Football is a game that thrives on goal-scoring, and over the years, many players have become legends thanks to their ability to find the back of the net. Among the most intriguing statistics in football is the goal per game ratio, a measure that highlights a player's efficiency in scoring goals relative to the number of matches played. In this article, Win Tips Bet will look at some of the best goal per game ratios in football history, and which players made history.
What is the goal per game ratio?
Before delving into the players and statistics, it is essential to understand what goal per game ratio (GPG) means. This ratio is simply the number of goals a player scores divided by the number of games they play. A higher GPG indicates a more prolific goal-scorer, and this is why it is often used to measure a player’s scoring efficiency. For example, if a player scores 50 goals in 100 games, their goal per game ratio is 0.5, meaning they score half a goal per game. The higher the ratio, the more impressive the player’s goal-scoring record.
The legendary Goal-Scorers with the best goal per game ratio
While many players have left their mark on football history with their incredible goal-scoring feats, only a few have managed to achieve a goal per game ratio that sets them apart from the rest. Below are some of the best goal-scoring players in football history, based on their impressive goal per game ratios.
1, Erling Haaland (0.82)
Erling Haaland has quickly become one of the most prolific goal-scorers in modern football, and his incredible goals-per-game ratio of 0.82 speaks volumes about his talent. At just 23 years old, Haaland is already rewriting the history books, and what's even more frightening is that he’s likely not even in his prime yet. In comparison to other legendary forwards, such as Thierry Henry and Sergio Agüero, Haaland's goal-scoring record is nothing short of extraordinary.
For instance, by the time Cristiano Ronaldo had played 328 games, he had scored 118 goals, which shows just how impressive Haaland's 212 goals in 264 games truly is. If Haaland can maintain this pace throughout his career, he has the potential to challenge the records of legendary strikers like Ronaldo. In his debut Premier League season, Haaland hit a remarkable 36 goals for Manchester City, further cementing his status as one of the most feared forwards in world football. With his consistent ability to find the back of the net, Haaland’s future looks incredibly bright, and if he continues at this rate, he could retire with a goal for every game he plays.
2. Lionel Messi (0.78)
Lionel Messi, the forward for Inter Miami CF, continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. While Cristiano Ronaldo might have the edge in the overall number of goals scored, it is Messi's efficiency that truly stands out. With a career that has spanned top clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami, along with a remarkable international presence with Argentina, Messi has mastered the art of scoring. His goal-to-game ratio of 0.78—838 goals in 1069 matches—reflects his extraordinary consistency in front of goal.
Messi’s ability to score in various ways, whether with his trademark left foot, a header, or even with precise free kicks, showcases his versatility and genius on the pitch. Despite playing fewer matches than many of his contemporaries, his impact is undeniable. In just seven appearances for Inter Miami, Messi has already netted 10 goals, proving that his scoring rate is likely to increase over time. With seven Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions League titles, and a FIFA World Cup to his name, his career is a testament to his excellence. His average of 0.79 goals per game, which is just a fraction behind Haaland, demonstrates his exceptional goal-scoring prowess despite having played over 700 fewer matches. It’s no wonder why many regard Messi as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.).
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (0.73)
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as the greatest goal scorer in football history, has undoubtedly scored nearly every type of goal imaginable. His remarkable career includes the honor of winning the inaugural Puskas Award in 2009 when he netted a stunning long-range strike in the Champions League against Porto. While critics may argue that Ronaldo's impressive tally of nearly 900 goals is due to his extensive game time, his goal-to-game ratio proves that he has achieved this feat in a remarkably efficient manner.
Ronaldo's ability to maintain a consistent goal-scoring record has seen him notch 30+ goal seasons in four different countries, with his most recent campaign in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr. While questions remain about whether he can still compete at the highest level, there is no denying the profound impact he has had on the world of football. With 844 goals in 1175 games, Ronaldo's goal-per-game ratio stands at 0.72, making him one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport. Despite being third in the G.O.A.T debate, his achievements have undeniably solidified his place as one of football's true legends.
