The 25 Highest-Scoring Footballers Since 2000 – Ranked From Lowest to Highest
Since the turn of the millennium, football has seen an extraordinary generation of goal scorers — some artists, some machines, and some who defy both categories.
This article counts down the top 25 goal scorers in official matches (club and international) from 2000 to 2025, starting from number 25 all the way to the king of goals.
25. Frank Lampard – 303 goals / 1043 games
A true midfield anomaly, Lampard is Chelsea’s all-time top scorer. Known for his late box runs and powerful shooting, he turned playmaking into a goal-scoring art.
24. Thierry Henry – 345 goals / 789 games
Elegant and lethal, Henry was Arsenal’s icon in the Premier League and a key part of France’s golden era. His signature style and calm finishing made him a global star.
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23. Antonio Di Natale – 349 goals / 700 games
A loyal talisman for Udinese, Di Natale was a serial scorer well into his 30s. Despite not playing for top clubs, he outshone many in Serie A’s scoring charts.
22. Mohamed Salah – 350 goals / 717 games
Salah has electrified Premier League defenses with his pace and precision. He’s led Liverpool to both Champions League and league glory with his consistent brilliance.
21. Neymar Jr. – 351 goals / 638 games
A magician with the ball, Neymar has dazzled fans from Santos to PSG. His flair, creativity, and goal output put him among Brazil’s all-time greats.
20. Francesco Totti – 352 goals / 883 games
The ultimate one-club man, Totti was Roma’s heart and soul. With his vision and technique, he bridged the line between scorer and creator like few others.
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19. Thomas Müller – 356 goals / 882 games
The master of “finding space”, Müller is a unique hybrid of goal-scorer and playmaker. He’s been Bayern’s unsung hero and Germany’s silent assassin for over a decade.
18. David Villa – 357 goals / 827 games
Spain’s top scorer during their golden years, Villa was known for clinical finishing and intelligent movement. He starred at Valencia, Barcelona, and beyond.
17. Fernando Torres – 358 goals / 818 games
From Atlético prodigy to Liverpool hero, Torres had pace, power, and finesse. His career peaked with major international trophies for Spain.
16. Edin Džeko – 360 goals / 838 games
A consistent force across Germany, England, and Italy, Džeko has scored wherever he’s played. His aerial ability and composure make him a striker’s striker.
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15. Didier Drogba – 361 goals / 782 games
The man for the big moment, Drogba was Chelsea’s hero time and again. Strong, clutch, and passionate, he defined an era of Premier League power forwards.
14. Miroslav Klose – 362 goals / 837 games
While modest at club level, Klose lit up the World Cup stage. He remains the tournament’s all-time top scorer and Germany’s goal machine.
13. Harry Kane – 364 goals / 615 games
England’s modern-day number 9, Kane combines technical vision with ruthless finishing. He became Spurs’ and England’s top scorer and now leads the line for Bayern.
12. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 366 goals / 759 games
Aubameyang’s speed and instinct made him deadly on the counter. He thrived at Dortmund and Arsenal, where he consistently hit the back of the net.
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11. Gonzalo Higuaín – 366 goals / 780 games
A consistent presence in Europe’s top leagues, Higuaín delivered goals with finesse. His club record outshines the criticism often directed at his international outings.
10. Wayne Rooney – 366 goals / 884 games
Rooney was England’s fiery prodigy, blending skill with grit. Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, he left a mark both as a striker and deep-lying playmaker.
9. Samuel Eto’o – 426 goals / 844 games
Eto’o brought speed, technique, and goals in abundance. He won the Champions League with both Barcelona and Inter, thriving in big matches with cool composure.
8. Sergio Agüero – 427 goals / 786 games
City’s record scorer and a Premier League icon, Agüero’s sharpness in the box was legendary. His 2012 title-winning goal remains etched in football history.
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7. Edinson Cavani – 462 goals / 823 games
Cavani combined elegance and aggression up front. He was PSG’s all-time top scorer for years and always a reliable figure for Uruguay.
6. Karim Benzema – 552 goals / 992 games
From playmaker to talisman, Benzema’s evolution at Real Madrid was remarkable. He shined brightest post-Ronaldo and earned a Ballon d’Or for his efforts.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 561 goals / 865 games
A showman and a powerhouse, Zlatan scored goals as spectacular as his quotes. From Ajax to Milan, he conquered nearly every league he entered.
4. Luis Suárez – 588 goals / 883 games
Suárez’s mix of cunning, power, and bite made him a fearsome striker. At his peak, he was unstoppable at both Liverpool and Barcelona.
3. Robert Lewandowski – 671 goals / 932 games
A goal-scoring machine, Lewandowski defined consistency in Germany. His finishing, movement, and professionalism made him one of the best of his generation.
2. Lionel Messi – 859 goals / 1084 games
A generational genius, Messi mesmerized fans with every touch. His Barcelona legacy, World Cup win, and incredible stats place him firmly in the GOAT debate.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 934 goals / 1220 games
The ultimate goal-scorer, Ronaldo has shattered records across England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia. His drive, physique, and mentality redefined what longevity means in football.
