Pernille Harder: The Goal-Scoring Machine of UEFA Women’s Champions League
Well, well, well! It seems Bayern Munich’s Pernille Harder has decided that the Women’s Champions League is her personal stage, and the rest of us are just lucky to be the audience. Scoring an impressive hat-trick against Arsenal and slotting in yet another tantalizing goal against Juventus in her first two matches, it’s almost like she’s part scavenger of goals and part magician! It’s no wonder she finds herself leading the race for the top scorer title, and not just because of her alarming ability to score from almost anywhere—not that your grandma on the couch with a cup of tea would mind; she might need a nap after watching that display!
Harder vs. The Competition
With four goals to her name already, Harder is currently sitting in the driver’s seat, especially ahead of notable contenders like last season’s top scorer, Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon, who seems to have misplaced her scoring boots—perhaps they’re in the same place as Leicester’s trophy cabinet? Harder has successfully outpaced not just Diani, but a whole host of others trailing behind her—each with just two goals. Yes, I’m looking at you, Linda Caicedo and Mariona Caldentey, worrying more about the distance your shoes are from that glorious net.
The Group Stage Scene: Twente’s Kayleigh Van Dooren Steals the Spotlight
Speaking of competitors, let’s not forget Twente’s Kayleigh van Dooren, who’s flexing hard as the leading scorer from the qualifying rounds, boasting four goals. Now that’s what we call a “goal-getter” in every sense, but one must wonder if this sudden spotlight will get to her head—or perhaps she’ll keep scoring like a bus full of kids on a sugar high!
Top Scorers Breakdown
Top Scorers of the Women’s Champions League 2024/25 (from the group stage):
- Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich): 4 Goals
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid): 2 Goals
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): 2 Goals
- Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon): 2 Goals
- Kayleigh van Dooren (Twente): 2 Goals
- Guro Reiten (Chelsea): 2 Goals
Assists Galore: Who’s Creating the Magic?
But what’s a game without some flair? The assist tally is also heating up, with none other than Aitana Bonmatí setting the pitch ablaze with 2 assists, showcasing that it’s not just about claiming glory but finding your teammates too—all whilst wearing those glamorous cleats! You can almost hear the other players shouting, “What a pass!” in chorus. And Klara Bühl from Bayern has also joined this assist parade.
Most Goals Created (Goals + Assists)
Highest Number of Goals Created in the Women’s Champions League 2024/25 (from the group stage):
- Manuela Giugliano (Rome): 4
- Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich): 4
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): 3
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid): 3
The Bottom Line
As we barrel towards the knockout stages, it’s safe to say Pernille Harder is not just a name to remember; she’s a player to watch. And who knows, perhaps this season she’ll rack up so many goals, she’ll start her own scoring competition! Other teams should brace themselves, because it looks like Harder has no intention of slowing down any time soon.
So, to all you aspiring strikers out there: take notes! Harder’s blend of speed, skill, and sharp shooting is what legends are made of. If she were a spice, she’d be a mix of all the lovely things that bring joy to food—like jalapeños in a chocolate cake. Wait, no—let’s just keep it simple and say she’s more like a fine wine; she just keeps getting better with age!
Last update: October 17
Bayern Munich striker Pernille Harder, an accomplished player in women’s football, is currently leading the charge in the quest for the prestigious title of the top scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 season.
Harder, who previously clinched the top scorer award while showcasing her talent for Wolfsburg in the 2018/19 campaign, has made a significant impact in the current season. She kicked off her campaign with an impressive hat-trick against Arsenal on matchday one, demonstrating her exceptional scoring ability, and followed it up with another crucial away goal against Juventus in matchday two. With these spectacular performances, she has surged ahead, holding a two-goal advantage over eight other contenders, including last season’s leading scorer, Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon.
Another notable player making headlines is Twente’s Kayleigh van Dooren, who has also netted two goals in the group stage. Van Dooren excelled during the qualifying rounds, finishing as the top scorer with a total of four goals. Currently, she leads the overall season standings alongside the notable teams Bayern, Lyon, Barcelona, and Chelsea, all of whom advanced directly to the group stage and did not have to compete in the qualifying phase.
Top scorers of the Women’s Champions League 2024/25 (from the group stage)
4 Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
Most assists in the Women’s Champions League 2024/25 (from the group stage)
2 Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)2 Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich)2 Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon)2 Manuela Giugliano (Rome)
Highest number of goals created (goals and assists) in the Women’s Champions League 2024/25 (from the group stage)
4 Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
3 Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)3 Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)3 Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
Women’s Champions League/UEFA Women’s Cup top scorers by season (including qualifying phase)
2023/24: Marie Alidou (Benfica), Romée Leuchter (Ajax) 9
2022/23: Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg) 9
2021/22: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) 11
Last update: October 17
**Interview with Pernille Harder: The Goal-Scoring Machine of UEFA Women’s Champions League**
**Editor:** Welcome, Pernille! Congratulations on your incredible start to the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season. A hat-trick against Arsenal and another goal against Juventus—how does it feel to be leading the pack?
**Pernille Harder:** Thank you! It feels amazing to start the tournament on such a strong note. Every time I step on the pitch, my goal is to give my best for the team. Scoring feels great, but the key is that I have fantastic teammates who create opportunities for me.
**Editor:** You’re currently at the top of the scoring chart with four goals. How do you keep your focus and performance level so high, especially with competition from players like Kadidiatou Diani?
**Pernille Harder:** I try not to think too much about the competition or the stats. My main focus is always on contributing to the team’s success. Of course, it’s motivating to have strong competitors, but I just concentrate on my game and trust my skills.
**Editor:** Speaking of your skills, your ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch is impressive! Do you have any specific game strategies that you follow?
**Pernille Harder:** I believe in making quick decisions and taking calculated risks. Whether it’s finding a shooting opportunity or making a run into space, I always look to play what the game offers. Having intuition and a bit of confidence goes a long way.
**Editor:** With Twente’s Kayleigh van Dooren also emerging as a strong contender, how do you feel about the rising competition in the league?
**Pernille Harder:** It’s great for the league! Having new talents like Kayleigh is exciting, and it raises the overall level of play. I think it’s crucial for all players to push each other. The more competitive it gets, the better it is for women’s football.
**Editor:** Assists have been a big part of this season too, with players like Aitana Bonmatí performing exceptionally well. How important is teamwork in achieving individual success?
**Pernille Harder:** Teamwork is everything. Goals may be celebrated individually, but they always come from collaborative effort. Every pass, every defensive play contributes to the final result. I’m grateful to have teammates who are just as determined to succeed.
**Editor:** As we approach the knockout stages, what are your personal goals for the rest of the tournament?
**Pernille Harder:** I want to continue scoring and helping my team win. Ultimately, the goal is to help Bayern Munich reach the finals and compete for the title. Winning together is the ultimate reward!
**Editor:** what advice would you give to the young players aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
**Pernille Harder:** Stay dedicated, work hard, and enjoy the game. Every player’s journey is different, so embrace your path and never stop learning. And remember, it’s a game meant to be fun, so enjoy every moment!
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Pernille, for sharing your insights with us today. Best of luck for the rest of the tournament!
**Pernille Harder:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
