Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has set another remarkable milestone, becoming the fastest player in history to score 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
The Norwegian forward hit the landmark on Thursday at the Etihad Stadium, heading City in front against Napoli. He achieved the feat in just 49 appearances, smashing the previous record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 matches.
Lionel Messi, who reached 50 goals in 66 games, still holds the distinction of being the youngest to hit the mark at 24 years and 284 days. Haaland, at 25, overtakes Kylian Mbappé for second place on that list.
With his latest strike, Haaland climbed the all-time Champions League scorers’ chart, moving past legends Alfredo Di Stéfano and Zlatan Ibrahimović. He is now level with Filippo Inzaghi and just one goal shy of Thierry Henry, who sits 10th. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the competition’s all-time leader with 141 goals, followed by Messi with 129.
“What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves. We are lucky to have him,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “To be up there with Van Nistelrooy, Lewandowski, Cristiano and Messi is unbelievable. If he keeps this rhythm, yes, he can be the record goalscorer.”
Haaland’s tally includes eight goals for Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 and 15 with Borussia Dortmund before his move to Manchester City. This season alone, he has already netted 12 times in seven games across club and international duty — including five for Norway in their 11-1 win over Moldova and two in City’s 3-0 derby victory against Manchester United.
“He seems to break every record going. At his age, it’s unheard of what he’s doing,” teammate Phil Foden said.
Manchester City went on to secure a 2-0 victory over Napoli, beginning their European campaign with confidence as they aim to defend the Champions League crown they first lifted in 2023.
