Ranking the Top 10 Best Goals in Champions League Final History

The Champions League final is the ultimate showdown in club football, where the world's finest teams clash for the chance to claim one of the sport's most prestigious honors. As the pinnacle of the club competition, it serves as a stage for the game's elite players to showcase their talents.

Throughout the years, this grand event has witnessed numerous moments of brilliance, with unforgettable goals etching themselves into football history. From stunning strikes to breathtaking displays of skill, the Champions League final has produced some of the most iconic goals ever seen on the pitch.

In compiling this list of the top ten goals scored in Champions League finals since the tournament rebranded from the European Cup to the Champions League in 1992, we've considered both the technical brilliance of the goal and its significance in shaping the outcome of the match. These criteria ensure that each goal selected represents a blend of skill and importance befitting the grandeur of the occasion.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea - 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career has been marked by numerous memorable moments, and his header in the 2008 Champions League final stands out as one of his finest. Facing Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Ronaldo rose to the occasion with a towering header at the back post in the 26th minute, giving his Manchester United side the lead in the crucial match.

It was a fitting highlight in a remarkable campaign for Ronaldo, who had been in sensational form throughout the season, scoring an impressive 42 goals in all competitions. The goal not only showcased Ronaldo's aerial prowess but also played a pivotal role in Manchester United's eventual triumph.

The Red Devils went on to secure victory in the final match against Chelsea, clinching the title in a tense penalty shootout. For Ronaldo, it was a historic moment as he lifted the prestigious Champions League trophy for the first time in his illustrious career, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

9. Lionel Messi

Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United - 2009

In the annals of football history, the names Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are invariably intertwined, and so it is on this illustrious list. In the 2009 Champions League final, Ronaldo's Manchester United faced off against Messi's Barcelona, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola in his managerial debut season.

Despite Ronaldo's valiant efforts, Sir Alex Ferguson's side proved no match for the Catalan juggernauts. Barcelona surged ahead after just 10 minutes courtesy of Samuel Eto'o. However, it was Messi's remarkable header, an unexpected sight from the diminutive maestro, that left an indelible mark on the match. Rising above Rio Ferdinand, Messi connected with Xavi's sublime delivery, executing a hooked header that left goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar rooted to the spot. This goal, doubling Barcelona's lead with 20 minutes remaining, not only showcased Messi's aerial prowess but also propelled him towards clinching the Champions League Golden Boot for the first time in his career.

 Xavi Hernández 


#UCL | #FlashbackFriday | @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/Q7RdK6Xb4l

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 16, 2019

8. David Villa

Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United - 2011

In the 2011 Champions League final rematch between Barcelona and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, Messi once again left an indelible mark on the match. However, it was his teammate, David Villa, who delivered the defining moment of brilliance.

With the score level at 1-1 going into halftime, Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side seized control of the match in the 54th minute when Messi found the back of the net. As the game progressed, Barcelona solidified their advantage, and it was Villa who put the result beyond doubt with a sublime finish.

Following a dynamic run from Messi that penetrated the Manchester United defense, the Argentine maestro attempted to thread a pass to Villa. Although his pass was intercepted, Sergio Busquets swiftly regained possession and teed up Villa. With calm composure, Villa took a deft touch before elegantly slotting the ball into the top corner, sealing Barcelona's triumph with a moment of sheer brilliance.

7. Hernan Crespo

AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool - 2005

In the midst of the iconic AC Milan-Liverpool rivalry, two memorable Champions League finals unfolded in 2005 and 2007. The first encounter, in 2005, saw AC Milan make a formidable start under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. Just before halftime, Hernan Crespo capitalized on a sublime through ball from Kaka, deftly chipping the ball over Jerzy Dudek in the Liverpool goal to extend Milan's lead to three goals.

Despite AC Milan's early dominance, Liverpool, spurred on by captain Steven Gerrard, mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half, ultimately forcing the game into a penalty shootout. The Reds emerged victorious, clinching a 3-2 win in one of the most unforgettable finals in Champions League history. While Crespo's goal showcased individual brilliance, its significance is tempered by the defeat suffered by his team, thus earning it the seventh spot on our list.

Year - 2005.

Ac Milan v Liverpool.

Goalscorer - Hernan Crespo. (@Crespo) pic.twitter.com/FOTBAhFOCS

— EuropeanGoals. (@ThrowbackUefa) July 26, 2018

6. Steve McManaman

Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia - 2000

This entry marks the introduction of Real Madrid, the most successful team in Champions League history. While many may recognize Steve McManaman from his current role as a co-commentator for TNT Sports, he was once a prominent winger for both Liverpool and Real Madrid. In the 2000 final against Valencia, McManaman showcased his skill by scoring a memorable goal, contributing to his status as the first Englishman to win the Champions League with a foreign club.

During the match, Real Madrid had already taken the lead through Fernando Morientes in the first half. McManaman further solidified their advantage in the 67th minute when he intercepted a headed clearance from a long throw by Roberto Carlos. With precision and technique, McManaman struck the ball with a volley from the edge of the area, sending it into the bottom corner of Santiago Canizares' goal.

Happy Birthday Steve McManaman 

He scored this great goal in Real Madrid's 3-0 Champions League Final win over Valencia in 2000 

With Real he won La Liga twice and the Champions League twice pic.twitter.com/232Vhkqi5Z

— Football Remind (@FootballRemind) February 11, 2023

5. Dejan Savicevic

AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona - 1994

In 1994, the Champions League final witnessed one of the most lopsided victories in recent history as AC Milan dominated Barcelona to secure their fifth title in the competition. Despite enduring a challenging individual campaign at the San Siro, Milan's forward Dejan Savicevic delivered a memorable moment by scoring the highlight goal in the 4-0 rout during the final.

The decisive play unfolded when a long, optimistic ball was launched towards the right flank where Savicevic positioned himself. Initially, it appeared that Barcelona defender Miguel Angel Nadal would easily handle the situation. However, Nadal hesitated, providing Savicevic with an opportunity to intercept the ball. With instinct and precision, Savicevic seized the chance and lofted the ball over goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, extending Milan's lead to 3-0 just moments into the second half.