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Messi vs Ronaldo: UEFA Champions League Records

Messi vs Ronaldo, UEFA Champions League records: We take a look at Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's record at the Champions League.

Sep 30, 2021, 8:42 AM2 min read

The football world divides into two worlds when there is a debate regarding Messi vs Ronaldo. However, this debate has no clear cut outcome or answer. If Messi dominates a chart, Ronaldo hits back with another. Moreover, it is for sure that these two pushes each other to their limits and this is what makes them different from others. In this article, we analyse their UEFA Champions League records.

Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo: Most man of the match winners in football

Messi vs Ronaldo | UEFA Champions League stats:

Cristiano Ronaldo Statistics Lionel Messi
19 Seasons 18
178 Games Played 151
136 Goals Scored 121
0.76 Goals per game 0.80
117 Goals without Penalties 105
113'43" Scoring frequency 103'26"
42 Assists 35
6 Indirect Assists 10
368'14" Assist frequency 357'36"
86'53" Goal involvement frequency 80'14"
5/19 Titles won 4/18
3 MVP 2
7 Top Scorer award 6

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo | Different Champions League stages:

What Lionel Messi has previously said about Cristiano Ronaldo
Image - United in Focus

The two greats have had a major impact on their respective teams, especially in the Champions League. Hence we break down their statistics in each of the stages of the UCL. That includes the stats in; Group stage, Knock out stage and the UEFA Champions League Final. Lionel Messi scores every 103', Assists every 358', Involved every 80' in the Champions League. On the other hand, Ronaldo scores every 114', Assists every 368', Involved every 87'.

Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo: Analysing their International goals

Champions League Group Stage:

Cristiano Ronaldo Statistics Lionel Messi
95 Games 77
69 Goals 72
27 Assists 23
0.73 Ratio 0.94

Lionel Messi scores every 85', Assists every 266', Involved every 64' in the group stages of the UCL.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores every 118', Assists every 301', Involved every 85' in the group stages of the UCL.

Champions League Knock-out stages and Finals:

Cristiano Ronaldo Statistics Lionel Messi
83 Games 74
67 Goals 49
15 Assists 12
0.81 Ratio 0.66

Messi scores every 131', Assists every 534', Involved every 105' in the knock out stages and finals.
Ronaldo scores every 109', Assists every 489', Involved every 89' in the knock out stages and finals.

N.B. All the stats are accurate as of 30/09/2021

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UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw LIVE Updates, and News: Real vs Inter; Bayern vs PSG; Bayern vs Barcelona

Get the real-time updates and news of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase draw in Monaco on Sportz Point's LIVE Blog.

Aug 28, 2025, 5:11 PM1 min read

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw LIVE Updates, and News | sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to our LIVE blog coverage of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw.

I’m Barnali Debnath, here to bring you all the latest updates, insights, and reactions as the groups for this prestigious tournament are unveiled.

Tonight’s draw will set the stage for one of the most exciting and competitive seasons in European club football, with top teams from across the continent finding out their opponents and potential paths to glory.

Read Also: 20 Most expensive teenagers in football transfer history [2025]

Stay tuned for minute-by-minute updates, expert analysis, and breaking news as the drama of the draw unfolds.

Whether you’re a passionate fan or a football enthusiast, this is your go-to destination for everything related to the Champions League draw

LIVE Updates

Aug 28, 2025, 5:20 PM

Matchweek of UCL 2025/26

Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21/22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4/5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 25/26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9/10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20/21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026

Aug 28, 2025, 5:11 PM

When the fixtures will be published?

The fixture for the league phase of UCL 2025/26 will be published on Saturday, this week.

Aug 28, 2025, 5:08 PM

Kairat Almaty

Aug 28, 2025, 5:07 PM

Copenhagen

Aug 28, 2025, 5:07 PM

PAFOS

Aug 28, 2025, 5:06 PM

Union SG

Aug 28, 2025, 5:05 PM

Newcastle United

Aug 28, 2025, 5:05 PM

Galatasaray

Aug 28, 2025, 5:04 PM

Monaco

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Aug 28, 2025, 5:04 PM

Qarabag

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Aug 28, 2025, 5:03 PM

Athletic Club

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Aug 28, 2025, 5:02 PM

Pot 3 is done!

Only 9 teams are left, knowing their two opponents each. 

