The 25 Greatest Goalscorers of the 21st Century – Ranked

July 23, 2025 Oliver Obel

The 21st century has delivered a generation of goal machines—players whose finishing, instinct, and consistency have made them legends. From powerful poachers to technical artists, these 25 names have scored more than any others since the year 2000. Here’s the definitive countdown from 25 to 1, ranked by goals scored in all official competitions.

25. Raúl González – 298 Goals

A Real Madrid legend and master of positioning, Raúl was a clinical striker with exceptional movement. Though much of his prime came before 2000, he still amassed an impressive tally in the 21st century.

24. Hulk – 307 Goals

A powerful forward with a cannon of a left foot, Hulk made his name in Europe and Asia. His strength and shot power terrorized defenses across Portugal, Russia, and Brazil.

23. Radamel Falcao – 313 Goals

Ramadel Falcao — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

When fully fit, Falcao was an elite poacher with a natural eye for goal. His peak years at Porto and Atlético Madrid remain some of the most efficient scoring spells in modern football.

22. Robin van Persie – 322 Goals

Van Persie combined elegant technique with a deadly finish. A Premier League icon at Arsenal and Manchester United, he also starred on the international stage with the Netherlands.

21. Miroslav Klose – 324 Goals

Germany’s all-time top scorer, Klose thrived on instinct and movement. Best known for his World Cup heroics, he was just as dependable at club level in the Bundesliga and Serie A.

20. Edin Džeko – 334 Goals

A towering presence with underrated finesse, Džeko has excelled in Germany, England, and Italy. His longevity and ability to deliver in big matches have made him a modern great.

19. Gonzalo Higuaín – 336 Goals

Higuaín was one of the most consistent scorers in Europe for over a decade. Whether at Real Madrid, Napoli, or Juventus, he delivered with regularity and precision.

18. Mario Gómez – 336 Goals

A traditional number 9, Gómez was lethal inside the box. His strength, timing, and clinical finishing made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared forwards.

17. Robbie Keane – 340 Goals

Ireland’s all-time leading scorer, Keane was a reliable finisher wherever he played. His mobility, anticipation, and knack for timely goals made him a standout in England and the U.S.

16. Didier Drogba – 352 Goals

Drogba was a force of nature at his peak—strong, clutch, and relentless. His Champions League heroics and Chelsea tenure cemented his legacy as one of the greats.

15. Wayne Rooney – 364 Goals

Rooney combined raw talent with tireless intensity. Manchester United and England’s former top scorer, he evolved from a teenage prodigy into a complete forward and leader.

14. Thierry Henry – 369 Goals

Effortlessly elegant, Henry redefined the role of the modern striker. Arsenal’s record scorer dazzled with pace, precision, and creativity throughout his career.

13. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – 408 Goals

One of Europe’s most underappreciated poachers, Huntelaar thrived on instinct and positioning. His numbers speak for themselves across stints at Ajax, Schalke, and Real Madrid.

12. Samuel Eto’o – 424 Goals

Eto’o was a born winner with a scorer’s mentality. A legend for Barcelona, Inter, and Cameroon, his mix of pace, power, and composure made him deadly in any situation.

11. David Villa – 426 Goals

Spain’s all-time top scorer, Villa was clinical with both feet and deadly in the box. A key figure in Spain’s golden era, he also starred in La Liga and MLS.

10. Sergio Agüero – 426 Goals

Agüero was a master of the tight angle and the big moment. Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer, he was known for his explosive bursts and brilliant finishin

9. Neymar Jr. – 442 Goals

Neymar’s technical brilliance and flair have lit up every stage he's played on. Despite multiple injuries, he’s remained among the world’s most consistent goalscorers for both club and country.

8. Edinson Cavani – 456 Goals

Cavani struck 456 goals in 865 games, combining physical presence with elegant finishing. He starred at Napoli and became PSG’s all-time top scorer before being surpassed by Mbappe. He helped Uruguay win the 2011 Copa America.

7. Harry Kane – 461 Goals

Kane has tallied 461 goals in 714 matches, becoming England’s all-time top scorer along the way. Known for his all-around play and finishing, he finally lifted silverware in 2025 with Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title.

6. Karim Benzema – 495 Goals

Benzema spent years as an underrated cog in Real Madrid’s attack before emerging as their main man. A complete striker, he blends vision, strength, and poise in front of goal.

5. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 558 Goals

A larger-than-life personality and equally dominant forward, Zlatan’s flair and physicality defined two decades. From Ajax to PSG to Milan, he brought goals everywhere he went.

4. Luis Suárez – 574 Goals

Feared for his aggression and admired for his craft, Suárez was both creator and executioner. A menace to defenders, he hit top gear at Ajax, Liverpool, and Barcelona.

3. Robert Lewandowski – 695 Goals

Lewandowski is the complete striker—clinical, composed, and endlessly productive. His time at Dortmund and Bayern Munich turned him into a goal-scoring machine.

2. Lionel Messi – 866 Goals

Arguably the greatest ever, Messi combined playmaking genius with unprecedented scoring output. His left foot, vision, and timing have left a mark on every competition he’s played in.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 938 Goals

The most prolific scorer of the 21st century, Ronaldo’s hunger, athleticism, and determination have pushed boundaries. From Manchester to Madrid to Turin, he has shattered records and set new standards.