In the ever-dramatic arena of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), goals often come when the lights are brightest — knockout nights, comebacks, underdog stories. For fans who live for meaningful strikes, the top goal scorers in UEL history are legends. In this article, AnnuGoal will accompany you through the names, numbers, context, and compelling stories behind the greatest scorers the competition has ever known.
What “UEL history” really means
Before diving into lists and stats, we must clarify what counts as “in UEL history.” The competition evolved:
- Before 2009, it was known as the UEFA Cup. Many records merge UEFA Cup and Europa League tallies.
- Some sources include qualifying rounds, others count only matches from the group stage onward (to the final).
- UEFA’s official stats generally consider goals from the main competition — group stage to final — excluding qualifiers.
Throughout this article, the focus is on the “competition proper” (group stage to final) version of the top goal scorers in UEL history, unless otherwise stated.
All-Time Top Goal Scorers (Competition Proper)
These are the greats who have scored the most goals in the main phases of the Europa League / UEFA Cup.
| Rank | Player | Goals | Clubs Represented in UEL | Era / Notes |
| 1 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | 34 | Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea, Marseille, etc. | Leading the pack in modern era |
| 2 | Henrik Larsson | 31 | Celtic, Helsingborg, etc. | Prolific over many seasons |
| 3 | Radamel Falcao | 30 | Porto, Atlético Madrid, others | Famous for 17 in 2010/11 alone |
| 4 | — (tie) | 29 | Some players reach similar tallies | |
| 5 | Aritz Aduriz | 29 | Athletic Bilbao | Late bloomer, very efficient striker |
| 6 | Others (e.g. players in mid-20s) | 28, 27… | — | Depth of talent |
This top echelon has changed slightly over time, but Aubameyang remains the standout name today.
Why these players feature at the top
- Consistency across clubs: Aubameyang played in multiple leagues and still kept scoring.
- Longevity: Larsson’s ability to find the net across many seasons made a difference.
- Explosive campaigns: Falcao’s 17-goal season in 2010/11 still stands as one of the most dominant single tournament displays.
- Big moments: Aduriz’s strikes often came in knockout games or against strong opposition.
These players were not just goal machines — they delivered in the pressure moments.
Record Individual Seasons & Milestones
Let’s look beyond cumulative totals — some seasons or achievements stand out:
- Most goals in a single UEL / UEFA Cup season (group to final): Radamel Falcao’s 17 goals for Porto in 2010/11 remains the benchmark.
- Back-to-back top scorer seasons: Falcao also followed the 17-goal haul with 12 goals in 2011/12, becoming the only player to lead the competition in consecutive seasons.
- Efficiency & goal ratio: Some players scored fewer goals but did so in fewer matches — worth considering when comparing across eras.
Rising Names & Active Players on the List
The list of top goal scorers in UEL history is dynamic. While some legends are retired, others are still adding to their totals:
- Players like Aubameyang remain active in European competition and could extend their lead.
- Others in the 20s-goals bracket may still be chasing into the top ranks.
- Emerging players may break into the list if they achieve sustained Europa League presence and goal scoring.
Thus, the list is not static — it evolves each season with new scorers and new narratives.
Context That Makes the Difference
Numbers are crucial, but the stories behind them enrich them:
- Competition format changes: More group stages and knockout rounds in modern formats make more matches — more scoring chances.
- Club trajectories: Some players feature for teams that often progress deep, giving more fixtures to score in.
- Penalty vs. open play: Some scorers get many from the spot; others rely on movement, headers, late runs.
- Cross-competition flows: Some players drop.
Top 10 All Time (Approximate Snapshot)
Below is an approximate snapshot of the top 10 scorers in Europa League / UEFA Cup history (competition proper):
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — ~34
- Henrik Larsson — ~31
- Radamel Falcao — ~30
- Aritz Aduriz — ~29
- Others in the upper 20s (e.g. some with 28, 27)
- Players like Alexandre Lacazette, Bruno Fernandes, etc., hover in the top ranks
- Mid-20s scorers
- 8–10. Various names who combined longevity with success
This snapshot reflects the “elite club” of UEL scorers — the ones whose names fans will always recall.
Why This List Still Matters
For fans, analysts, clubs, and players, the top goal scorers in UEL history list is more than trivia:
- Legacy & bragging rights: Scoring goals in European competition is central to a player’s prestige.
- Recruitment & market value: Clubs value players with proven European scoring records.
- Fan engagement: Every time a player edges toward the top, it fuels narratives (e.g. “Will Aubameyang break 40?”).
- Comparisons across eras: Helps contextualize legends vs. modern stars.
Knowing this list adds depth to watching matches — especially in knockout rounds where one goal can change everything.
Conclusion
The chase for the top goal scorers in UEL history is a living saga — new names rise, legends linger, and narratives evolve. AnnuGoal has shared the names, statistics, and stories you need to stay informed and impressed. If you love competition, goals, and history, keep your eyes on Europa League nights — the next chapter could rewrite the list once again.
Stay tuned here at AnnuGoal for updates, match reviews, deep dives, and more as the Europa League journey continues — and check back anytime you want the latest on the top goal scorers in UEL history and beyond.
