Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, was bestowed with a special award by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, acknowledging his extraordinary legacy in the UEFA Champions League. The ceremony took place during the draw for the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase on Thursday night at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. This award was a tribute to Ronaldo’s remarkable accomplishments in the competition, spanning more than 18 years.
Ronaldo’s scoring prowess in the Champions League is unparalleled. He has amassed an astonishing 140 goals in 183 appearances, solidifying his position as the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer. This feat puts him 11 goals ahead of Lionel Messi and a remarkable 46 goals ahead of Robert Lewandowski, who occupies third place. Ronaldo’s dominance in the Champions League is further emphasized by his remarkable achievement of finishing as the leading scorer in seven different seasons, surpassing any other player in the competition’s history. His scoring exploits range from eight goals in Manchester United’s triumphant 2007/08 campaign to an impressive 15 goals when Real Madrid clinched their third consecutive title in the 2017/18 season. Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in a single Champions League season, netting a phenomenal 17 times in the 2013/14 season, including his decisive goal in extra time against Atlético de Madrid in the final.
Upon receiving the award, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude, stating, “For me, it’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for this amazing award. As you know, Champions League is the highest in football. The records speak for themselves but the league (is at that level) because of the players that play in the competition. I have nice memories coming to this gala and football is managed by memories. So, thank you for this.”
Ronaldo’s success in the Champions League extends beyond individual accolades. He has lifted the prestigious trophy once with Manchester United and an impressive four times with Real Madrid, making him the first player in history to achieve five Champions League titles since 1992. He is also the only player to have scored in three separate Champions League finals, achieving this feat in 2008, 2014, and 2017. Ronaldo’s consistency in the competition is evident in his record-breaking Champions League scoring streak, having found the back of the net in 11 consecutive matches from June 2017 to April 2018. He further solidified his legendary status by scoring an impressive eight Champions League hat-tricks.
Reflecting on his Champions League journey, Ronaldo shared, “The first one is always the special one, when I was in Manchester. Of course, Real Madrid was differently special, winning four times there. At that time, in Lisbon in 2018, I remember I felt like the most expensive player in the world and there was pressure about winning the Champions League. But I think goals and trophies are like ketchup, once it start coming, they keep coming.”
Ronaldo’s achievements extend far beyond the Champions League. He has been crowned the Ballon d’Or and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year multiple times, a testament to his exceptional talent. In addition to his Champions League records, he holds the title of all-time leading scorer in UEFA club competitions with 145 goals in 197 appearances. Furthermore, he is the most prolific scorer in men’s international football, boasting an impressive 130 goals in 212 appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements in football, particularly in the Champions League, have solidified his position as a true legend in the sport. His dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent have inspired generations of footballers and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
