From Cristiano Ronaldo to Pele: Know the players with most career goals in football

Manchester United and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 800+ career goals following a brace against Arsenal in a 3-2 win for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star has now scored 827 goals which is the most career goals in football.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that there is a disputed claim that Czech great Josef Bican has scored most career goals in football history according to the Czech FA which contests that the legendary striker netted 821 goals in official matches. However, official football statistics estimate Bican’s tally at 805, out of which 771 were club goals and 34 for the national teams.

The best goalscorer in football history? 🤔

The History and Statistics committee of the Czech FA counted all the goals scored by the legendary Josef Bican and we can declare he scored 821 goals in official matches.

Jaroslav Kolář, the Head of the committee shares more details. pic.twitter.com/eYqTcGJf1p

— Czech Football National Team (@ceskarepre_eng) January 21, 2021

The numbers behind Ronaldo’s achievements are simply breathtaking, to say the least. To begin with, his tally of 827 goals in 1151 games means that he is averaging a goal every 0.72 games.

As a matter of fact, the Portugal skipper has netted approximately 350 goals in less than 400 games since turning 30. At club level he’s scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus and five for Sporting Lisbon. For country, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has netted 115 times.

Ronaldo’s tally of 824 career goals puts him ahead of rival Lionel Messi, who has scored the second-most career goals in football among active players. The former FC Barcelona frontman has netted 802 goals for club and country. Brazil great Romario and Pele complete the top five list with 772 and 767 career goals respectively.

Most career goals in football

Featured photo: AFP / Ben Stansall