Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may no longer be in the Champions League, but their legacy in this top tournament remains strong. They lead the all-time scoring list, while Erling Haaland is making strides towards their records.
In Manchester City’s 2–0 victory against Villarreal, Haaland scored to bring his total to 53 Champions League goals. He is closing in on Ronaldo, who has 140 goals, and Messi, with 129 goals.
Currently, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe are ahead of Haaland among active players. Lewandowski has 105 goals, while Mbappe has 60. Given Haaland’s scoring rate this season, both might soon be within his reach.
This season, the 25-year-old has maintained excellent form, scoring 24 goals and providing three assists in just 14 matches for Manchester City and the Norwegian national team.
Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Villarreal. (Getty Images)
Haaland sets record in Champions League
While he is still catching up to Ronaldo and Messi, Haaland has achieved a significant milestone. He became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, doing so in just 49 matches. In comparison, Messi reached this mark in 66 games and Ronaldo in 91 games.
Haaland also broke a previous record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took 62 games to score his 50 goals. Other notable names include Robert Lewandowski (77 games) and Kylian Mbappe (79 games).
Champions League all-time top 10 goal scorers
Haaland’s goal against Villarreal brought his total to 53, moving him ahead of Thierry Henry (50) into ninth place in all-time scoring. His achievement is notable for the speed at which he scored: 49 games compared to Henry’s 112.
Top 10 Champions League scorers (as of 2025):
- 1- Cristiano Ronaldo – 140 goals
- 2- Lionel Messi – 129 goals
- 3- Robert Lewandowski – 105 goals
- 4- Karim Benzema – 90 goals
- 5- Raul Gonzalez – 71 goals
- 6- Kylian Mbappe – 60 goals
- 7- Thomas Muller – 57 goals
- 8- Ruud van Nistelrooy – 56 goals
- 9- Erling Haaland – 53 goals
- 10- Thierry Henry – 50 goals