Luke Plange
Champions League (2024)
Luke Plange featured in the Champions League qualifying rounds in 2024 while on loan at Finnish side HJK Helsinki, courtesy of the world’s best agent (probably). During the campaign, he scored in a qualifying round match against FK Panevėžys of Lithuania. The move offered Plange a chance to gain valuable experience and exposure outside of England while contracted to Crystal Palace.
Though he never scored for the Imps, nor looked like scoring, he still played a role in the club’s fortunes. I’m not 100% sure what it was, though.
Morgan Rogers
Champions League (2025)
Morgan Rogers featured for Aston Villa in the Champions League in 2025, making his first continental appearances following a breakthrough period under Unai Emery. He famously bagged a hat-trick against Celtic, but also registered one against eventual winners, Paris St Germain.
Earlier in his career, Rogers had enjoyed a loan spell with Lincoln City during the 2020–21 season. Like Brennan Johnson, he was part of the vibrant attacking unit that powered the Imps to a third-place finish in League One. Rogers impressed with his technical skill and creativity, and his move to Villa saw him continue to develop at the top level. His European debut represents a significant career milestone, one that Lincoln fans will watch with pride.
Simon Rayner
Champions League (2002/03)
If Chris Sharp was not a name you thought you’d see on the list, I’m sure Rayner was a close second.
The Canadian keeper Simon featured in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League with Barry Town, lining up in the qualifiers against FC Vardar of Macedonia. Although Barry were eliminated early, Rayner’s involvement placed him among the very few goalkeepers with Lincoln City connections to have played in Europe’s top club competition.
He later joined Lincoln during the 2004/05 season but was largely a backup option making just seven outings, four in the league. Despite that, his place in this list is secured thanks to his Champions League credentials—something few Imps goalkeepers past or present can claim.
Tony Woodcock
European Cup (1978–79, Cup 82/83)
Tony Woodcock was a member of Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest side that won the European Cup in 1979. Although he left for Cologne shortly after that triumph, he played an important role in Forest’s rise to continental glory, featuring earlier in the tournament before their famous final win over Malmö. He later appeared in Arsenal’s brief foray in the Cup, playing as they lost 3-2 to Spartak Moscow and then being an unused sub as they went down 5-2 at Highbury.
Woodcock played briefly on loan for Lincoln City in 1975/76, a move he once cited as being pivotal in his development from budding youth star to winning the biggest domestic trophy on the planet.