Erling Haaland of Manchester City Breaks Champions League Record with 50th Goal
- A historic Champions League milestone has just been shattered, leaving fans and pundits in awe across the footballing world
- One unstoppable striker continues to rewrite European football history, surpassing legends who once seemed untouchable
- A new record has been set on the grandest stage, raising fresh debates about the future face of the competition
Erling Haaland has etched his name into Champions League history after becoming the fastest player to score 50 goals in the competition.
The Manchester City forward hit the milestone during his side’s 2-0 victory over Napoli, needing just 49 appearances to do so, a remarkable feat that eclipses Ruud van Nistelrooy’s long-standing record of 62 games.
Source: Getty Images
Haaland’s Champions League goal record
Since his debut in Europe’s elite competition back in 2019, Haaland has been relentless in front of goal, especially for the team of Pep Guardiola.
He announced himself with a stunning first-half hat trick for Red Bull Salzburg against Genk, the only player ever to do so on their Champions League bow.
Goals flowed at Borussia Dortmund before his record-breaking move to City, and he has kept the same ruthless efficiency on Europe’s grandest stage.
In total, the Norwegian has scored 34 goals with his trusted left foot, while his right has produced 11, and his aerial threat accounts for another five.
According to Mail Online, Sevilla and RB Leipzig have been his favourite opponents, with six goals apiece against both clubs. Notably, five of those strikes against Leipzig came in a single knockout game in 2023.
Haaland surpasses van Nistelrooy
According to the BBC, Haaland’s achievement was sealed at the Etihad on Thursday, September 18, where Napoli battled bravely despite being reduced to ten men in the first half after Giovanni Di Lorenzo fouled the striker.
City eventually broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, when Phil Foden’s clever flick found Erling Haaland, who guided a looping header over goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
The strike ensured that the 24-year-old shattered van Nistelrooy’s record by a staggering 13 games.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid poacher had held the benchmark since the early 2000s, but Haaland’s blistering scoring rate has now set a new standard for future strikers.
With his 50th Champions League goal already secured and many more years at the top ahead, Haaland’s dominance on the European stage looks far from finished.
Source: Getty Images
Fans react to Haaland’s historic UCL record
Meanwhile, the football world was quick to light up with reactions following Haaland’s achievement.
Fans flooded social media platforms to celebrate the striker’s relentless scoring power, with many hailing him as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Champions League legacy.
@Blockman said:
''The goal machine! Better than Harry Kane and Mbappe combined.''
@Malvin reacted:
''Make him relax. Barcelona is coming for him soon. What a player!.''
@WisntonG wrote:
''Might break the Ronaldo champions League goal record if he continues like this.''
@LondonBluevoice also said:
''Incredible milestone 🥳 Which moment from the match gave you chills.''
Cristiano Ronaldo records Haaland could break
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh explored several long-standing records held by Cristiano Ronaldo that Erling Haaland has the potential to surpass, particularly in the Champions League.
That piece highlighted how Haaland’s blistering start at such a young age puts him firmly on track to challenge Ronaldo’s legendary tallies.
Source: YEN.com.gh
