Erling Haaland’s blistering form for Manchester City has sparked fresh predictions that he could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary Champions League scoring record. The Norwegian striker has already netted nine goals in seven games this season and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Erling Haaland has been tipped to achieve the unthinkable — breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time Champions League scoring record — after his electric start to the 2025-26 campaign with Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has found the net in every game this season except against Tottenham, tallying nine goals in seven appearances across all competitions. His brace and assist in City’s 5-1 demolition of Burnley at the Etihad underlined his status as Europe’s most feared striker, just a year after injuries hampered both his own output and Pep Guardiola’s side.
McCoist: “He could break all sorts of records”
Former Scotland international Ally McCoist believes Haaland could rewrite football’s history books if he remains injury-free. Speaking to TalkSPORT Bet, McCoist said:
The fact we’re talking about Haaland potentially beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s record is crazy. I never thought it could be done. But if he stays fit, he could break that and all sorts of records.
Ronaldo currently sits at the top of the Champions League scoring charts with 140 goals, a mark that has long seemed untouchable. Yet Haaland’s efficiency in Europe has left many believing the Norwegian is on track to chase down the Portuguese legend.
McCoist added that Haaland has impressed beyond his goalscoring:
I’ve been really impressed with his defending, winning headers in his own box. He’s become a proper team player — great to see.
Why City’s style suits Haaland
McCoist also suggested that Manchester City’s evolving style could further fuel Haaland’s goalscoring exploits.
“City had lost the fear factor a little bit,” he explained. “Now teams are opening up against them more, and that suits Haaland perfectly. His goal against Arsenal, where he won the ball and finished off a counter-attack, is exactly the kind of situation he thrives in.”
Kane joins the conversation
While Haaland hunts down Ronaldo’s Champions League record, another forward etched his name into history this weekend. England captain Harry Kane became the fastest player to hit 100 goals for a single club in Europe’s top five leagues after his brace for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen.
⚽ Haaland’s combination of raw power, positioning, and relentless finishing makes him the most likely heir to Ronaldo’s record — and perhaps the defining striker of his generation.
