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The Top 20 Highest Goalscorers in Football History in 2025: A Closer Look
In the ever-evolving world of football, goal-scoring legends continue to set benchmarks that inspire generations. As of July 2025, here’s a detailed look at the top 20 highest goal scorers, counting goals from international matches, club competitions, and other official records. This list reflects the incredible achievements of these players, showcasing their dominance and consistency over the years.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 938 Goals
Leading the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose relentless pursuit of excellence has seen him amass an astonishing 938 goals across all competitions. His career spans clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, with a record-setting international tally for Portugal. Ronaldo’s ability to score in crucial moments and adapt his game across different leagues cements his status as the greatest goalscorer of all time.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 874 Goals
Close behind is Lionel Messi, a magician on the pitch with a staggering 874 goals. Known for his dribbling prowess and playmaking skills, Messi’s record includes goals scored for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentine national team. Despite focusing more on assists in recent years, Messi remains one of the top scorers in football history, continually pushing boundaries.
3. Pelé (Brazil) – 762 Goals
The legendary Pelé continues to hold a prominent spot with 762 goals. His career, largely spent at Santos FC and the Brazilian national team, set standards for attacking brilliance. Pelé’s goal-scoring mastery helped Brazil secure three World Cup victories, and his name is synonymous with footballing excellence.
4. Romário (Brazil) – 756 Goals
Romário’s prolific goal-scoring record stands at 756. Known for his clinical finishing, the Brazilian striker achieved greatness during his stints at clubs like Flamengo, PSV Eindhoven, and Barcelona, as well as with the national team. His ability to find the back of the net from tight angles made him a feared forward in his era.
5. Ferenc Puskás (Hungary/Spain) – 725 Goals
The Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás amassed 725 goals, many of which came during his legendary career with Real Madrid. Renowned for his powerful shots and goal-scoring instinct, Puskás remains a symbol of goal-scoring brilliance worldwide.
6. Josef Bican (Austria/Czechoslovakia) – 722 Goals
Josef Bican, often regarded as one of the most prolific goal scorers, scored 722 goals. His career in the mid-20th century included impressive stints at Slavia Prague and other European clubs. Although records from his era are sometimes debated, his contributions to football are undeniable.
7. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 673 Goals
Modern striker Robert Lewandowski continues to climb the ranks with 673 goals. Playing for Bayern Munich and now FC Barcelona, the Polish captain is known for his precision and consistency, breaking numerous scoring records in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
8. Jimmy Jones (Ireland) – 639 Goals
Jimmy Jones features prominently with 639 goals, largely achieved during his career with Linfield FC in Northern Ireland. His prolific scoring was pivotal for club and country during his era, showcasing the breadth of footballing talent worldwide.
9. Gerd Müller (Germany) – 634 Goals
Gerd Müller’s name is etched into football history with 634 goals. The German legend’s clinical finishing for Bayern Munich and West Germany contributed significantly to his reputation as one of the greatest goal scorers the sport has seen.
10. Joe Bambrick (Ireland) – 626 Goals
Joe Bambrick, a prolific scorer from Belfast, scored 626 goals throughout his career. His goal-scoring prowess in the early 20th century set records that stood for decades, emphasizing his importance in Irish football history.
11. Abe Lenstra (Netherlands) – 624 Goals
Abe Lenstra made a significant mark in Dutch football with 624 goals. His dedication and goal-scoring talent led to a legendary status, especially during his years with sc Heerenveen.
12. Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – 592 Goals
Luis Suárez’s ferocious goal-scoring instincts have earned him 592 goals. His tenure with clubs like Ajax, Liverpool, and Barcelona, along with his national team’s efforts, highlight his standing among football’s elite scorers.
13. Eusébio (Portugal) – 578 Goals
The Portuguese icon Eusébio, known for his speed and powerful shot, scored 578 goals. His impact on Portuguese football and his success at Benfica remain legendary.
14. Glenn Ferguson (Northern Ireland) – 563 Goals
Glenn Ferguson’s impressive tally of 563 goals reflects his scoring prowess for Linfield FC and other clubs, making him one of Northern Ireland’s most prolific attackers.
15. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) – 561 Goals
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his acrobatic strikes and size advantage, has scored 561 goals across various top European clubs, maintaining a high standard into his 40s.
16. Imre Schlosser (Hungary) – 553 Goals
Imre Schlosser is celebrated in Hungarian football circles for his 553 goals. His dedication and scoring efficiency made him a standout figure in his era.
17. Fernando Peyroteo (Portugal) – 553 Goals
Alongside Eusébio, Fernando Peyroteo contributed significantly to Portuguese football, with 553 goals, mainly for Sporting CP, showcasing his goal-scoring talent.
18. Uwe Seeler (Germany) – 552 Goals
German legend Uwe Seeler scored 552 goals, impressively balancing his goal pursuits with his leadership on the field during the 1960s and 1970s.
19. Jimmy McGrory (Scotland) – 550 Goals
Jimmy McGrory, a Celtic icon, amassed 550 goals, holding records as one of the top Scottish goalscorers throughout the 20th century.
20. Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentina/Spain) – 537 Goals
Arguably one of football’s all-time greats, Di Stéfano scored 537 goals, predominantly for Real Madrid, blending scoring ability with exceptional playmaking talents.
This list highlights the remarkable achievements of football’s all-time top goal scorers. Their legacies continue to inspire fans and players worldwide as they demonstrate the power of scoring in shaping football history.
As of July 2025, these records reflect the cumulative efforts of these legendary players across international matches, club competitions, and other official events.
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