Erling Haaland is being backed to rise above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League goal stakes, making more history in the process. The prolific Manchester City striker has become the fastest man to 50 efforts in elite European competition, with Pep Guardiola expecting the Norway international to go on and set a new all-time benchmark.

Haaland fastest to 50 Champions League goals

Haaland, who joined City in 2022, has reached 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.

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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 and 90 adrift of former United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar Ronaldo.

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."

GettyHaaland becomes a leader for Man City

Haaland was on target in City’s 2-0 victory over 10-man Napoli in 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."