Scoring goals at the international level is one of the greatest challenges in football. While many players excel at club level, only a select few manage to consistently deliver for their national teams over a long period. The ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different playing styles, and maintain peak fitness over the years is crucial to achieving international goal-scoring records. This article of Win Tips Bet takes a deep dive into the most international goals of all time, analyzing their achievements.
The 7 most international goals in football history
Based on the latest statistics, the following players have scored the most international goals in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 135 goals in 217 appearances- The most international goals
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his record-breaking international goal tally solidifies his legendary status. As of 2025, he has scored 135 goals in 217 appearances for Portugal, making him the all-time leading goal scorer in international football.
Career highlights
- Debut: 2003 vs. Kazakhstan
- Major tournaments: 5 FIFA World Cups, 5 UEFA European Championships, UEFA Nations League
- Trophies won: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019
Ronaldo's goal-scoring ability comes from his exceptional finishing, aerial dominance, and powerful shots. Whether through free kicks, penalties, headers, or long-range strikes, he has consistently delivered for Portugal. His leadership was instrumental in Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016, where he captained the team to their first major international title. At 38 years old, Ronaldo continues to score at an impressive rate, proving that age is just a number. His work ethic, physical conditioning, and hunger for goals set him apart from other strikers in football history.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 112 goals in 191 appearances
Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s biggest rival, has also left an indelible mark on international football. With 112 goals in 191 matches, he is Argentina’s all-time top scorer and remains a key player for his national team.
Career highlights
- Debut: 2005 vs. Hungary
- Major tournaments: 5 FIFA World Cups, 6 Copa Américas
- Trophies won: Copa América 2021, FIFA World Cup 2022, Olympic Gold Medal 2008
Messi's international career had a slow start, with critics questioning his ability to replicate club success for Argentina. However, he silenced doubters by leading Argentina to a Copa América 2021 victory, breaking the country's 28-year international trophy drought. A year later, he crowned his career with a FIFA World Cup win in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
Unlike Ronaldo, Messi is not just a goal-scorer but also a playmaker, assisting teammates while maintaining an impressive goal tally. His dribbling, vision, and close control make him a nightmare for defenders. At 37 years old, Messi continues to dominate international football, scoring goals and assisting with his unmatched creativity.
Ali Daei (Iran) – 108 goals in 148 appearances
Before Cristiano Ronaldo shattered the record, Ali Daei held the title of the world's top international goal scorer for nearly two decades. With 108 goals in 148 matches, the Iranian legend remains one of the most prolific strikers in football history.
Career highlights
- Debut: 1993 vs. Pakistan
- Major tournaments: FIFA World Cup 1998, 4 AFC Asian Cups
- Trophies won: AFC Asian Cup 1996 (Runner-up)
Daei’s dominance in Asian football was unparalleled. His height, positioning, and heading ability allowed him to score from almost any position in the penalty box. While he spent most of his club career in Iran and Germany, his international reputation was unmatched. He played a crucial role in Iran’s qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where they famously defeated the USA. His legacy as Iran’s greatest-ever player continues to inspire young footballers in the country.
Sunil Chhetri (India) – 94 goals in 151 appearances
Sunil Chhetri is often overlooked in discussions about football’s greatest international goal scorers, but his statistics speak for themselves. With 94 goals in 151 matches, he is India’s all-time leading scorer and one of Asia’s greatest forwards.
Career highlights
- Debut: 2005 vs. Pakistan
- Major tournaments: AFC Asian Cups, SAFF Championships
- Trophies won: 4 SAFF Championships
Chhetri’s impact on Indian football is immeasurable. While India has not reached the same heights as European or South American powerhouses, he has led his nation with pride, scoring vital goals in international competitions. His ability to find space, finish with precision, and lead the attack has made him an icon in Indian football. Even at 39 years old, he continues to be India’s most reliable goal scorer.
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Mokhtar Dahari (Malaysia) – 89 goals in 142 appearances
Mokhtar Dahari remains Malaysia’s most celebrated football legend. Scoring 89 goals in 142 matches, he was an unstoppable force in Asian football during the 1970s and 1980s.
Career highlights
- Debut: 1972 vs. Sri Lanka
- Major tournaments: AFC Asian Cup, SEA Games
- Trophies won: SEA Games Gold Medal
Dahari’s strength, speed, and finishing ability made him a dominant forward in Southeast Asia. He helped Malaysia qualify for multiple AFC tournaments and inspired future generations of Malaysian footballers. While his records remain largely unknown outside Asia, his influence on Malaysian football is comparable to legends from bigger footballing nations.
Ali Mabkhout (United Arab Emirates) – 85 goals in 115 appearances
Ali Mabkhout is one of the most efficient goal scorers in international football, with 85 goals in just 115 matches for the UAE. His goal-per-game ratio ranks among the best in football history.
Career Highlights
- Debut: 2009 vs. Czech Republic
- Major tournaments: AFC Asian Cups, Gulf Cup of Nations
- Trophies won: Gulf Cup 2013
Mabkhout’s goal-scoring ability has been vital in helping the UAE remain competitive in Asian football. His movement, finishing, and ability to score in crucial games make him a standout performer. With several years left in his career, he has the potential to climb higher on the all-time goal-scoring charts.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 85 goals in 120 appearances
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 85 goals in 120 matches. The powerful striker has been a key figure in Belgium’s “Golden Generation.”
Career highlights
- Debut: 2010 vs. Croatia
- Major tournaments: FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Championships
- Trophies won: None (Third place in World Cup 2018)
Lukaku’s physical strength, speed, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared strikers in international football. He was instrumental in Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, where he scored four goals. At 31 years old, Lukaku still has several years to add to his goal tally and potentially break into the top five all-time scorers.
Final thought
Scoring goals in international football requires consistency, skill, and resilience. The most international goals on this list have not only been prolific but have also left lasting legacies with their respective nations. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the modern era, past legends like Ali Daei and Mokhtar Dahari remain immortalized in football history. As football evolves, we may see new names breaking records, but these legendary players will always be remembered as some of the greatest goal-scorers the international stage has ever seen.
Refer to: Top 8 most international goals and assists in football.
