Champions League Top Scorers: A Season-by-Season Look (2000/01–2024/25)
From Jardel’s finishing instinct to Raphinha’s recent brilliance for Barcelona, the UEFA Champions League has been the stage for some of the world’s most consistent goal scorers. This article revisits each season since 2000/01, highlighting the top scorer and their impact in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. The journey begins in 2000 and moves forward to the present.
2000/01 – Mário Jardel (Galatasaray, 9 goals)
Mário Jardel led the scoring charts for Galatasaray with 9 goals. He was decisive in the group stages and proved vital in helping the Turkish side leave a mark in Europe.
2001/02 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United, 10 goals)
Ruud van Nistelrooy quickly established himself as a force in the Champions League with 10 goals. His clinical finishing played a key role in Manchester United’s attacking dominance that season.
2002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United, 14 goals)
Van Nistelrooy repeated his scoring success by netting 14 goals the following season. He remained a constant presence in the box and delivered consistently in both the group and knockout phases.
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2003/04 – Fernando Morientes (Monaco, 9 goals)
Fernando Morientes powered Monaco’s surprising run to the final with 9 goals. His experience and timing in front of goal made him a key figure in their memorable campaign.
2004/05 – Adriano (Inter, 10 goals)
Adriano emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals for Inter. His powerful strikes and confident performances helped the Italian club reach the latter stages of the tournament.
2005/06 – Andriy Shevchenko (Milan, 9 goals)
Andriy Shevchenko continued his prolific European record by scoring 9 times. He led Milan’s attack with intelligence and calmness in critical moments.
2006/07 – Kaká (Milan, 10 goals)
Kaká dazzled Europe with 10 goals in a season where Milan lifted the trophy. His blend of technique and acceleration made him unstoppable during counterattacks.
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2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 8 goals)
Cristiano Ronaldo was the leading scorer with 8 goals as Manchester United claimed the title. He contributed in nearly every round and showed early signs of his European dominance.
2008/09 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 9 goals)
Lionel Messi netted 9 times as Barcelona won the Champions League in style. His dribbling and movement caused chaos for defenders all tournament long.
2009/10 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 8 goals)
Messi was again top scorer with 8 goals, despite Barcelona not reaching the final. His individual brilliance lit up every round he played.
2010/11 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 12 goals)
Messi delivered 12 goals in a title-winning campaign for Barcelona. He was at the center of their attacking play and decisive in the knockout rounds.
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2011/12 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 14 goals)
With 14 goals, Messi once more led the charts, showcasing extraordinary consistency. Even though Barcelona fell short of the final, his performances were unmatched.
2012/13 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 12 goals)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 12 goals helped drive Real Madrid deep into the competition. His ability to score in tight games made the difference in crucial ties.
2013/14 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 17 goals)
Ronaldo set a record with 17 goals as Real Madrid won La Décima. He was clinical throughout the tournament and particularly dominant in the knockout stages.
2014/15 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 10 goals)
Messi tied as the top scorer with 10 goals and helped Barcelona to another Champions League title. His link-up play and goalscoring instinct shone again.
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2015/16 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 16 goals)
Ronaldo scored 16 goals to lead Real Madrid to another European title. His hat-tricks and late winners underlined his role as the team’s talisman.
2016/17 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 12 goals)
Another year, another top scorer finish for Ronaldo, this time with 12 goals. He peaked in the knockout phase, scoring twice in the final against Juventus.
2017/18 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 15 goals)
Ronaldo topped the charts yet again with 15 goals in Real Madrid’s three-peat. His bicycle kick against Juventus was one of the season’s standout moments.
2018/19 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 12 goals)
Messi scored 12 goals and led Barcelona to the semifinals. His form in the group stage and quarterfinals was particularly dominant.
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2019/20 – Robert Lewandowski (Bayern München, 15 goals)
Robert Lewandowski produced a stunning campaign with 15 goals as Bayern won the title. He scored in nearly every match and was vital in the club’s perfect season.
2020/21 – Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund, 10 goals)
Erling Haaland took Europe by storm with 10 goals for Borussia Dortmund. His pace and finishing made him one of the most feared strikers of the competition.
2021/22 – Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, 15 goals)
Karim Benzema delivered 15 goals and carried Real Madrid through several comebacks. His performances against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City were legendary.
2022/23 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 12 goals)
Now at Manchester City, Haaland scored 12 goals and helped the club win their first Champions League. He led the line with physical dominance and clinical execution.
2023/24 – Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, 8 goals)
Kylian Mbappé topped the charts with 8 goals for PSG. His speed and flair were unmatched, even if the team fell short in the final stages.
2024/25 – Raphinha (Barcelona, 13 goals)
Raphinha surprised many by finishing as the top scorer with 13 goals. He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s attacking play, delivering goals in key moments throughout the campaign.