Aug 28, 2025, 5:00 PM

Napoli

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:59 PM

PSV

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:59 PM

Slavia Praha

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:58 PM

Ajax

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:57 PM

Olympiacos

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:57 PM

Sporting CP

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:56 PM

Bodo/Glimt

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:55 PM

Tottenham Hotspur

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:54 PM

Marseille

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:50 PM

Pot 2 is done

Aug 28, 2025, 4:50 PM

Villarreal

Villarreal's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:50 PM

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:49 PM

Juventus

Juventus' opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:48 PM

Frankfurt

Frankfurt's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:47 PM

Club Brugge

Club Brugge's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:46 PM

Benfica

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:45 PM

Atalanta

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:45 PM

Arsenal

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:44 PM

Bayer Leverkusen

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:40 PM

Manchester City's opponents

Manchester City's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:39 PM

PSG

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:39 PM

Barcelona's opponents

Barcelona's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:37 PM

Here are Liverpool's opponents

Liverpool's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:36 PM

Borussia Dortmund

UCL 2025/26 Draw LIVE

Aug 28, 2025, 4:34 PM

Third is Real Madrid

Real Madrid's opponents for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:33 PM

Second is Chelsea

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Aug 28, 2025, 4:31 PM

Bayern Munich are the first team to be picked out

Bayern Munich's path for UCL 2025/26

Aug 28, 2025, 4:30 PM

Zlatan will pick teams and Kaka will reveal the opponent!

Aug 28, 2025, 4:21 PM

Kaka meets Zlatan!

The former Brazilian star, who is one of the very few players to win the Champions League, FIFA World Cup and Ballon d'Or award in his career, comes on stage to share his UCL memories.

"We had a great team, a great coach and amazing supporters," he says of the Italian side's triumph in 2006/07. "Winning that trophy is really amazing – it's one of the best moments in my career," Kaka said.

Aug 28, 2025, 4:18 PM

Ibrahimovic wins the UEFA President's Award

The former footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins the UEFA President's Award 2025.

Aug 28, 2025, 4:11 PM

THE TROPHY

UEFA Champions League league phase draw LIVE: The Champions League trophy

Aug 28, 2025, 4:07 PM

"It is almost impossible"

Aug 28, 2025, 4:02 PM

THE ANTHEM!

The event starts with the Champions league anthem, performed by LIVE singers on stage. 

Aug 28, 2025, 3:58 PM

KAKA 😍

Aug 28, 2025, 3:41 PM

Look who's here

Aug 28, 2025, 3:10 PM

Pots for the draw

Pot 1: Paris, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona
Pot 2: Arsenal, Leverkusen, Atleti, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Frankfurt, Club Brugge
Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Slavia Praha, Bodø/Glimt, Marseille
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union SG, Qarabağ, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat Almaty

Aug 28, 2025, 3:07 PM

The draw format

A total of 36 teams will compete in this phase, divided into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficient rankings. 

The reigning Champions League holders, PSG, are automatically placed as the top seed in pot 1. Each club will face eight different clubs, facing two clubs from each pot, one match at home and one away.

The draw will ensure that teams do not play against clubs from their own association more than twice.

Aug 28, 2025, 3:05 PM

How to watch the event?

Football fans from India can watch the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase draw on the Sony LIV app and website. Moreover, the event will also be televised on Sony Sports Network channels as well.

Aug 28, 2025, 3:04 PM

Event details

When: 28 September 2025

Time: 9.30 pm IST

Venue: Grimaldi Forum, Monaco

Next Article

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

Let’s go ahead and dive into some real names of famous footballers you probably don't know.

Aug 20, 2025, 12:56 PM4 min read

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

As the most popular sport, football is watched and played by people all over the country, ranging from professional leagues, to youth teams, and even families in their yards. But how much do you really know about your favourite footballers? Do you know many famous footballers actually don't use their real names in their professional careers?

Many footballers' real names are distinctly different from what are effectively stage names they use for their professional careers. Many figures even choose to go by relatively shorter names to make it easier for people all over the world to remember them by.

Let’s go ahead and dive into some real names of famous footballers you probably don't know.

Also Read: 15 football records that might ever be broken

Real Names of Famous Footballers

1. Dele Alli

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Bamidele Jermaine Alli

Dele Alli's full name is Bamidele Jermaine Alli. He does not use his full name professionally and instead goes by "Dele Alli". Dele Alli used to be a big name in the round leather game some years back. When he was 20, he was already considered as English football’s biggest rising star.

