Cristiano Ronaldo has 140 Champions League goals. Lionel Messi has 129. Robert Lewandowski has 109. These are the numbers that define a generation of football dominance .
But look a little further down the list. Kylian Mbappe has 72. Erling Haaland has 60. And both of them are just getting started .
This is the story of the Champions League’s greatest goalscorers, and the two young forwards who are coming for the throne.
The All-Time Top 10 (Updated October 2026)
Here is where the record books stand right now:
| Rank | Player | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 140 | 183 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 129 | 163 |
| 3 | Robert Lewandowski | 109 | – |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | 90 | – |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappe | 72 | 100 |
| 6 | Raul Gonzalez | 71 | – |
| 7 | Erling Haaland | 60 | 60 |
| 8 | Thomas Muller | 57 | – |
| 9 | Harry Kane | 57 | – |
| 10 | Ruud van Nistelrooy | 56 | – |
Data: UEFA.com
The King: Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140
Ronaldo’s record is almost certainly untouchable. He scored his 140 goals in 183 appearances across spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus . His most prolific years came at Real Madrid, where he scored 105 goals in 101 games .
He is the only player to score in three Champions League finals. He holds the record for most goals in a single Champions League season (17 in 2013/14). He has the most knockout-stage goals (67) .
And he is 41 years old, playing in Saudi Arabia. His Champions League career is over. The record is frozen at 140.
The Challenger: Kylian Mbappe’s 72
Mbappe reached 72 Champions League goals in October 2026, surpassing Raul Gonzalez to move into fifth place all-time . He did it in just 100 appearances. At 27 years and 298 days, he became the youngest player to reach that milestone, breaking Lionel Messi’s previous record .
His 72 goals are spread across three clubs: 6 for Monaco, 42 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 24 for Real Madrid .
My Take: Can Mbappe Catch Ronaldo?
Here is the math. Mbappe needs 68 more goals to equal Ronaldo. He is 27 years old. If he plays until he is 35, that gives him eight more Champions League seasons.
At his current rate, he would need to average around 8-9 goals per season to reach 140. That is not impossible. Mbappe has already scored 15 goals in a single Champions League season (2025/26) . He is entering his prime years at Real Madrid, a club built to win the Champions League every year.
But there is a catch. Ronaldo’s record is not just about longevity. It is about consistency at an elite level for over a decade. Mbappe has never won the Champions League. Until he does, the question of whether he can sustain this pace at the highest level remains unanswered.
The Dark Horse: Erling Haaland’s 60
Haaland is the real threat. He has 60 goals in just 60 appearances . That is a goal-per-game ratio that no one in Champions League history can match.
He is 26 years old. He plays for Manchester City, a club that dominates English football and reaches the latter stages of the Champions League almost every year. If he stays fit, he could reach 100 goals before he turns 30.
Haaland has already broken the record for fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals (49 appearances) . At this rate, he might not just catch Ronaldo. He might obliterate the record.
What Happens Next
Ronaldo’s 140 will stand for now. Messi’s 129 will not change. Lewandowski’s 109 is probably final.
But watch the two names at the bottom of the top 10. Mbappe and Haaland are not just chasing records. They are chasing each other. And the next decade of Champions League football will be defined by their race to the top.
Ronaldo’s record is safe. For now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most Champions League goals?
Cristiano Ronaldo, with 140 goals in 183 appearances.
How many Champions League goals does Lionel Messi have?
Lionel Messi has 129 goals in 163 appearances.
Can Kylian Mbappe catch Cristiano Ronaldo?
Mbappe has 72 goals at age 27. He needs 68 more. It is possible, but he would need to maintain elite scoring for another eight seasons.
Who is the fastest player to 50 Champions League goals?
Erling Haaland, who reached 50 goals in just 49 appearances.