The game of football has been famed in many parts of the world. With millions of fans and enthusiasts, the game has become a global phenomenon. Throughout the history of football, there have been many exceptional players. Even so, since goals are what win games in football, strikers and forward players are the ones who receive the most recognition and praise. With two of the most prolific goal scorers of our generation, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, nearing the end of their careers, it would be great to see how they fit among other legendary strikers.
While Ronaldo and Messi are still netting balls, they still haven't beaten the all-time greatest goal scorer. Since it's hard to tell when the two iconic footballers plan on retiring, this article takes a look at the best football goal scorers in football history. Although there are plenty of names that are more superior to these two in the world of football, there's no denying that the famous duo has reshaped modern football. For this reason, they are more than deserving to be on this list. Nevertheless, their talent and sheer determination speak for themselves, as both Ronaldo and Messi have rightfully earned their place on this list.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Although Zlatan is approaching the ripe age of 40, he continues to terrorize defenders and goalkeepers. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is arguably the most talented and decorated Swedish footballer of his time. The towering forward made his debut in professional football when he signed for Malmö FF back in 1996. With a large six-foot-five figure, Ibrahimovic continues to shine in front of the goal, netting 15 Serie A goals for Milan this season. The Swedish striker has played for some of the best clubs in the world, including Barcelona, Juventus, Paris-Saint Germain, AC Milan, and Manchester United, with a total of 570 career goals.
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira
Popularly known as O Rei (king) by his Portuguese fans, Eusébio is one of the most prolific goal scorers of his time. O Rei had plenty of highlights in his professional career, scoring 733 goals in 745 matches. The highest point in his career was playing for Benfica, which he helped propel to domestic and international glory. For this reason, many football enthusiasts consider Eusébio as the best striker Benfica has ever had. He had an incredible goals-per-game ratio and was an iconic figure in Lisbon back in the 60s and 70s.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi is considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. This iconic football figure is as lethal in on goal as he is in creating chances. While his short stature may have been a hurdle in the formidable years of his career, it has grown to become one of his greatest strengths. Messi leverages his five-foot-seven height for better agility, allowing him to change directions and avoid tackles swiftly. Having played over 900 matches in his professional career, Lionel Messi has been able to find the net 742 times. These excellent stats and an incredible style of play have earned him the nickname La Pulga Atómica, which translates to the atomic flea.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Although he comes from a humble background, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to become a goal-scoring machine. Having played for some of the most iconic clubs in European football, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo has had a pretty lucrative career. The decorated Portuguese superstar has made more than 1,000 appearances and scored over 780 goals for club and country. Due to these impressive feats, Cristiano Ronaldo has won numerous awards for himself, including five Ballon d'Ors, just one behind his long-time rival Lionel Messi.