If the Champions League had to speak a language, it would be that of Cristiano Ronaldo. For 19 years, the star from Funchal dominated the competition without sharing.
From Manchester United to Real Madrid and Juventus Turin, Ronaldo has broken almost every record. Top scorer and top passer, the son of Maria Dolores, the most blessed of her five children, has left his mark on the queen of European club competitions. So much so that his shadow still looms years after his departure for the Persian Gulf.
In the European Champions League, Ronaldo has set no limits for himself. During his glory years, he has defied all the numbers and with him what was perceived as impossible has become a concrete reality. From October 1, 2003, the date of his first match in the C1 with Manchester United, to March 2022 when he played his last match in the competition still in the Red Devils jersey, Ronaldo has set three main records: top scorer, top passer and most caps in the competition.
140 goals, an irrational number
In terms of goals in the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo is incomparable, he has set the bar very high. During 19 years on European pitches, he scored 140 goals with three clubs: 21 with Manchester United, 105 with Real Madrid and 14 in the colours of Juventus Turin. It is an absolute and irrational record, no one has done better. His biggest rival, Lionel Messi with 129 goals, has not managed to challenge his supremacy on this point.
That’s not all, Ronaldo not only knows how to score, he also makes others score. He also holds the record for assists in the European Champions League.
Unparalleled hegemony
Many players have left their mark on the Champions League in their own way, but not like Cristiano Ronaldo. Beyond his finishing ability, the Portuguese has also left an indelible mark of assists in the biggest European club competition. He has 42 assists with three clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus Turin.
Once again, he did better than the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi who has 40 and Ángel Di Maria (39).
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved all this in 183 games, including 59 with Manchester United, 101 with Real and 23 with Juventus. Which is another record. With this number of games, the Madeira native is the most capped player in the C1, ahead of Iker Casillas, who has made 177 appearances in the competition.
It is with good reason that UEFA decided to distinguish him with an honorary title this Thursday, August 29, during the draw for the regular season of the Champions League for the 2024-2025 season.
