Jorge Mendes is a name that is well-known within the footballing landscape with the Portuguese super agent representing some of the most illustrious names across Europe.
Until recently, the 57-year-old included five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo among his long list of clients having helped the forward secure moves to Real Madrid, Juventus and his emotional return to Manchester United. Mendes was not present during the Portuguese's record-breaking switch to Saudi outfit Al-Nassr.
After 20 years in partnership, Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes no longer work together.
Cristiano's explosive Piers Morgan interview was a turning point and signalled the end of their relationship.
Disagreements over his behaviour and explosive interview saw the long working relationship acrimoniously ended with his new representative Ricardo Regufe spearheading talks. Here are Jorge Mendes' ten standout remaining clients that he might hope to mastermind moves for sooner rather than later.
Bernardo Silva - Man City
The first player who could pocket compatriot Mendes a pretty penny is Man City playmaker Bernardo Silva. As per transfermarkt, the former Monaco playmaker is the most valuable player on Gestifute's books.
He has recently reiterated his desire for a fresh challenge away from the Etihad Stadium sooner rather than later so Mendes might be hard at work engaging into negotiations sooner. Barcelona remain interested but appear unlikely to make a move due to their dire financial situation.
Ruben Dias - Man City
Still only 25, it seems that Portuguese defender Ruben Dias has been at the Etihad Stadium for far longer. The former Benfica star moved to City for a £61m fee in the summer of 2020 and has been a key player ever since.
He has played over 100 times under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and already has two Premier League titles to his name. He has a contract until the summer of 2027 so it appears unlikely that he will be on the move any time soon.
Joao Cancelo - Man City
A hat-trick of Man City players and a hat-trick of Portugal stars, versatile full-back Joao Cancelo has some of Europe's biggest clubs on his CV including the Sky Blues, Valencia and Juventus. Since being at the Etihad Stadium, he has developed the reputation as one of the most effective, attacking defenders in Europe.
He was initially signed in the summer of 2019 with ex-City defender Danilo moving to Turin in part-exchange, a deal that would likely have been hugely difficult to negotiate.
Darwin Nunez - Liverpool
One of the players that has recently earned Mendes and his Gestifute agency a small fortune, Uruguay forward Nunez initially made his name with Penarol before being brought to Europe by Almeria. His goalscoring displays for the Spanish side saw him seal a move to Portuguese giants Benfica and he continued his stunning performances in earnest.
A 34-goal season convinced Liverpool to make what could turn into a record deal to take Nunez to Anfield. The young striker has endured a difficult debut campaign thus far so he will be sure to want to improve.
Fabinho - Liverpool
From one Liverpool signing to another, the Brazilian international has been key to a trophy-laden spell under Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside. He arrived at the club from French giants Monaco having helped the principality club to the Ligue 1 title.
Mendes' Gestifute were at the heart of talks with Liverpool but the Portuguese was not actually representing Fabinho at the time. Ex-Chelsea and Barcelona star Deco held talks with the Reds having made the move into player representation at the end of his playing career.
Diogo Jota - Liverpool
Whilst Ronaldo enjoyed a lengthy working relationship with Mendes, the same can certainly be said of Portugal colleague Diogo Jota. Beginning his career with Pacos de Ferreira, he was helped to earn moves to Atletico Madrid, Porto and then Wolves - the former getting assistance from Mendes to secure Jota's services whilst in the Championship.
Things then got even better for the Portuguese forward as Liverpool elected to pay £41m to take him to Anfield in January 2020. Injuries have limited his contributions but Jota has still managed to score 34 goals in 93 matches in all competitions for the Reds.
Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid
One of the most lucrative moves that Jorge Mendes has negotiated in his career, exciting forward Joao Felix moved from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in a £113m deal ahead of the 2019/20 season. He will no doubt have earned a pretty penny in the process and could be set to cash-in once again.
Atletico Madrid are reportedly now open to moving the striker on with relations with manager Diego Simeone having soured beyond repair. Man Utd and Arsenal have both been linked with the Spanish side demanding a huge loan fee to let him leave temporarily.
Matheus Nunes - Wolves
With Felix potentially set to hand Jorge Mendes a cash injection, the same could be said of Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes. The 24-year-old only joined Wolves in the summer having left Sporting Lisbon after three years.
