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Level with John Terry
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The Champions League has long been the stage for Europe’s deadliest strikers and most creative playmakers - but defenders, too, have played their part in shaping its story. From towering headers at set pieces to thunderous strikes from distance, some of football’s most unexpected goalscoring heroes have emerged from the back line. Think back to Sergio Ramos' last minute equaliser for Real Madrid in the 2014 final against rivals Atlético. Or Roberto Carlos firing in a belter of a free-kick. Defenders have decided big moments. And for Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, it was their leader from the back that got their trophy defence underway, with Brazilian Marquinhos opening the scoring against Atalanta.
He is now climbing the leaderboards for the defenders with the most goals in the Champions League. Since the competition’s modern era began in 1992/93, a select group of defenders have developed a knack for finding the net under the brightest lights. Whether marauding full-backs with an attacking instinct, or centre-backs who made the penalty box their playground on corners, these players proved that goalscoring isn’t just the business of the forwards. Transfermarkt breaks down the defenders who have scored the most Champions League goals - and how they carved out their place in the competition’s rich attacking history.
Defenders with the most Champions League goals
Leading the way is Real Madrid legend Ramos. The Spaniard scored 17 goals in 142 Champions League matches. In second place is another Santiago Bernabéu hero in left-back Carlos - the Brazilian scored 16 goals in 120 games. Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué takes third with 16 goals in 128 Champions League matches. Marquinhos is now up to fourth after his latest goal - 10 goals in 108 games for the PSG skipper.
He is now ahead of Chelsea icon John Terry, who scored 10 in 109 Champions League matches for the Blues. In fifth is former Barca full-back Dani Alves, who scored 10 goals in 111 games. Christian Panucci and Marcelo are sixth and seventh respectively - they both have nine goals but with the former doing so in less games. Former Chelsea defender Alex is ninth with eight goals in 66 games, whilst Dutchman Ronald Koeman completes the top 10 with seven goals in 23 Champions League games.
