 – 900 goals.webp)
The goal-scoring statistic is the be-all and end-all in football!
Football is a game defined by goals, with the simple objective of scoring as many as possible. However, the art of goal-scoring is a skill mastered by few. Throughout history, countless players have become legends for their ability to find the back of the net. While many have retired, their legacy endures, and some continue to rank among the top all-time goal scorers. Lionel Messi, one of the footballing greats, has surpassed the remarkable 800-goal milestone. Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, recently achieved another historic goal tally. When we reflect on the highest goal scorers in football history, several extraordinary names emerge. Let’s explore who tops the charts in both club and international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are widely regarded as the greatest footballers of all time. Their records are staggering, especially in today’s highly competitive football era. Ronaldo has enjoyed remarkable success at clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and has become the highest goalscorer in football history. Ronaldo’s brilliance extends to international football, where he’s scored 131 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. With 900 career goals, and still playing at a high level, it seems likely he will surpass the 950-goal milestone soon, cementing his place among football’s legends.
Lionel Messi’s list of achievements is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, he added another international title to his career by winning the Copa America with Argentina. With 838 career goals, Messi ranks among the highest goalscorers in football history and is also the leading assist provider. As he continues to play, he’s expected to challenge Ronaldo’s records. Messi is a fan favourite, especially among those interested in online betting. Many football betting sites often offer favourable odds for Messi being the top scorer, particularly in major events like the World Cup, highlighting his consistent brilliance.
Romario, a Brazilian football legend, is the highest-scoring Brazilian with 780 goals in a reported 1,000 games. He played a pivotal role in leading Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994. Romario's illustrious club career saw him feature for top teams like FC Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and Flamengo, securing his place in football history.
Pele is often considered one of the greatest footballers ever, alongside Diego Maradona. He scored 643 official goals for Brazilian club Santos, though some claims suggest he netted over 1,200, a disputed figure. For the Brazil national team, Pele scored 77 goals and is officially the second-highest Brazilian goalscorer. A true icon of the sport, Pele won the FIFA World Cup three times with Brazil, cementing his legendary status in football history.
Josef Bican held the title of football’s all-time leading goalscorer for many years, with a reported 759 goals in his career. He represented both Czechoslovakia and Austria internationally. Bican’s most prolific period came at Slavia Prague, where he scored an incredible 395 goals in just 217 games, confirming his place among football's greatest goal scorers.
The greatest Hungarian to ever grace the field. Ferenc Puskas also has an award by his name, which is given to the best goal every calendar year. Puskas was an iconic striker who used to score goals for fun. He has 746 goals in 754 overall appearances. He was a three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid and also an Olympic gold medallist with Hungary.
Gerd Muller (735 goals), Eusebio (623 goals), Tulio Maravilha (588 goals), and Ferenc Deak (576 goals) closely follow in the footsteps of these of the mentioned football legends!