Matheus Nunes completed more take-ons than any other player on the pitch (3) and as many as the entire Liverpool team COMBINED.
Liverpool were previously linked with a move for the midfielder with reports suggesting that they could potentially be set to revive their interest as they attempt to find a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
Vitinha - PSG
Another player to have earned a move in the most recent summer transfer window, the 22-year-old had previously represented one of Mendes' favoured clubs in the form of Wolves. He had a loan spell in the Midlands during the 2020/21 campaign but was only afforded 22 outings in all competitions.
He returned to parent club Porto and having helped the Portuguese giants to the league title, made a surprise switch to Paris Saint-Germain. He penned a five-year deal in the French capital after PSG activated the release clause in his contract.
Ederson - Man City
Potentially one of cheapest players on this entire list, Brazilian stopper Ederson was another of those to arrive in the Premier League from Portuguese giants Benfica. The now 29-year-old put pen to paper on a £35m switch to Man City in the summer of 2017.
Fewest games taken to reach 150 wins in Premier League history:
◉ 197 - Ederson ◎ 213 - Patrice Evra ◎ 215 - Kevin De Bruyne ◎ 216 - Fernandinho
He has been the club's number one choice between the sticks having accumulated 263 appearances since. In that time, he has won four Premier League titles, as well as three Golden Gloves.
Portugal announces squad for UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals: Featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Portugal announces their squad for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernando Silva along with rising stars like Joao Neves and Geovany Quenda.
Sporting CP's teenage striker Geovany Quenda has also earned a callup for the first time. Coach Roberto Martinez said about Geovany Quenda, "At 17, being in the National team shows his potential."
After a long absence, defender Ruben Dias has returned to the Portuguese national squad for its upcoming knockout tie against Denmark.
Expectedly, this list includes stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rui Silva, Diogo Costa. On the other hand, some of the rising stars like Geovany Quenda and Joao Neves will power the squad depth for the 2019 Europa League winners.
Portugal will face Denmark in a two-legged matchup in the UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals. The first leg will be hosted in Copenhagen, and the return leg will be at home for Portugal, set to take place in Lisbon.
The first leg is scheduled to be played on March 21st, whereas the return leg will be played on March 24th, 2025.
10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League
Explore the top 10 African players with the most goals in UEFA Champions League history, featuring legends like Mohamed Salah, Didier Drogba, and Samuel Eto'o.
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, boasting the best talent from around the globe. Over the years, African players have made a significant impact on Europe's elite competition, with many of them showcasing their skills but also finding the back of the net consistently.
From legendary strikers to dynamic wingers, this article highlights the top 10 African players with the most goals in Champions League history, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the grandest stage of European football.
10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League:
Rank
Player
Country
Goals
1
Mohamed Salah
Egypt
50
2
Didier Drogba
Ivory Coast
44
3
Samuel Eto'o
Cameroon
30
4
Sadio Mane
Senegal
27
5
Riyad Mahrez
Algeria
20
6
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Gabon
17
7
Seydou Doumbia
Ivory Coast
15
8
Vincent Aboubakar
Cameroon
14
9
Rabah Madjer
Algeria
12
10
Sebastien Haller
Ivory Coast
12
10. Sebastian Haller| 12 Goals | Ivory Coast:
Image Credit: Talk Sports
While the Ivorian found the net just 10 times in 48 games for the Hammers, he experienced a career revival at Ajax, netting an impressive 32 times in 50 games. Sebastian Haller made his Champions League debut in the 2021-22 season, scoring in his first seven games in the competition, including four in his debut against Ruben Amorim’s Sporting. Haller scored just one more UEFA Champions League goal and was given just 10 minutes in the German side’s 2024 final defeat to Real Madrid.
9. Rabah Madjer | Algeria | 12 Goals:
Image Credit: Pinterest
Madjer is considered one of the best players in the history of Algerian football and shot to renown as a Porto player in the 1980s. He scored six goals on Porto’s first UEFA Champions League winning run, including the equalizer against Bayern Munich in the final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. Madjer retired in 1992 and twice managed his home country, having played in their first ever World Cup in 1982.
