Champions League’s Greatest Goal Scorers of the 21st Century

18. Harry Kane – 34 Goals

Harry Kane, the modern-day English goal machine, has been a standout performer in the Champions League. With 34 goals in 50 matches, Kane has consistently demonstrated his ability to score against Europe’s elite. Leading Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final, Kane’s versatility and clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared strikers in the competition.

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17. Edinson Cavani – 35 Goals

Edinson Cavani, the Uruguayan sharpshooter, scored 35 goals in 70 Champions League matches. Known for his relentless work ethic and aerial prowess, Cavani shone during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. While PSG fell short of Champions League glory during his tenure, Cavani’s consistent scoring ability solidified his reputation as one of the tournament’s top forwards.

16. Antoine Griezmann – 40 Goals

Antoine Griezmann, the French attacking maestro, has netted 40 goals in 102 Champions League games. His creativity and ability to score in high-pressure situations have been evident throughout his stints with Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona. Griezmann’s exceptional vision and technique have made him a key player for his teams in Europe.

15. Sergio Agüero – 41 Goals

Sergio Agüero, one of Argentina’s finest strikers, scored 41 goals in 79 Champions League matches. Agüero was pivotal for Manchester City as they transitioned into a European powerhouse. Known for his agility and sharp finishing, Agüero delivered several memorable goals in the competition, cementing his legacy as a Champions League star.

14. Thierry Henry – 42 Goals

Thierry Henry, the French legend, scored 42 goals in 99 Champions League appearances. Renowned for his pace, skill, and precision, Henry was a key figure for Arsenal and later Barcelona. His contributions were vital to Barcelona’s Champions League win in 2009, adding to his remarkable career achievements.

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13. Neymar – 43 Goals

Neymar, the Brazilian magician, has scored 43 goals in 81 Champions League matches. His flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have dazzled fans during his stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 2015 Champions League triumph and continues to be a major force in European football.

12. Didier Drogba – 44 Goals

Didier Drogba, the Ivorian powerhouse, scored 44 goals in 92 Champions League games. Famous for his physicality and clutch performances, Drogba’s crowning moment came in 2012 when he scored the equalizer and the decisive penalty to lead Chelsea to their first-ever Champions League title.

11. Erling Haaland – 47 Goals

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, has already scored 47 goals in just 46 Champions League matches—a staggering record. Known for his incredible pace, strength, and finishing, Haaland is one of the most promising players in modern football and continues to rewrite records at a young age.

10. Mohamed Salah – 47 Goals

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, has netted 47 goals in 86 Champions League appearances. His explosive pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing have been crucial in Liverpool’s European success. Salah played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph, scoring in the final against Tottenham. His consistency in front of goal makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in the competition.

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9. Ruud van Nistelrooy – 48 Goals

Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the most prolific Dutch strikers in history, scored 48 goals in just 62 Champions League matches. His ability to find the back of the net from almost any position made him a nightmare for defenders. Representing PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, Van Nistelrooy was the tournament’s top scorer in three different seasons, further cementing his legacy as a goal machine.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 48 Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish giant, scored 48 goals in 124 Champions League appearances. A striker known for his incredible technical skills and acrobatic finishes, Zlatan played for clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. Despite his remarkable talent, a Champions League trophy eluded him, but his contributions to the competition remain legendary.

7. Raúl – 50 Goals

Raúl, the Spanish icon, netted 50 goals in 100 Champions League matches, most of them coming during his legendary career at Real Madrid. As one of the tournament’s greatest captains, Raúl led Los Blancos to three Champions League titles, scoring in the finals of 2000 and 2002. His leadership, composure, and finishing ability made him one of the greatest forwards of his era.

6. Kylian Mbappé – 51 Goals

Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar, has already scored 51 goals in just 80 Champions League appearances. Bursting onto the scene with AS Monaco before becoming a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé’s electrifying pace and goal-scoring instincts have made him one of the most feared attackers in Europe. Still early in his career, he is poised to break even more records in the years to come.

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5. Thomas Müller – 55 Goals

Thomas Müller, the German attacking mastermind, has scored 55 goals in 157 Champions League matches, all for Bayern Munich. Known for his intelligent movement and ability to score in crucial moments, Müller has been instrumental in Bayern’s two Champions League-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020. His versatility and consistency make him one of the competition’s most valuable players.

4. Karim Benzema – 90 Goals

Karim Benzema, the French goal machine, has recorded 90 goals in 152 Champions League appearances. Often overshadowed in his early Real Madrid years, Benzema truly stepped into the spotlight after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Leading Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title in 2022, Benzema’s clutch performances and playmaking abilities make him one of the greatest strikers in the tournament’s history.

3. Robert Lewandowski – 103 Goals

Robert Lewandowski, the Polish goal-scoring phenomenon, has netted 103 goals in 127 Champions League matches. With a lethal combination of strength, precision, and positioning, Lewandowski was the top scorer in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning season in 2020. His ability to consistently deliver on the biggest stage has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers in European history.

2. Lionel Messi – 129 Goals

Lionel Messi, one of football’s all-time greats, has scored 129 goals in 163 Champions League appearances. Playing for Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s mesmerizing dribbles, long-range strikes, and clutch performances have led to four Champions League titles. His 2011 final goal against Manchester United remains one of the most iconic moments in the competition’s history.

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1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 140 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo, the ultimate Champions League legend, stands at the top with 140 goals in 183 matches. The Portuguese forward has won the tournament five times, starring for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Holding the records for most goals, most appearances, and most knockout stage goals, Ronaldo’s impact on the competition is unparalleled. His incredible athleticism, leadership, and ability to shine under pressure make him the undisputed king of the Champions League.