2. Raphinha

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Raphael Dias Belloli

Raphinha's full name is 'Raphael Dias Belloli'. He does not use his full name professionally and instead goes by Raphinha. Raphinha is known for his skills in dribbling, pace, and creativity on the field. He currently plays as a winger for Leeds United in the English Premier League.

3. Moises Caicedo

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo

Caicedo's real name is  'Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo'. He is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for the English club Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion and for the national team of Ecuador. He is a versatile player with ability to control the tempo of the game.

4. Cole Palmer

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Cole Jermaine Palmer

Cole Palmer's full name is 'Cole Jermaine Palmer'. He is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. The English footballer plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Chelsea and the England national team.

Also Read: Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

5. Kaka

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

Kaka is arguably one of the defining footballers of his generation. The Brazilian was the last player to win a Ballon d'Or before the decade-long duopoly between Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka has several major honours to his name, including a FIFA World Cup, a UEFA Champions League, and an endless list of individual awards.

6. Van Gaal

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Aloysius Paulus Maria van Gaal

Van Gaal's full name is Aloysius Paulus Maria 'Louis' van Gaal. To some, He's one of the best managers of the past two decades, willing to sacrifice style for substance and flair for formality. To others, he’s an unnerving disciplinarian, an expert at alienating his players and fans. Whatever side of the fence you fall, few will doubt that Louis van Gaal is one of the most pragmatic managers in the modern game.

7. Fikayo Tomori

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola Tomori

Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola "Fikayo" Tomori is an English professional footballer known for his defensive skill as a center-back, currently playing for Serie A club AC Milan and the England national team.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Cristiano Ronaldo aka Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is still plying his trade in the professional game for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, he is already considered one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards in his illustrious career, which is a record only bettered by a certain Argentine forward.

Also Read: 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

9. Bukayo Saka

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka

Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka is an English professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. He is often hailed as one of the greatest football players in the world. 

10. Lamine Yamal

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, also known as Lamine Yamal, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a right winger for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team. 

11. Pepe

Real names of famous footballers you probably don't know

  • Real Name- Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira

Former Real Madrid star Pepe is quite commonly regarded as one of the best and most aggressive defenders of his time. The centre-back is still playing European football at the age of 38, and put in a string of magnificent displays in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese rolled back the years against Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus with a breathtaking showing to knock them out of the UCL.

Next Article

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the global earnings chart for the third consecutive time. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world and see how much they are earning.

Aug 18, 2025, 1:11 PM5 min read

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

In 2025, some of the world’s top athletes are earning huge amounts of money through their sports, brand deals and businesses. These athletes come from football, basketball, golf and other popular games. Their earnings include salaries, match winnings and endorsements from big companies. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world and see how much they are earning.

Also Read: Women in Sports: Highest-paid women athletes in the world [2025]

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World

10. Kevin Durant | $101.4M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Kevin Durant’s Suns may not have made the playoffs, but his financial game stayed elite. His total earnings combine a $51.4 million salary with $50 million in off-court earnings through Boardroom Media and investments in Paris Saint-Germain.

He even has a soon-to-debut Netflix docuseries. His tequila brand, real estate moves, and a collaboration with Fanatics round out a sharp portfolio.

9. Shohei Ohtani | $102.5M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Though his Dodgers salary is deferred, Shohei Ohtani still walked away with $2.5 million in earnings plus postseason bonuses. But the reason he made it to this top-earners list is his headlining brand power.

Out of the total $102.5 million, $100 million came from endorsement deals across Japan and the U.S. That includes New Balance, Seiko, Beats by Dre, and a record-breaking Topps trading card sale.

8. Karim Benzema | $104M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

The first footballer to enter the top 10, and for the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, most of Karim Benzema's earnings have come from his hefty salary from his contract with Al-Ittihad, where he earns over $2 million a week, resulting in a $100 million annual salary. 

Sponsors like Adidas remain loyal, even as he embraces a quieter lifestyle far from the European spotlight. Rumors now swirl about a possible shift to Major League Soccer as the 2026 World Cup nears.

7. Juan Soto | $114M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Juan Soto shattered expectations after signing a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, even by baseball’s high-spending standards. His on-field take hit $109 million. And thanks to the buzz he generated, the Mets’ ticket sales surged following his signing. 