8. Vincent Aboubakar | 14 Goals | Cameroon:
Image Credit: GOAL
Aboubakar made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2014 with Porto, scoring a goal in a 6-0 thrashing of BATE Borisov. He came back with a goal in the return fixture at home to Shakhtar and scored his first knockout goal against Basel but was an unused substitute in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich, including the 6-1 defeat that sent Porto out.
In the next two seasons, one spent at Porto and the other at Besiktas, Aboubakar netted six times but failed to get out of the group stage. He scored his final Champions League goals in 2017 with a brace against Monaco but was injured for the last 16 tie against Liverpool, a 5-0 defeat at the Estádio do Dragao.
7. Seydou Doumbia | 15 Goals | Ivory Coast:
Image Credit: ESPN
Doumbia scored 15 UEFA Champions League goals in 31 games for three different clubs in his career. He moved to Basel in 2016, scoring just once in six games before ending his European run at Sporting in the 2017-18 season. He made his debut with CSKA Moscow, scoring five times in the 2011-12 season, but never hit that height again.
6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Gabon | 17 Goals:
Image Credit: Daily Sports Nigeria
Aubameyang primarily scored his goals with Dortmund, he managed just two for Chelsea, but Gabon’s all-time top scorer never made it past the UEFA Champions League quarter finals having twice exited at that stage in 2014 and 2017. Aubameyang is, however, the all-time top goal scorer in Europa League history, netting 34 times in 62 games.
5. Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | 20 Goals:
Image Credit: Manchester City News
Riyad Mahrez kicked things off with two goals in Leicester’s opening group match against Brugge before finding the net two more times ahead of the knockouts. He played every minute of Leicester’s knockout run but could only manage a single assist in that time.
In the 2020-21 season, Mahrez was a crucial player on Manchester City’s run, scoring in the quarters before three goals against PSG in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. However, he could not find the net as City lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the final. By the time of the 2023 win, Mahrez had fallen down the City pecking order and stayed on the bench for the whole of the 1-0 win against Inter.
4. Sadio Mane | Senegal | 27 Goals:
Image Credit: This is Anfield
The 2019 and 2022 African Player of the Year Mane was a talisman in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool rebuild. Joining in 2016, Mane along with Salah and Roberto Firmino combined to be a lethal front three with the Senegalese player scoring 10 goals in the 17-18 UEFA Champions League season, a figure only beaten by his team-mates and Cristiano Ronaldo. Moving to Bayern Munich in 2022, Mane struggled to replicate his Liverpool form but still scored three goals in the group stages before departing for Al-Nassr in 2023.
3. Samuel Eto'o | Cameroon | 30 Goals:
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
The four-time African player of the year winner, a figure only matched by Yaya Toure, scored most of his UEFA Champions League goals for Barcelona including six in their 2005-06 triumph and four in the 2008-09 win under Pep Guardiola. Moving to Inter in 2009, Eto’o became the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Champions Leagues at different clubs and played every game in the Jose Mourinho-masterminded run. Still considered by many to be the best African player of all-time, Samuel Eto’o was a deadly mix of pace and clinical finishing.
2. Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | 44 Goals:
Image Credit: UEFA
With 10 goals in 10 finals, the Ivorian was the man for the big occasion, and he made his UEFA Champions League debut with Marseille in 2003, scoring five goals in six games. Getting his move to Chelsea the following season, Drogba hit the same number in the 2004-05 campaign but managed just one goal in seven appearances the next year.
He scored twice in the 2008 semi-final to set up a clash against rivals Manchester United, but a John Terry slip in a rain-soaked Moscow denied Chelsea their first UEFA Champions League title. But that success would come in 2012 with Drogba playing a starring role in the final.
1. Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 50 Goals:
Image Credit: Egyptian Streets
Considering he scored just three goals in his first 15 UEFA Champions League appearances, betting on Mohamed Salah to one day become the leading African goal-scorer would have seemed a waste of money back in 2016. Famously a second choice of Klopp – the German preferred Julian Brandt – Salah hit 10 goals in his first UEFA Champions League season at Anfield, propelling Liverpool to their first final since 2007 but an early injury caused by Sergio Ramos forced him to the sideline as Real Madrid won 3-1 in Kyiv.
