NewsPhotos In Pics: Sporting GREATS who failed to win a major trophy

In Pics: Sporting GREATS who failed to win a major trophy

Argentina captain Lionel Messi broke a massive jinx by finally winning a major international trophy - the Copa America 2021 - 16 years after making his debut. The international win was a huge weight on Messi's shoulder, who has achieved it all at the domestic level for Barcelona. However, there are other sporting legends who had to announce their retirement without any international trophy to their name. Here we take a look at sporting greats who failed to win any major international trophy.

Zee Media Bureau|

Updated:Jul 12, 2021, 02:29 PM IST

Pakistan paceman Waqar Younis

1/5

Pakistan legend Waqar Younis also failed to win the World Cup with his country. Younis heartbreakingly missed the 1992 World Cup in Australia-New Zealand due to a back injury as Pakistan went on to lift the trophy under the leadership of Imran Khan. The paceman was also part of the Pakistan squad which featured in the 1999 World Cup final against Australia, which they lost, but wasn't part of the final XI in the game. (Source: Twitter)

South Africa paceman Allan Donald

2/5

South African paceman Allan Donald had two World Cup heartbreaks in the semifinals. (Source: Twitter)

South African paceman Allan Donald had two World Cup heartbreaks in the semifinals. Donald was part of SA team which lost ICC 50-over World Cup semifinals in 1992 and 1999. (Source: Twitter)

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff

3/5

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was pioneer of the 'beautiful game' which was perfected by the Netherlands. Cruyff won plenty of titles with Barcelona like Messi but failed to win the World Cup after leading his side to the 1974 World Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to West Germany. (Source: Twitter)

Former England football captain David Beckham

4/5

Former England football captain David Beckham was phenomenal for his country as well as his clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. Beckham was England captain for six years and turned out in 115 games for his nation but failed to win the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Euro Championships in his career. (Source: Twitter)

South Africa's AB de Villiers

5/5

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket back in May 2018. (Source: Twitter)

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket back in May 2018. De Villiers never got close to winning the World Cup, in 50 or 20-over format and has failed to win a title with Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL as well. (Source: Twitter)