Soccer is a sport where goals are the ultimate legend-maker. Over time, several players have left their mark on the sport, racking up impressive goal-scoring figures. Below, we'll show you the list of the most notable scorers in the history of soccer, taking into account all official competitions up to February 20, 2025.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - 924 goals
Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo leads the league with 924 goals in his professional career. From his early days at Sporting CP to his time at iconic clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently at Al Nassr, CR7 has proven to be a predator in the game. His ability to score with both feet, his astonishing aerial play, and his discipline have positioned him as the all-time leading scorer.
2. Lionel Messi - 851 goals
Lionel Messi, the Argentine star, is in second place with 851 goals. From his brilliant years at FC Barcelona to his most recent career at PSG and his current stint at Inter Miami, Messi has demonstrated his skill and ability to score goals in a variety of situations. His dribbling, game-play, and precision have led him to set numerous records.
3. Josef Bican - 805 notes
Josef Bican, an Austrian-Czech player, rose to prominence for his goal-scoring prowess during the 1930s and 1940s, netting 805 goals during his career with clubs such as Slavia Prague, Dynamo Prague, and Rapid Vienna. With astonishing speed and outstanding technical ability, Bican established himself as one of the deadliest scorers in history.
4. Pelé - 757 goals
Brazilian legend Pelé remains a global football icon, having scored 757 goals. With three World Cup titles under his belt, Pelé scored most of his goals for Santos FC and the New York Cosmos, leaving an indelible impact on the world of football.
5. Romario - 745 goals
Romario, another Brazilian football idol, scored 745 goals in his long career. With a natural ability to position himself and score accurately, he excelled at teams such as Vasco da Gama, PSV, Barcelona, Valencia, and Flamengo, leaving an indelible mark on the history of goal scoring.
7. Gerd Müller - 735 annotations
Gerd Müller, the legendary German striker, was one of the most prolific scorers in football, scoring a total of 735 goals. Known as "The Nation's Bomber," his athletic instinct made him an essential part of Bayern Munich and the German national team, with whom they won the 1974 World Cup.
7. Ferenc Puskás - 704 goals scored.
Ferenc Puskás, a prominent Hungarian player for Real Madrid and Budapest Honvéd, scored 704 goals. His powerful left foot and uncanny striking ability established him as an icon of European football during the 1950s and 1960s.
8. Robert Lewandowski with 684 goals scored.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski continues to be active and climbs the league table with 684 goals. With outstanding careers at Lech Poznan, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and currently at FC Barcelona, Lewandowski is renowned for his skill and efficiency in goal.
9. Jimmy Jones - 647 goals scored
Northern Ireland's Jimmy Jones remains the leader with 647 goals. Despite his lack of global fame, he was a lethal goalscorer for teams like Belfast, Fulham, Glenavon, Portadown, and Bangor, leaving his mark on British football.
10. Eusébio da Silva - 621 goals scored
With 621 goals, Benfica legend Eusébio da Silva rounds out the top 10. The Portuguese star stood out for his speed and power in European and international football during the 1960s and 1970s.
Final Conclusion
Throughout history, football has witnessed great scorers, each leaving their mark with extraordinary goal-scoring ability. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to lead the rankings, establishing an era that will forever remain in the memory of fans. However, historical legends also deserve recognition for their influence on the supreme sport.
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