Discover the 15 most decorated football clubs in the world, boasting legendary teams with the highest number of trophies, from domestic leagues to international glory.
Success in football comes in circles, as good times come and go for every club, but some clubs have had far more consistent runs than the others. Many clubs have had generations of success through each era of football and multiple competitions.
Understanding that every title, cup, and league win has a backdrop is essential. Here is the full list of the clubs boasting their trophy cabinets.
15 most decorated clubs in world football:
RANK
CLUBS
TROPHIES
NATION
1.
Al-Ahly
123
Egypt
2.
Celtic FC
119
Scotland
3.
Rangers
118
Scotland
4.
Club Nacional de Football
117
Uruguay
5.
Atletico Penarol
116
Uruguay
6.
Real Madrid
102
Spain
7.
FC Barcelona
98
Spain
8.
SL Benfica
85
Portugal
9.
FC Porto
85
Portugal
10.
Al-Faisaly
84
Saudi Arab
11.
FC Bayern Munich
83
Germany
12.
Olympiacos
80
Greece
13.
Ajax
73
Netherlands
14.
Juventus
71
Italy
15.
Manchester United
68
England
15. Manchester United | 68 Trophies | England:
Image Credit: Give Me Sport
If you say "Theatre of Dreams", "Old Trafford", or the "Busby Babes" to someone, there is only one club that comes to mind: Manchester United. The Red Devils are cementing their place in the most decorated club's hall of fame with 68 trophies, right from the Busby Babes Munich air disaster in 1958 to Sir Alex Ferguson's Class of 92. Icons like Sir Bobby Charlton to the modern heroes like Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo have clothed the famous red jersey.
While the club has struggled to reach the heights of the 1990s to 2000s in recent years, The Red Devils are one of the most successful clubs in England, winning three UEFA Champions Leagues to their name, one of the best teams to have ever played in Europe as well.
3x UEFA Champions League winner (1967-68, 1998-99, 2007-08)
1x UEFA Super Cup Winner (1991-92)
1x UEFA Europa Cup Winner (2016-17)
1x Cup Winners Cup (1990-91)
13x FA Cup Winner (23/24, 15/16, 03/04, 98/99, 95/96, 93/94, 89/90, 84/85, 82/83, 76/77, 62/63, 47/48, 1908/09)
21x English Super Cup winner (16/17, 13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 08/09, 07/08, 03/04, 97/98 , 96/97, 94/95, 93/94, 90/91, 83/84, 77/78, 67/68, 65/66, 57/58, 56/57, 52/53, 1911/12, 1908/09)
6x English League Cup Winner (22/23 , 16/17 , 09/10 , 08/09 , 05/06 , 91/92)
2x English 2nd Tier Champions (74/75, 35/36)
1x Inter Continental Cup Winner (1999)
14. Juventus | 71 Trophies | Italy:
Image Credit: Dreams Time
Juventus is undoubtedly one of the most decorated clubs in world football and Italy too. From Dino Zoff to Alessandro Del Piero, this Italian heavyweight has been home to some of the biggest footballing stars ever produced, who have helped to add moments that collectively tell the tale of their 71 trophies. Not many clubs can boast about the fact that the Turin giant was formed by a group of grammar school students who turned into one of the biggest clubs in world football. A fascinating back story with a thrilling journey.
2x UEFA Champions League winners (1984-85, 1995-96)
2x UEFA Super Cup (1984-85, 1996-97)
9x Italian Super Cup Winner (20/21 , 18/19 , 15/16 , 13/14 , 12/13 , 03/04 , 02/03 , 97/98 , 95/96)
2x UEFA Cup Winner (92/93 , 89/90 , 76/77)
1x Italian Serie B Champion (2006-07)
2x Intercontinental Cup Winner (1996, 1985)
13. Ajax | 73 Trophies | Netherlands:
Image Credit:X
Ajax are a wonderful football club, and their story is represented in as much as one word: innovation. The birthplace of 'Modern Football', their academy, De Toekomst, has been a messenger of talents. From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong. Their 73 trophies, including their European exploits, show their philosophy that prioritizes skill and vision.
