All-Time Leading Goal Scorers in the UEFA Champions League: The UEFA Champions League is seen as the top competition in club football, bringing together the best players from around the world.
Many players have made history in this tournament with their amazing goals and performances. Legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as well as stars Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé, have all made their mark on this stage.
All-Time Leading Goal Scorers in the UEFA Champions League
In this article, we’ll look at the impressive careers of these players in the Champions League, focusing on their goals, achievements, and the clubs that helped them become legends.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- Goals: 140
- Appearances: 183
- Goals/Match: 0.77
- Champions League Career: 2003–2022
- Clubs: Manchester United (21/59), Real Madrid (105/101), Juventus (14/23)
Cristiano Ronaldo started his Champions League career in 2003 and played until 2022. He represented three major clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
At Manchester United, he played 59 matches and scored 21 goals, showing his talent as a young star in Europe. His best time was at Real Madrid, where he became the top scorer in Champions League history. In 101 matches, he scored 105 goals and helped Madrid win several titles. At Juventus, he added 14 goals in 23 matches.
Overall, Ronaldo scored 140 goals in 183 matches, with an impressive goal-per-game ratio of 0.77.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Goals: 129
- Appearances: 163
- Goals/Match: 0.79
- Champions League Career: 2005–2023
- Clubs: Barcelona (120/149), Paris Saint-Germain (9/14)
Lionel Messi started his Champions League journey in 2005 and played until 2023. He had an unmatched impact during his time at Barcelona, scoring 120 goals in 149 matches. His skills, vision, and clutch performances made Barcelona a powerhouse in European football.
In 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain and scored 9 goals in 14 matches. Overall, Messi scored 129 goals in 163 matches, with an impressive goal-per-game ratio of 0.79, one of the best in the tournament.
3. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
- Goals: 101
- Appearances: 126
- Goals/Match: 0.80
- Champions League Career: 2011–Present
- Clubs: Borussia Dortmund (17/28), Bayern Munich (69/78), Barcelona (15/20)
Robert Lewandowski started his Champions League career in 2011 and is still playing today. He is one of the most dangerous strikers in the competition.
At Borussia Dortmund, he scored 17 goals in 28 matches, proving his talent on the big stage. At Bayern Munich, he reached new heights, scoring 69 goals in 78 matches. Recently, at Barcelona, he added 15 goals in 20 matches.
In total, Lewandowski has scored 101 goals in 126 matches, with an outstanding goals-per-game ratio of 0.80.
4. Karim Benzema (France)
- Goals: 90
- Appearances: 152
- Goals/Match: 0.59
- Champions League Career: 2005–2023
- Clubs: Lyon (12/19), Real Madrid (78/133)
Karim Benzema played in the Champions League from 2005 to 2023, mostly with Real Madrid. He started at Lyon, where he scored 12 goals in 19 matches, showing his talent early on.
At Real Madrid, he became a true Champions League legend, scoring 78 goals in 133 matches and helping the team win many titles.
Benzema was known for scoring in crucial moments, especially in knockout games. In total, he scored 90 goals in 152 matches, with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.59.
5. Raúl (Spain)
- Goals: 71
- Appearances: 142
- Goals/Match: 0.50
- Champions League Career: 1995–2011
- Clubs: Real Madrid (66/130), Schalke 04 (5/12)
Raúl played in the Champions League from 1995 to 2011. As one of Real Madrid’s greatest players, he scored 66 goals in 130 matches, becoming a key part of their European success with his crucial goals and leadership.
Later, while playing for Schalke 04, he added 5 goals in 12 matches. In total, Raúl scored 71 goals in 142 matches, with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.50.
6. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)
- Goals: 56
- Appearances: 73
- Goals/Match: 0.77
- Champions League Career: 1998–2009
- Clubs: PSV Eindhoven (8/11), Manchester United (35/43), Real Madrid (13/19)
Ruud van Nistelrooy played in the Champions League from 1998 to 2009 and was one of the competition’s top goal-scorers.
At PSV Eindhoven, he scored 8 goals in 11 matches. At Manchester United, he showed his incredible finishing skills, scoring 35 goals in 43 matches. Later, at Real Madrid, he added 13 goals in 19 matches.
In total, van Nistelrooy scored 56 goals in 73 matches, with an impressive goals-per-game ratio of 0.77.
7. Thomas Müller (Germany)
- Goals: 55
- Appearances: 156
- Goals/Match: 0.35
- Champions League Career: 2009–Present
- Clubs: Bayern Munich
Thomas Müller started his Champions League career in 2009 and still plays for Bayern Munich. He has been a key part of Bayern’s success in Europe.
Müller has scored 55 goals in 156 matches, showing his consistent contribution to the team. His goals-per-game ratio is 0.35.
8. Kylian Mbappé (France)
- Goals: 50
- Appearances: 79
- Goals/Match: 0.63
- Champions League Career: 2016–Present
- Clubs: Monaco (6/9), Paris Saint-Germain (42/64) Real Madrid (2/6)
Kylian Mbappé began his Champions League career in 2016 and continues to shine. At Monaco, he scored 6 goals in 9 matches, showing his early talent.
After joining Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé scored 42 goals in 64 matches, becoming one of the top young goal-scorers in the competition.
In total, Mbappé has scored 50 goals in 79 matches, with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.63.
9. Thierry Henry (France)
- Goals: 50
- Appearances: 112
- Goals/Match: 0.45
- Champions League Career: 1997–2012
- Clubs: Monaco (7/9), Arsenal (35/77), Barcelona (8/26)
Thierry Henry’s Champions League career lasted from 1997 to 2012. At Monaco, he scored 7 goals in 9 matches, highlighting his early talent.
At Arsenal, Henry became one of the top goal-scorers in Champions League history, scoring 35 goals in 77 matches. Later, at Barcelona, he added 8 goals in 26 matches.
In total, Henry scored 50 goals in 112 Champions League matches, with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.45.
10. Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentina/Spain)
- Goals: 49
- Appearances: 58
- Goals/Match: 0.84
- Champions League Career: 1955–1964
- Clubs: Real Madrid
Alfredo Di Stéfano’s Champions League career spanned from 1955 to 1964, making him one of Real Madrid’s most influential players.
Di Stéfano scored 49 goals in just 58 appearances, with a remarkable goals-per-game ratio of 0.84, one of the highest in Champions League history.
His clinical finishing and leadership were crucial to Madrid’s success during that period.