The UEFA Champions League has always been a stage for footballers to showcase their best skills. Every season, the best teams from various European leagues compete to win the coveted trophy.
This competition is not only about who wins the trophy, but also about the brilliant moments that remain in the memory of the fans. Throughout its history, the Champions League has witnessed some goals that were not only important, but also spectacular and unforgettable!
Champions League Best Goals
From acrobatic kicks to long-range strikes, here are some of the best legendary Champions League goals!
1. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 2002)
Zidane’s goal in the 2002 Champions League final at Hampden Park, Glasgow, is still considered one of the greatest Champions League goals of all time. Zidane’s left-footed volley from Roberto Carlos’ cross was the winner for Real Madrid and secured their ninth title.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid vs Juventus, Quarter Finals 2018)
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored many incredible goals in the Champions League, but his bicycle kick against Juventus in the 2018 quarter-finals is one of the most impressive. Ronaldo rose highest to meet Dani Carvajal’s cross and slotted home with a bicycle kick.
The goal was greeted with a standing ovation even by Juventus fans at the Allianz Stadium, a sign of how incredible the execution was. This goal marked Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory in the first leg.
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona vs Bayern Munich, Semifinal 2015)
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant goal against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semi-finals that showed his brilliance as a player.
After rounding Jerome Boateng with a swerving move that left the Bayern defender on the floor, Messi lifted the ball gently over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to score Barcelona’s second goal in a 3-0 first-leg win. The goal underlined Messi’s dominance in the competition.
4. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid vs. Liverpool, 2018)
The 2018 Champions League final in Kiev witnessed a sensational goal from Gareth Bale. Just coming on as a substitute, Bale scored with a spectacular overhead kick after receiving a cross from Marcelo. This goal helped Real Madrid win their 13th Champions League title.
5. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool vs Olympiacos, Group Stage 2004)
The next best Champions League goal came from Steven Gerrard. Steven Gerrard scored the crucial goal against Olympiacos in the 2004 group stages that helped Liverpool progress to the knockout stages.
From distance, Gerrard unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner, sealing a 3-1 win for Liverpool and inspiring them to win the Champions League trophy that year. The goal became a symbol of Gerrard’s leadership and determination.
6. Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan vs Schalke, Quarter-Finals 2011)
Dejan Stankovic scored a stunning long-range goal against Schalke in the 2011 quarter-finals. From a long shot by Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Stankovic unleashed a volley from the halfway line that flew into the net, sending the crowd into raptures. Although Inter Milan eventually lost 5-2, Stankovic’s goal is remembered for its beauty and precision.
7. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich vs Manchester United, Quarter-Finals 2010)
Arjen Robben scored a stunning goal from outside the box against Manchester United in the 2010 quarter-finals. From a corner by Franck Ribery, Robben volleyed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, securing a 4-4 aggregate win for Bayern Munich on away goals. The goal was a testament to Robben’s technical ability and precision.
8. Mesut Özil (Arsenal vs. Ludogorets, 2016)
Mesut Özil scored a dramatic winner against Ludogorets in the 2016 Champions League group stage. Özil rounded the goalkeeper and two defenders before calmly slotting home. The goal demonstrated Özil’s skill and composure in high-pressure situations.
9. Mario Mandzukic (Juventus vs Real Madrid, Final 2017
The next best Champions League goal is Mario Mandzukic’s overhead kick. Mario Mandzukic scored a spectacular goal with an acrobatic kick in the 2017 Champions League final against Real Madrid.
From Gonzalo Higuain’s cross, Mandzukic controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a bicycle kick that flew into the top corner, giving Juventus hope before they went on to lose 4-1. The goal remains one of the greatest in Champions League final history.
10. Ronaldinho (Barcelona vs Chelsea, Round of 16 2005)
Ronaldinho scored a very unique and memorable goal against Chelsea in the round of 16 in 2005. With a quick move, Ronaldinho fooled several Chelsea defenders before unleashing a shot from outside the penalty box that left goalkeeper Petr Cech unable to stop. Although Barcelona were eliminated from the competition, the goal is still remembered as one of the best.
These are the best Champions League goals in history that are breathtaking. Each of these goals is not only technically and visually stunning, but also represents a moment when the world’s best players showed their skills on the biggest stage in European club football.