Scoring goals is the most celebrated aspect of soccer, and only a select few players have achieved legendary status by consistently finding the back of the net throughout their careers. Some of these players have broken records at club level, while others have dominated on the international stage. In this article, we take a deep dive into the top 10 highest scorers in soccer history, analyzing their achievements, and playing styles.
The top 10 highest scorer in soccer
We've compiled a list of the top ten highest-scoring men's football players of all time, including local and international goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 924 goals in 1,256 games (2001–present)
Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of football greatness. From Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, his goal-scoring legacy remains unmatched.
The Portuguese icon is the only player to score in five separate World Cups and continues to defy time. While some speculate about retirement, Ronaldo himself dismisses such talk, proving his hunger for success remains insatiable.
In 2023, he shattered records again by signing the most lucrative contract in sports history—earning a staggering £178 million per year with Al Nassr. His impact has been immediate, reaching 500 league goals and surpassing 100 goal contributions for the Saudi club.
Internationally, Ronaldo has amassed over 200 caps—a world record—while netting 135 times for Portugal. As of now, he has also become the first player in history to reach 900 career goals, setting his sights on an astonishing 1,000 before retiring at 40.
Lionel Messi – 851 goals in 1,081 games (2003–present)
Lionel Messi isn’t just a footballer; he’s an artist with the ball at his feet. With a record-breaking eight Ballon d'Or titles and an unparalleled legacy at Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami, Messi continues to dazzle on the pitch.
His crowning moment came at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored seven times, including a historic brace in the final against France. That unforgettable night in Qatar solidified his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
Messi found the net over 650 times for Barcelona before adding 32 more at PSG. Now in MLS, he remains a goal-scoring machine while still leading Argentina to glory, most recently securing the 2024 Copa América.
With his eyes set on reaching 900 career goals, the Argentine maestro shows no signs of slowing down, proving that even at this stage of his career, he remains football’s ultimate magician.
Pelé – 762 Goals (1957–1977)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé dominated the sport during his 20-year career, scoring an incredible 762 goals. The Brazilian icon made his international debut in 1957 and quickly became a global sensation. Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and finishing ability, he played a crucial role in Brazil’s three World Cup victories (1958, 1962, 1970)—a record that remains unmatched.
Pelé spent most of his club career at Santos FC, where he scored the majority of his goals, leading the team to multiple domestic and international titles. In his later years, he brought his magic to the New York Cosmos, helping popularize football in the United States.
With his goal-scoring prowess and dazzling skill, Pelé set the standard for future generations, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire footballers worldwide.
Ferenc Puskás – 746+ goals in 754+ games (1943–1966)
A true icon of the game, Ferenc Puskás wasn’t just a prolific goal scorer—he was a revolutionary force in football. His name is now immortalized through FIFA’s Puskás Award, given to the most beautiful goal of each year.
Puskás first made his mark in Budapest, leading Hungary’s Golden Team to international dominance. He famously scored twice in Hungary’s historic 6-3 demolition of England at Wembley in 1953, a game dubbed the 'Match of the Century.'
His legacy was further cemented at Real Madrid, where he struck over 150 goals and formed a legendary partnership with Alfredo Di Stéfano. Averaging nearly a goal per game, Puskás was the definition of clinical finishing.
Decades after his retirement, his influence on the sport remains unparalleled, and his name is forever associated with footballing excellence.
Gerd Müller – 734 goals in 793 games (1962–1981)
Gerd Müller wasn’t just a great striker—he was one of the most clinical goal-scorers football has ever seen. His poacher’s instinct, lightning-quick reactions, and ability to score from any position made him a nightmare for defenders.
His crowning moment came in the 1974 World Cup final, where he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands, securing West Germany’s triumph on home soil. But his greatness extended far beyond that.
At Bayern Munich, Müller shattered records with an astonishing 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches. His tally of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season stood unchallenged for nearly half a century until Robert Lewandowski finally surpassed it in 2021.
Even with today’s generation of elite strikers, Müller’s scoring efficiency remains nearly unmatched, cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greatest goal machines.