4. Kylian Mbappé (0.72)
Kylian Mbappé, the 25-year-old French forward, has long been an admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, and his career trajectory has mirrored that of his idol in many ways. As he prepares to make the move to Real Madrid, Mbappé hopes to surpass Ronaldo’s impressive goal-to-game ratio, a feat he is already on the verge of achieving. With 332 goals in 462 matches, the majority of which came during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé has consistently delivered on the pitch despite sharing the spotlight with stars like Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.
As he transitions to the Spanish capital, Mbappé will once again join a team full of superstars, but his hunger for goals will remain. His goal-per-game ratio stands at 0.72, placing him on par with Ronaldo. Mbappé’s rise to prominence began during his sensational 2016/17 season with Monaco, where he helped the club secure the Ligue 1 title. Since then, he has remained a dominant figure in French football, scoring 280 goals in 391 appearances. Although his future at PSG was uncertain due to contract disputes, Mbappé’s talent is undeniable, and whether at PSG or elsewhere, one thing is certain: he will continue to find the back of the net with ease.
5. Robert Lewandowski (0.71)
Robert Lewandowski, affectionately known as "LewanGOALski" by his former teammate Thomas Müller, has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in modern football. With over 600 goals in his illustrious career, the Polish forward has consistently been a threat in front of goal. Lewandowski's exceptional goal-scoring abilities have earned him the European Golden Shoe twice, in 2020-21 and 2021-22, further cementing his place among the elite.
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Whether leading the attack for Bayern Munich or Barcelona, Lewandowski has remained a consistent source of goals and victories, continually proving that age has not diminished his prowess. After winning 10 Bundesliga titles during his time at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, the 34-year-old striker has brought his talents to Barcelona, where he was the top scorer in La Liga last season, netting 23 goals in 34 matches. To date, Lewandowski has scored 636 goals in 900 appearances, giving him an impressive goal-per-game ratio of 0.71. His remarkable consistency and goal-scoring ability ensure that he will be remembered as one of the best strikers to ever play the game.
6. Harry Kane (0.63)
Harry Kane, widely regarded as one of the best number nines in the world today, is a prime example of extraordinary talent in modern football. Despite his impressive goal-scoring abilities, the England captain has yet to crack the top half of this list, a testament to the fierce competition at the highest level. Kane had already come close to breaking the Premier League's all-time goal-scoring record, but his ambition to win trophies led him to make the bold move from London to Munich.
In his first season in the Bundesliga, the 31-year-old quickly made his mark, becoming the fastest player to reach 30 goals and setting a new record for the most goals in a debut campaign in Germany. With such an impressive start to his career at Bayern Munich, it’s clear why Kane has broken into the top 10. However, with more records to chase and another Bundesliga legend to eclipse, Kane’s journey is far from over, and his quest for even greater achievements continues.
7. Neymar (0.61)
After making the move to Saudi Arabia and joining Al Hilal, Neymar has yet to add significantly to his already impressive career numbers, mainly due to a long-term injury that sidelined him during the club's title-winning campaign. For much of his career, Neymar was considered "the best of the rest," standing just behind Ronaldo and Messi in the 21st century's footballing hierarchy.
Despite a reputation for frequent injuries, Neymar has still managed to appear in 719 matches over his career. As Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals—two more than the legendary Pelé—he has cemented his place among the game's greats. With a goal-per-game average of 0.61, Neymar belongs to an elite class of players, though his ratio falls just short of earning him a spot in the top five.
Final Thoughts
Football has been blessed with some of the most talented and prolific goal-scorers in history, and the best goal per game ratio provides a useful way to measure their efficiency. As the game continues to evolve, new players may emerge and challenge these long-standing records. However, for now, these legendary figures remain the gold standard for goal-scoring excellence. Their remarkable ability to consistently find the back of the net has left an indelible legacy in the history of football.
Read more: Discover the legacy of top retired football players worldwide.
