Cristiano Ronaldo has had a career in the UEFA Champions League like no other player on the planet.
Across illustrious spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo made a staggering 183 appearances in the pinnacle of European competition, showcasing his extraordinary talent and unmatched dedication.
Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the tournament’s greatest goal scorers is indisputable, while his remarkable record in lifting the trophy — the most coveted prize of all in European club football — is testament to his insatiable hunger for success.
Throughout his Champions League career, Ronaldo has shattered records that may stand the test of time. From becoming the first player to score in three finals to his unmatched feat of scoring in 11 consecutive games, his impact may never be replicated.
While Ronaldo’s UEFA journey may be at a close as he continues his story with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, his indelible mark on the competition will forever be etched in footballing history. On August 29, he was honoured at the 2024/25 Champions League draw with a special award recognising his achievements in Europe’s top tournament.
The Sporting News provides you with Ronaldo’s Champions League achievements, highlighting his trophy haul, goal tally, and legendary records in the tournament.
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Ronaldo has won the UEFA Champions League five times in his career, winning four with Real Madrid and his first during his time at Manchester United.
During the 2008 final when United played Chelsea, Ronaldo scored the opening goal with a superb header. Chelsea would go on to equalize and force a penalty shootout, where Ronaldo had his attempt saved by Petr Cech. John Terry slipped and hit the post with what would have been the winning kick, Edwin van der Sar then saved Nicolas Anelka’s sudden-death penalty, and United were champions of Europe.
Ronaldo was then a part of the Real Madrid side that beat Atletico Madrid in 2014, as well as playing a vital role in their sensational three-peat (2015, 2016, 2017).
Cristiano Ronaldo under Zinedine Zidane:
• 114 games.
• 112 goals.
• 32 assists.
– Champions League 3-peat. pic.twitter.com/vAAn8pj3Ua— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 27, 2020
Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in the competition with 140 goals in 183 games. The Portuguese star has scored for three different clubs in the competition: Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He scored once for Sporting CP in Champions League qualifying in 2002/03, but that does not count towards his tally in the competition proper.
The closest to Ronaldo is, of course, Lionel Messi. The Argentine sits second in the all-time list, having scored 129 in 160 games in the competition for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
| Rank | Name | Goals | Appearances | Years | Club (s) |
| 1. | Cristiano Ronaldo | 140 | 183 | 2003-present | Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus |
| 2. | Lionel Messi | 129 | 160 | 2005-present | Barcelona, PSG |
| 3. | Robert Lewandowski | 101 | 120 | 2011-present | Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona |
| 4. | Karim Benzema | 90 | 152 | 2005-present | Real Madrid, Lyon |
| 5. | Raul | 71 | 142 | 1995-2011 | Real Madrid, Schalke |
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in the Champions League is a saga of almost unparalleled achievement.
With a record 140 goals, he reigns as the competition’s top scorer, including an unmatched 17 goals in the 2013/14 season.
His 67 goals in knockout stages and seven-time top scorer titles from 2007/08 to 2017/18 attest to his clutch status, not to mention his five final wins, and the distinction of being the only player to score in three finals.
