Do you think defenders can’t score goals in the Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious competition? Think again. Roberto Carlos, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Ramos will make you feel otherwise. With Sergio Ramos becoming the highest-scoring defender in Champions League history this 23/24 season, let’s see who makes the comprehensive top scorers list for UCL defenders.
5. Dani Alves – 12 goals in 111 Champions League appearances
Before getting into legal trouble off the pitch, Dani Alves slotted goals as a defender for Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG. One of the best right-backs of all time, Alves proved his dynamism on the field with a sharp sense for the net. Check the technique.
4. Ivan Helguera – 15 goals in 87 Champions League appearances
Center-back Ivan Helguera played across several La Liga teams, including Real Madrid, Valencia, and RCDEspanyol. But it was time with Los Blancos that he slotted in most of his Champions League goals.
The versatile defender, who often played central midfield, scored 15 strikes in 87 Champions League matches. His best goal occurred in his first year with Real Madrid, scoring a 25-year squelcher against Bayern Munich in the 1999/2000 group stage.
3. Roberto Carlos – 16 goals in 120 Champions League appearances
He could strike them! One of the best left-backs of all time, Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos finished his career with 16 goals in 120 Champions League caps.
Below is just a sample of some of Carlos’s best free-kicks. He won three Champions League titles with Madrid.
2. Pique – 16 goals in 128 Champions League appearances
Gerard Pique was never one to shy away from goal. The center-back made a habit of scoring big goals, especially headers. Interestingly enough, he finished his Champions League career with 16 strikes — that’s still more UCL goals than Zidane.
Pique’s stellar ball control and defensive acumen led to three Champions League titles at Barcelona.
1. Sergio Ramos – 17 goals in 142 Champions League appearances
He’s already La Liga’s top-scoring defender of all time. Sergio Ramos became the highest-scorer defender in Champions League history when he scored a penalty kick for Sevilla in a 2023/24 Champions League group stage match against Lens.
Of course, most of his Champions League strikes came with Real Madrid, where he gained legendary status. His most memorable goal came in the 93rd minute of the Champions League final when he scored the equalizer. That goal and Madrid’s subsequent victory secured La Decima. The Spaniard spent 16 seasons with Real Madrid, earning four UCL titles.
Photo: Twitter/FabrizioRomano
