Scoring goals in the UEFA Champions League is the ultimate test for any striker, and only a select few have managed to do it at an extraordinary rate. From legends like Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema to modern stars like Erling Haaland and Raphinha, these players have delivered unforgettable performances on Europe’s biggest stage.
This list ranks the top individual goal-scoring seasons in Champions League history.
16. Lionel Messi – 12 goals
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Messi’s brilliant 2010-11 campaign saw him score 12 goals for Barcelona as they stormed to the Champions League title under Pep Guardiola. His creativity and precision in front of goal were crucial throughout the knockout stages. It was another reminder of his generational talent at the height of his powers.
In the 2011-12 season, Mario Gomez was Bayern Munich’s primary threat up front, netting 12 times in the Champions League. He combined power and positioning to dominate opponents, playing a key role in helping Bayern reach the final that year.
The Dutch striker was unstoppable in the 2002-03 Champions League campaign, scoring 12 goals for Manchester United. Despite United’s quarterfinal exit, Van Nistelrooy’s clinical finishing made him the competition’s top scorer that season.
13. Cristiano Ronaldo – 12 goals
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Ronaldo bagged 12 goals during the 2016-17 season with Real Madrid, where he once again led the Spanish giants to Champions League glory. He was at his devastating best in the latter stages, including a memorable semifinal brace against Atlético Madrid.
12. Lionel Messi – 12 goals
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During the 2018-19 season, Messi hit 12 goals for Barcelona, including standout performances against Lyon and Manchester United. Although the campaign ended in disappointment with a semifinal collapse to Liverpool, his individual brilliance was unquestionable.
11. Erling Haaland – 12 goals
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Haaland exploded onto the scene with 12 goals for Manchester City in the 2022-23 campaign. His raw power, movement, and ruthless finishing helped City secure their first-ever Champions League title.
In 2012-13, Ronaldo once again hit double digits, scoring 12 goals for Real Madrid. His tally included key goals in the knockout rounds, although Madrid were eliminated in the semifinals by Borussia Dortmund.
9. Raphinha – 12 goals
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Raphinha has emerged as one of the stars of the 2024-25 season, scoring 12 goals so far for Barcelona. With the Catalan club still alive in the tournament, he has the chance to climb even higher on this prestigious list.
8. Serhou Guirassy – 13 goals
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Guirassy stunned the football world with 13 goals for Borussia Dortmund in the 2024-25 campaign. Known for his clinical finishing and intelligent positioning, the Guinean striker played a huge part in Dortmund’s surprising European run.
7. Robert Lewandowski – 13 goals
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Lewandowski continued his dominance in the Champions League with 13 goals for Bayern Munich during the 2021-22 season. His performances included a hat trick against RB Salzburg and a brace against Villarreal in the knockout rounds.
Messi’s 2011-12 season was one of his most prolific, with 14 goals for Barcelona in Europe. Despite the team’s semifinal exit to Chelsea, Messi’s incredible consistency and playmaking stood out, reaffirming his place among the game’s elite.
3. Karim Benzema – 15 goals
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Benzema delivered a historic Champions League run in 2021-22 with 15 goals for Real Madrid. He was instrumental in epic comebacks against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, earning a Ballon d’Or for his efforts.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 15 goals
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In 2017-18, Ronaldo scored 15 goals to help Real Madrid win their third straight Champions League title. He led the charge with vital goals against PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, reaffirming his dominance in Europe.
3. Robert Lewandowski – 15 goals
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Lewandowski hit 15 goals during Bayern Munich’s triumphant 2019-20 season, where they won every Champions League match they played. He was the focal point of Hansi Flick’s unstoppable side, scoring in nearly every round.
In the 2015-16 campaign, Ronaldo netted 16 times for Real Madrid, leading all scorers as the team secured another European title. His pace, power, and aerial prowess made him nearly unplayable during that run.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 17 goals
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Ronaldo set the all-time single-season record with 17 goals in the 2013-14 Champions League. His goalscoring spree powered Real Madrid to “La Décima,” their 10th European crown, cementing his status as the tournament’s most prolific scorer ever.
