Elite Playmakers
From Messi’s magic to Ronaldo’s power: Discover how football’s elite have redefined the art of scoring and creating in the last two decades.
Other players like Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski also boast impressive stats.
Ronaldo’s 901 goals and 253 assists make him one of football’s most prolific players.
10
Sergio Aguero – 544
426 goals, 118 assists
Lethal finisher. Lightning quick. Premier League’s highest scoring foreign buy. Man City’s all-time top scorer: 260 goals. Record-breaking 2016-17 season: 33 goals. Unforgettable 93:20 strike clinched City’s first title in 44 years. Five-time Premier League champion. A true striking phenomenon.
9
Samuel Etoo – 564
426 goals, 138 assists
Samuel Eto’o: Cameroon’s goal machine who conquered Europe. Barcelona legend with two Champions League titles, he then powered Inter Milan’s historic 2010 treble. Four-time African Player of the Year, Olympic gold medalist, and two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion. Eto’o’s lethal finishing and winning mentality cemented his status as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
8
Neymar – 646
440 goals, 206 assists
From Santos to Barça to PSG, Neymar dances through defenses with Brazilian flair. His 2014-15 magic (39 goals, 10 assists) when he won the treble showcases a career of jaw-dropping skill. With every nutmeg and shimmy, he turns football into an art form, leaving opponents spellbound and fans in awe
7
Thierry Henry – 647
411 goals, 236 assists
Arsenal legend and Premier League icon. Exceptional goalscorer and creator, with his best season in 2002/03 (32 goals, 28 assists). Remembered as one of Arsenal’s greatest players.
6
Karim Benzema – 659
477 goals, 182 assists
A lethal striker with playmaking finesse, Karim Benzema’s 400+ goals and 150+ assists have cemented his legacy. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner’s dual threat as scorer and creator for Real Madrid, coupled with his pivotal role in securing multiple Champions League and La Liga titles, justifies his rank among football’s elite goal contributors.
5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 726
567 goals, 159 assists
From Sweden to global stardom, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s journey is one of audacity and excellence. With 500+ goals across Europe’s top leagues, his peak came in 2015-16: 50 goals, 19 assists for PSG. Ibrahimovic’s acrobatic finishes, consistent performance, and 31+ trophies propelled him to No. 5. This lion-hearted striker’s technical brilliance and winning mentality have left an indelible mark on football history.
4
Robert Lewandowski – 794
654 goals, 140 assists
Robert Lewandowski’s journey to football stardom began in Poland, exploded at Borussia Dortmund, and reached its zenith at Bayern Munich. His 2019-20 season epitomized his prowess: 55 goals, a treble win, and 34 Bundesliga strikes in just 31 games. This Polish marksman’s consistent excellence and record-breaking performances have etched his name among football’s greatest strikers.
3
Luis Suarez – 800
576 goals, 224 assists
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez excels as both scorer and creator, with 500+ goals and 200+ assists. Two-time European Golden Shoe winner and La Liga top scorer, he’s been crucial in multiple league titles and a Champions League victory. Suarez’s brilliance at Liverpool, impact in Barcelona’s MSN trio, and performances for Uruguay solidify his elite status in football history.
2
Cristiano Ronaldo – 1154
901 goals, 253 assists
With 140 goals in 183 Champions League appearances, Ronaldo’s legacy continues to grow. Recently honored as the UEFA Champions League All-Time Top Scorer in 2024, his 5 UCL titles and 7 top-scorer seasons showcase his unparalleled consistency and big-game impact. At 39, he remains a prolific force, holding records for most goals in UEFA club competitions (145) and men’s international football (130).
1
Lionel Messi – 1212
838 goals, 374 assists
With 800+ goals and 350+ assists in his career, Messi’s unmatched dribbling and vision have propelled him to the top. His 7 Ballon d’Or awards reflect his dual threat as both scorer and creator, cementing his legacy as football’s most prolific offensive force.