The club has been massively successful in their 123-year history, winning four Champions League crowns, three of which were won in a row, as well as 36 Eredivisie crowns, which makes this club one of the most decorated clubs in world football.
Olympiacos is known to have a hugely intimidating home atmosphere when visiting teams come to their ground, the Karaiskakis Stadium. Despite only holding 33,334 fans, it's a well-known fortress for the home team. There's no doubt that they have dominated Greek football since their inception in 1925. From legendary figures to the current team, it has helped the club propel them to 80 trophies and cemented their name into one of the most decorated clubs.
4x Greek Super Cup Winner (2006/07, 91/92, 86/87, 1979/80)
1x UEFA Conference League Winner (2023-24)
11. FC Bayern Munich | 83 Trophies | Germany:
Image Credit: FCB Inside
Bayern's unparalleled streak of 11 consecutive titles came to an end in 2023-24 when the club slipped to third in Bayer Leverkusen's 'invincible' season. Vincent Kompany will be looking to change fortunes and restore Bayern to the top of German football. From their Allianz Arena, a modern-day stadium, they have showcased a brand of football that is both efficient and elegant. Bayern Munich is one of the most decorated clubs in Germany and world football too.
10x German Super Cup Winner (22/23 , 21/22 , 20/21 , 18/19 , 17/18 , 16/17 , 12/13 , 10/11 , 90/91 , 87/88)
6x League Cup Winner (07/08 , 04/05 , 00/01 , 99/00 , 98/99 , 97/98)
South German Cup Winner (1956-57)
2x Intercontinental Cup Winner (2001, 1976)
2X UEFA Super Cup Winner (20/21 , 13/14)
6x UEFA Champions League Winner (1975/76, 74/75, 73/74, 2019/20, 2012/13, 2000/01)
2x FIFA Club World Cup Winner (20/21, 13/14)
1x UEFA Cup Winner (1995-96)
10. Al-Faisaly | 84 Trophies | Saudi Arab:
Image Credit: The AFC
Not a familiar name in world football, but Al-Faisaly is one of the most decorated clubs in world football. In 91 years of their existence as a football club, formerly known as Al-Ashbal Club, they have won 35 league titles and 21 Jordan FA Cups, although domestic success has been more limited in recent years. The club is yet to have any success on the AFC stage.
From the banks of the Douro River, FC Porto has risen as Portugal's footballing flare and one of the most decorated clubs in world football. This is the football club that gave us players such as Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and, of course, the hero Benni McCarthy. After the 2004 season's UEFA Champions League winning campaign, Porto haven't seen any success in Europe since, they have still managed to win 30 Primeira Liga titles, 19 Taca de Portugal, two European Cups and two Europa Leagues during their 130-year history.
2x UEFA Champions League Winner (2003-04, 1986-87)
1x UEFA Super Cup Winner (1987-88)
2x Intercontinental Cup Winner (2004, 1987)
8. SL Benfica | 85 Trophies | Portugal:
Image Credit: SL Benfica
SL Benfica is one of the most decorated football clubs in Portugal and globally. The club has given birth to some absolute icons in the sport. Eusebio, winner of the 1965 Ballon d'Or, was representing Benfica when he achieved this phenomenal feat. Modern-day players such as Angel Di Maria, Darwin Nunez, David Luiz and Nemanja Matic are just a few names that have come and gone from the Portuguese outfit over the years. With 85 trophies, incredibly, the nation's two powerhouses are tied for trophy hauls.
2x UEFA Champions League Winner (1961/62, 1960/61)
7. FC Barcelona | 98 Trophies | Spain:
Image Credit: Mirror
There is no denying that Barcelona's most successful period was the late 2000s and into the 2010s, led by the genius Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player to ever kick a football and helped to make one of the most decorated clubs in world football. Their 98-trophy tally does not just recount victories but also moments that changed Spanish football. Camp Nou has been the hub of 'tiki-taka' football - a poetic style, enchanting and uniquely Barcelona's.
3x Inter-Cities fair cup Winners (65/66 , 59/60 , 57/58)
6. Real Madrid | 102 Trophies | Spanish:
Image Credit: Managing Madrid
Real Madrid has made the Santiago Bernabeu a theatre of dreams for fans and a place of nightmares for rivals. Madrid boasts an astonishing 15 UEFA Champions League titles to their name, seven more than any other team has won in the competition's history. Los Blancos is the most decorated club in Spain showcasing 102 trophies.
