10 players with the most Champions League goals before Cristiano Ronaldo era

#7 Jardel - 25 goals

Mario Jardel with Oliver kahn (Image via The Versed)

Like Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League, Mario Jardel left the mark very early. He is by birth a Brazilian but, like Cristiano Ronaldo, has Portuguese citizenship.

Jardel's greatest exploit in Europe came for Porto, where he made a name for himself with an outstanding goal-scoring record. However, his career was heavily plagued by injuries, and he could never really settle into any form of rhythm.

His 25 goals from 46 appearances in the Champions League is a sorry testament to the tale of what a footballer could have been. With better luck, maybe Jardel would have been team-mates with Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

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#6 Thierry Henry - 26 goals

Henry was magical and sublime (Image via Royal Soccer)

Magician, wizard, maestro - just a few adjectives used to describe Thierry Henry based on his footballing exploits. There has never been a shortage of star footballers in France, but only the special ones can command as much respect as Henry can.

It's hard to describe Henry in terms of his playing position because, on paper, he was a forward. But he was a lot more, and his guile, skill, and confidence were seen very rarely among others. Like Cristiano Ronaldo, audacious adjectives will describe what Henry used to do on the football pitch.

Before Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in the Champions League, Arsenal legend Henry had notched up 26 goals in 52 appearances.

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#5 Filipo Inzaghi - 28 goals

Filipo Inzaghi was sensational in front of the goal (Image via FourFourTwo)

Another legendary Italian forward is on the list, Filipo Inzaghi had already notched up 28 goals in 41 Champions League appearances before Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in the competition.

Not only was Inzaghi a phenomenal goal scorer, but he was also well known for his predatory instincts inside the box. Coincidentally, it is an ability that can be found in Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Inzaghi also lifted the Champions League trophy more than once in his playing career.

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#4 Patrick Kluivert - 29 goals

Patrick Kluivert in his younger days (Image via Transfermarkt)

Part of Ajax's golden generation, Patrick Kluivert is considered by many football fans to be one of the greatest footballers of his generation. Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kluivert used his clever footballing senses, guile, and technical abilities to beat the defenders.

Kluivert scored 29 times in the Champions League and made 68 appearances before Cristiano Ronaldo's debut in 2003.