21. Filippo Inzaghi
AC Milan are one of the greatest clubs in Champions League history, and Filippo Inzaghi’s goalscoring ability is one of the reasons why. The Italian striker made his way around Italy, making stops at Parma, Atalanta, Juventus and Milan. Inzaghi spent 11 years playing for the Rossoneri, the longest stint of his career.
In those 11 years, Inzaghi and Milan won the title in 2003 and 2007, while finishing as the runner-up in 2005. Inzaghi has 85 career Champions League appearances, recording an impressive 50 goals in those games. In Champions League play, Inzaghi racked up three hat-tricks (a record at the time).
Inzaghi’s most memorable and important performance came in the 2007 final, a rematch of the 2005 final against Liverpool that saw Milan fall apart, losing the title to Liverpool. In the 2007 final, Inzaghi was chosen to be the striker for a talented Milan roster that included Andrea Pirlo and Kaka.
Carlo Ancelotti’s faith in Inzaghi was well founded as the Italian went on to score a brace, ensuring that Milan would avenge their 2005 loss. In his second goal, Kaka played Inzaghi with a brilliant through ball that set up the Italian with a one-on-one against Pepe Reina where he took advantage and scored the eventual game-winner.
Inzaghi was a huge reason Milan triumphed in 2007, and was influential in their 2003 victory as well, earning him a spot at 21st on this list.