While numerous footballers have had illustrious careers at the club level, their performances on the international stage truly elevate their legacies. Among the metrics that define greatness in international football are goals and assists. Scoring goals and providing assists for one’s teammates are the key contributions a player can make, and the best players in history are those who consistently delivered for their national teams. In this article, the website https://wintips.com/ explores the record-holders for most international goals and assists.
Top 8 most international goals and assists in football history
We’ve compiled a list of the 8 players with the most international contributions (goals and assists) since the turn of the millennium. Let’s get stuck in.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)- 135 goals, 37 assists
Goal contributions: 172
Cristiano Ronaldo may not have a World Cup trophy to his name, but his record is still extraordinary, outshining his Argentine rival in terms of goal involvement. The legendary forward played a pivotal role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, both on the pitch and from the sidelines, rallying his teammates with passion.
As Portugal’s all-time top scorer and the leading scorer in European Championship history, Ronaldo also holds the record for the most goals in international football, netting an incredible 135 goals in 217 caps. While his goal-scoring instincts have propelled him ahead of Messi in this category, his unrelenting drive to find the back of the net has limited his assist tally to just 37. With a little more team play, his assist count could have easily surpassed that of many others.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)- 112 goals, 58 assists
Goal contributions: 170
With his long-awaited World Cup victory now secured, Lionel Messi has etched his name into the history books of international football. However, his legacy was already set long before that iconic win. With an incredible 170 goals and assists, Messi has consistently been the driving force behind Argentina’s success on the global stage.
As Messi eyes future tournaments, there’s no doubt he will continue to be the heartbeat of Argentina’s attack. His leadership and brilliance remain central to the team’s ambitions, having already led them to back-to-back Copa America titles, and there’s every expectation that he will keep inspiring his nation to more glory in the years to come.
Neymar (Brazil)- 79 goals, 59 assists
Goal contributions: 138
Neymar has long been a figure of both adoration and criticism, largely due to the sky-high expectations placed on him when he made his high-profile move from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. While he may not have reached the same heights as Messi or Pele, Neymar has undeniably enjoyed a glittering career that deserves more recognition.
With an incredible 79 goals and 59 assists in just 128 appearances for Brazil, his international record is one of the best in recent years. Yet, due to relentless media scrutiny, Neymar's accomplishments often go underappreciated. It's time the football world truly acknowledged the brilliance of one of the most talented wingers of his generation.
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)- 83 goals, 35 assists
Goal contributions: 118
While strikers like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland set the gold standard, Robert Lewandowski remains a cut above the rest. The Polish captain was heartbreakingly denied the Ballon d'Or in both 2019 and 2020, but those setbacks haven’t held him back.
At 36, Lewandowski looks sharper than ever, continuing to impress with his goal-scoring prowess. His remarkable record of 83 goals and 35 assists in 155 international appearances only continues to grow. Now playing for Barcelona, it’s clear that Lewandowski’s career is far from over, and his final tally may end up rewriting history books.
Landon Donovan (USA)- 57 goals, 59 assists
Goal contributions: 116
Arguably the most surprising name on this list, Landon Donovan is a true legend in his homeland. He’s tied with Clint Dempsey for the most goals scored for the United States, and also holds the record for most assists, solidifying his place as the country’s all-time top scorer at World Cup tournaments.
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Donovan's influence on American soccer is undeniable. For over a decade, from 2002 to 2012, he was the face of Major League Soccer (MLS), keeping the league afloat during its most fragile years. His standout performances, including winning the 2002 World Cup Young Player Award, earned him widespread recognition. With 57 goals and 59 assists in 157 appearances, Donovan remains a key figure in the history of international football.
Luis Suárez (Uruguay) - 69 goals, 39 assists
Goal contributions: 108
Regarded as one of the best players of the last decade who isn’t named Ronaldo or Messi, Luis Suárez’s commitment to Uruguay is unmatched. His infamous 2010 World Cup handball against Ghana may have tarnished his reputation, but his on-field contributions for both club and country speak volumes.
Suárez was an all-around forward who gave everything for his team’s success. Over 143 appearances for Uruguay, he scored 69 goals and provided 39 assists. His defining moment came in the 2011 Copa América, where he played a pivotal role in leading La Celeste to victory, contributing to six goals and earning Player of the Tournament honors. After retiring from international duty in 2024, Suárez leaves behind a legacy of unwavering passion and impressive numbers.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) - 85 goals, 18 assists
Goal contributions: 103
Romelu Lukaku has long been a player with immense potential, often showing flashes of brilliance that suggest he's one of the finest strikers of his generation. However, consistency has often eluded him at club level. But Lukaku transforms into an entirely different beast when it comes to international football.
As the focal point of Belgium's Golden Generation, he became the backbone of their attack. When in peak form, he's as unstoppable as a freight train, terrorizing defenders. In just 120 appearances for Belgium, Lukaku has netted 85 goals and provided 18 assists. Remarkably, this equates to a goal contribution every 104 minutes, which would be even more impressive if measured with his actual playing time. His international record stands as a testament to his class and impact on the international stage.
Miroslav Klose (Germany)- 71 goals, 29 assists
Goal contributions: 100
Miroslav Klose was the epitome of a player who knew exactly where to be when it mattered most. As Germany’s all-time top goalscorer, he became a living legend, with his remarkable ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments. Klose’s legacy is cemented by his record-breaking 14 goals across four World Cups, a feat no other player has come close to matching in the tournament’s rich history.
His success came from his innate instincts, impressive aerial ability, and calm presence in the penalty box. With Klose leading the charge, Germany always had a reliable scorer and a constant threat. This was proven with their 2014 World Cup triumph, where Klose’s contributions helped bring them the ultimate glory, following near-misses in 2002, 2006, and 2010. His ability to perform on the biggest stages made him a true World Cup icon.
In summary
The most international goals and assists listed above have cemented their place in footballing history by delivering outstanding performances on the international stage. Whether through their record-breaking goal-scoring feats or their ability to set up crucial assists, these players have defined what it means to perform at the highest level of international football. Their consistency, ability to deliver when it matters most and overall contributions to their national teams have solidified their legacies and inspired future generations of footballers.
Read more: The 9 worst strikers in football history: How they failed.
