As the current season progresses, some prominent football players find themselves at risk of ending the year without any major trophies.
Even renowned names from powerhouse clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are facing this possibility.
This goes to show that even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have experienced trophyless seasons throughout their illustrious careers.
Let’s take a closer look at six world-class players who are currently on track for a trophyless season in 2023-24.
One player facing this possibility is Victor Osimhen of Napoli. Throughout the season, Napoli has sorely missed Osimhen’s presence on the field. Currently sitting ninth in the Serie A table, they trail Inter Milan by a significant 25 points. The club has already been eliminated from the Coppa Italia and lost the Supercoppa Italiana final. With only the Champions League remaining as a viable trophy to win this season, their chances appear increasingly slim. Osimhen also had the opportunity to win silverware with his national team, Nigeria, in the AFCON final. Unfortunately, Nigeria fell short and lost to Ivory Coast, further adding to the disappointment of a potentially trophyless season for Osimhen
Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich this season, had high hopes for his debut year. However, Bayern’s chances of winning the Bundesliga seem slim, given the impressive form of Bayer Leverkusen. Despite Kane’s exceptional goal-scoring abilities, his team has already lost in the DFL-Supercup final and been eliminated from the DFB-Pokal. The first leg loss against Lazio in the Champions League Round of 16 further diminishes their chances of lifting a trophy this season.
Robert Lewandowski, who last experienced a trophyless season over a decade ago, faces a similar predicament at Barcelona. The team has already been knocked out of the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana. With Barcelona currently sitting third in La Liga, their best hope lies in a successful run in the Champions League. However, recent form suggests that a Champions League triumph may be unlikely.
Antoine Griezmann, despite his exceptional performances, may also face a trophyless season with Atletico Madrid. The team has struggled in La Liga, trailing leaders Real Madrid by 13 points. While they are still in the Copa del Rey, a first-leg loss to Athletic Club puts their chances at risk. Their only remaining hope for silverware is the Champions League, a competition Atletico Madrid has never won.
Karim Benzema, who moved to Al-Ittihad, has not had the smooth sailing expected in the Suadi Pro League. The club’s regression this season sees them currently sitting fifth in the league. Their underwhelming performances in the FIFA Club World Cup and Arab Club Champions Cup further dampen their trophy prospects. Unless Al-Ittihad turns things around soon, Benzema’s chances of winning any trophies this season appear slim.
In conclusion, these star players are currently facing the possibility of a trophyless season in 2023-24. Despite their individual brilliance, circumstances within their respective clubs make it increasingly unlikely for them to lift any major silverware this year.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
