Football

UEFA Nations League All-Time Scorers: Ronaldo & Haaland Feature in Top 10

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The Nations League has faced its fair share of criticism since UEFA introduced it in 2018. Players and managers have called it out for glorifying friendlies, for making congesting the calendar and increasing the risk of injuries. Fans, however, have welcomed the tournament with open arms, turning out in numbers to cheer for their national heroes as they battle tougher opponents.

As long as the fans keep filling the seats, the Nations League will keep returning, keep giving the players the incentive to put on a show. In the list below, we will check out some attack-minded stars who have done just that, scoring goals for fun.

us as we explore the all-time top scorers in the UEFA Nations League.

#10 Christian Eriksen (Denmark): 8 Goals

Christian Eriksen Has Scored 4 Penalties in the Nations League

In 10th place, we have Denmark captain Christian Eriksen. The Manchester United playmaker has scored eight goals in the UEFA Nations League in 21 appearances across four editions. Eriksen, who has converted four penalties in the competition, has also chipped in with two assists.

The 33-year-old could not quite impress in the league phase of the 2024-25 season, at least not in front of goal. Eriksen only scored once in six appearances, as Denmark finished second in League A Group 4. He will look to make amends by stepping up in the quarter-final double-header against Portugal.

#9 Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia): 8 Goals

Benjamin Sesko Has Scored 5 Goals in the 2024-25 Nations League

One of the most sought-after strikers in the world, Benjamin Sesko is level with Christian Eriksen at eight goals. However, the 21-year-old has been a lot more efficient, reaching that tally in 12 games. Sesko, who also has two assists to his name, made his Nations League debut in June 2022.

The RB Leipzig forward scored five goals in six group-stage fixtures. Unfortunately, his heroics were not enough, as Slovenia only finished third in League B Group 3. Sesko and Co. must beat Slovakia in relegation play-offs to retain their place in League B.

#8 Danel Sinani (Luxembourg): 9 Goals

Danel Sinani Had a Disappointing 2024-25 Campaign

Luxembourg right-winger Danel Sinani has scored 13 goals in 69 international matches since making his debut in 2017. Nine of his goals have come in 21 UEFA Nations League games. Sinani, 27, has also turned provider on four occasions.

Sinani unfortunately could not live up to expectations in the latest iteration. He only managed to claim an assist in five games as Luxembourg finished at the bottom of League C Group 3.

#7 Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina): 9 Goals

Edin Dzeko Has Not Scored a Penalty in the Nations League

The evergreen Edin Dzeko is the seventh name on this star-studded list. The 39-year-old has scored nine goals for Bosnia & Herzegovina in 19 UEFA Nations League games. Not only all of his goals have come from open play, but he is also the most clinical creator on this list with five assists.

Dzeko delivered decent performances in the League A Group 3 clashes in 2024-25, scoring two goals and providing an assist in five appearances. His goal involvements, however, were not enough as Bosnia finished fourth in the rankings, dropping down to League B.

#6 Vedat Muriqi (Kosovo): 10 Goals

Vedat Muriqi Helped Kosovo Finish 2nd in Group 3

Kosovo centre-forward Vedat Muriqi has claimed the sixth spot, scoring 10 goals in the UEFA Nations League. Muriqi, who has participated in all four iterations of the competition, has also provided four assists in 18 appearances.

The 30-year-old scored two goals and provided an assist in four Nations League C Group 2 matches. His goal contributions came in handy as Kosovo finished second in their group, earning a qualification play-off spot. They will take on Iceland for their ticket to League B.

#5 Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden): 10 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres Celebrating After Scoring 4 Goals Against Azerbaijan in Nations League

A striker football seemingly cannot get enough of, Viktor Gyokeres has been clinical for Sweden in the competition, emerging as one of the Nations League’s top scorers. The Sporting star has hit the back of the net 10 times in 11 Nations League outings. He has also shown his creative side, providing four assists.

Gyokeres was the star of the 2024-25 Nations League group stage, scoring a chart-topping nine goals in six matches. In his last game in the competition, he scored four times, propelling Sweden to a 6-0 victory. His goals proved decisive as Sweden topped Group 1 in League C, securing promotion to League B.

#4 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): 10 Goals

Romelu Lukaku Is One of the Nations League’s Top Scorers

Romelu Lukaku may not have lived up to expectations in club football, but he remains as clinical as ever for his country, Belgium. The former Chelsea striker has scored 10 goals in as many UEFA Nations League games. The Belgian has also claimed two assists along the way.

Lukaku, 31, surprisingly played just one game in the 2024-25 edition, cutting a frustrating figure in a 1-0 defeat to Italy in November. The Belgian Red Devils finished third in League A Group 2 with only four points. They must overcome Ukraine in the play-offs to remain in the top flight.

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 12 Goals

One of Nation League's All Time Top Scorers Cristiano Ronaldo Giving Thumbs Up While Playing for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo Scored 5 Goals in UNL Games Last Year

The most formidable goalscorer the world has ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the third spot. The Portugal icon has scored 12 goals in 16 Nations League outings, with only one of his goals coming from the penalty spot. The 40-year-old has also turned provider at times, claiming three assists.

Ronaldo, who is the all-time leading scorer in international football with 135 strikes in 216 games, fired on all cylinders in the group stage last year. The Al-Nassr superstar scored five goals in as many appearances last year, helping Portugal top League A Group 1 with 14 points. It will be interesting to see if he can pick up where he left off when Portugal face Denmark in the quarter-finals.

#2 Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia): 15 Goals

Aleksandar Mitrovic Has Scored 59 Goals for Serbia

Cristiano Ronaldo’s opponent in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Hilal talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic is the second-highest scorer in Nations League history. The Serbian centre-forward has found the back of the net 15 times in 19 matches so far. He has scored two penalties and provided an assist.

The 30-year-old forward was not at his imperious best in the 2024-25 Nations League group stage. He only scored one goal in four games as Serbia finished third in League A Group 4. He will look to fare better in the relegation play-offs against Austria this week.

#1 Erling Haaland (Norway): 19 Goals

Erling Haaland Is Nations League’s All-Time Top Scorer

Comfortably clear of the competition, Norway goalmachine Erling Haaland sits at the top of the hill with 19 goals in 16 UEFA Nations League matches. The Manchester City superstar has also claimed three assists since making his competition debut in September 2020.

Haaland, who scored six goals in his first three Nations League appearances, enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 campaign. He found the netting seven times in six games, helping Norway finish at the top of League B Group 3 and seal automatic promotion to League A next season.