent. As a result, he was introduced to the sport at a young age, starting his playing career at the youth ranks of VV AS ’80 and Real Almere.

In 1986, Seedorf was recruited by Dutch giants Ajax and continued his development at the club’s academy which has produced various renowned footballers. The talented midfielder made his debut in November 1992 at the age of 16 playing in a match against Groningen.

Within no time, Seedorf had established himself in manager Louis van Gaal‘s squad. He would win his first UEFA Champions League at the end of the 1994-95 season, defeating his future club AC Milan in the final. The midfielder played a key role in the first half of the final before being making way for striker Nwankwo Kanu shortly after the start of the second half.

Clarence Seedorf during his time at Ajax. Photo/ Ajax.nl.

Seedorf would then have a short spell at Italian side Sampdoria before joining Real Madrid, the club with whom he won his second Champions League title. The Dutchman won the trophy in his second season at the club, once again playing a big role in the final as the Los Blancos secured a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus.

His other achievements at Real Madrid include winning the La Liga, Supercopa de Espana and Intercontinental Cup. Clarence Seedorf secured a transfer to Inter Milan in 2000 and would spend two seasons at the club before continuing with his football journey at AC Milan.

Seedorf his known by many football fans for his time at AC Milan. He spent ten years with the Italian giants, during which he won two UEFA Champions League titles among other trophies. He won the first Champions League with Milan, which was his third in 2003. The Rossoneri won the 2003 final in penalties after 0-0 draw with Juventus.

Seedorf formed a great partnership in the midfield with Brazilian great Kaka and together they would help AC Milan win another Champions League by beating Liverpool 2-1 in 2007. After a successful career in Italy, the Dutchman moved to Brazil where he signed a two-year deal with Botafogo and spent two seasons at the club before ending his playing career.

Where is Clarence Seedorf Now?

Clarence Seedorf. Photo/ Arabian Business.

Clarence Seedorf announced his retirement from professional football on 14 January 2014 to take up a managerial role at his former club AC Milan. He was officially appointed the new manager of Milan two days later but his stint at the club only lasted until the end of the season when he was replaced by Filippo Inzaghi.

Seedorf’s managerial career has not been as impressive as his playing career and he is yet to find a club to manage since being sacked by Cameroon in July 2019.