Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League, has been honored with a special award from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
This recognition highlights Ronaldo’s extraordinary legacy in the world’s most prestigious club competition.
Ronaldo’s illustrious career in the Champions League, spanning more than 18 years, was celebrated during the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony on Thursday, August 29, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The Portuguese superstar, who has played for Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, boasts an unparalleled record of 140 goals in 183 appearances in the Champions League.
He leads the all-time scoring chart, with Lionel Messi trailing by 11 goals and Robert Lewandowski 46 goals behind.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation,” UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin remarked during the ceremony.
“His extraordinary goalscoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass.
His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honors.”
Ronaldo’s Champions League resume is unmatched.
He has finished as the competition’s top scorer in seven different seasons, beginning with his eight goals during Manchester United’s triumphant 2007/08 campaign, and ending with his 15-goal haul when Real Madrid claimed their third consecutive title in 2017/18.
Notably, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Champions League season, netting 17 times in the 2013/14 campaign, including in the final against Atlético de Madrid.
Ronaldo’s five Champions League titles – one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid – make him the first player to achieve this milestone since the competition’s rebranding in 1992.
He is also the only player to have scored in three separate Champions League finals (2008, 2014, 2017).
In addition to his numerous other records, Ronaldo holds the record for the longest Champions League scoring streak, having found the back of the net in 11 consecutive matches between June 2017 and April 2018.
He has also scored an astounding eight hat-tricks in the competition.
Beyond the Champions League, Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in all UEFA club competitions, with 145 goals in 197 appearances.
He is also the most prolific scorer in the history of men’s international football, with 130 goals in 212 appearances for Portugal.
