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Football is one of the most played sports in the world, and scoring goals is the most important part of the game. And only a few players have done it better than anyone else in history. Over the years, many players have come and written their names in the history of the game with their incredible performances. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 5 highest goal-scorers in football history.
The top 5 highest goalscorers in football history
5. Ferenc Puskas - 725 goals
Ferenc Puskas, a Hungarian footballer, played this beautiful game of football from 1943 to 1966. The 1952 Olympic champion has scored 725 goals in his football career, including 516 in the leagues, 84 for the national team, and other state and league selections, and the final of the Olympic Games. He has scored 5 Hungarian league titles, 5 La Liga titles, and 3 European Cups (1959, 1960, 1966). He also finshed as the top scorer for Hungary on 4 occasions and scored 7 goals in two European Cup finals.
4. Romario - 756 goals
Romario de Souza Faria, aka just Romario, is the fourth-highest goal-scorer in the history of football. The Brazilian player scored a total of 756 goals in his career from 1985 to 2007. Renowned for his speed, close control, and deadly finishing, Romario is a 1994 FIFA World Cup winner. He shone in that tournament by winning the Golden Ball award. The striker also won the Copa America 1989 and is the 4th highest goal-scorer for Brazil.
3. Pele - 762 goals
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, is another Brazilian football legend who played as a forward. Pele has scored a total of 762 goals in his amazing career in football from 1957 to 1977, including 604 in the league, 83 for the national team, and other state and league selections, including the final of the Olympic Games. Pele is the only player in history to win 3 FIFA World Cups, which came in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He also has a Guinness World Record of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies). The Brazilian was also named the FIFA Player of the Century (2000) (joint winner with Maradona), IFFHS World Player of the Century (2000), and Athlete of the Century (IOC, 1999).
2. Lionel Messi - 866 goals
Lionel Messi, the modern-day legend known for his outstanding football skills, is the second-highest goal-scorer in the history of the game. The Argentine player has scored 866 goals in his career as of now. Messi has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Player of the Tournament), the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2008 Olympic gold medal, 10 La Liga titles, and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues. The 38-year-old has also won the most Ballon d’Or (8) awards in history and also the most European Golden Shoes (6).
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - 938 goals
Regarded as one of the greatest modern-day footballers in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is the top goal-scorer in the history of football with a total of 938 goals. The 40-year-old Portugal player has won 3 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 FA Cup, and 4 Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). With Portugal, he has won UEFA Euro 2016 (Portugal’s first major trophy) and UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025. Individually, Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d'Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), 4 European Golden Shoes, and 3 UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards.
