The 20 Greatest Individual Performances in Champions League History
The Champions League has delivered some of football’s most magical nights, and behind many of those moments are players who produced unforgettable individual displays. Whether in finals, semi-finals or legendary comebacks, these performances have defined careers and reshaped history. Here, we count down the 20 most iconic single-game showings in Champions League history—from dominant hat-tricks to heroic captain’s shifts—starting from number 20.
20. Sergio Ramos vs Bayern Munich, 2014
Sergio Ramos silenced his critics with a true captain's performance in the semi-final second leg. He scored two towering headers inside 20 minutes and kept a clean sheet, propelling Real Madrid into the final with commanding authority.
19. Kylian Mbappé vs Barcelona, 2021
Mbappé tore through Barcelona at Camp Nou with frightening speed and skill. His hat-trick led PSG to a 4–1 victory and showcased him as the heir to football’s throne.
18. Jack Wilshere vs Barcelona, 2011
Just 19 years old, Wilshere outplayed Barcelona’s world-class midfield trio. His maturity, composure and dribbling lit up the Emirates on a night Arsenal fans will never forget.
Read also: Ranking The Most Famous Fan of Every Premier League Club
17. Paul Lambert vs Juventus, 1997
Lambert's man-marking job on Zidane in the final was a tactical masterclass. He even assisted one of Dortmund’s goals as they lifted their first Champions League trophy.
16. Serge Gnabry vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2019
Returning to north London, Gnabry scored four goals in Bayern’s 7–2 thrashing of Spurs. His electric pace and finishing devastated the home side in a statement group-stage performance.
15. N’Golo Kanté vs Manchester City, 2021
Kanté was everywhere in the final, intercepting, pressing, and progressing play. His performance defined Chelsea’s 1–0 win and earned him the Man of the Match award.
14. Neymar vs PSG, 2017
Barcelona needed a miracle against PSG—and Neymar delivered. Two goals, an assist, and relentless creativity turned a 4–0 deficit into the most dramatic of comebacks.
Read also: The Top 25 Transfers of the 2025 Summer Window - Ranked
13. Frank Lampard vs Liverpool, 2008
Grieving the loss of his mother, Lampard stepped up with emotion and brilliance. His two-goal showing helped Chelsea reach the final and proved his immense mental strength.
12. Thierry Henry vs Inter Milan, 2003
Henry humiliated Inter Milan at the San Siro with pace and finesse. He scored twice and assisted another in a 5–1 demolition that became one of his signature European nights.
11. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atlético Madrid, 2017
In another semi-final masterclass, Ronaldo netted a hat-trick against the defensive wall of Simeone’s Atlético. It was a performance of supreme poise and power.
10. Gareth Bale vs Inter Milan, 2010
Despite Spurs trailing 4–0, Bale erupted with a stunning second-half hat-trick. His speed and left foot tormented Inter’s defense and announced his arrival on the big stage.
Read also: The 30 Best Fullbacks of the 21st Century - Ranked
9. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atlético Madrid, 2019
Down 2–0 from the first leg, Ronaldo single-handedly dragged Juventus into the quarter-finals with another hat-trick. The ultimate big-game player delivered once again.
8. Dušan Tadić vs Real Madrid, 2019
Tadić orchestrated Ajax’s shock 4–1 win at the Bernabéu with style and skill. He scored one, assisted two, and embarrassed Madrid’s midfield with flair and elegance.
7. Ronaldo Nazário vs Manchester United, 2003
The Brazilian legend scored a sublime hat-trick at Old Trafford, earning a rare ovation from rival fans. It was a clinic in finishing and football intelligence.
6. Lionel Messi vs Bayern Munich, 2015
Messi dismantled Guardiola’s Bayern with two goals and a majestic assist for Neymar. His dribble that floored Boateng became symbolic of his footballing genius.
Read also: Top Scorers in European Leagues Since 2000
5. Lucas Moura vs Ajax, 2019
Spurs were down and out—until Lucas Moura’s second-half hat-trick changed everything. His last-second goal sealed one of the competition’s greatest turnarounds.
4. Lionel Messi vs Arsenal, 2010
Messi scored four goals with surreal ease, leaving Arsenal defenders helpless. Every touch looked destined for brilliance in one of his most perfect nights.
3. Roy Keane vs Juventus, 1999
Knowing he’d miss the final, Keane still led by example with one of the most selfless displays ever. His relentless tackling and composure sparked United’s comeback in Turin.
2. Robert Lewandowski vs Real Madrid, 2013
Lewandowski scored all four goals in Dortmund’s 4–1 semi-final win. He bullied Real’s defense with power, timing, and ruthless precision.
Read also: Ranking the 50 Best Strikers of the 21st Century - Ranked
1. Steven Gerrard vs AC Milan, 2005
The embodiment of leadership, Gerrard inspired Liverpool’s miraculous recovery from 3–0 down. He scored the first, earned the penalty for the second, and dragged his team to eternal glory.
