Cristiano Ronaldo honoured as UEFA Champions League all-time top scorer | Football News

NEW DELHI: Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League, was honoured by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin with a special award. This recognition took place on Thursday, 29 August, during the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. The award celebrates Ronaldo’s outstanding legacy in the world’s premier club competition.
Ronaldo, who has played for Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, has scored 140 Champions League goals in 183 appearances.He leads Lionel Messi by 11 goals and is 46 goals ahead of third-place Robert Lewandowski. Over his career spanning more than 18 years, Ronaldo’s contributions to the Champions League have been monumental.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. 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,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Ronaldo’s impressive record includes finishing seven separate Champions League seasons as the leading scorer, a feat unmatched by any other player. His scoring prowess ranges from eight goals in Manchester United’s 2007/08 victorious campaign to 15 goals when Real Madrid secured their third consecutive title in 2017/18.
Additionally, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League season, with 17 goals in the 2013/14 season, including a goal in the extra-time win against Atlético de Madrid in the final.

The Portugal forward has won the Champions League once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid, making him the first player since 1992 to win the competition five times. Ronaldo is also the only player to have scored in three different Champions League finals (2008, 2014, 2017).

Ronaldo also holds the record for the longest Champions League scoring streak, having struck in 11 successive matches from June 2017 to April 2018. Furthermore, he has scored an impressive eight Champions League hat-tricks.

In addition to his Champions League accolades, Ronaldo 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 is the most prolific scorer in men’s football, with 130 goals in 212 appearances.
Ronaldo’s achievements highlight his extraordinary career and lasting impact on European football. His relentless drive for excellence and ability to perform at the highest level have set a benchmark for future generations.
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

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