Since its founding in 1992, the UEFA Champions League has seen the rise of some of the best footballers in history. That is why this competition is one of the most important and followed not only in Europe, but worldwide. In the case of Latin America, the region has not only stood out for its legions of Champions League fans, but has also played a leading role within the league itself, contributing great soccer stars.
Let’s get to know some of the best scorers who have participated in this important tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer, amassing a total of 140 goals across 183 games, giving him a goals-per-game ratio of 0.77. Ronaldo’s Champions League journey began at Manchester United, where he scored 15 goals before moving to Real Madrid, where he scored a staggering 105 goals. He also scored 14 goals during his time with Juventus. Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times and is the only player to have scored in three finals.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is close behind Ronaldo with 129 goals in 163 games, achieving a slightly better goals-per-game ratio of 0.79. Messi spent most of his career in the Champions League with Barcelona FC, where he scored 120 goals. He then scored 9 more goals during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine star also won the Champions League four times and has been the tournament’s top scorer in several seasons.
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski is the third top scorer in Champions League history, with 101 goals in 126 games, giving him an impressive goals-per-game ratio of 0.80. He began his career in the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 17 goals, before moving to Bayern Munich, where he became a prolific scorer, accumulating a total of 69 goals. He has also scored 15 goals for Barcelona since joining the club.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema ranks fourth as the Champions League’s top scorer with 90 goals in 152 games. His Champions League career began at Lyon, where he scored 12 goals before moving to Real Madrid, where he became a key player, scoring 78 goals. Benzema has won the Champions League five times and was a fundamental piece in Real Madrid’s triumph, especially in the 2021-22 season.
Raul Gonzalez
Raúl was one of the first players to have a significant impact in the Champions League, scoring 71 goals in 142 games, thus averaging 0.50 goals per game. He spent most of his career at Real Madrid, where he scored 66 goals, before finishing his career in the Champions League at Schalke 04 with 5 goals. Raúl was the competition’s top scorer before being surpassed by Messi and Ronaldo.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy scored 56 goals in 73 games, maintaining a goals-per-game ratio of 0.77. He was known for his precision finishing and played for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid. His Champions League career was highlighted by his time at Manchester United, where he scored 35 goals. Van Nistelrooy was active in the Champions League from 1998 to 2009.Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller has been a consistent player for Bayern Munich, scoring 55 goals in 156 games, averaging about 0.35 goals per game. Although his goals per game ratio is lower than the previous players mentioned, his contributions to the team have been invaluable, helping Bayern secure multiple Champions League titles.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is undoubtedly one of the most remembered forwards in the Champions League, with his 50 goals scored in 112 games. He is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. Henry also won the Champions League with Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé has quickly established himself as one of the Champions League’s top scorers. In fact, Mbappé has already accumulated 49 goals in just 79 games, which gives him a goals per game ratio of 0.63. He began his career in the Champions League at Monaco before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has emerged as the top scorer.
Diario Las Américas is not responsible for the result of these bets or for the content or suggestions made under this content, which are the sole responsibility of the sponsor or author.
