Top Goal Scorers in UEFA Champions League (1992–2025)

From Ronaldo to Messi — the greatest marksmen of Europe’s elite competition

Since the UEFA Champions League adopted its modern format in 1992, the competition has showcased the world’s most prolific goal scorers. While many legends have lit up Europe’s premier club tournament, a select few have dominated the goal charts with breathtaking consistency and longevity.

This article explores the all-time top scorers (1992–2025), highlights key stories behind their records, offers fun facts and trivia, and gives you a complete look at the footballers who defined goals in the Champions League era.

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All-Time Top Goal Scorers — UEFA Champions League (1992–2025)

Here’s the leaderboard of the all-time top scorers in UEFA Champions League history (excluding qualifying rounds). Goals are tallied from the modern Champions League era beginning in 1992 onward:

Name	Country of Birth	Clubs Played For (in UCL)	Years Active
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus	2003–2023
Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain	2005–2023
Robert Lewandowski	Poland	Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona	2011–present
Karim Benzema	France	Lyon, Real Madrid	2005–2023
Raúl González	Spain	Real Madrid, Schalke 04	1995–2011
Kylian Mbappé	France	AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid	2016–present
Thomas Müller	Germany	Bayern Munich	2008–2025
Ruud van Nistelrooy	Netherlands	PSV, Manchester United, Real Madrid	1998–2009
Erling Haaland	Norway	Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City	2019–present
Thierry Henry	France	Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona	1997–2012

Note: Goal figures vary by website, but the general order is consistent among major statistical sources.

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Champions League Goals — Top Ten (1992–2025)

Below is a snapshot of the all-time top scorers in the competition, with their goal totals:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 140 goals (UEFA’s official record)

2. Lionel Messi — 129 goals

3. Robert Lewandowski — 105 goals

4. Karim Benzema — 90 goals

5. Raúl — 71 goals

6. Kylian Mbappé — ~60+ goals (active player, tally rising)

7. Thomas Müller — 57 goals

8. Ruud van Nistelrooy — 56 goals

9. Erling Haaland — ~54 goals (still active)

10. Thierry Henry — 50 goals

(All goal figures reflect totals in UEFA Champions League proper — excluding qualifiers.)

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Legendary Careers in Europe’s Greatest Competition

Cristiano Ronaldo — The UCL King

• Goals: 140 — the official all-time record.
• Ronaldo scored in over 90 different Champions League matches and topped the scoring chart seven times, a competition record.
• He also holds the single-season scoring record with 17 goals in the 2013–14 campaign.

Ronaldo’s lightning pace, aerial dominance, and lethal finishing helped him reach the summit of Champions League scoring — a record many believe may stand for years.

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Lionel Messi — The Argentine Maestro

• Goals: 129 — second only to Ronaldo.
Messi’s elegant movement, precision finishing, and creative brilliance made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe. His tally includes memorable goals for Barcelona and brief bursts at Paris Saint-Germain.

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Robert Lewandowski — Poland’s Prolific Hitman

• Goals: 105 — third on the list.
Lewandowski’s consistency across Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and now Barcelona cemented his reputation as one of the great goal scorers of the modern era.

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Karim Benzema — The French Finisher

• Goals: 90 — fourth all-time.
Benzema’s role in Real Madrid’s dominance, including pivotal goals in knockout rounds, made him a Champions League great.

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Raúl — Real Madrid’s Loyal Marksman

• Goals: 71 — a symbol of loyalty and consistency.
Raúl spent most of his UCL career at Real Madrid before finishing at Schalke 04, becoming one of the faces of European competition in the late 1990s and 2000s.

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Fun Facts & Trivia

⚽ Golden Scoring Machine — Ronaldo vs. Messi:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League goal record largely outpaces Lionel Messi, but both legends defined a generation of elite goal scoring.

⚽ Young Stars Making History:
Kylian Mbappé, despite his youth compared to others on the list, has already climbed into the top ten and continues to add goals.

⚽ Fastest to 50 Goals:
Erling Haaland reached 50 Champions League goals in record time — just 49 matches — showcasing remarkable efficiency.

⚽ Unique Records:
Thomas Müller sits among the top scorers despite playing more as a creative forward than a traditional striker.

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Did You Know?

🔹 Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against more different Champions League opponents than any other player in history.

🔹 Lionel Messi averaged nearly a goal every game in his prime in the UCL — a tremendous rate contributing to his elevated ranking.

🔹 Multiple players on this list have played for more than one club at UCL level, illustrating mobility and success across European giants.

🔹 Thierry Henry scored 50+ goals despite spending only part of his career in the competition.

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Ranking by Champions League Goal Eras (Summary)

Early 1990s – 2000s

• Goal scoring was dominated by consistent performers like Raúl and early Ronaldo.
• Stars like Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy made their mark across this transitional period.

2010s

• The Messi–Ronaldo rivalry peaked, pushing both to astronomical goal tallies.
• Robert Lewandowski emerged as a prolific threat during this era.

2020s

• Modern stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are redefining scoring with explosive pace and precision.
• Veteran stars like Thomas Müller and Karim Benzema have maintained high standards.

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Looking Ahead: After 2025

The Champions League has evolved into a competition where multiple elite attackers score at extraordinary rates. With goal talleying talent emerging across Europe, it’s possible that future stars may challenge current records, especially as the format expands and teams play more matches per season.

Players like Mbappé and Haaland — both still under 30 as of 2025 — have the potential to climb even higher if they maintain fitness and perform for deep-running clubs.

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Conclusion

The UEFA Champions League’s top scorer list is more than just a leaderboard: it symbolizes the greatest goal-scoring talents in club football history. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic 140 goals to Messi’s graceful 129 strikes, these legends have captivated fans with moments of brilliance on Europe’s biggest stage. As the competition continues, new stars will rise — but the feats of these remarkable forwards will be remembered as some of the finest in football history.

Source: Footbar