On this day seven years ago June 1st, 2019 the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid turned into a sea of red. Liverpool banished the ghosts of Kyiv, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to lift their sixth European Cup.
It was the definitive moment that cemented Jürgen Klopp’s legacy, proving that his “mentality monsters” were ready to conquer the footballing world. From Mo Salah’s ice-cold early penalty to Divock Origi’s late, iconic strike, it was a night etched into Anfield folklore.
Seven years on, the squad has undergone a massive evolution. As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, let’s look back at the legendary backline (and keeper) that kept a clean sheet on that historic night, and see where they are today.
Alisson Becker
Then: The final piece of Klopp’s championship puzzle, keeping a flawless clean sheet in Madrid.
Now: Liverpool
Alisson remains a vital, world-class presence between the sticks at Anfield. He is one of the very few surviving members of that 2019 night and one of only two players from that starting lineup set to wear the Liverpool shirt for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.
Despite recent summer transfer rumours linking him with a move to Juventus, the Brazilian shot-stopper is set to remain on Merseyside, continuing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest-ever goalkeepers.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
In a bittersweet twist for Reds fans, the Scouser in the team now plies his trade in Spain. After an incredible decade with his boyhood club, Trent chose to let his contract run down to its expiration in the summer of 2025.
Real Madrid were so eager to secure his services that they paid a £10 million premium to have him released early from his contract just to feature in the Club World Cup. He leaves behind an iconic Anfield legacy.
Joel Matip
Then: The calm, commanding center-back who registered a historic assist for Origi’s match-sealing goal.
Now: Retired
A true cult hero, Matip’s contribution to Liverpool’s sixth European Cup was immense. He set up Divock Origi for the final dagger in Madrid one of just six assists he recorded in his entire Liverpool career.
After his contract expired in 2024, the towering defender spent a few months searching for the right next step before officially announcing his retirement from professional football in October of that year.
Virgil van Dijk
Then: The impenetrable wall who finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting just behind Lionel Messi.
Now: Liverpool
Alongside Alisson, Van Dijk is the only other member of the 2019 starting XI still commanding the pitch for Liverpool today.
The Dutchman’s legendary status on Merseyside was only further cemented when he took over the captaincy, famously leading the Reds to a historic 20th league title in 2025. He remains the emotional and defensive heartbeat of the club.
Andy Robertson
Then: The relentless, flying Scottish full-back who terrorized Spurs down the left flank.
Now: Spurs (To Be Confirmed)
“Robbo” defined the high-pressing, energetic era of Klopp’s finest teams. After years of charging up and down the Anfield touchline, the legendary left-back is now on the verge of a brand new chapter, with a heavily rumoured move to none other than the side he beat that night: Tottenham Hotspur.
He will go down as a Liverpool legend and one of the best left-backs in the modern era.
Liverpool beat Tottenham in the Champions League final, on this day in 2019 ✨
James Milner and Andy Robertson had only one thing on their mind after lifting the trophy… 😂
"BEER!" 🍻 pic.twitter.com/2FuIuRVB2S
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) June 1, 2026
Fabinho- Al Ittihad
Then: The midfield anchor who arrived at the start of the 2018/19 season to provide the defensive shield Liverpool desperately needed.
Now: Al Ittihad
Affectionately dubbed “The Lighthouse” by Pep Lijnders, Fabinho’s tactical discipline and defensive stability were absolutely vital to the Reds’ Champions League triumph.
After an incredibly successful silverware-laden spell on Merseyside, the Brazilian midfielder traded Anfield for Saudi Arabia, joining Al Ittihad.
He has continued his winning habits in the Middle East, lifting the Saudi Pro League title in 2024. His enduring quality is clear, as he has been selected for the Brazil squad for this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Jordan Henderson
Then: The tireless, passionate captain who hoisted the big eared trophy high into the Madrid sky.
