The UEFA Champions League final is the pinnacle of club football, showcasing the best teams and talents from around the globe. Each year, iconic moments unfold on this grand stage, with breathtaking goals that leave fans in awe. This article takes a deep dive into the Top Goals in UEFA Champions League Final History, analyzing their significance, technical prowess, and the magic they brought to the game. Furthermore, watch UEFA Champions League 2024 to witness more amazing goals this year by rising stars in champions league 2024-25.
1. Gareth Bale
- Strike Rate: 0.36 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 20 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 83% (average)
In the 2018 Champions League final held in Kyiv, Gareth Bale delivered a performance for the ages. After coming on as a substitute, the Welshman scored one of the most memorable goals in final history. In the 64th minute, Bale’s remarkable overhead kick restored Real Madrid’s lead following a mix-up that put the team at risk. The goal was not only a sublime display of athleticism, but it also secured Real Madrid’s victory over Liverpool with a final score of 3-1. The audacity of that strike and its pivotal impact on the match earned Bale a rightful place among the legends of the competition.
2. Zinedine Zidane
- Strike Rate: 0.15 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 14 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 85% (average)
One of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game, Zinedine Zidane produced a moment of magic in the 2002 final at Hampden Park. Just before halftime, the Frenchman unleashed a stunning left-footed volley from the edge of the box that rocketed into the net, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 lead over Bayer Leverkusen. This spectacular goal clinched the eighth Champions League title for Los Blancos and highlighted Zidane’s claim to greatness, marking his name in the annals of history as not just a winner, but as a magician on the pitch.
3. Mario Mandzukic
- Strike Rate: 0.29 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 25 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 75% (average)
Despite Juventus falling short to Real Madrid in the 2017 final, Mario Mandzukic’s acrobatic equalizer remains a standout moment. The Croatian forward made an astonishing goal in the 27th minute when he received a pass from Gonzalo Higuain. With incredible skill and agility, Mandzukic executed an acrobatic volley that found the net, bringing the score to 1-1. The goal emphasized his determination and skill, even in defeat, showcasing the beauty of football where individual brilliance can shine, regardless of the game’s outcome.
4. Lars Ricken
- Strike Rate: 0.17 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 6 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 72% (average)
In 1997, Borussia Dortmund faced off against Juventus in a highly anticipated final. Youngster Lars Ricken made his mark just seconds after coming on as a substitute. In the 71st minute, Ricken received the ball during a quick counter-attack and launched a perfectly placed first-time shot over the head of Juventus goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi. This goal, scored just 16 seconds after his introduction, remains the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute in Champions League final history, securing Dortmund a historic 3-1 victory and earning Ricken his place in the record books.
5. Dejan Savicevic
- Strike Rate: 0.28 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 11 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 79% (average)
The 1994 Champions League final was a display of dominance by AC Milan, who beat Barcelona 4-0. Among the various goals scored in that match, Dejan Savicevic‘s strike stands out. After capitalizing on a defensive error, Savicevic expertly lobbed the ball over Barcelona’s goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, delivering a sublime finish that showcased his skill and composure under pressure. This audacious goal contributed to one of the most commanding performances in final history, as Milan secured their fifth European crown.
6. Steve McManaman
- Strike Rate: 0.14 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 9 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 82% (average)
Steve McManaman‘s stunning goal became a defining moment in the 2000 final at Stade de France. After Real Madrid took a 1-0 lead against Valencia, the English winger doubled the advantage in the 67th minute. When a clearance fell at the edge of the area, McManaman struck a perfect volley that skimmed past Valencia’s goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, curling into the net. This goal not only showcased McManaman’s technical ability, but it also made him the first Englishman to win the Champions League with a foreign club, adding a historic layer to his achievement.
7. Hernan Crespo
- Strike Rate: 0.50 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 25 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 78% (average)
The 2005 Champions League final remains one of the most dramatic matches in history. AC Milan took a commanding lead, with Hernan Crespo scoring a brilliant goal right before halftime. Crespo beautifully chipped the ball over Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek after receiving a stunning assist from Kaka. Although Milan ultimately lost in a penalty shootout, Crespo’s goal is remembered as one of the finest in final history, encapsulating the thrilling highs and lows of the competition.
8. David Villa
- Strike Rate: 0.33 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 14 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 80% (average)
In the rematch of the 2009 final, Barcelona faced Manchester United again in 2011, and David Villa’s goal sealed the deal for the Catalan giants. After a chaotic first half, Villa put Barcelona ahead with a perfectly placed shot that curled into the far corner following a clever pass from Sergio Busquets. This goal not only reflected Villa’s brilliance but also showcased Barcelona’s characteristic style of possession and incisive attacking play. The 3-1 victory crowned Villa and his teammates as Champions, establishing their dominance in European football.
9. Lionel Messi
- Strike Rate: 0.80 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 129 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 85% (average)
Lionel Messi’s magical journey in the Champions League has many memorable moments, but his goal against Manchester United in the 2009 final stands out. The tiny Argentine forward produced a remarkable header in the second half that stunned the footballing world. As he darted in between defenders to meet Xavi’s cross, Messi delivered a perfectly timed header that sent the ball soaring past Edwin van der Sar. This vital strike solidified Barcelona’s 2-0 victory and showcased Messi’s incredible ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stages.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Strike Rate: 0.76 goals per game (approx.)
- Number of Goals: 140 (in the Champions League)
- Passing Rate: 83% (average)
Cristiano Ronaldo solidified his place among the elite with his header in the 2008 final against Chelsea. In a tightly contested match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Ronaldo put Manchester United ahead on the 26th minute with a powerful header that echoed the skills that made him a superstar. Although the match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for United, Ronaldo’s contribution with that crucial goal underscored his ability to perform under pressure, forever stamping his legacy in Champions League history.
Conclusion
The UEFA Champions League final has repeatedly provided football fans with unforgettable moments, especially in the form of magnificent goals that transcend the game itself. Each of the goals discussed above contributed not just to the match outcomes but also to the legacy of the players who scored them. From Gareth Bale’s breathtaking overhead kick to Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley, these goals remain etched in the memories of fans, encapsulating the emotions, dramas, and magic of the Champions League finals. As we look to the future, we can only hope for more breathtaking moments that will thrill football fans around the world, continuing to raise the bar for what constitutes greatness in the beautiful game.