Robert Lewandowski – 662 goals in 929 games (2008–present)
In any other era, Robert Lewandowski would have been universally hailed as the best striker of his generation. However, playing alongside icons like Messi and Ronaldo has often overshadowed his brilliance.
The Polish marksman is his nation's all-time top scorer and most-capped player, a true legend back home. At club level, he left an indelible mark at Bayern Munich, becoming their second-highest scorer ever—trailing only the legendary Gerd Müller. His move from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern in 2014, on a free transfer, remains one of the biggest bargains in football history.
Even after leaving Bayern for Barcelona in 2023, Lewandowski has defied age, continuing to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency. He is closing in on a century of goals for the Spanish giants while also ranking third on the all-time Champions League scoring charts.
Perhaps only when he hangs up his boots will the world truly recognize the greatness of Robert Lewandowski—a player whose legacy deserves far more appreciation.
Ferenc Deák – 576+ goals (total games unknown) – 1940-1957
While names like Puskás dominate Hungarian football history, Ferenc Deák remains one of the most prolific yet underrated goal scorers the game has ever seen. A true goal machine, Deák boasted an almost unbelievable scoring rate, averaging over three goals per game during his time at Szentlőrinci AC—netting 358 times in just 186 appearances between 1940 and 1947.
Unlike many other legendary forwards of his era, Deák spent his entire career in Hungary, playing for six different clubs and amassing over 400 appearances. His legacy may not be as globally recognized as some of his compatriots, but in his homeland, he is celebrated as one of the most clinical finishers football has ever witnessed.
Uwe Seeler – 575+ goals (total games unknown) – 1953-1978
A true German footballing legend, Uwe Seeler was the beating heart of Hamburger SV for nearly two decades. Despite his incredible goal-scoring prowess, he was often unlucky when it came to major silverware. Nevertheless, his loyalty to Hamburg made him one of the most beloved figures in German football history.
Seeler played over 400 games for the club, eventually serving as its president for a brief period. His international career was equally impressive, featuring in four World Cups and captaining West Germany in their heartbreaking 1966 final loss to England.
In a quirky twist to his career, Seeler even made a one-off appearance for Ireland’s Cork Celtic in 1978, scoring twice. His passing in July 2022 was met with tributes from across the footballing world, solidifying his status as one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.
Jimmy McGrory – 550 goals (1923–1937)
Jimmy McGrory remains one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history, netting 550 goals during his remarkable career from 1923 to 1937. A legendary striker for Celtic FC, McGrory was known for his exceptional heading ability, powerful finishing, and remarkable consistency in front of goal.
Spending the majority of his career with Celtic, McGrory set multiple scoring records, including being the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. His tally includes numerous hat-tricks and memorable performances that cemented his status as one of Scotland’s greatest-ever players.
Despite his immense goal-scoring feats, McGrory was often overlooked on the international stage, earning only a handful of caps for Scotland. However, his legacy as one of the most prolific strikers in football history remains undisputed, with his records still standing as a benchmark for future generations.
Alfredo Di Stéfano – 537 goals (1945–1966)
Alfredo Di Stéfano was a revolutionary footballer who scored 537 goals during his illustrious career spanning from 1945 to 1966. Known for his versatility, intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess, Di Stéfano played a crucial role in Real Madrid's dominance during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Starting his career in Argentina with River Plate, he later made his mark in Colombia before joining Real Madrid in 1953. At Madrid, he became the heart of the team, leading them to five consecutive European Cup titles (1956–1960) and multiple La Liga championships.
Unlike traditional strikers, Di Stéfano was a complete footballer, excelling in both attack and midfield, influencing the game in ways beyond just scoring. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time remains undisputed, with his impact on Real Madrid and world football still felt today.
Final thought
Throughout the history of soccer, the top 10 highest scorer in soccer have left an unforgettable mark on the sport. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to iconic figures like Gerd Müller and Ferenc Puskás, these players have redefined the art of finding the back of the net. Their records, consistency, and ability to perform at the highest level have solidified their places among the greatest strikers of all time.
