We can’t get over the batsh*t Asian Champions League top scorers chart: Ronaldo, Mitrovic…
The Asian Champions League looks like it will be more competitive than ever this year and plenty of familiar faces make their way into the top scorers chart.
With the huge investments that have gone into the Saudi Pro League of late, the likes of Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al Hilal are among the favourites to win the AFC Champions League.
We’ve taken a closer look at the top 10 scorers in the competition so far and you’ll no doubt recognise a few of the names in here.
=10. Cristiano Ronaldo – 4 goals
The Portuguese icon has already conquered Europe and now he’s managing to thrive in Asia. Ronaldo’s name is synonymous with the Champions League and you can bet he will do everything in his power to win the AFC tournament this season. He’s currently tied with 14 other players for tenth place in this list, though, so competition is tough.
His latest strike made the difference in a tight game with Al Feiha. It also happened to be his first goal of 2024.
فيديو |
هدف #النصر الاول كامل من المدرجات و فرحة الأسطورة رونالدو #النصر_الفيحاء pic.twitter.com/N3ipbquvvZ
— علي العنزي (@Ali_alabdallh) February 14, 2024
=4. Baghdad Bounedjah – 5 goals
The Algerian forward has been in prolific form for Qatari side Al Sadd. Bounedjah has scored over 200 goals for Al Sadd since 2015–16 and he’s won 12 trophies in that time, but is yet to get his hands on the elusive AFC Champions League.
=4. Hernandes Rodrigues – 5 goals
The Brazilian midfielder currently plays for K League outfit Incheon United. Rodrigues has looked sharp in the competition so far with three goals in his first three outings.
=4. Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba – 5 goals
Al-Ain’s last triumph in the AFC Champions League came all the way back in 2002–03. Having won their first three group stage matches they are in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
Togo international Fo-Doh Laba has been their most prolific player so far with three goals in the competition. The 31-year-old has an exceptional record for the UAE Pro League club with 110 goals in 130 matches.
=4. Ramin Rezaeian – 5 goals
The versatile Iranian international has been in good scoring form for Sapaphan of the Persian Gulf Pro League this season. A right-back who transformed into a winger, sort of a reverse Ashley Young, Wales fans might remember Rezaeian scoring past them in the World Cup just over a year ago.
Apparently he loves ice cream. The more you know…
=4. Khojimat Erkinov – 5 goals
The 22-year-old Uzbek midfielder is currently back on loan at this boyhood club Pakhtakor Tashkent from Torpedo Moscow, and has already managed to find the net five times in just four Asian Champions League games.
Cristiano Ronaldo only has four games in five games. The Ronaldo v Erkinov debate starts now. Who you taking in your team?
=4. Martin Adam – 5 goals
The Hungarian forward joined South Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai last summer and managed to win the K League 1 during his debut season. This year he’ll be looking to make the difference in the AFC Champions League.
Martín Adam, el delantero que podría jugar de tercera a rugby, primer hattrick de esta edición de la AFC Champions Leaguepic.twitter.com/DIAy1z34u9
— Dani Deudermont Glez (@DaniDeuder) September 22, 2023
=1. Cryzan – 6 goals
The 27-year-old Brazilian has been around the houses a bit. Until now, he was ever a particularly prolific forward. But after starting at Paranaense, four separate loan spells in Brazil, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia, followed by a couple of seasons in the Portuguese second tier, Cryzan found himself in China with Shandong Taishan, where he’s casually gone about netting 37 goals in 53 appearances.
=1. Anderson Talisca – 6 goals
With the arrival of several superstars at Al Nassr of late, Talisca is no longer considered as the main man, but he still has a vital role to play for Luis Castro’s side.
Across all competitions, the Brazilian attacking midfielder already has 21 goals, with six of those strikes coming in the AFC Champions League. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for some more Talisca magic as the competition goes on.
=1. Aleksandar Mitrovic – 6 goals
Since ditching Fulham for Al Hilal, Mitrovic has been as prolific as ever in his new surroundings. His hat-trick against Mumbai City was a particular standout moment for the striker.
Jorge Jesus’ side will have to cope without Neymar for the foreseeable future due to injury, but they already have plenty of firepower in their ranks.
Al Hilal are the most successful club in AFC Champions League history having won the tournament on four occasions. Given how stacked their squad now looks, we wouldn’t put it past them to come out on top again.
🇷🇸Aleksandar Mitrovic's overhead kick goal for Al-Hilal against Mumbai City in the AFC Champions League.pic.twitter.com/sI83uufgPt
— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) October 24, 2023
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