At just 26, Juan’s popularity and endorsements by the likes of Call of Duty and top Dominican brands have made him baseball’s financial poster boy, earning $114 million this year.

6. LeBron James | $133.8M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

LeBron James has amassed $133.8M, appearing in the sixth position. After more than two decades in the NBA spotlight, LeBron is still making history, not just on the court but also in his bank account.

While his Lakers stint earned him $48.8 million in salary, the larger story is off-court. His production company, SpringHill, is scaling up through a major merger, and he inked a deal to become the first athlete turned Ken doll.

5. Lionel Messi | $135M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Although he is the second-highest paid soccer player, Lionel Messi only ranks as the fifth-highest paid athlete. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner brought home $135 million.

To millions of people, Messi will forever be soccer’s GOAT. Naturally, his arrival in Major League Soccer wasn’t a mere player acquisition for Inter Miami but a transformative event for the league’s global standing. While his $60 million salary is a substantial figure, his endorsements with Adidas and Apple, alongside his own Mas+ beverage, earn him even more, around $75 million.

Also Read: 20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League History

4. Dak Prescott | $137M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Dak Prescott, American professional football quarterback who plays for the Dallas Cowboys, earns $137 million this year. This quarterback-turned-financial-play-caller knows how to read a market as well as a defense. 

First, Prescott made history with a contract structure that paid him $127 million in salary and bonuses within 12 months. Next were endorsements with Jordan Brand and Lowe’s that added another $10 million to his name. He’s also building a gym empire in Texas via Crunch Fitness partnerships.

3. Tyson Fury | $146M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $146 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury's income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show named “At Home With the Furys.”

2. Stephen Curry | $156M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry comes 2nd on the list of highest-paid athletes of the year, earning $156 million. Curry became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers in March this year. 

Of Curry's $156 million haul, $100 million comes from off-court dealings, including a major extension with Under Armour’s Curry Brand. He’s invested in everything from hydration startups to women’s basketball leagues. On the hardwood, he still drains threes while mentoring future stars at Davidson, where he now serves as an assistant GM.

Also Read: Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

1. Cristiano Ronaldo | $275M

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World [2025]

For the third year in a row, and the fifth time overall, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete. At age 40, the Portuguese soccer superstar is reaching new highs.

Over the past 12 months, counting both his playing salary at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and his off-field business endeavors, Ronaldo collected an estimated $275 million before taxes and agent fees - the third-best year by an active athlete ever measured by Forbes. On that all-time list, Ronaldo is surpassed only by boxer Floyd Mayweather, who earned $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018.

Next Article

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals of all time, as part of his enduring pursuit of titles and records. In this article, we'll look at the active football players with the most international goals.

Aug 7, 2025, 11:34 AM6 min read

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Cristiano Ronaldo might be playing in Saudi Arabia these days, but he's still racking up records in Portuguese colours. Among male footballers, Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals of all time, as part of his enduring pursuit of titles and records. The 40-year-old also has most international appearances in the history of men's football after playing his 200th game for Portugal in June 2023. 

In this article, we'll look at the active football players with the most international goals.

Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo: Who has scored the most non-penalty goals?

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

10. Edin Dzeko | 68 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Edin Dzeko is one of the most underrated strikers of his generation. The Inter Milan marksman is 39 years old but is still going strong. He has won the 'Bosnian Footballer of the Year' award three successive times in his career.

Dzeko has been quite prolific for his national team. He has scored 68 goals and provided 21 assists in his international career so far.

9. Harry Kane | 73 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Captain Harry Kane became the first player to score two goals on his 100th appearance for England. The striker scored his 67th and 68th international goals in the second half of the Nations League at Wembley over Finland, thundering an excellent strike in off the underside of the bar, then curling in a neat finish.

He also became just the third player to score on his 100th England appearance, after Wayne Rooney (versus Slovenia in 2014) and Bobby Charlton (against Northern Ireland in 1970).

Before kick-off, Kane was presented with a golden cap to mark the achievement, and also wore golden boots during the match.

8. Luis Suarez | 69 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Uruguay international Luis Suarez has had an illustrious career. He won the European Golden Shoe twice in the last decade and is widely regarded as one of the best centre-forwards of the 21st century.

