The Champions League has produced countless iconic moments, but some individual displays have gone down in history as truly legendary. From heroic comebacks to ruthless goal fests, these 20 performances represent the very best ever seen under the European lights. Here’s a countdown, starting from number 20, of the most unforgettable solo masterclasses.
20. Sergio Ramos vs Bayern Munich, 2014
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Sergio Ramos silenced his critics with a commanding display in both boxes against Bayern. Not only did he help secure a clean sheet, but he also scored two vital headers to push Real Madrid into the final.
19. Kylian Mbappe vs Barcelona, 2021
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Mbappe tore apart Barcelona at Camp Nou with electric pace and clinical finishing. His hat-trick was a coming-of-age moment that left Gerard Pique and co. helpless.
At just 19, Wilshere outshone a midfield of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets with fearless dribbling and composure. It was a night that defined his immense potential, even if fleetingly.
In a shock for the ages, Lambert nullified Zidane and assisted in Dortmund’s historic final win. His disciplined marking helped deliver the German club’s first Champions League title.
16. Serge Gnabry vs Tottenham, 2019
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Returning to north London, Gnabry destroyed Spurs with four goals in a ruthless second-half display. It was a career-defining night for the ex-Arsenal winger.
15. N’Golo Kante vs Manchester City, 2021
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Kante controlled the midfield with tireless running and intelligent positioning in the final. His all-around brilliance was instrumental in Chelsea’s triumph over City.
14. Neymar vs PSG, 2016
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In the famous 6–1 remontada, Neymar grabbed the game by the throat, scoring twice and orchestrating the late chaos. His fearless performance led Barcelona to the impossible comeback.
Just days after losing his mother, Lampard delivered a powerful performance full of emotion. His goal and leadership inspired Chelsea to overcome their old rivals.
12. Thierry Henry vs Inter Milan, 2003
Henry dazzled at the San Siro with pace, power, and precision, netting and assisting as Arsenal hit five past Inter. It was vintage Henry on Europe’s biggest stage.
11. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atletico Madrid, 2017
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Ronaldo produced yet another hat-trick against Simeone’s stubborn defence. His performance propelled Real Madrid toward yet another Champions League title.
10. Gareth Bale vs Inter Milan, 2010
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Even though Spurs were down 4–0 at half-time, Bale lit up the second half with a devastating hat-trick. It was the night he announced himself on the world stage.
With Juventus trailing from the first leg, Ronaldo scored a stunning second-leg hat-trick. His big-game aura overwhelmed Atletico once again.
8. Dusan Tadic vs Real Madrid, 2019
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Tadic ran the show at the Bernabeu, assisting two and scoring a beauty in Ajax’s upset win. He humiliated Madrid’s midfield and made history in the process.
7. Ronaldo Nazário vs Manchester United, 2003
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The Brazilian legend scored a brilliant hat-trick at Old Trafford, oozing calm and class. United won the match, but Ronaldo’s goals sent Real Madrid through.
6. Lionel Messi vs Bayern Munich, 2015
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Messi danced through the Bayern defence, scoring twice and setting up another. The image of Boateng falling will forever symbolize Messi’s genius that night.
Spurs were on the brink, but Moura scored a second-half hat-trick to send them to the final. It was a miraculous turnaround and the greatest night of his career.
4. Lionel Messi vs Arsenal, 2010
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Messi netted four times in a jaw-dropping display of dominance. Arsenal simply couldn’t live with his pace, power, and precision.
3. Roy Keane vs Juventus, 1999
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Keane delivered the ultimate captain’s performance, driving United forward while knowing he’d miss the final. His courage and control were central to one of the great comebacks.
2. Robert Lewandowski vs Real Madrid, 2013
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Lewandowski dismantled Real Madrid with four clinical goals in a semi-final first leg. It was one of the most complete striker performances the competition has ever seen.
Down 3–0 in the final, Gerrard pulled Liverpool back with a header and tireless inspiration. His heroics led to the greatest comeback in Champions League history, cementing his legacy forever.
