The Eternal Battle: Football’s Greatest Goalscorers
Even at 40 and 37 respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue their remarkable scoring feats, fueling the endless GOAT debate. While Messi crowned his career with World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, Ronaldo maintains his position as football’s all-time leading scorer.
Both legends continue finding the net at impressive rates – Ronaldo for Al Nassr and Messi for Inter Miami, alongside their international duties. In September 2024, Ronaldo achieved an unprecedented milestone with his 900th goal against Croatia in the Nations League.
Top 10 All-Time Goal Scoring Legends
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 924 goals in 1,256 games (2001-present)
• First player to score 900 career goals
• Record 135 international goals
• Over 200 international caps
• Still averaging nearly a goal per game at 40
2. Lionel Messi – 851 goals in 1,081 games (2003-present)
• Eight Ballon d’Or awards
• World Cup winner with Argentina
• Over 650 goals for Barcelona
• Continuing to excel in MLS
3. Josef Bican – 805+ goals in 530+ games (1931-1956)
4. Romario – 772 goals in 994 games (1985-2007)
5. Pele – 757 goals in 831 games (1957-1977)
6. Ferenc Puskas – 746+ goals in 754+ games (1943-1966)
7. Gerd Muller – 734 goals in 793 games (1962-1981)
8. Robert Lewandowski – 662 goals in 929 games (2008-present)
9. Ferenc Deak – 576+ goals (1940-1957)
10. Uwe Seeler – 575+ goals (1953-1978)
Notable achievements among these legends include:
• Lewandowski breaking Muller’s 49-year Bundesliga record
• Pele’s three World Cup victories
• Puskas’s influence on the beautiful game, honored by FIFA’s Puskas Award
• Romario’s 1994 World Cup triumph with Brazil
The scoring race continues as both Ronaldo and Messi add to their tallies. While Ronaldo aims for the unprecedented 1000-goal mark, Messi eyes 900 career goals. Their enduring excellence keeps rewriting football’s history books, inspiring new generations of strikers.
Want to witness more historic moments? Follow these legendary goalscorers in their respective leagues and international matches as they continue to chase records and create lasting legacies in football history.
