Top Scorers in European Leagues Since 2000
European football’s top goalscorers have often defined seasons with their lethal finishing, standout performances, and iconic moments. From local legends to global superstars, this list chronicles the top scorers in domestic European leagues from 2000 through 2025. Each entry highlights the individual brilliance behind these unforgettable scoring campaigns.
2000 – Kevin Phillips (30 goals, Sunderland – Premier League)
Kevin Phillips shocked the football world by netting 30 goals in his debut Premier League season. The Sunderland striker remains the only Englishman to win the European Golden Shoe.
2001 – Henrik Larsson (35 goals, Celtic – Scottish Premier League)
Larsson produced a phenomenal season in Scotland, scoring 35 times for Celtic. His blend of finesse, positioning, and clinical finishing made him unplayable.
2002 – Mário Jardel (42 goals, Sporting CP – Primeira Liga)
Jardel was unstoppable in Portugal, racking up 42 goals to claim his second Golden Shoe. His dominance in the box and aerial prowess were unmatched.
Read also: Ranking the 50 Best Strikers of the 21st Century - Ranked
2003 – Roy Makaay (29 goals, Deportivo La Coruña – La Liga)
The Dutch striker lit up La Liga with 29 goals for Deportivo. His consistent output earned him a move to Bayern Munich soon after.
2004 – Thierry Henry (30 goals, Arsenal – Premier League)
Henry dazzled with 30 goals, combining speed, grace, and intelligence. The Frenchman was central to Arsenal’s attacking brilliance post-Invincibles era.
2005 – Diego Forlán (25 goals, Villarreal – La Liga)
Forlán flourished in Spain, netting 25 goals for Villarreal in a breakout season. His technique and movement made him a constant threat.
2005 – Thierry Henry (25 goals, Arsenal – Premier League)
Henry matched Forlán’s total with 25 league goals, once again leading Arsenal's line with elegance and composure. He made goalscoring look effortless.
Read also: The 18 Bundesliga’s Main Shirt Sponsors: How Much Each Club Earns
2006 – Luca Toni (31 goals, Fiorentina – Serie A)
Toni became Serie A's top scorer with 31 goals in a stellar campaign. His towering presence and precise finishing were key for Fiorentina.
2007 – Francesco Totti (26 goals, Roma – Serie A)
Totti rolled back the years with 26 goals in a vintage season. The Roma captain mixed experience with skill to dominate Italian football once again.
2008 – Cristiano Ronaldo (31 goals, Manchester United – Premier League)
Ronaldo exploded in his final full season in England, scoring 31 goals. His form drove United to the league title and a European double.
2009 – Diego Forlán (32 goals, Atlético Madrid – La Liga)
Back in Spain, Forlán had another sensational year with 32 goals. His goals powered Atlético Madrid and showcased his world-class ability.
Read also: The 15 Most Intelligent Manchester United Players – Ranked by AI
2010 – Lionel Messi (34 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Messi’s magical left foot delivered 34 goals in a breathtaking campaign. He added creativity and vision to his already lethal scoring form.
2011 – Cristiano Ronaldo (40 goals, Real Madrid – La Liga)
Ronaldo reached new heights with 40 La Liga goals. His athleticism and determination to dominate were on full display.
2012 – Lionel Messi (50 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Messi broke records with a jaw-dropping 50 league goals. It was the most goals ever in a single La Liga season and a Golden Shoe peak.
2013 – Lionel Messi (46 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Another year, another masterclass from Messi, who netted 46 times. His dribbling, vision, and finishing kept him at the pinnacle of world football.
Read also: The 18 Bundesliga Clubs Earning the Most TV Money - Ranked
2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo (31 goals, Real Madrid – La Liga)
Ronaldo continued his elite scoring form, finishing the season with 31 goals. His power and precision were simply uncontainable.
2014 – Luis Suárez (31 goals, Liverpool – Premier League)
Suárez equaled Ronaldo’s tally with 31 goals for Liverpool. Remarkably, none of his goals came from the penalty spot.
2015 – Cristiano Ronaldo (48 goals, Real Madrid – La Liga)
Ronaldo’s 48-goal haul was his best in La Liga. He combined clinical finishing with his relentless hunger to lead the scoring charts.
2016 – Luis Suárez (40 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Suárez outscored both Messi and Ronaldo with 40 goals, becoming the league’s top marksman. His aggression and flair terrorized defenses.
Read also: Ranking the 11 Players With 100 Goals & 100 Assists in One League
2017 – Lionel Messi (37 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Messi reclaimed the Pichichi with 37 goals, dazzling fans week after week. His performances kept Barcelona competitive on all fronts.
2018 – Lionel Messi (34 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Yet again, Messi was La Liga’s best, scoring 34 goals. He controlled games with genius, adding more assists to his scoring tally.
2019 – Lionel Messi (36 goals, Barcelona – La Liga)
Messi secured his sixth European Golden Shoe with 36 goals. Even with a changing team, he stayed remarkably consistent.
2020 – Ciro Immobile (36 goals, Lazio – Serie A)
Immobile equaled the Serie A record with 36 goals. He became just the third Italian to win the European Golden Shoe.
2021 – Robert Lewandowski (41 goals, Bayern Munich – Bundesliga)'
Lewandowski broke Gerd Müller’s legendary record with 41 Bundesliga goals. It was a career-defining season for the Polish striker.
2022 – Robert Lewandowski (35 goals, Bayern Munich – Bundesliga)
Lewandowski followed up with 35 more goals, proving his dominance. His ability to find the net was unmatched in Germany.
2023 – Harry Kane (36 goals, Bayern Munich – Bundesliga)
Kane adapted quickly to Bundesliga life, scoring 36 times in his debut season. His leadership and clinical nature made him an instant hit.
2024 – Erling Haaland (36 goals, Manchester City – Premier League)
Haaland continued his elite form with 36 goals, cementing his place as the Premier League’s most feared striker. His power and timing were flawless.
2025 – Kylian Mbappe (31 goals, Real Madrid – La Liga)
In his debut season for Real Madrid, Mbappe topped La Liga with 31 goals. His blistering pace and finishing lit up Spanish football.
