Janice R. Andrews
Kylian Mbappe recently marked a remarkable milestone by scoring his 50th UEFA Champions League (UCL) goal against Atalanta. This achievement places him among the greatest players in football history—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But how does Mbappe’s journey to 50 goals compare to theirs? Let’s break it down.
Mbappe’s Journey to 50 Goals
Mbappe burst onto the scene during the 2016–17 UCL season, helping Monaco reach the semi-finals. As a teenager, he was prolific, scoring crucial goals in the knockout rounds and averaging a goal every 89.3 minutes in Europe.
After his stunning debut season, PSG signed him for €180 million. Over his seven years in Paris, Mbappe delivered unforgettable performances, scoring 42 UCL goals in 64 games. Despite coming close to winning the title in 2019-20, PSG fell short in the final against Bayern Munich.
Now at Real Madrid, Mbappe has added two goals in six games, bringing his total to 50 UCL goals in just 79 appearances, solidifying his place among the competition’s fastest scorers.
Messi’s Record
Lionel Messi reached his 50th UCL goal in April 2012 during a 3-1 quarter-final victory over AC Milan. The Argentine needed only 66 matches to achieve this feat, 16 fewer than Mbappe. Known for his extraordinary consistency, Messi delivered a goal or assist every 80.2 minutes during this phase of his career.
Ronaldo’s Achievement
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League’s all-time top scorer, hit the 50-goal mark in April 2013 against Borussia Dortmund. However, it took Ronaldo 91 games to reach the milestone—12 more than Mbappe and 25 more than Messi.
While Ronaldo was slower initially, his scoring rate surged in the later stages of his career. After reaching 50 goals, he needed just 46 games to score his next 50, underlining his dominance in the competition.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists | Goals + Assists | Minutes/Goal | Minutes/Goal or Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mbappe | 79 | 50 | 27 | 77 | 125.7 | 81.6 |
| Messi | 66 | 51 | 15 | 66 | 103.8 | 80.2 |
| Ronaldo | 91 | 50 | 18 | 68 | 153.9 | 112.9 |
What Makes Each Unique?
- Mbappe: Quick to make an impact with a high number of assists, showcasing his dual threat as a scorer and creator.
- Messi: The most efficient, needing the fewest matches to reach 50 goals while maintaining a balanced contribution.
- Ronaldo: Although slower initially, he evolved into a UCL powerhouse, setting records for his longevity and goal-scoring prowess.
Final Thoughts
Kylian Mbappe’s rapid rise to 50 Champions League goals highlights his immense talent and potential. While Messi was the fastest to reach this mark and Ronaldo the most prolific overall, Mbappe’s blend of scoring and playmaking cements his status as one of football’s modern greats. As his career progresses, he may yet surpass both legends in this prestigious competition.
