Thursday, 29/08/24 was a special day for multiple Ballon d’Or and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year recipient, Cristiano Ronaldo as he was honoured by UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin with a special award in recognition of his remarkable legacy in the world’s most prestigious competition as the all-time leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
The recognition of Ronaldo’s achievements in Europe’s premier club competition recorded over the course of more than 18 years was part of the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, France.
The former Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward scored 140 Champions League goals in 183 appearances, 11 goals clear of his arch rival, Lionel Messi and 46 ahead of third-placed Robert Lewandowski.
According to the UEFA President, “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goal scoring 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 who is currently plying his trade with Saudi Arabia Pro League side, Al Nasr FC has finished seven separate Champions League seasons as leading scorer – more than any other player – spanning from his eight goals in Manchester United’s triumphant 2007/08 campaign to his 15-goal haul when Real Madrid claimed their third straight title in 2017/18. He also holds the record for most goals in a single Champions League season having found the net 17 times in 2013/14, including in the extra-time win against Atlético de Madrid in the final.
The sensational striker has won the competition once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid – making him the first five-time winner in the competition’s history since 1992 – and is the only player to have scored in three separate Champions League finals (2008, 2014, 2017).
He also holds the record for longest Champions League scoring streak having struck in 11 successive matches from June 2017 to April 2018 and has also scored an astounding eight Champions League hat-tricks.
