The 20 Greatest Individual Performances in Champions League History
From last-minute heroics to unstoppable hat-tricks, the UEFA Champions League has delivered countless unforgettable moments. Here, we rank the 20 best individual displays in the competition’s storied history — starting from the most iconic of them all.
20. Alisson vs PSG, 2025
Liverpool were under relentless pressure in Paris, facing a PSG side with 28 shots and 65% possession. But Alisson produced an all-time goalkeeping display, saving everything thrown at him — including some sensational stops — to set the stage for a shock win.
19. Kylian Mbappé vs Barcelona, 2021
Mbappé torched Barcelona at Camp Nou with a breathtaking hat-trick. Every time he got the ball, he looked unstoppable — leaving defenders like Piqué in his wake and announcing himself as football’s next megastar.
18. Paul Lambert vs Juventus, 1997
Tasked with nullifying Zinedine Zidane, Lambert delivered a disciplined and decisive performance in the final. He shut down the French maestro and even grabbed an assist, helping Dortmund lift their first-ever Champions League title.
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17. Declan Rice vs Real Madrid, 2025
Rice ran the show in midfield as Arsenal thumped Madrid 3-0, scoring two sensational free kicks and nearly netting more. It was a display full of power, poise, and precision — proof of his status as one of Europe’s elite.
16. Serge Gnabry vs Tottenham, 2019
Back in North London, the former Arsenal man tore Spurs apart with four second-half goals in Bayern’s 7-2 rout. Gnabry’s speed, footwork, and finishing left Tottenham completely shell-shocked.
15. N’Golo Kanté vs Manchester City, 2021
In the final, Kanté was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield — breaking up play, driving forward, and dominating City’s stars. It was a tireless, complete performance that earned him Man of the Match and his place in UCL folklore.
14. Neymar vs PSG, 2016
With Messi quiet and Barca trailing 4-0 on aggregate, Neymar stepped up in historic fashion. He scored twice, assisted the dramatic late winner, and dragged Barcelona to an impossible 6-1 comeback — sealing his status as a global superstar.
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13. Frank Lampard vs Liverpool, 2008
Just days after his mother passed away, Lampard put in a heroic performance in the semi-final. He scored, dictated play, and led Chelsea past their long-time rivals with composure and emotional strength.
12. Thierry Henry vs Inter Milan, 2003
Henry ran riot at the San Siro, scoring and assisting as Arsenal crushed Inter 5-1 in their own backyard. It was the ultimate redemption after a heavy home defeat, and a moment that defined Henry’s European legacy.
11. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atlético Madrid, 2017
Ronaldo opened the scoring early, then added two more late goals to complete his semi-final hat-trick. It was a ruthless performance that crushed Atleti’s hopes and sent Real on their way to yet another title.
10. Gareth Bale vs Inter Milan, 2010
Tottenham were 4-0 down when Bale exploded with a hat-trick in the second half. He was unplayable down the wing, shredding Inter and announcing himself on the world stage despite the loss.
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9. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atlético Madrid, 2019
Needing a miracle, Ronaldo delivered. His hat-trick in the second leg overturned a 2-0 deficit and dragged Juventus into the quarter-finals — proving, once again, why he’s the ultimate big-game player.
8. Dušan Tadić vs Real Madrid, 2019
Tadić turned the Bernabéu into his stage, orchestrating Ajax’s stunning 4-1 win. With two assists and a thunderous goal, he dismantled a dynasty with one of the most elegant displays in UCL history.
7. Ronaldo (Brazil) vs Manchester United, 2003
The Brazilian icon scored a hat-trick at Old Trafford and received a standing ovation from the home fans. It was a night of pure class and deadly finishing that reminded the world just how special Ronaldo was.
6. Lionel Messi vs Bayern Munich, 2015
Messi toyed with Bayern in the semi-final, scoring twice and assisting Neymar. His solo goal — flooring Boateng — became instantly iconic, symbolizing his unmatched genius at the peak of his powers.
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5. Lucas Moura vs Ajax, 2019
Spurs were heading out until Moura took matters into his own hands with a stunning second-half hat-trick. His last-minute winner sent Tottenham to their first final and created one of the most emotional nights in UCL history.
4. Lionel Messi vs Arsenal, 2010
Messi was on another level as he scored four goals against Arsenal at Camp Nou. He was quicker, smarter, and more ruthless than anyone else on the pitch — a complete demolition in 90 minutes.
3. Roy Keane vs Juventus, 1999
Knowing he’d miss the final, Keane still led United's comeback with grit, leadership, and relentless energy. He scored, anchored the midfield, and inspired the team’s path to the treble.
2. Robert Lewandowski vs Real Madrid, 2013
Lewandowski’s four goals against Madrid in the semi-final were the perfect striker’s performance. Every finish was clinical, every run timed to perfection — and it left Madrid reeling.
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1. Steven Gerrard vs AC Milan, 2005
Liverpool looked finished at halftime — then Gerrard rose. His header started the comeback, and his leadership inspired the fightback that led to victory in Istanbul. It was captaincy at its absolute peak and remains the most legendary UCL performance ever.
