Top 10 Highest Goals in Football History
by sportsbro.in 24/12/2023 · Football
Highest Goals in Football History, Messi clinched the World Cup title by leading Argentina to victory in Qatar. However, Ronaldo, the former standout player for Manchester United and Real Madrid, continues to assert his dominance in the football world.
Both Messi and Ronaldo are renowned for their prolific goal-scoring abilities, cementing their status as football legends. Currently playing for Inter Miami and Al Nassr, respectively, they maintain impressive goal-scoring rates.
Ronaldo recently surpassed Josef Bican to claim the top spot on the all-time scoring table, solidifying his place as one of football’s greatest. With numerous records under his belt, the Portugal captain holds the highest goal tally in FIFA-recognized history.
Although Messi has risen to third place on the all-time scoring list, surpassing legends like Romario, Ferenc Puskas, and Pele, Ronaldo remains at the summit. Nevertheless, Messi is gradually narrowing the gap on his long-time rival.
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| Rank | Player | Goals | Games | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 868 | 1,194 | 2001-present |
| 2 | Josef Bican | 805+ | 530+ | 1931-1956 |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | 819 | 1,047 | 2003-present |
| 4 | Romario | 772 | 994 | 1985-2007 |
| 5 | Pele | 757 | 831 | 1957-1977 |
| 6 | Ferenc Puskas | 746+ | 754+ | 1943-1966 |
| 7 | Gerd Muller | 734 | 793 | 1962-1981 |
| 8 | Ferenc Deak | 576+ | Unknown | 1940-1957 |
| 9 | Uwe Seeler | 575+ | Unknown | 1953-1978 |
| 10 | Tulio Maravilha | 575 | Unknown | 1988-2019 |
Cristiano Ronaldo
868 goals in 1,194 games – 2001-present
Ronaldo, a modern legend for Portugal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, has enjoyed unparalleled success throughout his illustrious career. Recently, he achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing Bican in the record books, underscoring his ongoing dominance on the field.
His goal-scoring prowess was evident at the 2022 World Cup, where his strike against Ghana marked a historic moment. Ronaldo became the sole player to score in five separate World Cups, dismissing any notions of premature retirement.
Setting new standards, Ronaldo secured the most lucrative contract in sports history with a £178 million per year deal with Al Nassr, extending until 2025. During his time at the club, he reached the remarkable milestone of scoring 500 career league goals.
On the international stage, Ronaldo has earned over 200 international caps, setting a world record. He continues to find the back of the net for his country, boasting an impressive tally of 127 goals. The football icon shows no signs of slowing down.
Josef Bican
805+ goals in 530+ games – 1931-1956
The legendary striker amassed an astonishing 395 goals in 217 appearances for Slavia Prague from 1937 to 1948, showcasing his remarkable goal-scoring ability. His prolific career extended across multiple clubs in Czechia, where he accumulated an impressive goal tally.
For over six decades, Bican held the esteemed title of football’s all-time leading goalscorer. However, recent developments have seen him eclipsed.
Although it is widely speculated that he scored nearly 1,500 goals in total during his playing career, FIFA officially recognizes only 805 of those goals.
Lionel Messi
819 goals in 1047 games – 2003-present
Regarded as a true football icon, Messi boasts an extensive collection of trophies alongside his remarkable goal-scoring feats, including an unparalleled eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Currently representing Inter Miami in the United States, the Argentine maestro possesses ample time to further embellish his already stellar accomplishments.
During the World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s brilliance shone brightly as he netted seven goals, with two pivotal strikes in the thrilling penalty shootout triumph over France in the final, undoubtedly etching themselves as unforgettable moments in his illustrious career.
Having amassed over 400 goals for Barcelona before his stint at PSG, where he added 22 more to his tally, the iconic player has now embarked on his MLS journey, continuing to dazzle for Argentina on the international stage.
Romario
772 goals 994 games – 1985-2007
Leading Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, Romario showcased his brilliance by netting five goals during the tournament.
With a remarkable career spanning across numerous top clubs worldwide, the forward’s journey saw him represent 10 different teams, accumulating over 700 appearances.
His standout performances at PSV marked the zenith of his goal-scoring prowess, as he found the back of the net 98 times in just 110 matches.
Romario’s prolific scoring abilities were not confined to the club level; he also excelled on the international stage, tallying 55 goals in 70 caps for his country.
Pele
757 goals in 831 games – 1957-1977
A revered icon and a three-time World Cup champion, Pele left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pele remained loyal to two clubs while leading Brazil to numerous triumphs. Renowned for his prolific scoring, he boasted an impressive goal-per-game ratio, netting abundantly in 656 competitive matches for Santos. However, it is widely acknowledged that a significant portion of his claimed goals came from exhibition matches or friendly fixtures—a fact that Pele himself might contest!
Although the legendary footballer passed away in 2022, his legacy continues to resonate strongly within the football community.
Ferenc Puskas
746+ goals in 754+ games – 1943-1966
Regarded as a revered figure in Hungarian football, Puskas is honored by having the annual award for the most beautiful goal named after him.
Initially gaining prominence in Budapest, the striker cemented his legendary status during his time at Real Madrid.
Puskas displayed his remarkable ability to find the net by scoring over 150 goals for Los Blancos, boasting an impressive average of nearly one goal per game.
Two of Puskas’ most iconic goals came during Hungary’s memorable 6-3 triumph over England, with the 1953 encounter at Wembley Stadium earning the moniker of the ‘Match of the Century.’
Gerd Muller
734 goals in 793 games – 1962-1981
The striker’s most significant goal among the 68 he netted for West Germany came in the decisive moment of the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands in Munich.
Over a distinguished 15-year spell at Bayern, Muller achieved remarkable feats, amassing an impressive 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches and 66 goals in 74 European outings.
Muller held the record for scoring 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season for 49 years, a milestone that Robert Lewandowski eventually surpassed in May 2021. Currently playing in Germany, Harry Kane is now aiming to emulate Lewandowski by breaking Muller’s long-standing record.
Ferenc Deak
576+ goals (total games unknown) – 1940-1957
A standout figure during Hungary’s peak and revered as a legend in his homeland, though not as widely recognized internationally.
Remarkably, Deak maintained an average of over three goals per game throughout his tenure at Szentlorinci AC.
His impressive record includes featuring in 186 matches for the club and scoring an astonishing 358 goals between 1940 and 1947.
The striker dedicated his entire playing career to Hungary, amassing over 400 appearances while representing six different clubs.
Uwe Seeler
575+ goals (total games unknown) – 1953-1978
The prolific German standout, Seeler, demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess for Hamburger SV, although he encountered challenges in translating his scoring achievements into team trophies.
Over his illustrious career, he participated in more than 400 matches for the club, eventually assuming the role of president for a brief period.
In a singular appearance for Ireland’s Cork Celtic in 1978, Seeler found the net twice.
Seeler represented his country in four World Cups and notably captained West Germany in the 1966 final, where they were defeated by England.
Regrettably, he passed away in July 2022, prompting clubs throughout Germany to pay tribute to his legacy.
Tulio Maravilha
575 goals (total games unknown) – 1988-2019
Maravilha, a Brazilian footballer celebrated for his goal-scoring abilities, recently retired from professional play after showcasing his talents across a myriad of clubs.
Throughout his extensive career spanning close to 40 clubs, the forward experienced his greatest success at Botafogo, where he claimed the league’s Golden Boot award three times.
While representing the Brazil national team, he earned 15 caps and notably scored 13 goals, maintaining an unbeaten record in matches with his country.