Just missing out on the top four is one of the most decorated clubs of South American football, Atletico Penarol. Why is this club so special and represents why they have been so successful over the years, is that they have never been relegated from the top division in Uruguay since being founded in 1891. It is a witness to longevity and consistent excellence. With a total of 116 trophies, they are not just Uruguayan legends.
3x Intercontinental Cup Winner (1982 , 1966 , 1961)
4. Club Nacional de Football | 117 Trophies | Uruguay:
Image Credit: X
Club Nacional de Football tales of dominance are South American epics, which makes them the most decorated clubs in South America. However, in their long and storied 125-year history, they have won 49 Primera Division crowns in their homeland. The well-documented side from Uruguay boasts 116 trophies and is iconic in its own right.
3x Intercontinental Cup Winner (1988 , 1980 , 1971)
1x Recopa SudAmericana winner (1989)
3. Rangers |118 Trophies | Scotland:
Image Credit: Give Me Sport
Rangers have marginally fewer trophies to their city rivals Celtic with 55 Scottish first-tier League Championships since 1890 and that's why they are the second most decorated clubs in Scottish Premiership. With their home one of the most famous stadiums in the British Isles in the form of Ibrox, it is no wonder they have managed such glory when they can create such an atmosphere.
Celtic Park, also known as Parkhead, and renowned for its thrilling atmosphere, has seen countless memories created in the club's 137-year history. Because of their dominance, they are the most decorated club in Scottish football. Celtic were the first club in Great Britain to win the European Cup.
Al-Ahly tops this list and becomes the most decorated club in world football with 123 trophies. With a legacy stretching back to 1907 and 123 trophies to their name, they are more than Egyptian legends; they are global titans. They have won 43 Egyptian Premier League titles, 39 Egypt Cups, 12 CAF Champions Leagues, 14 Egyptian Super Cups, eight CAF Super Cups and four African Cup Winners' Cups, just to name a few. They are essentially the African version of Real Madrid and continue to dominate Egyptian domestic football to this day.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team
Explore the greatest football XI of all time, chosen by legendary striker Ronaldo Nazário. Discover his ultimate dream team, featuring football icons and unforgettable talent on the pitch.
Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.
In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:
Pele
Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona
Zico
Romario
Cristiano Ronaldo
Marco Van Basten
Zinedine Zidane
Luis Figo
Rivaldo
Ronaldinho
1. Pele
(Image Credit: GOAL.com)
Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.
2. Lionel Messi
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.
Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:
Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.
3. Diego Maradona
Image Credit: The Boston Globe
Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.
In 2018, Maradona said:
“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”
4. Zico
Image Credit: The Football Times
Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.
The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
5. Romario
Image Credit: Planet Football
Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together.
Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.
In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or.
During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’
He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.
We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Image Credit: Managing Madrid
While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.
Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN:
Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.
7. Marco Van Basten:
Image Credit: Soccer News
There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.
8. Zinedine Zidane
Image Credit: Sportskeeda
During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.
9. Luis Figo
Image Credit: Barca Universal
Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.
The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.
10. Rivaldo
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.
11. Ronaldinho
Image Credit: X
The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.
Many Players have experienced taking the UEFA Champions League match ball home. But few have done it multiple times. Listening to the UEFA Champions League anthem on the pitch while being in the starting lineup is the dream of every other kid football fan. But among the dreamers, few players go on to make further history in the game.
Players who leave a lasting impression through their quality, be it defending, goalkeeping, or even scoring goals. In this article, we will have a look at the players with the most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League history.
