As they approach 40, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to score freely, adding to the ongoing discussion regarding who is the greatest of all time (GOAT). Even though Messi and Argentina won the World Cup recently, Ronaldo is still the all-time leading scorer.
Let’s examine the list of the top 10 scorers of all time in goals scored:
10. Tulio Maravilha:
575 goals (1988-2019)
A Brazilian journeyman known for his eye for goal, Maravilha played for nearly 40 clubs, finding success at Botafogo.
9. Uwe Seeler:
575+ goals (1953-1978)
A prolific German striker for Hamburger, Seeler played over 400 games for the club but faced challenges turning goals into silverware.
8. Ferenc Deak:
576+ goals (1940-1957)
A Hungarian legend, Deak averaged over three goals per game at Szentlorinci AC and spent his entire playing career in Hungary.
7. Gerd Muller:
734 goals in 793 games (1962-1981)
Muller, known as ‘Der Bomber,’ scored the winner in the 1974 World Cup final for West Germany and set records during his 15-year tenure at Bayern.
6. Ferenc Puskas:
746+ goals in 754+ games (1943-1966)
A Hungarian icon, Puskas made his mark in Budapest and at Real Madrid, scoring over 150 goals for Los Blancos and earning legendary status.
5. Pele:
757 goals in 831 games (1957-1977)
A three-time World Cup winner, Pele played for Santos and scored nearly a goal per game, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever.
4. Romario:
772 goals in 994 games (1985-2007)
The Brazilian forward led Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994 and enjoyed a stellar career at top clubs worldwide.
3. Josef Bican:
805+ goals in 530+ games (1931-1956)
The legendary striker scored 395 goals in 217 games for Slavia Prague and remained football’s leading goalscorer for over 60 years.
2. Lionel Messi:
819 goals in 1047 games (2003-present)
An iconic figure, Messi won numerous trophies with Barcelona, PSG, and Argentina, securing a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo:
864 goals in 1,194 games (2001-present)
A modern great, Ronaldo surpassed Bican’s record and continues to make history, scoring 27 goals in 28 games for Al Nassr and earning a £178million-a-year contract.
Ronaldo, despite nearing 40, showcases enduring dominance, while Messi, now with Inter Miami, adds to his remarkable tally. Both legends leave an indelible mark on football history.
