Mbappe reaches half of Ronaldo’s total Champions League goals, Messi still the fastest to reach 70

Kylian Mbappe has reached 70 Champions League goals; however, Lionel Messi achieved it in fewer matches, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored 140 times.

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Updated on April 15, 2026 05:42PM EDT

**© Getty Images**Kylian Mbappe (L) Cristiano Ronaldo (C) Lionel Messi (R).

Kylian Mbappe’s goal against Bayern Munich was his 70th in the Champions League, scored across 98 matches. Lionel Messi, however, reached the same mark in just 90 games. The all-time top scorer in the competition is Cristiano Ronaldo, with 140 goals.

These three forwards are among the top scorers in the competition, although they are not the only ones. In fact, Robert Lewandowski currently ranks third with 109 goals. The Polish striker reached the 70-goal mark in 93 matches.

Two other former Real Madrid players are also currently in the top five. Karim Benzema scored 90 goals, while Raul netted 71 times.

The French forward’s achievement this evening in Munich was not his only milestone. Mbappe also reached 10 away goals, something neither Messi nor Ronaldo managed to accomplish.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates.

The first UCL goal of Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappe

The first Champions League goals for the sport’s most iconic forwards came against diverse European competition across different eras. Lionel Messi opened his account in the 2005-06 edition during a 5-0 victory for Barcelona against Panathinaikos, while Cristiano Ronaldo had to wait until the 2006-07 season to score his first, netting twice in Manchester United’s famous 7-1 thrashing of A.S. Roma.

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Years later, Kylian Mbappe announced himself to the world in the 2016-17 campaign, scoring his debut goal for Monaco in a high-scoring round of 16 thriller against Manchester City.

Leo Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal.

Top 10 Champions League goal scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo, 140 (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus)
Lionel Messi, 129 (Barcelona, PSG)
Robert Lewandowski, 109 (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)
Karim Benzema, 90 (Lyon, Real Madrid)
Raul Gonzalez, 71 (Real Madrid, Schalke 04)
Kylian Mbappe, 70 (Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid)
Thomas Muller, 57 (Bayern Munich)
Erling Haaland, 57 (Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City)
Ruud van Nistelrooy, 56 (PSV, Manchester United, Real Madrid)
Harry Kane, 52 (Tottenham, Bayern Munich)

Matías Persuh

Matias Persuh is a sports journalist and writer who began his career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Sports Journalism in 2008. Over the years, he has covered numerous events, including local soccer games, and has conducted interviews with players and coaches. In addition to his writing, Matias has contributed as a columnist on various radio shows. Joining Bolavip US in July 2024 marked a significant step forward in his career, allowing him to continue developing his skills and delivering resonant news about U.S. sports to the audience.