UEFA has announced that Cristiano Ronaldo will receive a special award recognizing his status as the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 29, 2024, in Monaco during the Champions League group stage draw for the 2024/25 season.Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements in the competition include scoring 140 goals in 183 appearances over 18 years. This tally puts him 11 goals ahead of Lionel Messi and 46 goals clear of Robert Lewandowski. The Portuguese star has won the Champions League five times and has been the top scorer in seven separate seasons, including a record-breaking 17 goals in the 2013/14 campaign.UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Ronaldo’s sustained excellence, stating, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goal-scoring feats in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, representing a notable challenge for future generations’. Ceferin also commended Ronaldo’s professionalism, work ethic, and ability to shine on the biggest stage, describing these qualities as ones ‘that all football players around the world should strive to emulate’.Despite now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s legacy in European football remains strong. The 39-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, ‘It’s an honor to receive this award. I’m grateful to UEFA for recognizing my achievements’. This award serves as a testament to Ronaldo’s enduring impact on the Champions League and his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the competition.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo to receive special UEFA award for being Champions League all-time top scorer with 140 goals.
- Award ceremony to take place on August 29, 2024, during Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praises Ronaldo’s sustained excellence and impact on the sport.
