The competition’s all-time leading goal-scorer with an incredible 140 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo's UEFA Champions League career was a remarkable journey that solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Known for his incredible goal-scoring ability with a penchant for delivering in the clutch moments, Ronaldo's legacy in Europe's premier club competition is unparalleled in terms of impact, moments to remember and lasting memories.
He played a total of 174 games for European heavyweights like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition. Ronaldo began his Champions League journey with Manchester United with his first significant impact coming during the 2006-07 season.
However, it was in the 2007-08 season that he truly announced himself on the European stage as Ronaldo became instrumental in leading Manchester United to their third Champions League title, scoring eight goals in the campaign, including a crucial header in the final against Chelsea.
His performances earned him the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award and he finished as the top-scorer in the competition.
After joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, Ronaldo’s Champions League career reached new heights as he became the competition's all-time leading scorer, breaking numerous records along the way.
A few of Ronaldo’s UEFA Champions League records include being the competition’s all-time leading score with 140 goals, scoring the most goals in a single season (17 goals in 2013-14), most hat-tricks (8) and most goals in the knockout stages (67).
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted an incredible 105 goals in 101 appearances for Los Blancos in the Champions League and his ability to deliver in crucial moments, particularly in the knockout stages will always shine brightly in the annals of football.
Ronaldo's most iconic Champions League moments with Real Madrid came as he played a central role in their unprecedented run of three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
During those years, Ronaldo consistently delivered when it mattered most, scoring in finals and semi-finals with alarming regularity.
In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus, where he continued to be a force in the Champions League.
Although he did not achieve the same level of success with the Italian club as he did with Real Madrid, Ronaldo still netted important goals, including a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in a 2018-19 knockout fixture to help Juventus overturn a first-leg deficit.
Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy in the UEFA Champions League is one of unparalleled excellence.
His five Champions League titles - four with Real Madrid and one with Manchester United - underline his impact on the competition and cements his name as Mr. Champions League.
Here’s a look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA Champions League goals by club.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA Champions League goals by club
Team |
Appearances |
Goals |
Manchester United |
59 |
21 |
Real Madrid |
101 |
105 |
Juventus |
23 |
14 |
Total |
174 |
140 |
Photo credit: Imago