Cristiano Ronaldo’s name is synonymous with UEFA Champions League greatness. From clutch performances to unforgettable goals, the Portuguese star has made the competition his personal stage. But how many times has Ronaldo actually lifted the Champions League trophy? The answer: five times—more than any other outfield player in the competition’s history.
Five-time King: Ronaldo’s UCL titles at a glance
Each of these titles came with unforgettable moments, clutch goals, and defining performances that etched Ronaldo’s name into Champions League folklore.
First Taste of Glory –Manchester United, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Champions League title came during his time at Manchester United. At just 23, he scored a powerful header in the final against Chelsea in Moscow. Although he missed his penalty in the shootout, United triumphed 6-5 after John Terry’s infamous slip and Edwin van der Sar’s save from Nicolas Anelka.
Speaking after the match, the Portuguese reflected on his journey to the top, telling UEFA.com: “This is the happiest moment in my life. I’ve always dreamed of this.” That season, he was also the top scorer in the competition with eight goals, hinting at the domination that was yet to come.
Real Madrid Dynasty – Four Titles in Five Years
La Decima Realised – 2014
After moving to Real Madrid in 2009, Ronaldo finally helped the Spanish giants capture their long-awaited 10th European crown in 2014. He scored the fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid, capping off a historic night in Lisbon.
He finished the season with 17 Champions League goals—a record for a single UCL campaign that still stands. “Records come naturally. I’m not obsessed with beating them, but I do work hard for them,” Ronaldo said after the match, via Diario AS.
Back-to-Back-to-Back Champions – 2016, 2017, 2018
Real Madrid, powered by Ronaldo’s brilliance, became the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles in the modern era. They defeated Atlético again in 2016, this time on penalties, with Ronaldo netting the winning spot-kick.
In 2017, he was unstoppable in the final against Juventus, scoring twice in a commanding 4–1 victory in Cardiff. He also finished as top scorer of the competition with 12 goals. “We made history,” Ronaldo told Marca. “Not just me, but this team.”
In 2018, he added his fifth and final title, as Madrid beat Liverpool 3–1 in Kyiv. Though he didn’t score in the final, his overhead kick against Juventus in the quarterfinals became one of the most iconic moments in Champions League history. Even Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted: “That bicycle kick was one of the greatest goals I’ve ever seen.”
Record-breaking Legacy
Ronaldo’s impact on the Champions League goes far beyond his five titles. He remains the all-time leading goalscorer in the competition, with 140+ goals, ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi.
He also holds records for:
Most goals in a single campaign (17 in 2013-14)Most knockout stage goalsMost final wins by an outfield player
His dominance in Europe’s elite competition is unparalleled, and even as his career winds down, his influence on the tournament remains unmatched.
