Top scorers in Champions League 2023: Haaland in command, Benfica provide a shock double

Man City’s long and arduous journey to European glory reached its peak in 2023 at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. The Citizens ended their campaign with a historic 1-0 victory over Inter Milan, finally lifting the elusive Champions League trophy. This triumph was the "crown jewel" for Pep Guardiola’s side, completing a legendary Treble after they had already conquered the Premier League and the FA Cup. 

The decisive moment came from Spanish midfielder Rodri, who became an eternal hero in the club's history. His thunderous strike, a precise "cannon shot" that flew into the far corner past Andre Onana, shattered Inter Milan's resistance. While Rodri was the hero of the final, the architect of City's seasonal dominance was undoubtedly Erling Haaland.

In his debut season after transferring from Borussia Dortmund, the Norwegian sensation left the football world in awe, scoring with a frequency that suggested he had been at the Etihad for a decade. His presence transformed City into an unstoppable force, proving that a true "number nine" was the missing piece of the puzzle. 

But how many goals did he actually net to lead this charge? Let’s explore the ranking of the top scorers in Champions League 2023 according to Nowgoalmobi. Surprisingly, despite reaching the final, not a single Inter Milan player appeared in this elite top ten.

Top scorers in Champions League 2023

10. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

The Nigerian powerhouse was instrumental in Napoli's historic run to the quarter-finals. Scoring 5 goals in just 6 matches, Osimhen’s most memorable performance came in the round of 16 against Eintracht Frankfurt, where he netted twice in the second leg. By the 2025/26 season, Osimhen has moved to Galatasaray in Turkey, having cemented his legacy as a Scudetto winner with Napoli in 2023.

9. Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto) 

The Iranian striker showcased his clinical edge by scoring 5 goals in 7 appearances. Currently, in 2026, Taremi is leading the line for Olympiacos in Greece, carrying with him a trophy cabinet filled with Portuguese domestic titles.

8. Rafa Silva (Benfica)

A key figure in Benfica's high-pressing system, Silva scored 5 goals in 10 matches. He was particularly brilliant in the 4-3 win over Juventus, scoring twice to help Benfica reach the quarter-finals. Silva remains a symbol of Benfica's attacking flair, having won multiple Primeira Liga titles.

7. Rodrygo (Real Madrid) 

The Brazilian youngster continued his love affair with this competition, scoring 5 goals in 12 matches. His best performance came at Stamford Bridge, where he scored twice against Chelsea in the quarter-final second leg. By 2026, Rodrygo remains a vital part of Real Madrid’s "Galacticos 3.0," boasting 2 Champions League titles (2022, 2024).

6. Olivier Giroud (AC Milan) 

The veteran Frenchman proved age is just a number, netting 5 goals in 12 games. His crucial goal against Napoli in the quarter-final helped Milan reach the semis for the first time in years. 

Currently, Giroud is enjoying the final chapters of his career in the Ligue 1 with LOSC Lille, having won almost every major trophy, including the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea.

5. João Mário (Benfica)

The Portuguese midfielder was the surprise package, scoring 6 goals in 10 matches, many from the penalty spot. His calm leadership helped Benfica top a group containing PSG and Juventus. 

4. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain) 

Despite PSG’s early exit in the round of 16, Mbappé managed 7 goals in 8 matches. His hat-trick of sorts against Maccabi Haifa and goals against Juventus highlighted his individual brilliance. By 2026, he has since moved to Real Madrid, seeking the one trophy that eluded him in Paris.

3. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) 

The Brazilian winger matched Mbappé’s tally with 7 goals but over 12 matches. His brace at Anfield in a 5-2 comeback win against Liverpool was a masterclass in counter-attacking football. 

2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The "Egyptian King" was incredibly efficient, scoring 8 goals in 8 matches before Liverpool fell to Real Madrid. His fastest-ever Champions League hat-trick against Rangers (6 minutes and 12 seconds) remains a record. Salah is still the talisman at Anfield in 2026, chasing further Premier League records.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) 

At the summit stands the "Nordic Meat Shield" with 12 goals in 11 matches. Haaland’s season was defined by his historic five-goal haul against RB Leipzig in the round of 16, equaling the record for most goals in a single UCL game. He also scored in both legs of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich. 

By February 2026, Haaland has surpassed 50 career UCL goals in record time and remains at City, having added more Premier League titles to his 2023 Champions League medal. In the 2022/23 season alone, he scored a staggering 52 goals across all competitions.

Top 10 scorers of the 2022/23 Champions League: 

Erling Haaland (Man City) – 12 goals

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 8 goals

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – 7 goals

Kylian Mbappé (PSG) – 7 goals

João Mário (Benfica) – 6 goals

Olivier Giroud (AC Milan) – 5 goals

Rodrygo (Real Madrid) – 5 goals

Rafa Silva (Benfica) – 5 goals

Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto) – 5 goals

Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – 5 goals

Nowgoalmobi.net expresses immense admiration for the destructive scoring prowess of Erling Haaland and the collective brilliance of Manchester City. However, it is somewhat bittersweet to note that in his final season in European football, the legendary Lionel Messi did not appear among the top scorers in Champions League 2023. His absence marks the end of an era, even as Haaland begins a new one of total dominance.

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