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#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent performers in the 21st century.
The much-travelled forward has won league titles in four different countries during a glorious two-decade-long career. Now at AC Milan, the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic inspired the Rossoneri to a second-place finish in Serie A and a return to the Champions League.
Earlier this year, Ibrahimovic scored his 500th goal in club football, with over 150 of his strikes coming for Ligue 1 giants PSG.
Ibrahimovic came out of international retirement this year. But an injury meant he couldn't appear at Euro 2020.
Nevertheless, just weeks shy of his 40th birthday, Ibrahimovic will look to become one of the oldest scorers in the Champions League.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 36.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the all-time top scorer for Real Madrid (450 goals) and in the Champions League (134 goals). He is the only player to score for two winning teams in Champions League finals.
He returned to Manchester United this summer after nine prolific seasons at Real Madrid and three modest ones at Juventus. Nevertheless, Ronaldo has arrived at Old Trafford after becoming the first player to score 100 goals for the Bianconeri in their first three seasons at the club.
The 2020-21 Capocannoniere winner (29 goals) has won a record five Champions League titles, three of them after he turned 31. Ronaldo scored on his second debut for United as he looks set for another goal-rich campaign.
Back at his old stomping ground, Ronaldo will hope to resume his stellar exploits in the competition after three modest campaigns with Juventus.
Recently, the Portuguese overtook Ali Daei (109) to become the most prolific scorer in men's international football.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, like Ronaldo, is arguably one of the finest players to have graced the game.
The 34-year-old Argentine arrived at Ligue 1 giants PSG this summer after an illustrious 17-season stint with Barcelona. Messi tallied a staggering 1072 goal contributions (672 goals, 305 assists), winning 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles.
The six-time Ballon d'Or and eight-time Pichichi winner inspired Argentina to their first international title in nearly three decades. Messi led from the front, scoring four goals and registering five assists as La Albiceleste won Copa America 2021.
He did not score on his PSG debut. But Messi is widely expected to get going in an 'easier' league and help his new club become the newest Champions League winners.
