Which current players have the best chance of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League scoring record?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 140 goals in the Champions League feels almost mythical. No one else has reached the same stratosphere and the number stands as a benchmark for greatness in Europe’s premier club competition.

But records are there to be chased and several current stars have both the numbers and the potential longevity to make a run at it.

As the 2025-26 Champions League season kicks off, here are five players who could realistically dream of one day eclipsing Ronaldo’s mark.

How to watch the Champions League on DAZN

• Canada: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription

• U.S.: Watch three exclusive Champions League games every match week, in Spanish language, with a DAZN subscription

• New Zealand: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription

Click here for pricing and details in your country

Robert Lewandowski

EFE

With 105 goals, Lewandowski is by far the closest active player to Ronaldo. The Barcelona striker sits third all-time behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (129). At 37, however, time is his biggest enemy. He remains a reliable scorer – and Barcelona are regulars in the latter stages of the competition – but it is hard to see him making up a 35-goal gap at this stage of his career. Lewandowski’s Champions League legacy is already secure, but he is unlikely to scale the Portuguese icon’s scoring summit.

Erling Haaland

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Erling Haaland’s scoring record is absurd. He has 48 goals in 47 Champions League games, giving him the best strike rate in the competition’s history among players with 20 or more goals. At just 25 and leading the line for Manchester City, he has the perfect platform to keep adding. City dominate possession, create endless chances and expect to go deep every year. If Haaland stays fit and continues at even close to his current rate, Ronaldo’s 140 is not just under threat – it could be smashed.

Kylian Mbappe

Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe already has 55 Champions League goals at just 26 and he is now spearheading Real Madrid’s attack. Coming off a career-best season in 2024-25 – 44 goals in all competitions, including seven in Europe – Mbappe looks primed for a decade of production at the very top. With Madrid perennial contenders, he will have the stage and the service to keep climbing. Of all the candidates, Mbappe looks the most natural heir to Ronaldo’s throne: elite numbers, peak years ahead and the Madrid machine at his back.

Lamine Yamal

FC Barcelona

Five goals might not sound like much, but when you are 18 years old and already a Champions League starter for Barcelona, the ceiling is sky-high. Lamine Yamal is still raw, but his potential is generational. If he enjoys another 12 to 15 years at the top level, he could accumulate the kind of numbers needed to rival Ronaldo. Longevity and consistency are the biggest hurdles, but if anyone has time on his side, it is Yamal.

Vinicius Junior

@realmadrid | Twitter

Vinicius Junior has 29 Champions League goals and already two winners’ medals with Real Madrid. At 25, he has the blend of experience and prime years to significantly add to his tally. His game has matured and in the biggest matches he often delivers – including goals in both the 2022 and 2024 finals. If Madrid keep surrounding him with talent, Vinicius could easily cross into the 60s and 70s. Whether he can stretch all the way to 140 is doubtful, but his upward curve makes him a serious long-term challenger.

How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN 

Soccer fans in the US can watch selected Champions League as part of their DAZN subscription package, in Spanish language.

For each match week, DAZN will have exclusive coverage of the top three pick games, including the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, and PSG, in Spanish.  Click here to see which games are available on DAZN .

Sign up between September 11-September 19, 2025, to get an Annual Subscription for $179.99 (down from $224.99) as a one-off up-front cost; or $15.99 per month for 12 months, (reduced from $19.99 per month)*.

A DAZN subscription also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.

CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season.   You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.

*New customers only

How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN 

Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high-definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.

New customers can get a special 20% discount for a subscription. Sign up between September 11-September 19, 2025, to get an Annual Subscription for $119.99 (down from $149.99) as a one-off up-front cost; or $11.99 per month for 12 months, (reduced from $14.99)*.

A DAZN subscription also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.

How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN

Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription. 

There are three subscription options, offering differing selections of sports in each. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)