Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski

Fastest players to score 40 goals in La Liga history – Ranked

October 15, 2025 Oliver Obel

Since 1990, only a handful of players have managed to reach the 40-goal milestone in La Liga at lightning speed. The list is filled with iconic names who made their mark on Spanish football with explosive scoring starts. Here’s a countdown of the fastest goalscorers to hit the 40-goal mark.

10. Neymar — 68 Games

The Brazilian superstar needed just 68 matches to hit 40 goals during his spell at FC Barcelona between 2013 and 2016. Neymar dazzled with flair, skill and a killer instinct that made him one of the most feared attackers in Spain. His ability to combine creativity with end product placed him among the league’s elite scorers.

9. Robert Lewandowski — 65 Games

Arriving late in his career, Lewandowski adapted quickly to Spanish football. The Polish striker showed that age is just a number, reaching 40 goals in only 65 appearances for Barcelona. His movement, finishing and leadership made him an instant hit in La Liga.

8. Hristo Stoichkov — 65 Games

One of the defining figures of Barcelona’s early 1990s dominance, Stoichkov reached the 40-goal mark in 65 games. Known for his fierce left foot and fiery personality, the Bulgarian forward embodied the attacking power of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team.” His goals were as decisive as they were spectacular.

7. Ruud van Nistelrooy — 61 Games

Van Nistelrooy wasted no time announcing himself at Real Madrid CF. The Dutch poacher needed only 61 games to bag 40 goals, relying on his clinical finishing and incredible positioning. Even in the twilight of his career, he remained one of the most efficient strikers in the league.

6. Bebeto — 58 Games

Before the era of Galácticos and global superstars, Bebeto was a lethal weapon at RC Deportivo de La Coruña. The Brazilian striker’s 40-goal feat in 58 matches was a testament to his sharp instincts in front of goal. His scoring prowess played a key role in establishing Deportivo as a real force in the 1990s.

5. Luis Suárez — 50 Games

Suárez’s arrival at FC Barcelona in 2014 marked the start of one of La Liga’s most dangerous attacking trios. In just 50 games, he hit 40 goals with his trademark aggression and intelligence in the box. His chemistry with Lionel Messi and Neymar turned Barcelona into an unstoppable scoring machine.

4. Radamel Falcao — 48 Games

Falcao’s time at Atlético de Madrid may have been brief, but it was unforgettable. The Colombian striker reached 40 goals in only 48 appearances, powered by his lethal finishing and aerial dominance. His explosive impact helped Atlético break through as a major challenger in Spanish football.

3. Ronaldo Nazário — 48 Games

Ronaldo’s spell in La Liga is remembered for pure brilliance. Whether in Barcelona or Real Madrid colors, he hit 40 goals in just 48 games, blending terrifying speed with world-class technique. The Brazilian phenomenon’s scoring burst remains one of the most spectacular in league history.

2. Kylian Mbappé — 42 Games

Kylian Mbappe — Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

It didn’t take long for Mbappé to make history after joining Real Madrid CF. The French superstar hit the 40-goal mark in just 42 appearances, showcasing pace, precision and lethal efficiency. His arrival has electrified La Liga, and he’s already rewriting records at a stunning pace.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 41 Games

At the very top stands Ronaldo, who reached 40 goals in a record 41 games after joining Real Madrid in 2009. His unmatched scoring hunger and athletic dominance made him a nightmare for defenders. This record remains a symbol of the Portuguese legend’s historic impact on Spanish football.

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