A breakdown of the goal scoring stars who have set the standard and defined the UEFA Champions League, one of football’s greatest competitions.

1 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – 140

Ronaldo leads the competition’s scoring charts across spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He won five titles, with decisive contributions in knockout ties. His hat-trick against Atlético Madrid in 2019, helping Madrid overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, remains one of the defining moments of the modern era. Ronaldo also holds the record for the most goals in an individual campaign (17).

2 – Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – 129

Messi built his record primarily with Barcelona, winning four titles and delivering consistent returns across more than a decade. His performance in the 2011 final against Manchester United and repeated knockout displays underlined his influence at the highest level. Although he never reached the heights of Barca at PSG, he was still an elite contributor.

3 – Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – 107*

Lewandowski reached triple figures with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. He won the 2020 title with Bayern, finishing as top scorer, making up for the heartbreak of Borussia Dortmund’s 2013 loss. His four-goal performance against Real Madrid in the 2013 semi-final remains one of the standout individual displays in the competition.

4 – Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) – 90

Benzema played a central role in Real Madrid’s dominance, winning five titles. His 2022 campaign was decisive, with hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea highlighting his importance in knockout rounds.

5 – Raúl González (retired) – 71

Raúl set the early standard for Champions League scoring during Real Madrid’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He won three titles and held the all-time scoring record before the modern era reshaped the rankings. Raúl also featured up front for Schalke.

6 – Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 68*

Mbappé’s output across Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid continues to grow. His hat-trick against Barcelona in 2021 stands out, along with consistent contributions in knockout ties as he remains one of the leading active scorers.

7 – Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps) – 57

Müller scored consistently for Bayern Munich across more than a decade, winning two titles. His movement and understanding of space were central to their 2013 and 2020 campaigns before his move away from European football.

8 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 56*

Haaland has one of the highest scoring rates in the competition’s history, with goals for Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. His five-goal performance against RB Leipzig in 2023 highlighted his impact in knockout matches.

9 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (retired) – 56

Van Nistelrooy was one of the most efficient finishers in the competition, scoring consistently for PSV, Manchester United and Real Madrid. His dominance in group stages defined his European record.

10 – Thierry Henry (retired) – 50

Henry’s Champions League career included spells at Monaco, Arsenal and Barcelona. He won the title in 2009 and was central to Arsenal’s run to the 2006 final, combining pace with consistent scoring output.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah have both reached 50 Champions League goals, drawing level with Henry in the all-time rankings.

*Active players in the UEFA Champions League

Photo: REUTERS/Stringer