Top 10 footballers with most goals in UEFA Champions League semi-finals

The Champions League semi-finals are a stage where legends are made and history is written.

It's a time when the world's best footballers come together to battle it out for a place in the final. When it comes to scoring goals in this crucial stage of the tournament, only a few players have truly risen to the occasion.

The Champions League semi-finals have always been a stage for the most intense and exhilarating football matches. Over the years, we've seen some incredible performances from some of the game's most talented players. From stunning solo efforts to clinical finishes, these players have left a lasting mark on the competition's history.

The Champions League semi-finals have produced some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of football. The players on this list have played a significant role in shaping the competition's history, and their contributions will be remembered for years.

Now, let's have a look at the men who have the highest goal contributions in the Champions Leagues semi-final stages:

10. Andriy Shevchenko - 4 goals in 10 appearances (Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan)

Andriy Shevchenko is a legendary name in Champions League history, having scored 4 goals in 10 semi-final appearances for Dynamo Kyiv and AC Milan. Shevchenko's ability to rise to the occasion and his incredible goal-scoring talent made him one of the competition's greatest players. His performances helped him win the Ballon d'Or in 2004, cementing his place in footballing history.

9. Zinédine Zidane - 4 goals in 10 appearances (Juventus, Real Madrid)

Zinédine Zidane's talent was not limited to just his goalscoring abilities in the Champions League semi-finals. He was known for his exceptional ball control, ability to read the game, and remarkable leadership qualities. In fact, Zidane led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles as a manager from 2016 to 2018, a feat that had not been accomplished by any team since the 1970s. Zidane's legacy as a player and a manager in the Champions League is one that will be remembered for generations to come.

8. Sadio Mané - 4 goals in 6 appearances (Liverpool)

Sadio Mané is a formidable force in the Champions League semi-finals, having scored 4 goals in just 6 appearances for Liverpool. The Senegalese forward's incredible pace, skill, and finishing ability have made him a vital player for the club in the competition, helping them win the trophy in 2019. In July 2022, Mané made a high-profile move to FC Bayern Munich. However, he was unable to add to his impressive tally in the semi-finals, as Bayern were knocked out in the quarter-final stages.

7. Riyad Mahrez - 4 goals in 4 appearances (Manchester City)

Riyad Mahrez has been a revelation in the Champions League semi-finals, having scored an impressive 4 goals in just 4 appearances for Manchester City. The Algerian winger's clinical finishing and ability to create chances have made him a valuable asset for the club in the competition. With Manchester City set to play the second leg of their semi-final tie at home, Mahrez has a great opportunity to add to his goal-scoring tally.

6. Jari Litmanen - 5 goals in 8 appearances (AFC Ajax)

Jari Litmanen is widely regarded as the greatest football player to have ever emerged from Finland. The former Ajax and Liverpool attacking midfielder has an impressive record in the Champions League semi-finals, having scored 5 goals in 8 appearances for Ajax. Litmanen's technical ability, vision, and intelligence on the pitch made him one of the most skillful players of his generation. Despite being 52 years old now, Litmanen's legacy as a footballer continues to inspire many young players in Finland and beyond.

5. Alessandro Del Piero - 5 goals in 6 appearances (Juventus)

Standing at 5th on our list is Alessandro Del Piero, whose record of 5 goals in 6 Champions League semi-final appearances is one of the best in the competition's history. The former Juventus captain's technical ability and leadership on the pitch played a crucial role in the team's success, cementing his status as one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time.

4. Lionel Messi - 6 goals in 15 appearances (Barcelona)

Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner and widely regarded as the best footballer in history by many, hasn't been as clinical in front of goal in the Champions League semi-finals as some might expect. The Argentine superstar has scored 6 goals in 15 appearances for Barcelona in the semi-final stage, which is relatively modest compared to his incredible goal-scoring record in other competitions.

However, Messi's contribution to Barcelona's success in the Champions League over the years cannot be overlooked, with his incredible skill, vision, and creativity playing a pivotal role in the team's triumphs.

3. Robert Lewandowski - 7 goals in 9 appearances (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern München)

After Lionel Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, the Catalan giants were left with a huge void to fill in their attack. However, a year later, FC Barcelona unveiled their new star striker in the form of Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish international's arrival at the club was greeted with great excitement, with many fans hoping that he would replicate his incredible goal-scoring form for Bayern Munich in the famous Blaugrana shirt. With his impressive record in the Champions League semi-finals, Lewandowski has the potential to lead Barcelona to glory in Europe's premier club competition once again.

2. Karim Benzema - 8 goals in 16 appearances (Real Madrid)

As Real Madrid prepares to face Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, all eyes will be on Karim Benzema to see if he can add to his impressive tally of 8 goals in 16 appearances in the competition's last-four stage.

The French striker has been a key player for Los Blancos in their European adventures over the years, with his clinical finishing and intelligent movement making him a nightmare for opposition defenders. With the reverse fixture set to take place on May 18th (12:30 am IST), all eyes will be on Benzema to see if he can lead Real Madrid to yet another Champions League final.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - 13 goals in 21 appearances (Manchester United, Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that needs no introduction in the world of football, and his record in the Champions League speaks for itself. The Portuguese forward is known as 'Mr. Champions League for a reason, having scored an impressive 13 goals in 21 appearances in the competition's semi-final stage, while playing for Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's ability to rise to the occasion in big games is legendary, and his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has left fans sulking. While he may no longer be playing in Europe, his legacy as one of the greatest Champions League players of all time remains intact.