RANK
PLAYERS
HAT-TRICKS
CLUBS
1
Cristiano Ronaldo
8
Real Madrid (7), Juventus (1)
2
Lionel Messi
8
FC Barcelona (8)
3
Robert Lewandowski
6
Borussia Dortmund (1), Bayern Munich (4), FC Barcelona (1)
4
Karim Benzema
4
Real Madrid (1)
5
Luiz Adriano
3
Shakhtar Donetsk (3)
6
Mario Gomez
3
Bayern Munich (3)
7
Filippo Inzaghi
3
Juventus (2), AC Milan (1)
8
Neymar Junior
3
FC Barcelona (1), Paris Saint-Germain (2)
9
Kylian Mbappe
3
Paris Saint-Germain (2), Real Madrid (1)
10
Harry Kane
2
Tottenham Hotspurs (1), FC Bayern Munich (1)
10. Harry Kane| 2 Hat-tricks| Tottenham Hotspurs & Bayern Munich:
First Hat-trick | Tottenham Hotspurs:
On 26th September 2017, Harry Kane hit his first hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League against APOEL FC, Tottenham Hotspurs won that match 3-0 in the group stage and Kane finished the group stage joint second in the top scorers chart with six goals.
Second Hat-trick | FC Bayern Munich:
On 18th September 2024, Harry Kane hit his second hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League. Kane scored 4 goals and Bayern Munich won that match 9-2 at Allianz Arena in Munich.
9. Kylian Mbappe | 3 Hat-tricks | Paris Saint-Germain & Real Madrid:
On 17 February 2017, Kylian Mbappe scored his second UEFA Champions League Round of 16 hat-tricks against the mighty FC Barcelona in Parc des Princes. Mbappe scored 3 goals and Moises Keane scored the last goal against Barcelona and they won 4-1 against the Blaugranes.
8. Neymar Jr. | 3 Hat-tricks | FC Barcelona & Paris Saint-Germain:
First Hat-trick | FC Barcelona:
On December 11, 2013, Neymar Jr. scored his first-ever hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League at Camp Nou in Spain. In that Lionel Messi was injured, but Neymar stepped up and scored a hat-trick against Celtic FC and FC Barcelona triumphed over a dominant 6-1 win against Celtic FC.
Filippo Inzaghi scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Dynamo Kyiv. Filippo Inzaghi became the first Juventus player to score a UEFA Champions League hat-trick when he found the back of the net on three occasions against Dynamo Kyiv in March 1998. Juventus won that match with a comfortable 4-1 scoreline.
Second Hat-trick | Juventus:
On 13 September 2000, Filippo Inzaghi netted his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Hamburg. Filippo Inzaghi's hat-trick rescued Juventus as an astonishing Champions League match against Hamburg finished 4-4 in Germany. Juventus led 3-1 at one stage before falling 4-3 behind and it needed a late penalty from Inzaghi to rescue a point.
Third Hat-trick | AC Milan:
The former Italian international scored his third UEFA Champions League hat-trick in his iconic AC Milan Jersey against Deportivo La Coruna. With the help of his hat-trick AC Milan won with a comfortable 4-0 scoreline in the 2002-03 season.
6. Mario Gomez | 3 Hat-tricks | FC Bayern Munich:
Mario Gomez bagged 3 UCL hat-tricks for Bayern Munich | Bayern Munich
Mario Gomez scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against the Romanian side CFR Cluj in November 2010. Almost a year to the day later, the German forward scored a match-winning hat-trick against Napoli to seal a 3-2 win.
Luiz Adriano had registered his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick two years prior when he netted three times in Shakhtar's 5-2 win over Danish side Nordsjaelland in November 2012. Luiz Adriano netted his second UEFA Champions League hat-trick against BATE Borisov in the 2014 season. The Brazilian recorded his third hat-trick against BATE as he inspired Shakhtar to a 5-0 win.
The Frenchman would wait five years for his second as he scored three times in an 8-0 win over Malmo, scoring three against PSG in March 2022, Benzema recorded his fourth UEFA Champions League hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Chelsea in April that year.
The Polish forward had already agreed on terms with Bayern at that point and Lewandowski recorded four hat-tricks for the German giants when opposing Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade, Benfica, and lastly Red Bull Salzburg.
The former Barcelona legend scored other six UEFA Champions League hat-tricks against Ajax, APOEL Nicosia, Celtic, Manchester City, and PSV Eindhoven, a record equaled by Cristiano Ronaldo just six months later.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 8 Hat-tricks | Real Madrid & Juventus:
Although the most memorable one came against Atlético de Madrid the second time. This time in the colors of Juventus. Juventus progressed 3-2 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals.
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