Speed Kings: The Fastest to 50 Champions League Goals

Erling Haaland etched his name in history books after notching a goal against Napoli for Manchester City on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland betters Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record

Haaland scored his 50th Champions League goal in what was his 49th appearance in the competition. With this, he became the fastest to 50 Champions League goals (by matches). The star striker broke the previous record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took 62 games to reach a sum of 50 goals.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is third on the list. He took 66 matches to reach 50 Champions League goals.

Haaland also became the 2nd-youngest player to reach 50 Champions League goals after Messi. He bettered the record of Kylian Mbappe to go 2nd.

Dissecting Haaland’s 50 Champions League goals

Haaland scored eight times in six games for RB Salzburg. This included a hat-trick on his Champions League debut against Genk. He scored 15 times in 13 Champions League appearances for Borussia Dortmund. On six occasions he got a brace. Since joining Manchester City, Haaland has been prolific. He owns a tally of 27 goals in 30 appearances for the club.

Pep Guardiola in awe of Haaland

After the match, Man City boss Guardiola praised Haaland. “What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves. We are lucky to have him. Van Nistelrooy, Lewandowski, the two monsters Cristiano and Messi. For Erling to be there is unbelievable,” City manager Guardiola said.

“In that rhythm, yeah [he could be the Champions League record goalscorer]. It’s not easy. He could play for 10 more years, and he maintains this progress, absolutely.”