Top 10 Champions League performers not playing in the 2014-15 edition

The UEFA Champions League has always been the tournament where many players have announced themselves to the world. The most prestigious club tournament has also seen some stand out performances from many iconic players. Zinedine Zidane in the final of the 2002 edition, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard inspired comeback at Istanbul in 2005 and the Didier Drogba show in 2012 are some of the best examples that come to mind.Similarly many players have left their mark on the tournament with their performances over the years, be it in the finals or in the group stages. This year many such players including some Champions League winners will not be participating in the historic tournament and here is a look at 10 of them.Honourable mentions: Radamel Falcao (Manchester United), David De Gea (Manchester United), Ricardo Montolivo (AC Milan), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephen El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Keisuke Honda (AC Milan) and Diego Lopez (AC Milan)

#10 Marek Hamsik SSC Napoli

The Napoli captain is one of many top players missing out on the tournament this season.

His team lost their playoff tie against Athletic Bilbao this season and will therefore play in the Europa League. His goal gave Napoli the lead on aggregate at one point in the tie, but Bilbao responded with three goals to settle the tie.

Hamsik is a very good goal scoring midfielder and many clubs have been linked with him over the years, but he has always stayed loyal to the Serie A side.

The Slovakian has been with the Naples club for seven years now and has been a key player for them as they returned to the Champions League in the 2011-12 season after many years. He scored the team’s winning goal upon their return, as Napoli recorded their first ever win in the UEFA Champions League.