Haaland Reaches 50 Champions League Goals Alongside Messi and Ronaldo

Erling Haaland has made Champions League history.

The Manchester City striker scored his 50th goal in the competition and he did it faster than anyone else.

Haaland reached the milestone in just 49 matches, becoming the fastest player ever to score 50 Champions League goals. The record was previously held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 games to reach the same number.

The goal came in City’s 2-0 win over Napoli. Haaland headed in a cross from Phil Foden to mark the moment. Napoli had gone down to 10 men after a red card, and City made full use of their advantage.

With this goal, Haaland joins a legendary group. Only a few players, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have scored more in Europe’s top competition. But neither Messi nor Ronaldo did it as quickly.

Messi reached 50 goals after 66 games. Ronaldo needed 88 matches to hit the same number. Haaland did it in just 49.

City manager Pep Guardiola praised his striker after the game.

“He’s now with the monsters,”

he said, referring to Messi and Ronaldo. Guardiola added that Haaland still has more to give.

Haaland’s rise has been fast. From his early games with RB Salzburg to his current form with Manchester City, he has scored in nearly every round. Most of his goals come from open play, not penalties, showing his sharp eye for goal.

Fans and experts are now asking a big question: Can Haaland break Ronaldo’s all-time Champions League record? Ronaldo has 140 goals. Haaland has 50 at just 25 years old. If he keeps going like this, he could catch up in a few seasons.

Some say scoring is easier today. But others argue football is tougher now faster, more competitive, and more demanding. Still, Haaland’s numbers are hard to ignore.

He scores with few touches, in big games, under pressure. That’s what makes this record special.
And he’s just getting started.