Historic Four-Goal Hauls: Goals That Make Legends

The four-goal haul, meaning scoring four goals in a single match, is a privilege reserved for the greatest in Champions League history. Since the tournament’s relaunch in 1992-93, only 47 players have achieved this feat, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Shevchenko, Ibrahimovic, Di Stéfano, and Van Basten. Each four-goal haul not only creates a statistical record but also marks unforgettable nights for fans.

In the 21st century, 17 four-goal hauls have been scored, and only one player has repeated the feat: Robert Lewandowski. His scoring consistency in decisive matches has made him an absolute reference in the Orejona.

Lewandowski: The Only Double Four-Goal Haul of the 21st Century

Robert Lewandowski has made history in the Champions League with two four-goal hauls: one against Real Madrid with Borussia Dortmund in 2012/2013 and another against Red Star Belgrade with Bayern Munich in 2019/2020. This places him in an exclusive club alongside legends like Di Stéfano, Puskas, and Van Basten.

The Polish striker stands out not only for the number of goals but also for his efficiency and ability to decide key matches, leaving an indelible mark on the competition. His record remains untouchable and serves as a benchmark for new generations of attackers in Europe.

The Elite of Champions Scorers

Beyond Lewandowski, the Champions League has witnessed four-goal hauls from historical names: Lionel Messi scored two, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Shevchenko are among the deadliest. Others like Mbappé, Giroud, Ilicic, and Gnabry have had glory nights with four goals, proving that a four-goal haul remains a mark of offensive excellence.

Meanwhile, repokers, or five goals in a single match, are even more exclusive: Messi, Haaland, and Luiz Adriano are the only ones to achieve this in the Champions era, showing that surpassing limits is a task reserved for true prodigies.

Records That Defy History

No player has ever scored six goals in a Champions match, and very few have repeated four-goal hauls. This makes the achievements of Lewandowski and other giants practically untouchable. Each four-goal haul and repoker represents not just goals, but historic nights etched into the memory of clubs and fans.

The Champions League is more than a competition, it’s a stage of records, feats, and legends, and players like Lewandowski, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to elevate the passion and history of the tournament with performances that seem impossible to replicate.