Best forwards in UEL history have carved their names in the Europa League’s lore. Whether in the competition’s modern era or its UEFA Cup roots, strikers have defined seasons, turned underdogs into champions, and thrilled fans across Europe. In this article, DaoKick will take you through the most iconic forwards who lit up the UEL, combining art, records, and unforgettable moments.
What Defines a Great Forward in UEL
Not every top scorer is a legend—but in UEFA’s second-tier tournament, a great forward must offer more than goals. Key traits include:
- Consistency across seasons: Performing in group stages, knockouts, and finals.
- Impact in big moments: Goals that turn ties or win trophies.
- Diverse scoring repertoire: Poacher’s finish, long-range strike, header, penalty, counterattack.
- Legacy and influence: Inspiring teammates, elevating clubs, and being remembered by fans.
Given the UEL’s evolving formats (from UEFA Cup to Europa League), some legends stem. Let’s journey through eras and meet the icons.
The All-Time Goal Kings
Breaking the Records: Aubameyang Tops the Chart
- As of 2025, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang holds the record as the UEL’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Radamel Falcao.
- He scored 34 goals across UEFA’s secondary competition, setting a new benchmark for future forwards.
- His ability to deliver in both group and knockout phases, often as the main attacking weapon, defines why he is broadly considered among the best forwards in UEL history.
The Golden Era: Falcao’s Dominance
- Before Aubameyang, Radamel Falcao stood at the summit with 30 goals in the UEL/UEFA Cup era.
- He remains the only player to claim the Golden Boot in back-to-back UEL seasons.
- His knack for clutch goals, especially deep in the knockout rounds, cemented his status as a lethal weapon in Europe.
The Steady Guns: Larsson, Huntelaar, Aduriz
- Henrik Larsson: One of the few forwards whose tally spans both UEFA Cup and Europa League eras, with 40 goals in the UEL competition.
- Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: A methodical finisher, ranked high in all-time scoring charts.
- Aritz Aduriz: Though not as globally famed, the Athletic Club legend amassed over 25 UEL goals — often against top opposition.
Late Bloomers & Surprise Names
- Bruno Fernandes features among the UEL’s top goal contributors in recent seasons.
- Romelu Lukaku has also made waves, particularly in knockout ties, proving he can be dangerous even in a secondary European competition.
Forwards Who Defined UEL Seasons
Beyond the raw totals, some strikers delivered unforgettable seasons that still echo:
- Falcao’s 17-goal crusade in one UEL campaign remains one of the most prolific single-season performances in the competition’s history.
- Aduriz had multiple campaigns where he led the scoring in UEFA Cup / Europa League rounds, often carrying underdog squads.
- Aubameyang’s final push to overtake previous record-holders came in key knockout matches, highlighting not just volume but timing.
- Lukaku’s decisive goals in business end matches show that his contributions go beyond group stage tallies.
These strikers didn’t just stack numbers—they impacted titles, upsets, and club legacies.
Era Shifts & Tactical Challenges
The UEL (formerly the UEFA Cup) has experienced shifts in structure, competition strength, and tactical trends:
- Earlier decades saw more knockout rounds and fewer group matches, so forwards had fewer games to rack up stats.
- The modern format, with group stages and more matches, gives contemporary forwards more chances—but also tougher defenses and squad rotations.
- Tactical evolution (pressing, defensive compactness, athletic fullbacks) makes it harder for pure poachers; so modern great forwards in UEL often show all-round skills, not just finishing.
Thus, comparing eras requires context: a striker dominant in the ‘80s/’90s operated under different constraints than one in 2020s Europe.
Top 6 Best Forwards in UEL History
Here’s a ranked list of the best forwards in UEL history, blending totals, seasons, impact, and legacy:
| Rank | Forward | Why He Matters in UEL |
| 1 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Now the all-time top scorer; clinical in big games, consistency across knockout phases |
| 2 | Radamel Falcao | Record-setting seasons, back-to-back Golden Boots, and a knack for decisive goals |
| 3 | Henrik Larsson | Spanning eras, with steady scoring and leadership on the pitch |
| 4 | Aritz Aduriz | A local legend whose UEL performances belied the size of his club |
| 5 | Klaas-Jan Huntelaar | Reliable poacher, excellent conversion rate, often overlooked beyond the totals |
| 6 | Romelu Lukaku | Modern threat, especially in knockout rounds, blending power and positioning |
Each of these names resonates in Europa League lore and beyond. But it’s also true that new forwards emerge every season, challengers aiming to break into this pantheon.
What the Future Holds for UEL Forwards
- Emerging talents: Young forwards in clubs regularly qualifying for Europa can rack up stats over multiple seasons.
- Tactical hybrid roles: Wingers, second strikers, and false nines are pushing deeper into “forward” territory, making the lists more diverse.
- Longevity matters more: Staying fit, rotating smart, and delivering across phases will differentiate legends from one-season wonders.
If a striker can score in group matches, then carry form deep into knockouts and score in finals, they stand a chance to replace names like Aubameyang or Falcao among the best forwards in UEL history.
Final Thoughts
Best forwards in UEL history combine hunger, skill, and timing. They turn seasons, ignite comebacks, and make their mark in the competition’s tapestry. From Aubameyang’s record-breaking feats to Falcao’s iconic campaigns, the UEL has been a stage for forward legends.
If you want profiles of any of these strikers, or want to explore upcoming challengers in 2025–26, let DaoKick know—our journey through Europa’s frontlines is far
