Cristiano Ronaldo to receive 'special award' at 2024-25 Champions League draw recognising incredible goal record that now looks impossible for Lionel Messi to match

UEFA has announced that it will honour Ronaldo at the 2024-25 Champions League draw, with the governing body's president, Alexander Ceferin, to hand him a "special award" recognising his status as the competition's all-time top scorer. The Portugal superstar has scored 140 goals in 183 Champions League appearances, setting a record that looks almost impossible for anyone else to match.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is the second-highest goalscorer, with his tally of 129 goals, but his move to Inter Miami has all but confirmed that he will not be able to surpass Ronaldo. Robert Lewandowski is the third-highest goalscorer, but sits 46 goals behind, and he is now 36, so he faces a race against time to be able to match the Al-Nassr ace.

Ceferin said in a statement: "Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goal-scoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass.

"His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals.

"His professionalism, work ethic, dedication, and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate."

Ronaldo will receive his award at the draw ceremony on August 29. He has hinted that he will retire at Nassr, so he is unlikely to score another Champions League goal after glittering spells at Real, Manchester United and Juventus.