Top 25 European International Goal Scorers – Ranked

September 6, 2025 Oliver Obel

European football has produced some of the most clinical finishers in history, dominating the international stage with goals that defined eras and brought glory to their nations. This list highlights the 25 most prolific scorers, moving from number 25 up to the very top.

25. Memphis Depay (Netherlands) – 50 Goals

Memphis Depay has become a central figure for the Dutch national team, blending creativity with goalscoring consistency. His tally of 50 goals in 102 games makes him one of the most reliable forwards in Oranje history.

24. Robin van Persie (Netherlands) – 50 Goals

Known for his elegance and lethal left foot, Robin van Persie scored 50 goals in 102 appearances for the Netherlands. His strikes helped carry his nation through key tournaments, including the famous 2014 World Cup run.

23. Thierry Henry (France) – 51 Goals

France’s record-breaking striker for years, Thierry Henry netted 51 goals in 123 games. His pace, intelligence, and finishing ability made him the focal point of Les Bleus’ attack during their golden era.

22. Hakan Şükür (Türkiye) – 51 Goals

hakan sukur — By Vulkahn, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3093880

Hakan Şükür is remembered as Türkiye’s most iconic striker, scoring 51 times in 112 appearances. His ability to deliver on the big stage, including at the 2002 World Cup, cemented his place in history.

21. Lajos Tichy (Hungary) – 51 Goals

Lajos Tichy was a deadly finisher for Hungary, managing 51 goals in just 72 games. His remarkable strike rate places him among the most efficient scorers in international football.

20. Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark) – 52 Goals

Jon Dahl Tomasson was a reliable figure for Denmark across more than a decade, scoring 52 goals in 112 caps. His intelligence and positioning made him a constant threat in front of goal.

19. Poul Nielsen (Denmark) – 52 Goals

Poul Nielsen’s record is astonishing, with 52 goals in only 38 appearances. Playing in the early 20th century, he remains Denmark’s most efficient striker ever.

18. Wayne Rooney (England) – 53 Goals

Wayne Rooney became England’s all-time leading scorer for years with 53 goals in 120 appearances. His mix of grit, technique, and leadership defined a generation of English football.

17. Joachim Streich (East Germany) – 55 Goals

Joachim Streich was a prolific forward for East Germany, scoring 55 goals in 102 games. Despite his nation’s limited international exposure, he left an indelible mark.

16. Jan Koller (Czech Republic) – 55 Goals

Standing at 2.02m, Jan Koller dominated defenders with his aerial presence and strength. He bagged 55 goals in 91 caps, making him the Czech Republic’s all-time top scorer.

15. Olivier Giroud (France) – 57 Goals

Often underrated, Olivier Giroud has been a vital weapon for France, netting 57 goals in 137 matches. His link-up play and consistency made him Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer.

14. David Villa (Spain) – 59 Goals

David Villa was the key attacking force in Spain’s golden era, striking 59 goals in 98 games. His goals carried La Roja through Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup triumph.

13. Imre Schlosser (Hungary) – 59 Goals

Imre Schlosser scored 59 goals in just 68 caps, showcasing a remarkable scoring ratio. A pioneer of early Hungarian football, he was ahead of his time as a prolific finisher.

12. Aleksandar Mitrović (Serbia) – 62 Goals

Aleksandar Mitrovic — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Aleksandar Mitrović has become Serbia’s most dependable scorer with 62 goals in 100 games. Known for his physicality and determination, he continues to add to his tally as an active player.

11. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) – 62 Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimović brought flair and power to Sweden’s attack, scoring 62 goals in 122 matches. His spectacular strikes and longevity made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards.

10. Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 68 Goals

Edin Džeko is Bosnia’s talisman, scoring 68 times in 141 appearances. His leadership and consistency have been vital in putting Bosnia on the footballing map.

9. Robbie Keane (Republic of Ireland) – 68 Goals

Robbie Keane was Ireland’s heart and soul, amassing 68 goals in 146 games. His knack for scoring in crucial matches gave the Republic hope on the biggest stages.

8. Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 68 Goals

Gerd Müller was a goal machine, with 68 goals in only 62 caps. His ruthless efficiency earned him the nickname “Der Bomber” and made him a legend of the game.

7. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 71 Goals

Miroslav Klose scored 71 goals in 137 appearances, becoming Germany’s all-time top scorer. Renowned for his World Cup heroics, he remains the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

6. Harry Kane (England) – 73 Goals

Harry Kane has established himself as England’s modern-day talisman, already reaching 73 goals in 107 games. His consistency and penalty-taking prowess continue to drive the Three Lions forward.

5. Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 75 Goals

Sándor Kocsis was a phenomenon, scoring 75 goals in just 68 appearances. Part of Hungary’s legendary 1950s team, his scoring feats remain unmatched in efficiency.

4. Ferenc Puskás (Hungary & Spain) – 84 Goals

Ferenc Puskás netted 84 goals in 89 games, becoming a global football icon. His legacy extends beyond Hungary, influencing the game with his brilliance and record-breaking consistency.

3. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 85 Goals

Robert Lewandowski has redefined Polish football, scoring 85 goals in 158 games. Known for his professionalism and lethal finishing, he remains one of the world’s top strikers.

2. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 89 Goals

Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, with 89 goals in 124 appearances. His power and instinct in front of goal have been vital for the Red Devils’ golden generation.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 138 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo stands alone at the top with 138 goals in 221 games, the highest tally in European history. His extraordinary longevity, fitness, and mentality have made him the benchmark for international goalscoring greatness.