Top 10 players with best goal per game ratio
The beautiful game today is blessed with attacking players who are compared by all sorts of different statistics. Some will say that player X cannot be considered world class because of their low xG (expected goals), while others will say that player Y is the best in their league because of the number of times they press the ball. In reality, attacking players should only be compared by one statistic. Goals. However, it’s not just the number of times a player puts the ball in the net. It’s also how often they do it. After all, 100 goals in 200 games is considered much better than 100 goals in 1000 games. With that in mind, here are the top 10 best goal per game ratio of the 21st century that Premiumsoccertips.net has compiled
Top 10 best goals per game ratio of the 21st century
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 0.58
When you’ve conquered Europe’s most competitive leagues and claimed titles with elite clubs, it’s clear you have an extraordinary talent for scoring goals. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his immense confidence and larger-than-life ego, backed up his persona with an incredible career. Representing legendary clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and both Milan giants, the Swedish striker delivered consistently, finishing his career with an astonishing 567 goals in 980 appearances. His ability to perform at the highest level, season after season, showcased his dedication, skill, and unmatched presence on the pitch.
Ibrahimovic’s contributions went beyond individual achievements; his goals played a pivotal role in bringing success to the teams he represented. Across his illustrious career, he secured 32 major trophies, including league titles in Spain, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. This collection of silverware places him among the most decorated players in football history. While his outspoken nature often sparked debate, his undeniable impact on the sport and his teams has earned him admiration worldwide. Zlatan’s career is a lasting legacy of excellence, leaving behind memories of iconic moments and a name synonymous with greatness.
9. Luis Suarez – 0.60
Now plying his trade in MLS, Luis Suárez continues to showcase his predatory instincts in front of goal. With an impressive 576 goals in 968 games, he boasts a remarkable 0.60 goal-to-game ratio, underlining his consistency and longevity at the highest level. This sustained brilliance is what has cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, contributing not only to his teams’ success but also to an enviable collection of silverware and individual accolades throughout his career.
Among his many achievements, Suárez has twice claimed the prestigious European Golden Shoe, awarded to the top scorer across Europe’s leagues. He first earned the honor during a phenomenal 2013-14 season with Liverpool, then repeated the feat in 2015-16 with Barcelona. These accomplishments highlight his incredible goal-scoring prowess, especially considering that between 2010 and 2019, Suárez was the only player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award. His ability to break their dominance speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the game.
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8. Ruud van Nistelrooy – 0.60
The man who once mistook the roar of Old Trafford as boos, only to realize the crowd was chanting his name, Ruud van Nistelrooy embodied the essence of a classic number nine. A predator in the 18-yard box, he rarely ventured beyond his domain, focusing solely on the art of finishing. His razor-sharp instincts and clinical precision made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.
Van Nistelrooy’s scoring exploits were prolific, whether wearing the red of Manchester United or the white of Real Madrid. Yet, remarkably, he only claimed the Premier League Golden Boot once, during the 2002-03 season. Despite this, his legacy as one of football’s finest finishers remains intact. Now back at Manchester United as part of the coaching staff, Van Nistelrooy is channeling his wealth of experience to mentor emerging talents like Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford, hoping to inspire the next generation of goal-scoring greats.
7. Neymar – 0.61
Since becoming the latest superstar to join the Saudi Pro League, Neymar has faced a challenging start to his Al-Hilal career due to a long-term injury that sidelined him for most of their title-winning campaign. Once hailed as “the best of the rest” behind Messi and Ronaldo during their dominance of 21st-century football, Neymar’s career has been a mix of brilliance and frustration.
Best goal per game ratio: Neymar – 0.61
Despite his reputation for frequent injuries, Neymar has managed an impressive 719 appearances throughout his career, showcasing his resilience and talent. He holds the honor of being Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, with 79 goals—two more than the iconic Pelé. With a career goal average of 0.61, Neymar’s numbers place him among football’s elite forwards. However, while his stats are remarkable, they fall just short of propelling him into the conversation for the top five greatest players of his era. Nonetheless, Neymar’s flair, creativity, and ability to shine on the biggest stages ensure his legacy as one of football’s modern greats.
6. Harry Kane – 0.63
The quality in modern football is so extraordinary that even a prolific scorer like Harry Kane—widely regarded as the finest number nine in the game today—finds it challenging to rank among the very best. Despite being a relentless goal machine, Kane couldn’t resist the allure of silverware, prompting his move from London to Munich. This decision, though bittersweet for Tottenham fans, reflected his hunger for team success over individual accolades, even as he was on course to claim the Premier League’s all-time top scorer title.
In his debut Bundesliga season, the England captain wasted no time making history. At 31, he became the fastest player to net 30 goals in the league and shattered the record for most goals scored in a debut campaign. His remarkable start in Germany has earned him a spot among football’s elite, breaking into the top 10 with ease. Yet, as impressive as his achievements are, Kane still has ground to cover if he is to surpass the towering legacy of other Bundesliga legends. His journey is far from over, and his hunger to etch his name among the game’s greatest remains as fierce as ever.
