With the return of the UEFA Champions League rather imminent, it is worth being reminded just how prolific some of the world’s greatest ever footballers to have been produced have been in the tournament.
Of course, the competition is one of the biggest in world football – not just in Europe – as it attracts a number of eyes with the, arguably, best football clubs on the planet in one exciting tournament that features both a group stage and a knockout format. Indeed, it is a hugely popular competition for bettors as well, with plenty taking to sites like https://s-bobet.com/ to place a bet on the action.
Naturally, some of the world’s best footballers have perhaps earned their label because of their performances in the UEFA Champions League over the years, however who sits at the top of the goalscoring charts and who have they managed to do it with? (All data via TransferMarkt).
Cristiano Ronaldo
Most will already know that Cristiano Ronaldo sits at the top of the leaderboard, as he has managed to score an extremely impressive 130 goals in 170 appearances in the tournament. The 35-year-old has managed to achieve this feat with three clubs – Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus – although it would not be hugely surprising – if not expected – that he will add to this total before his team are eliminated/win the 2020/21 edition of the competition.
Lionel Messi
A stat list with Cristiano Ronaldo will also likely feature Lionel Messi and UEFA Champions League top goalscorers is no different. The Argentine will continue to tussle with the Portuguese superstar for the ultimate label of being the undisputed number one and many will feel his exploits for Barcelona make him deserving of that accolade. Having bagged 115 goals in his 143 appearances to date, the Spaniard’s will be relying on him heavily once again as they look to avenge their embarrassing defeat in last year’s competition. Maybe Messi will score against Ronaldo’s Juventus in the Group Stage? Or vice-versa?
Raul
Before the two aforementioned individuals arrived on the scene, Spaniard Raul was considered to be one of the best the world had to offer, especially in the forward areas of the pitch. The Real Madrid legend managed to bag 71 goals in 142 appearances, therefore hitting a goal in every two matches! He managed to do this mainly with the La Liga giants, however he did end up joining Schalke 04 for a period in the twilight of his career.
Robert Lewandowski
There can not be a goalscoring list without Robert Lewandowski, either. The Bayern Munich man has been hugely prolific in whatever tournament he has featured in and the UEFA Champions League has been no different. The Poland international – who has also featured in the competition with Borussia Dortmund – has 68 goals in 90 matches so far and that figure will only increase as he looks to help Bayern Munich defend their crown.