Suarez, who recently led Uruguay to World Cup qualification, has scored 68 goals in his international career.

7. Neymar | 79 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Neymar Jr. is one of the most talented footballers we have seen in the 21st century. He is a joy to watch on the football pitch and is capable of producing moments of magic on a regular basis.

Neymar is one of the most innovative forwards of the modern era. He has been absolutely phenomenal for Brazil and is now surpassed Pele's goalscoring record for Brazil (77). Neymar has scored 79 goals and for the Brazilian national team so far in his career.

6. Robert Lewandowski | 85 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Robert Lewandowski is currently the most prolific goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues. The Bayern Munich striker has played some of the best football of his career in recent seasons.

Lewandowski has been a cut above the rest of his national teammates throughout his career. He has been a standout performer for Poland in recent years. The 36-year-old has scored 85 goals for Poland in international football.

Also Read: Top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century

5. Ali Mabkhout | 85 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Al Jazira and UAE legend Ali Mabkhout is a clinical finisher and as well as being one of his club's best scorers. However, he is also the United Arab Emirates' top international scorer of all time. He has a total of 85 international goals to his name. 

During the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, Mabkhout netted the only goal in a 1–0 victory over defending champions Australia, which helped his country qualify for the semi-finals. Mabkhout scored a hat-trick against Indonesia in a 5–0 win in 2019 to become UAE's all-time leading goalscorer.

4. Romelu Lukaku | 89 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Romelu Lukaku has been a beast in attack for Belgium's golden generation. He has consistently produced the goods for his star-studded national team and continues to do so.

Lukaku's form at club level may have fluctuated but he has maintained high standards in international football. The 32-year-old has scored 89 goals in his international career so far.

3. Sunil Chhetri | 95 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Sunil Chhetri is regarded as one of the best football players India has ever produced. In a career spanning over two decades, the centre-forward has won many individual as well as team accolades.

With 95 goals to his name in 154 international appearances, Chhetri is the third highest goal-scorer in international matches, only behind Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Also Read: Every Indian Team Football Coach Since 1948

Since Sunil Chhetri’s first senior professional goal for Mohun Bagan in the National Football League season (2002-03), the Indian football great has notched up many goal-scoring feats for both club and country.

2. Lionel Messi | 112 goals 

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers, has had a remarkable international career with Argentina. Messi, with 112 international goals, ranks second on the all-time top goal-scorers list, trailing only Ronaldo. Since his debut in 2005, Messi has earned 189 caps, leading Argentina to victories in the Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi can still catch Ronaldo for the record, if he plays on through to the 2026 World Cup and perhaps beyond.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 138 goals

Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the world record for international goals, scoring 138 for Portugal since making his debut in 2003. He is also the all-time leading appearance-maker in men's international football, having played 221 games, eclipsing the previous record of 196 held by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa against Liechtenstein on 23 March 2023, and marking the occasion with two goals. He has hit ten international hat-tricks, a record he shares with Lionel Messi.

Also Read: Every Manchester United records that may never be broken

Ronaldo broke the world record for international goals when he scored twice against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal's European Qualifier in Faro-Loulé on 1 September 2021, aged 36. He surpassed the existing world-record mark set by former Iran forward Ali Daei, the first man to claim a century of international goals. Lionel Messi joined the elite group on 28 March 2023.

Next Article

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team

Teenage football star Lamine Yamal created his greatest football XI of all time, which had legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and four Spanish team greats.

Jul 22, 2025, 7:29 AM10 min read

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com

Lamine Yamal just created his greatest football XI of all time with Real Madrid and Barcelona legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The recently turned 18 year old teenage star has been one of the best footballers in the world currently from two seasons. 

The Spaniard had a Ballon d'Or 2025 worthy season with FC Barcelona as he helped the Catalan club regain La Liga and win a domestic treble. Not only that, he was super influential in Spain winning the Euro 2024 as he was named the best young player of the tournament.

The La Masia product has recently signed a groundbreaking contract with FC Barcelona till 2031. Moreover you will be wearing the famous No. 10 jersey of Lionel Messi from 2025-26 season. 

