Haaland backed to smash Ronaldo's Champions League record

Haaland fastest to 50 Champions League goals

Haaland, who joined City in 2022, hasreached a half-century of Champions League goals through just 49 appearances. He required 13 games fewer than ex-Manchester United frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy to hit that mark.

What is Ronaldo's Champions League record?

At 25 years of age, Haaland is already level with Arsenal great Thierry Henry in ninth spot on the all-time Champions League chart. He is 79 efforts behind Barcelona icon Messi and90 adrift of former United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar Ronaldo.

50 - Manchester City's Erling Haaland has scored his 50th goal on his 49th appearance in the UEFA Champions League, reaching half a century of goals in at least 13 appearances fewer than any other player (Ruud van Nistelrooy closest - 62 apps). Unstoppable.pic.twitter.com/zYrZGvGnkc

Chasing down GOATs: Haaland's challenge

Guardiola expects two GOATs to be chased down, telling reporters when asked about Haaland’s bid to make more history: "In that rhythm, yeah [he can break the record]. He’s not injured, he could play for 10 or 12 more years, and he maintains this progression, absolutely.

"What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves. We are lucky to have him. Just to congratulate him, because he’s alongside goalscorers like Van Nistelrooy, [Robert] Lewandowski, but especially the two monsters Cristiano and Messi for 20 years, for Erling to be there is unbelievable."

Haaland becomes a leader for Man City

Haaland wason target in City’s 2-0 victory over 10-man Napoliin their first Champions League outing of 2025-26. He now forms part of the Blues’ leadership group, with Guardiola adding on handing more responsibility to his clinical No.9: "It’s a question of play a lot, experience, more important games and his mentality as well."

More to come? Trophy target for Haaland

Haalandhelped City to Champions League glory as part of their Treble triumphin 2022-23. He iscommitted to a long-term contractat the Etihad Stadium and will hope to pick up many more domestic and continental honours in the years to come.