Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may be nearing the ends of their stunning careers but for now, they’re still banging in the goals.
Juventus forward Ronaldo continued his remarkable run recently by claiming a brilliant hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Cagliari.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the top goalscorers ever
It took the 36-year-old’s career mark to 770, three clear of Pele’s tally of goals scored in OFFICIAL matches of 767.
Pele congratulated Ronaldo on the feat but still maintains his actual total is over 1,200. Such claims have been widely disputed.
The incredible Ronaldo has moved up the all-time scoring charts in recent years but he, alongside great rival Messi, remain behind Austria-Czech icon Josef Bican.
One thing’s for sure, though, the superstar duo still playing today are among the best to have ever done so.
The debate over which is superior has raged on for several years with both men having helped reshape modern football.
The dynamic duo still have a few years left before they hang up their boots and both will be looking to climb this list further.
Messi is set to overtake Germany icon Gerd Muller while Ronaldo has Romario’s tally in his sights.
However, both will have to continue their prolific form for some time yet if they are to surpass Bican.
Josef Bican is the leading goalscorer of all-time
575 goals (total games unknown) – 1988-2019
A Brazilian journeyman who certainly had the eye for goal.Only recently retired, Tulio played for nearly 40 clubs in his career.
575+ goals (total games unknown) – 1953-1978
The German great was prolific for Hamburger but struggled to turn his goals into silverware.
He scored twice in his one and only appearance for Ireland’s Cork Celtic in 1978.
576+ goals (total games unknown) – 1940-1957
One of Hungary’s best during their heyday and a legend in his home country if not as much elsewhere in the world.
Incredibly, Deak scored over three goals per game during his career at Szentlorinci AC.
Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi celebrates yet another goal
734 goals in 910 games – 2003-present
A true one club legend, Messi has won countless awards to go along with his goals at Barcelona.
The Argentine has a few years left to add to his remarkable tally.
734 goals in 793 games – 1962-1981
The striker’s most important goal was the winner in the 1974 World Cup final as Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Munich.
Muller is also Bayern Munich’s record goalscorer and has well over double the second best.
746+ goals in 754+ games – 1943-1966
Another Hungarian icon, Puskas now lends his name to the award for the most beautiful goal of each year.
He made his name in Budapest before cementing his legend at Real Madrid.
767+ goals in 831 games – 1957-1977
One of the greatest ever and a three-time World Cup winner.
Pele scored nearly a goal-per-game during his 656 competitive games for Santos, though claims to have scored over 1,000 times in his career.
However, it is widely accepted hundreds of those goals came during tour or friendly matches.
Pele insists he has scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo.
770 goals in 1055 games – 2001-present
A modern great for Manchester United, Real Madrid and now Juventus.
‘CR7’ has won everything in the game and is still going strong today.
Could he overtake Bican before he’s done?
Cristiano Ronaldo is still firing in the goals
772 goals 994 games – 1985-2007
Romario lead Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, scoring five goals in the tournament.
He enjoyed a stellar career at a number of top clubs around the world.
805+ goals in 530+ games – 1931-1956
Scoring 395 in 217 games for Slavia Prague, Bican claims the honour as football’s leading goalscorer of all-time.
It is said he scored close to 1,500 goals in total during his playing days.
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