Yamal made an appearance on China Media Group's "Total Soccer" program and he was asked to create his greatest football XI of all-time. The youngster made an scintillating attack consisting Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine great Lionel Messi. Not only that he had four Spain legends in his lineup as most of his XI players are from La Liga giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Read Also | 10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10

Lamine Yamal's Greatest Football XI

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com

Goalkeeper

Iker Casillas

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com
Image | UEFA Euro on X

With more than 400 clean sheets in his entire career Iker Casillas is one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern football. The Spaniard was not only athletic but was brave in making decisions while pulling up some great saves for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Read Also | 10 great goals scored by goalkeepers

Iker Casillas is the player with second most apperances for Los Blancos and led them to many titles in his career. Not only that as he was as much a key player for Spain as he led the La Roja to their first major trophy in 44 years when they won the Euro 2008. Casillas had only conecced two goals in that entire tournameent.

Casillas won 23 major trophies in his career which includes 3 UEFA Champions League, 2 European Championships, 5 La Liga titles, and a FIFA World Cup.

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Conceded Clean Sheets
Club Real Madrid 725 751 264
FC Porto 156 116 74
Real Madrid B 4 2 2
Club Career Total 885 869 340
International Total International Career 167 102 93
Total Career Club + International 1,052 971 433

Right-Back

Dani Alves

Greatest football XI of all-time: Dani Alves | sportzpoint.com
Image | FC Barcelona

43 career trophies, the second most in football history, trophies across Europe, 280 goal contributions as a right-back and countless brave tackles, Dani Alves is surely one of the greats of the game. 

Although the Brazilian ended his career with bitter sweet experiences and cotroveries, no one can deny his ceredbilty as a footballer. 

Alves won 43 trophies in career, which had 3 Champions Leagues with FC Barcelona and 9 League titles across three leagues along with one Olympic title with Brazil.

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Barcelona 408 22 105
Sevilla FC 249 16 38
São Paulo 95 9 14
Paris SG 73 8 17
Juventus 33 6 7
UNAM Pumas 13 0 5
EC Bahia 10 2 2
Club Career Total 881 63 188
International Total International Career 126 8 21
Total Career Club + International 1,007 71 209

Read Also | Reliving Barcelona's Golden Era: A Tribute to Footballing Brilliance

Center-Backs

Gerard Pique & Sergio Ramos

Greatest football XI of all-time: Gerard Pique & Sergio Ramos | sportzpoint.com
The Independent

Here comes the two of the greatest center-backs of the modern era. Both defenders were part of the Golden generation of Spanish football where they won back-to-back three international trophies from 2008 to 2012. 

Pique, who won 39 trophies for FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Spain, had a stellar career as a defender. The FC Barcelona legend won four Champions League titles along with 9 La Liga titles, which makes him one of the most successful defenders of all-time.

Pique's stats
Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Barcelona 616 53 13
Real Zaragoza 28 3 -
Manchester United 23 2 1
Club Career Total 667 58 14
International Spain 102 5 2
Total Career Club + International 769 63 16

Meantime, Ramos who is one of highest scoring defenders in football history is known for his performances in clutch moments. Moreover, he was crucial for Real Madrid as a leader and defender while winning four Champions League for them.

Ramo's stats
Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Real Madrid 671 101 40
Sevilla FC 87 10 1
Paris SG 58 6 1
Monterrey 15 5 -
Club Career Total 831 122 42
International Spain 180 23 8
Total Career Club + International 1,011 145 50

Left-back 

Marcelo

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team - Marcelo | sportzpoint.com

Marcelo, the Brazilian defender is one of the most loved players of the modern era. Quoted by Cristiano Ronaldo as the one of the best players he has played with, the Real Madrid legend won 5 Champions League titles and 6 La Liga, all for the Los Blancos.

Marcelo played 546 games for Real Madrid while having 58 appearences for Brazil.

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Real Madrid 546 38 103
Fluminense 107 11 5
Olympiacos 10 3 -
Club Career Total 663 52 108
International Brazil 58 6 11
Total Career Club + International 721 58 119

Attacking mid-field

Zinedine Zidane

Greatest football XI of all-time: Zinedine Zidane | sportzpoint.com
Image | Football Espana

Now if we are talking about class, clutch moments, flair and midfield greatness, you will have to have Zinedine Zidane in your playing XI. Lamine Yamal thus had the French and Real Madrid great in his playing XI.

Zidane, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner with Juventus, helped Franch win the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In total he won 16 major trophies in his career. 

Zidane formed a teriffic mid-field in that Galactico team in the mid 2000s with Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazario, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos. His peformance in big moments influenced Yamal chose over Barcelona legends like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets in his greatest football XI.

