Image Source: talkSPORT
Scoring goals is the pinnacle of football, the defining moment that can change the fate of a game and the destiny of teams. Over the decades, several players have distinguished themselves as prolific goal scorers on the international stage.
As of this year (2024), Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest goal scorer in the world. He is head and shoulders above other football players as far as scoring the number of goals scored is concerned in his illustrious career. He is a highly-skilled football player and such has been his fitness that he continues to dominate the sport.
While Cristiano Ronaldo is the top international goal scorer in football history, boasting the most international goals ever scored, there are other football players who too are in the race for scoring the most international goals. Ronaldo has been relentless in his pursuit of excellence and consistent performance on the international stage.
Read More: 7 Greatest Footballers of All Time to Feature in FIFA World Cup
10 Highest Goal Scorers in the World
| Rank | Player Name | Goals Scored | Nationality | Notable Achievements |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 916 | Portugal | All-time top scorer; led Portugal to UEFA Euro 2016 and Nations League 2019 titles |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 850 | Argentina | Won Copa America (2021); multiple Ballon d’Or titles; record holder for assists |
| 3 | Romario | 780 | Brazil | Led Brazil to 1994 World Cup glory; played for Barcelona, PSV, and Flamengo |
| 4 | Pelé | 767 | Brazil | Won three FIFA World Cups; scored 643 official goals for Santos |
| 5 | Josef Bican | 759 | Czech Republic | Held the record for most goals in history for decades; 395 goals for Slavia Prague |
| 6 | Ferenc Puskás | 746 | Hungary | Olympic gold medalist; three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid |
| 7 | Gerd Müller | 735 | Germany | Bundesliga’s all-time top scorer; helped Germany win the 1974 FIFA World Cup |
| 8 | Eusébio | 623 | Portugal | Ballon d’Or winner (1965); Golden Boot at the 1966 FIFA World Cup |
| 9 | Tulio Maravilha | 588 | Brazil | Played for over 40 clubs; scored 10 goals in 15 caps for Brazil |
| 10 | Ferenc Deak | 576 | Hungary | Second-highest Hungarian scorer; key figure in Hungary’s football dominance |
10. Ferenc Deak (Hungary) – 576 Goals
Ferenc Deak was one of Hungary’s best players. He scored 576 goals in his career, making him the second-highest goal scorer from Hungary. He helped Hungary become one of the strongest football teams in the mid-1900s.
9. Tulio Maravilha (Brazil) – 588 Goals
Tulio Maravilha is a Brazilian football legend. He played for more than 40 teams and scored 588 goals. For Brazil, he scored 10 goals in 15 games. Tulio retired in 2017, remembered for his skill and dedication.
8. Eusebio (Portugal) – 623 Goals
Eusebio was one of Portugal’s greatest players. He scored 623 goals during his career. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1965 and the Golden Boot at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, becoming a true football legend.
7. Gerd Muller (Germany) – 735 Goals
Gerd Muller, nicknamed “Der Bomber,” was an incredible scorer. He scored 735 goals and helped Germany win the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Muller also won the Ballon d’Or in 1970 and remains the top scorer in Bundesliga history.
6. Ferenc Puskas (Hungary) – 746 Goals
Ferenc Puskas was one of the greatest footballers from Hungary. He scored 746 goals in 754 games. Puskas won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid and an Olympic gold medal with Hungary. The Puskas Award honors the best goal each year.
5. Josef Bican (Czech Republic) – 759 Goals
Josef Bican held the record for most goals in history for many years. He scored 759 goals, including 395 in just 217 games for Slavia Prague. He played for both Austria and Czechoslovakia, showing his incredible talent.
4. Pele (Brazil) – 767 Goals
Pele is one of the greatest footballers ever. He scored 767 official goals, with 643 coming for Santos. Pele also scored 77 goals for Brazil and is the only player to win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970).
3. Romario (Brazil) – 780 Goals
Romario was one of Brazil’s greatest strikers, scoring 780 goals in his career. He led Brazil to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup and played for top clubs like Barcelona, PSV, and Flamengo.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 850 Goals
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers ever. He has scored 850 goals and won many trophies, including the Copa America in 2021. Messi is known for breaking records at Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 916 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer with 916 goals. He has played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. For Portugal, he has scored 135 goals and continues to add to his incredible record.
Conclusion
The remarkable achievements of these top 10 footballers have shaped the history of football and continue to inspire players and fans worldwide.
Scoring goals has always been the ultimate achievement in football since it impacts the outcome of games and the fate of sides. Cristiano Ronaldo, a modern day legend, holds the record as the highest international goal scorer.
Get these players and many more on the WinZO fantasy football app. Download the app to take part in different leagues and win big.
FAQ’s about Highest Goal Scorer in the World
Q) Who is the highest goal scorer in the world?
A) As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest goal scorer in the world – he has scored the most number of goals across all competitions.
Q) Who is the second highest goal scorer in the world?
A) Coming in at second is Lionel Messi, who has scored fewer goals than Ronaldo and is the second most international goal scorer in the world.
Q) Who was the highest goal scorer in the 2014 World Cup?
A) James Rodríguez of Colombia emerged as the highest goal scorer in the 2014 FIFA World Cup – he has scored 6 goals during the tournament.
Q) Who is the highest goal scorer in football history?
A) Cristiano Ronaldo has the record for scoring the most goals scored in football history. This includes both club and international goals.
Q) Who is the top goal scorer in international football?
A) Cristiano Ronaldo is also the top goal scorer in international football – he scored the most goals for Portuguese.
Q) Who is the top goal scorer in club football?
A) Lionel Messi, who was a legend in Barcelona, is currently the top goal scorer in club football.
