In a prestigious ceremony held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, Cristiano Ronaldo was celebrated as the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
The event took place during the season-opening gala and the draw for the 2024-2025 Champions League, marking a significant moment in football history.
Ronaldo received recognition for his remarkable achievement of scoring 140 goals in 183 matches over an illustrious career spanning more than 18 years.
A Historic Milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s record-breaking journey in the Champions League began with Sporting Lisbon and continued through his stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
His goal tally not only surpasses that of his closest rival, Lionel Messi, by 11 goals, but also puts him ahead of Robert Lewandowski by an impressive 46 goals.
UEFA Champions Ceremony Highlights
The award was presented by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who praised Ronaldo’s contributions to the Champions League.
Ceferin remarked, “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars of the UEFA Champions League,” emphasizing that his achievements “seem destined to withstand the test of time.”
The ceremony was filled with nostalgia as Ronaldo reflected on his experiences in the tournament, expressing his love for the competition and hinting at a potential return to the Champions League in the future.
Cristiano Ronaldo Record-Breaking Achievements
Ronaldo’s Champions League records are numerous and impressive:
- He is the only player to have scored in three different Champions League finals (2008, 2014, and 2017).
- He holds the record for the most goals in a single season, netting 17 goals during the 2013/14 campaign.
- Ronaldo has an unmatched scoring streak, having scored in 11 consecutive matches from June 2017 to April 2018.
- He has also recorded eight hat-tricks throughout his Champions League career.
These milestones not only highlight his scoring prowess but also his ability to perform in crucial matches, further solidifying his legacy in European football.
During the ceremony, Ronaldo expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his enthusiasm for the Champions League.
He stated, “For me, it’s a pleasure to be here… the Champions League is the highest in football.” His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, and his emotional connection to the tournament was evident as he reminisced about his past successes.
As he currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the footballing community remains hopeful that Ronaldo might one day return to the Champions League, where he has left an indelible mark.
