Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League, has been honoured with a special award from UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin in recognition of his extraordinary legacy in the competition.
Ronaldo’s achievements in Europe’s premier club tournament, accumulated over more than 18 years, were celebrated during the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony on August 29 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The former forward for Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus has netted 140 goals in 183 Champions League appearances. He leads the scoring charts by 11 goals over Lionel Messi and is 46 goals ahead of third-placed Robert Lewandowski.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goalscoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass. His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals. His professionalism, work ethic, dedication and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate.” UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin said.
Ronaldo has led the Champions League in scoring for seven different seasons, more than any other player. His top-scoring campaigns ranged from eight goals during Manchester United’s 2007/08 title run to a 15-goal performance in Real Madrid’s three-peat 2017/18 season. He also holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League season, with 17 goals in 2013/14, including a crucial strike in the extra-time victory over Atlético de Madrid in the final.
The Portuguese forward has won the competition five times—once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid—making him the first player to win the Champions League five times since its inception in 1992. He is also the only player to have scored in three separate Champions League finals (2008, 2014, and 2017).
Ronaldo holds the record for the longest scoring streak in Champions League history, with goals in 11 consecutive matches from June 2017 to April 2018, and has achieved an impressive eight Champions League hat-tricks.
In addition to his numerous accolades, Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in all UEFA club competitions (145 goals in 197 appearances) and the most prolific player in men’s international football (130 goals in 212 appearances).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League Career in Numbers:
– Appearances: 183
– Goals: 140
– Titles: 5 (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
– Top Scorer Awards: 7 times (2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15*, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)
– Most Goals in a Single Season: 17 (2013/14)
– Longest Scoring Streak: 11 games
