On Thursday, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin honored Cristiano Ronaldo with a special award, celebrating his extraordinary legacy in the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo, the competition’s all-time top scorer, was recognized for his remarkable achievements during the draw ceremony for the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase, held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on August 29.
Over an impressive career spanning more than 18 years, Ronaldo has netted 140 goals in 183 Champions League appearances. He leads Lionel Messi by 11 goals and is 46 goals ahead of Robert Lewandowski in the scoring charts.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a true icon of the UEFA Champions League. His exceptional goal-scoring feats are likely to remain unmatched for years to come, setting a high bar for future players,” said UEFA President Čeferin.
The all-time goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history, Cristiano Ronaldo.#Blinkscoop #BBNaijaS9
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Ronaldo has been the Champions League’s top scorer in seven different seasons, more than any other player. His scoring prowess includes eight goals in Manchester United’s 2007/08 winning season and 15 goals during Real Madrid’s 2017/18 title run. He also holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League season, with 17 goals in 2013/14.
The Portuguese forward has won the Champions League five times—once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid—making him the only player to achieve this feat. He is also the only player to score in three different Champions League finals (2008, 2014, 2017) and holds the record for the longest scoring streak with goals in 11 consecutive matches.
Ronaldo’s accolades extend beyond the Champions League: he is the all-time top scorer in UEFA club competitions with 145 goals in 197 appearances and the leading scorer in men’s international football with 130 goals in 212 appearances. His impressive career also includes multiple Ballon d’Or awards and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year titles.
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAREER IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 183
Goals: 140
Wins: 5 (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Top scorer: 7 times (2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15*, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)
Most goals in a single season: 17 (2013/14)
Longest scoring streak: 11 games
*Joint-top scorer with Lionel Messi and Neymar
