With the European Championship kicking off this summer, we take a look back at the tournament’s all-time top scorer. As you can probably imagine, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack. But what other European goal machines are on the list?
Cristiano Ronaldo — 14 goals, 24 matches played
Cristiano Ronaldo is the Euros top goalscorer of all-time with 14 strikes in 25 caps for Portugal. Euro 2024, his record-breaking sixth tournament, will probably be his last.
Ronaldo’s journey began two decades ago in Euro 2004, overcoming Michel Platini’s goal-record in Euro 2020. CR7 notched a penalty in the 87th minute against Hungary to seal the record — he’d add another in stoppage time to give him 11 goals overall.
Perhaps more important than holding the Euro top goalscoring record, though, is winning it. Ronaldo helped Portugal to a Euro 2016 triumph, scoring three goals, including a vital one against Wales in the semifinals.
Ronaldo’s Euro legacy looms large. We expect he’ll add a few more to his tally this summer.
Michel Platini — 9 goals, five matches played
He played in only one European Championship but made the best of it. The attacking midfielder Michel Platini scored a remarkable nine goals in the 1984 version — securing his primacy as the highest scorer in a single tournament.
The former French captain ultimately guided Les Bleus to victory on home soil, most notably a 119th-minute goal against Portugal in the semifinal.
Antoine Griezmann — 7 goals, ten matches played
French forward Antoine Griezmann enjoyed a stellar 2016 European Championship. He scored six goals and recorded two assists in just seven matches. Unfortunately, France lost the big one, taking second place behind Ronaldo’s Portugal in the final.
Regardless, Griezmann won the 2016 Player of the Tournament and was the top scorer. Let’s see if the 32-year-old Griezy can add to his tally this summer in Germany.
Alan Shearer — 7 goals, nine matches played
Alan Shearer did his country proud when England hosted the Euros in 1996. He clinched the Golden Boot, scoring five, including two against Holland and a header against Germany in the semifinals. Die Mannschaft nonetheless prevailed on penalties.
Shearer scored two more goals in Euro 2000, but England went out at the group stage. The Newcastle legend is still the top Premier League goal scorer of all time with 260 strikes.
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 6 goals, eight matches played
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy played in just two Euro tournaments but still got six strikes in just eight games. Four came during Euro 2004, helping his team reach the semifinals.
The prolific striker had the rare ability to turn half-chances into goals, a poaching skill that made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe during his prime.
Top 10 goalscorers in the history of the European Championship
| Rank | Player | Goals | Matches Played | National Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 14 | 25 | Portugal |
| 2 | Michel Platini | 9 | 5 | France |
| 3 | Antoine Griezmann | 7 | 10 | France |
| 4 | Alan Shearer | 7 | 9 | England |
| 5 | Ruud van Nistelrooy | 6 | 8 | Netherlands |
| 6 | Patrick Kluivert | 6 | 9 | Netherlands |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | 6 | 13 | Sweden |
| 8 | Thierry Henry | 6 | 11 | France |
| 9 | Nuno Gomes | 6 | 14 | Portugal |
| 10 | Wayne Rooney | 6 | 10 | England |
Photo: x/TeamCRonaldo
