The UEFA Champions League has always been the grandest stage for elite goal scorers to shine. While every season delivers memorable moments, only a handful of players have managed to dominate an entire Champions League campaign with relentless scoring. These are the highest scoring players in a single UCL season
10. Fernando Morientes (Monaco)
Fernando Morientes scored 9 goals in the 2003–04 Champions League season, making a strong impact for Monaco. His aerial ability and clinical finishing helped his team reach the latter stages. Morientes was a consistent goal threat during his European campaigns. His performance that season was one of the best by a striker outside the traditional giants. Morientes remains a notable name in Champions League scoring history.
- 9 goals (2003–04)
9. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane scored 8 goals in the 2023–24 Champions League season with Bayern Munich. Known for his finishing and positioning, Kane has adapted well to European football. His goal-scoring prowess continues to grow on the big stage. Kane’s performances in the Champions League have earned him recognition among Europe’s elite strikers. His recent season showcases his ability to perform consistently.
- 8 goals (2023–24)
8. Kaká (AC Milan)
Kaká’s best Champions League season was in 2006–07 when he scored 10 goals. His elegant style and vision helped AC Milan win the Champions League that year. Kaká was known for his ability to score important goals in big matches. His technical brilliance made him one of the best attacking midfielders. His 10-goal season remains one of the most memorable.
- 10 goals (2006–07)
7. Neymar (Barcelona)
Neymar scored 10 goals in the 2014–15 Champions League season, helping Barcelona lift the trophy. His flair and creativity added an extra dimension to Barcelona’s attack. Neymar’s ability to dribble and assist made him a key player in Europe’s top competition. His 10-goal tally in a single season reflects his attacking influence. Neymar’s performances helped cement Barcelona’s dominance in that period.
- 10 goals (2014–15)
Also Read : Top 10 Players with Most Assists in World Cup history
6. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)
Ruud van Nistelrooy was a prolific scorer, netting 12 goals in 2002–03. He also scored 10 goals in 2001–02 and 8 goals in 2004–05. Known for his clinical finishing, Van Nistelrooy was a vital player for Manchester United. His consistency in the Champions League made him a feared striker in his era. His goal tallies remain impressive by any standard.
- 12 goals (2002–03)
- 10 goals (2001–02)
- 8 goals (2004–05)
5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Haaland scored 12 goals for Manchester City in the 2022–23 season and previously netted 10 goals for Borussia Dortmund in 2020–21. His strength, pace, and finishing power make him a standout forward. Haaland’s rapid rise in European football has been impressive and he continues to break records. His goal-scoring exploits place him among the Champions League’s top strikers.
- 12 goals (2022–23, Man City)
- 10 goals (2020–21, Dortmund)
4. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Karim Benzema had a standout 2021–22 season, netting 15 goals in the Champions League. His experience and poise helped Real Madrid clinch important victories. Benzema’s technical ability and movement in the box make him a constant goal threat. He has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s recent European successes. His 15-goal haul stands among the highest in the competition’s history.
- 15 goals (2021–22)
3. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Robert Lewandowski scored a remarkable 15 goals in the 2019–20 Champions League season. Known for his sharp finishing and positioning, he led Bayern Munich to the title that year. His consistent scoring makes him one of the deadliest strikers in Europe. Lewandowski’s ability to find space and convert chances is unmatched. His 2019–20 season is one of the best individual scoring feats in Champions League history.
- 15 goals (2019–20)
2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi’s top Champions League campaign came in 2011–12, scoring 14 goals. He also scored 12 goals in the 2010–11 and 2018–19 seasons, maintaining high performance across years. His 10 goals in 2014–15 and 9 goals in 2008–09 proved his attacking prowess early on. Messi’s creativity combined with clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared forwards in the competition. His impressive goal-scoring streaks have etched his name in Champions League history.
- 14 goals (2011–12)
- 12 goals (2010–11, 2018–19)
- 10 goals (2014–15)
- 9 goals (2008–09)
- 8 goals (2009–10)
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United & Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time record with 17 goals in the 2013–14 Champions League season. He also scored 16 goals in 2015–16 and 15 goals in 2017–18. In addition, he netted 12 goals in both 2012–13 and 2016–17 seasons and had an earlier tally of 8 goals in 2007–08 with Manchester United. Ronaldo’s consistency and lethal finishing have made him the top scorer in Champions League history.
- 17 goals (2013–14)
- 16 goals (2015–16)
- 15 goals (2017–18)
- 12 goals (2012–13, 2016–17)
- 8 goals (2007–08)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the highest scoring player in a single Champions League season?
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record as the highest scoring player in a single Champions League season with 17 goals in 2013–14.
Q2. How many times has Ronaldo led as the highest scoring player in UCL history?
Cristiano Ronaldo has finished as the highest scoring player in multiple seasons, including 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2017–18.
Q3. Has Lionel Messi ever been the highest scoring player in a Champions League season?
Yes, Lionel Messi was the highest scoring player in 2011–12 with 14 goals, and also topped the charts in other years.
Q4. Who scored the most UCL goals in the 2022–23 season?
Erling Haaland was the highest scoring player in the 2022–23 Champions League with 12 goals for Manchester City.