Now: Brentford
The man who famously did the “Hendo shuffle” on the podium, Henderson’s leadership was the glue that held Klopp’s early champions together. His emotional embrace with his father on the pitch remains one of the night’s most enduring images.
After calling time on his storied Liverpool career in 2023, Henderson’s journey took him to Saudi Arabia and Ajax before he made his return to the Premier League, where he now brings his veteran experience and leadership to Brentford.
Gini Wijnaldum
Then: The tactical engine of the midfield whose legendary brace against Barcelona in the semi-final punched Liverpool’s ticket to Madrid.
Now: Al Ettifaq
Wijnaldum left Liverpool at the end of the 2020-21 season and headed for PSG, and also spent a year on loan at Roma. He left Liverpool because he was being blamed by online fans for poor performances. He went on to win Ligue 1 in his only full season at PSG.
Mohamed Salah
Then: The Egyptian King who stepped up after just two minutes to blast home an ice-cold penalty, setting the tone for the final.
Now: Free Agent (Just left Liverpool)
What a journey it has been. After completely rewriting the Liverpool record books and sealing his status as one of the greatest players to ever step foot on Anfield, Salah’s historic nine-year chapter on Merseyside has just come to an emotional end.
Having just played his final game for the club in May 2026 leaving with an unbelievable 257 goals and having guided the club back to the elite the 33-year-old superstar has entered free agency. His next destination remains a mystery, as he plans to decide his future after this summer’s World Cup.
Roberto Firmino
Then: The ultimate selfless number nine, whose relentless pressing from the front was the blueprint for Klopp’s tactical system.
Now: Al Sadd
Bobby Firmino was the heartbeat of the iconic “Sadio-Bobby-Mo” front three. In that breathtaking 2019 Champions League campaign, he chipped in with an invaluable goal and three assists, fighting through injury just to make the starting lineup in Madrid. After bidding a tearful goodbye to Anfield in 2023 to join Al-Ahli, Firmino made the move to Qatar last summer,
Sadio Mané
Then: The explosive, direct winger who won the early penalty that completely altered the course of the final.
Now: Al Nassr
Mané was an absolute force of nature down the left flank for Liverpool, finishing that 2018/19 season as the joint-Premier League Golden Boot winner.
After moving to Bayern Munich in 2022 and picking up a Bundesliga title, Sadio took on a new challenge by moving to the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Mané has kept up his silverware-winning habits, securing the 2025/26 league title. He is now set to spearhead the Senegal national team as their main man at this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Substitutes who featured
Joe Gomez – Liverpool
Gomez is still a Liverpool player, although has been hampered by injury and is yet to lock down a regular starting role in the team. Gomez is also still waiting for his first Liverpool goal despite having been at the club for 11 seasons.
James Milner – Newly retired
James Milner moved to Brighton in 2023 after his time at Liverpool. He went on to break the Premier League appearance record this season and leaves with 658 Premier League games played, having passed Gareth Barry’s total of 653 this year.
He has announced his retirement from football. Milner was used to being a record breaker; he first featured in the Premier League at 16, becoming the youngest player
Divock Origi – Unattached
Origi scored the second goal in the game to seal the Champions League for Liverpool. He stayed at Liverpool for three more seasons before heading to AC Milan. He came back to the Premier League for Nottingham Forest on loan but is currently without a club as he has been since January.
Unused substitutes
Simon Mignoler- Newly retired
Caoimhin Kelleher- Brentford
Dejan Lovren- PAOK
Alberto Moreno- Como
Xherdan Shaqiri- Basel
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- Celtic
Adam Lallana- Retired
Rhian Brewster- Derby County
Daniel Sturridge- Retired
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
Teams win trophies, but squads create legacies. The Class of 2019 gave Liverpool fans the world. While it hurts to see so many legends playing in different shirts or retiring entirely their names are permanently written into Anfield immortality. No matter where they are in 2026, they will never walk alone.