The 10 Most Prolific Footballers of the 21st Century

August 24, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Who’s had the biggest impact in football since the turn of the millennium? When goals and assists are combined, these ten legends stand above the rest. From Eto’o to Messi, here are the players with the most total goal contributions this century — and the names at the top might surprise you.

10 – Samuel Eto’o: 564 Contributions

Eto’o built a legendary career with stints at Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning Champions League titles and leading Cameroon as their all-time top scorer. His mix of clinical finishing and creative play gave him 426 goals and 138 assists — a powerful legacy from one of Africa’s greatest players.

9 – Mohamed Salah: 570 Contributions

Salah reinvented himself after a slow start in England, blossoming into a Liverpool icon and Premier League superstar. With 383 goals and 187 assists, he’s been a consistent threat for club and country, and continues to shine under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

8 – Thierry Henry: 647 Contributions

Few players captured the Premier League spotlight like Henry did during his Arsenal years. A scorer and creator in equal measure, the Frenchman racked up 411 goals and 236 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete forwards of his generation.

7 – Neymar: 656 Contributions

Despite injury setbacks and a recent return to Brazil, Neymar’s time in Europe was nothing short of sensational. With 446 goals and 210 assists, his flair and vision made him a central figure at both Barcelona and PSG — and a modern icon of the game.

6 – Karim Benzema: 689 Contributions

Often overshadowed by Ronaldo, Benzema quietly built an elite career at Real Madrid, becoming a cornerstone of their success. His 498 goals and 191 assists show just how much he contributed — especially after stepping out of Ronaldo’s shadow in the late 2010s.

5 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 726 Contributions

Zlatan Ibrahimović — ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Zlatan wasn’t just about bold quotes and big personality — he delivered on the pitch across Europe’s top leagues. With 567 goals and 159 assists, his long, decorated career showed he had both style and substance in abundance.

4 – Luis Suárez: 836 Contributions

Love him or loathe him, Suárez’s numbers speak for themselves. A key part of the famous MSN trio at Barcelona, he tallied 595 goals and 241 assists, mixing relentless scoring with unselfish teamwork.

3 – Robert Lewandowski: 841 Contributions

Lewandowski dominated the Bundesliga for over a decade and hasn’t slowed down since joining Barcelona. His 696 goals and 145 assists make him one of the most consistent and feared strikers in modern football.

2 – Cristiano Ronaldo: 1195 Contributions

Ronaldo’s 938 goals are unmatched, and his 257 assists push him to nearly 1,200 total contributions. Even at 40, he’s still scoring in Saudi Arabia — a testament to his longevity, fitness, and relentless drive.

1 – Lionel Messi: 1264 Contributions

Messi leads the way with 875 goals and an astounding 389 assists, despite playing fewer games than Ronaldo. His unmatched playmaking and goal-scoring ability continue to shine at Inter Miami and with Argentina, proving why he’s considered the greatest by so many.