Kylian Mbappé’s impressive start to the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League season has propelled him up the all-time goal-scorer rankings. The 26-year-old forward scored a hat trick in Real Madrid’s commanding 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, bringing his total to five goals in just two matches this season. This performance elevates his overall tally in the competition to 60 goals, securing him the sixth position in the Champions League all-time scoring list.
Mbappé’s ascent has been rapid. He began the season by netting two goals in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Marseille on Matchday 1. With just 11 goals needed to enter the top five, he is now in sight of reaching that milestone. Yet, he faces a significant gap to the top of the leaderboard, which is dominated by players who have donned the Real Madrid jersey.
Real Madrid’s Dominance in the All-Time Rankings
The all-time scoring chart is heavily influenced by Real Madrid’s legacy, with half of the top ten players having represented the club.
10. Thierry Henry (50 goals in 112 matches)
Henry scored for three clubs in the Champions League, with most of his goals coming during his time at Arsenal. He was part of the team that reached the final in 2006. Later, he won the trophy with Barcelona in the 2008-2009 season.
9. Erling Haaland (50 goals in 49 matches)
Currently at Manchester City, the Norwegian striker is on track to climb the rankings further, having scored at an extraordinary rate. His recent goal against Napoli helped him surpass Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stéfano.
8. Ruud van Nistelrooy (56 goals in 73 matches)
Known for his poaching skills, Van Nistelrooy had a prolific career with PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. He was the Champions League top goal-scorer in multiple seasons but never won the trophy himself.
7. Thomas Müller (57 goals in 163 matches)
The Bayern Munich stalwart has scored all his Champions League goals for one club. He won the competition twice, including a memorable 8-2 victory over Barcelona in the 2019-2020 season.
6. Kylian Mbappé (60 goals in 89 matches)
With his recent hat trick, Mbappé has joined the exclusive group of players with 60 Champions League goals. His scoring prowess suggests that his tally will continue to rise as the tournament progresses.
Challenging the Legends
As Mbappé aims for the top, he has notable figures in his sights.
5. Raúl González (71 goals in 142 matches)
The Spanish forward scored the majority of his goals for Real Madrid, contributing to their Champions League victories in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
4. Karim Benzema (90 goals in 152 matches)
Benzema, a key figure for Real Madrid, secured five Champions League titles and was instrumental in their success, including a stellar campaign in 2021-2022 that earned him the Ballon d’Or.
3. Robert Lewandowski (105 goals in 134 matches)
The Polish striker has scored across three clubs, with a career-best season at Bayern Munich in 2019-2020, where he netted 15 goals.
2. Lionel Messi (129 goals in 163 matches)
Messi’s record includes contributions from his time at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, making him one of the most decorated players in Champions League history.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (140 goals in 183 matches)
Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring chart, with a significant portion of his goals scored while at Real Madrid. He has won the Champions League four times, solidifying his legendary status.
To surpass these legendary figures, Mbappé will need to maintain an impressive scoring record, averaging ten goals per season for the next eight years to even approach Ronaldo’s monumental tally. As the season unfolds, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to chase history in the UEFA Champions League.
