Cristiano Ronaldo, the undisputed king of the UEFA Champions League, was bestowed with a special award by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in recognition of his unparalleled achievements in the competition. The ceremony took place on Thursday, August 29th, during the inaugural draw for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The award serves as a testament to Ronaldo’s extraordinary legacy in the world’s most prestigious club tournament. Having graced the fields of Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo has amassed a staggering 140 Champions League goals in 183 appearances. This remarkable feat places him 11 goals ahead of Lionel Messi and a commanding 46 goals clear of third-place Robert Lewandowski.
Over a career spanning more than 18 years, Ronaldo’s contributions to the Champions League have been nothing short of monumental. “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation,” declared UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. “His extraordinary goalscoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass. His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals. His professionalism, work ethic, dedication, and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate.”
Ronaldo’s dominance in the Champions League is further emphasized by his unparalleled record of finishing seven separate Champions League seasons as the leading scorer – a feat unmatched by any other player. His scoring prowess is evident across various campaigns, ranging from eight goals in Manchester United’s victorious 2007/08 season to an impressive 15 goals when Real Madrid secured their third consecutive title in 2017/18.
Adding to his impressive repertoire, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League season, scoring an astonishing 17 goals in the 2013/14 season, including a crucial goal in extra time against Atletico de Madrid in the final. The Portuguese forward has lifted the Champions League trophy once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid, making him the first player since 1992 to win the competition five times.
Ronaldo’s impact extends beyond individual accolades, as he is the only player to have found the back of the net in three different Champions League finals (2008, 2014, and 2017). He also boasts the record for the longest Champions League scoring streak, having netted in 11 consecutive matches from June 2017 to April 2018. Moreover, he has scored an impressive eight Champions League hat-tricks.
Beyond his Champions League triumphs, Ronaldo’s brilliance extends to other prestigious honors. He is a multiple Ballon d’Or and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year recipient. He is also the all-time leading scorer in all UEFA club competitions, with 145 goals in 197 appearances. On the international stage, he stands as the most prolific scorer in men’s football, with 130 goals in 212 appearances.
Ronaldo’s accomplishments paint a vivid picture of his extraordinary career and lasting impact on European football. His relentless drive for excellence and unwavering ability to perform at the highest level have set a benchmark for future generations to aspire to.
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
