UEFA Champions League all-time top goal scorers 1955-2022

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the UEFA Champions League in all-time goals scored, scoring a total of 141 goals. Lionel Messi sits in second place with 125 goals. Both players stand well clear of the other contenders, with third placed shared between Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema, each scoring 86 goals. Since the UEFA Champions League (UCL) changed its name from the Europeans Champions Cup in 1992, overall revenues have increased significantly. Cristiano Ronaldo not only leads the way in most UCL goals scored overall, but also in the most UCL final goals.

Going for glory: Ronaldo vs. Messi

These two exceptional athletes not only lead the UCL as the highest goal scorers, but are also the record holders in the number of Ballon d’Or titles, in this case with Messi ahead at seven awards, followed by Ronaldo with five. This prestigious award is awarded annually to a professional male football player, voted on by football journalists from around the world.

Messi and Ronaldo among highest paid athletes worldwide

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ranked among the highest paid athletes worldwide. Ronaldo received higher earnings through endorsements, while Messi earned a higher salary and higher earnings overall. Arguments have been raging among fans, and will likely continue to rage long after both players have retired, about which one of these outstanding football players could be considered as the greatest of all time, the GOAT.