Zidane won only Champions League title, in which he scored in the final, against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Real Madrid 227 49 67
Juventus 212 31 50
G. Bordeaux 179 39 24
Cannes 71 6 -
Club Career Total 689 125 141
International France 108 31 29
Total Career Club + International 797 156 170

Read Also | Kylian Mbappe named all-time XI including Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldinho & Neymar

Neymar Jr.

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com
Image | FC Barcelona on X

Probbaly the greatest showstopper of the modern football, Neymar Jr., formed one of the greatest trios of football alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. 

The Brazilian's dribbling skill had made him one of the biggest attackers in the world which made PSG sign him for a controversial record fee of £200m. Neymar scored the most goals for his country, Brazil while raking up goals for teams like FC Barcelona, PSG and Santos.

Read Also | MSN vs BBC: Rivalry of football's greatest trio in stats

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Santos 239 140 69
Barcelona 186 105 76
Paris SG 173 118 79
Al-Hilal 7 1 3
Club Career Total 605 364 227
International Brazil 128 79 59
Total Career Club + International 733 443 286

Lionel Messi

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com
Image | FC Barcelona

The greatest playmaker in football history, Lionel Messi was a no-brainer in Lamine Yamal's greatest football XI of all-time. With 46 trophies, Messi is the player with most trophies in football history. Moreover, the Agrentine is the player with most goal contributions in football history. 

The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, just like Lamine Yamal himself, was a La Masia product. Not only that, he was the one who had early connection with Yamal, in a once-in-a-generation photos for UNESCO, where Messi was seen holding a toddler Lamine Yamal.

Messi, who has the record of most non-penalty goals in 21st century, scored the most goals for FC Barcelona and Argentina and surely will be there in everyone's all-time football XI. 

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Barcelona 778 672 303
Paris SG 75 32 35
Miami 68 58 26
Club Career Total 921 762 364
International Argentina 193 112 61
Total Career Club + International 1,114 874 425

Right Wing

Ronaldinho

Greatest football XI of all-time: Ronaldinho | sportzpoint.com
Image | FC Barcelona

Ronaldinho's presence on the right wing proves how much Lamine Yamal is influenced with Brazilian style of football. Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner was one of the most eye-catching footballers of his time. 

The former FC Barcelona legend had the flair, style and skill which made even the opponents appreciate him. 

However his off-field life shoretned his carrer, which could have become more legendary. He won 11 major trophies including one Champions League and one FIFA World Cup.

Read Also | Top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Barcelona 207 94 69
AC Milan 95 26 29
Atlético-MG 85 28 30
Paris SG 77 25 19
Grêmio 72 27 9
Flamengo 72 28 17
Querétaro FC 29 8 8
Fluminense 9 0 0
Club Career Total 646 236 181
International Brazil 97 33 29
Total Career Club + International 743 269 210

Left Wing

Cristiano Ronaldo

Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team | sportzpoint.com
Image | sportico.com

The greatest goalscorer of the world with 938 goals and counting for his clubs and country combined, is a must in any World XI. Ronaldo, who started as a winger at Manchester United, became a goal scoring machine at Real Madrid. 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has won 36 major trophies in his career, including 5 Champions League titles and one European Championships.

Ronaldo's pace, agression, and will to score goal is an asset for any team and looks like Yamal knows that too.

Level Team / Category Appearances Goals Assists
Club Real Madrid 438 450 131
Manchester United 346 145 64
Juventus 134 101 22
Al-Nassr 105 93 19
Sporting CP 31 5 6
Club Career Total 1,060 800 242
International Portugal 221 138 45
International Career Total 221 138
Total Career 1,275 938 287

Striker

Ronaldo Nazario

Greatest football XI of all-time: Ronaldo Nazario | sportzpoint.com
Image | FC Barcelona

Now, here is the ultimate striker. The finishing skill, goal scoring ability, flair, agression, shooting and the ball control - all of these makes Ronaldo Nazario the ultimate striker. 

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is the youngest winner of the award, when he won it in 1997 while playing for Inter Milan, after a successful 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Read Also | The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team

Ronaldo won 18 major trophies in his career and is the only player on this list two have played for both Ral Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, he is the only player not to win the Champions League which he has compensted by winning two FIFA World Cup titles.

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