Cristiano Ronaldo set a remarkable benchmark by scoring 17 goals in a single Champions League season back in 2013/14. This record has stood for more than ten years, yet the tournament's revamped structure has led to more matches, heightening the prospects for today's top scorers to close in on the Portuguese forward's achievement.
Last season, Kylian Mbappe came closest, netting 15 times despite Real Madrid bowing out in the semi-finals. Now, five star players emerge as potential candidates to challenge Ronaldo's impressive tally.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has already showcased his ability to chase down records, falling just two goals short of equalling Ronaldo's feat last time around. With a blistering start to the new season, he has bagged four goals in four La Liga outings, and he also found the net against Inter in the opening match of the Champions League. If Jose Mourinho's team progresses deep into the tournament, Mbappe will have ample opportunities for another shot at the record.
Erling Haaland
Haaland has long been among the most prolific strikers in European football. With eight goals in last season's Champions League, he heads into this year's competition in excellent form, having already scored twice in the opening fixture against Porto. At just 26, the Norwegian is poised to hit his peak scoring years, though the main question remains: how far can Enzo Maresca's Manchester City go in the tournament?
Harry Kane
Kane has consistently scored at least ten goals in the Champions League for the past two seasons, hitting 14 last time around with Bayern Munich before their semi-final exit. Last season, the English forward found the back of the net 61 times across all competitions. Should Bayern reach the latter stages again, Kane will be presented with another chance to close the gap on that elusive record.
Rafinha
Rafinha may not be the most obvious contender, but his early-season form demands attention. In a new role, the Brazilian has netted six times in his first four La Liga matches. To eclipse Ronaldo’s record, he would need to maintain a scoring rate of more than one goal per match throughout the tournament. Current indicators suggest it’s too soon to rule him out of contention.
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele has become a key figure for PSG, thriving in a central striker role. He has scored eight goals in each of the last two Champions League campaigns for the Parisians. To surpass Ronaldo’s record, he will need to more than double that tally. However, given PSG’s status as two-time reigning champions, another lengthy run in the tournament could provide Dembele with enough chances to make an impact.
Cristiano Ronaldo's record still represents a monumental challenge. Yet, with the new Champions League format allowing for knockout matches that could lead teams to play up to 17 games, the 17-goal milestone suddenly appears more attainable than it once seemed.
