Who was better: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Luis Figo? An in-depth analysis of their careers

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo are two of the most influential Portuguese footballers in history, both enjoying successful careers at Europe's biggest clubs. However, one of the most interesting comparisons between them is not just their impact on the game but also the differences in their time at Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite playing in different positions, their offensive contributions and statistics highlight the magnitude of their influence in football. In this comparison, we analyze their numbers and the weight they carried in the teams they played for.

Goals and assists at club level

The numbers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo showcase two completely different profiles. While Ronaldo was a relentless goal scorer with historic records, Figo excelled as a classic winger, more focused on playmaking and assists.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese star is Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, with 450 goals in 438 matches, boasting an extraordinary average of 1.03 goals per game. His ability to adapt to different playing styles made him the team’s offensive leader for nearly a decade.

• Goals in club football: 709 goals in 951 matches.
• Assists in club football: 223, showing his ability to create opportunities in addition to scoring.
• Most goals in a single LaLiga season: 48 goals (2014-15).

Luis Figo

Unlike Ronaldo, Figo played as an attacking midfielder or winger, which explains his more assist-heavy statistics. His ability to create danger in the final third made him a key player for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

• Goals in club football: 136 goals in 919 matches, averaging 0.14 goals per game.
• Assists in club football: 283, surpassing Ronaldo in this category.
• LaLiga’s top assist provider in three seasons: 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2003-04.

While Figo never came close to Ronaldo’s goal tally, his impact in creating scoring chances was crucial for every team he played for.

Impact in the Champions League

The most prestigious club tournament is an excellent metric to measure their influence in European football. In this aspect, Cristiano Ronaldo dominates with historic figures, while Figo had an important but less goal-heavy presence.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 goals in 183 Champions League matches, making him the competition’s all-time top scorer. He won 5 titles, being Real Madrid’s key figure in Europe.
• Luis Figo: 11 goals in 103 Champions League matches. He won the title in 2002 with Real Madrid, although his impact was more in collective play rather than finishing.

Ronaldo not only holds the record for the most goals in the competition’s history but was also decisive in finals and knockout rounds. Figo, on the other hand, contributed with his technical quality and leadership but did not have the same goal-scoring impact.

Contribution to national teams

At the international level, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo were Portugal’s main references in their respective eras. However, their roles were different, as Figo played as a playmaker, while Ronaldo has been the absolute offensive leader of the Portuguese squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo

• Goals for Portugal: 135 goals in 217 matches, making him the highest scorer in international football history.
• International titles: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019.
• Euro 2021 top scorer: 5 goals.

Luis Figo

• Goals for Portugal: 32 goals in 127 matches, averaging 0.25 goals per game.
• Assists for Portugal: 39, making him one of the top playmakers in Portuguese history.
• Best international performance: Euro 2004 finalist, where Portugal lost to Greece.

Although Figo led Portugal to important stages, Ronaldo surpassed his achievements by winning international titles and becoming the highest scorer in national team history.

Goals in finals and decisive moments

Great players are defined by their ability to shine in key moments. Cristiano Ronaldo has been a specialist in finals and crucial matches, while Figo excelled more in playmaking than in finishing.

Cristiano Ronaldo

• Goals in finals: 20 goals in official finals, including 4 in Champions League finals.
• Notable final performance: Scored a brace in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus, securing the title for Real Madrid.

Luis Figo

• Goals in finals: 3 goals in major tournament finals.
• Most impactful final: 2002 Champions League final, where he was crucial in playmaking despite not scoring.

Ronaldo has proven to be more decisive in finals and key moments, whereas Figo played a bigger role in leading his team throughout long tournaments.

Recent news

As of 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo is still competing with Al Nassr, having reached 917 career goals. Luis Figo, retired for years, remains active in football through FIFA projects and charity events, solidifying his role as a football ambassador.

What you need to know about Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo

• Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 709 club goals, while Figo scored 136.
• Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer of the Champions League with 140 goals, while Figo scored 11 in the competition.
• In national teams, Ronaldo is the highest scorer ever with 135 goals, while Figo contributed 32 goals and 39 assists for Portugal.
• Figo surpasses Ronaldo in assists with 283 in club football, while Ronaldo recorded 223.
• Ronaldo has won 5 Champions League titles, whereas Figo won 1 with Real Madrid.
• As of 2025, Ronaldo is still playing with Al Nassr, while Figo works with FIFA and as a football ambassador.