5. Robert Lewandowski – 0.71
When you’re nicknamed “LewanGOALski” by a teammate as iconic as Thomas Müller, it’s a testament to your incredible knack for scoring. Robert Lewandowski has not only lived up to that moniker but has also redefined what it means to be a world-class striker in modern football. With over 600 goals to his name, the Polish forward has cemented his status as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.
Lewandowski’s achievements include winning the prestigious European Golden Shoe twice, in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, underscoring his dominance in front of goal. Whether spearheading the attack for Bayern Munich or Barcelona, his consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him a cornerstone of success for his teams. Remarkably, he’s one of the rare players who seems to improve with age, maintaining his elite performance levels well into his 30s. Few strikers in football history have combined longevity, efficiency, and brilliance quite like Robert Lewandowski.
4. Kylian Mbappe – 0.72
It’s no secret that Kylian Mbappé grew up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, at 25 years old, the French superstar has taken a significant step in following his hero’s path by joining Real Madrid. However, Mbappé’s ambitions stretch beyond emulating Ronaldo—he aims to surpass his idol’s legendary goal-to-game ratio, a feat he is already remarkably close to achieving.
With 332 goals in 462 matches, Mbappé boasts an impressive 0.72 goals-per-game ratio, much of it accrued during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. There, he shared the spotlight with footballing icons like Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and Lionel Messi, yet still managed to shine as one of the most prolific scorers in the world. Now, as he embarks on his journey in the Spanish capital, Mbappé will once again share the stage with other superstars. But make no mistake: his relentless hunger for goals and records remains undeterred. If his trajectory continues, Mbappé is well on his way to cementing his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 0.73
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as the greatest marksman in football history, has seemingly scored every type of goal imaginable. His spectacular strike against Porto in the 2009 Champions League earned him the inaugural FIFA Puskás Award, further showcasing his knack for delivering jaw-dropping moments. Critics may argue that reaching nearly 900 goals required an extensive career, but Ronaldo’s goal-to-game ratio silences such claims, proving his extraordinary efficiency and consistency.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has achieved 30+ goal seasons in four different countries—a testament to his adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence. From England and Spain to Italy and now Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, the Portuguese icon has continued to rewrite history books. His latest exploits in Saudi Arabia reaffirm his status as one of the game’s all-time greats, though questions linger about whether he can still compete at the elite European level. Regardless, Ronaldo’s monumental impact on football—through his records, moments of brilliance, and unyielding determination—remains undeniable. Few players have shaped the beautiful game as profoundly as CR7.
2. Lionel Messi – 0.78
While Cristiano Ronaldo may hold the edge in sheer number of goals scored, Lionel Messi has set himself apart with unmatched efficiency. The most decorated and celebrated player in Ballon d’Or history, Messi is a true genius in the final third, capable of scoring from virtually any situation. Whether it’s a thunderous free-kick, a delicate chip, or a clinical finish, the “little magician” seems to have every trick in the book.
Across his storied career—be it at Inter Miami, PSG, Argentina, or Barcelona—Messi has consistently delivered when it matters most. His staggering goal-to-game ratio of 0.78, achieved with 838 goals in 1,069 appearances, speaks to his unparalleled consistency and brilliance over the years. Yet, despite his accolades and countless records, this is one area where Messi narrowly falls short, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define his legendary rivalry with Ronaldo. Nonetheless, Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest ever to grace the game remains firmly intact.
1. Erling Haaland – 0.82
If Kylian Mbappé vs Erling Haaland is the new Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry, then it’s Haaland who seems to be taking the edge when it comes to the sheer frequency with which he finds the back of the net. The Norwegian’s goal-scoring record is nothing short of astonishing, and what makes it even more remarkable is the fact that he’s likely not yet in his prime. With a jaw-dropping goal-to-game ratio of 0.82, Haaland has proven to be a lethal striker, capable of scoring at an extraordinary rate.
What makes Haaland’s feats even more impressive is how they compare to the early careers of his predecessors. By the time Cristiano Ronaldo had played 328 matches, he had scored just 118 goals—a remarkable figure, but far behind Haaland’s pace. If the Norwegian can maintain his current trajectory and enjoy a career as long and successful as Ronaldo’s, he could well challenge the Portuguese legend’s all-time goal-scoring record. Haaland’s combination of youth, talent, and consistent output makes him one of the most exciting prospects in football history.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Erling Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring feats have firmly established him as one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. With the best goal per game ratio in modern football, Haaland has proven that his exceptional talent and ruthless efficiency in front of goal are unmatched. As he continues to develop, there’s every reason to believe that he could rewrite more records and solidify his place among the all-time greats. His remarkable consistency and hunger for success ensure that Haaland’s career is one to watch, as he chases legendary figures and aims for an even greater legacy.
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