greatest goalscorer in football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to serve as a farewell stage for several of football’s most iconic players. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modrić, Neymar and Mohamed Salah, a generation that has defined the modern game could be making its final World Cup appearances. For some, it is one last chance at glory; for others, a final opportunity to cement enduring legacies.

Luis Suarez’s World Cup journey appears to be over after the Uruguay legend was omitted from Marcelo Bielsa’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament. Despite remaining available for selection, the 39-year-old was overlooked as Uruguay embraced a younger generation. While a little-known FIFA replacement rule technically leaves the door open, Suarez’s international career now seems destined to end without a fifth World Cup appearance.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, several of football's biggest stars will be watching from afar. Injuries, managerial decisions and failed qualification campaigns have sidelined a host of elite names, including Robert Lewandowski, Rodrygo, Sandro Tonali and Paulo Dybala. Their absences serve as a reminder of the fine margins that define the world's biggest sporting stage.

Lionel Messi has named Lamine Yamal as the young player most capable of becoming football’s next global superstar, even comparing the teenager to himself. Still only 18, Yamal has already broken numerous FC Barcelona records, starred for Spain at Euro 2024 and emerged as the club’s new number 10, fuelling comparisons with Messi’s legendary rise.

Lionel Messi once again showed his love for FC Barcelona after the Catalan giants defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid CF 2-0 to secure the La Liga title on Sunday. The Argentine icon reacted quickly after the final whistle and shared a short message on Instagram celebrating Barcelona’s success. Messi’s Instagram story came just minutes after FC Barcelona's victory at the Spotify Camp Nou

Football evolved in 19th-century England and is globally popular. Cristiano Ronaldo holds 873 goals, recent 2023 performance, and major titles. Lionel Messi, a Ballon d'Or winner, scored 821 goals for Barcelona. Bican, acknowledged by FIFA, scored 805 during his lengthy career. Pelé's 762 goals and World Cup wins enrich football’s legacy.

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool after nine years, ending a historic era. He scored 255 goals in 435 games and won eight major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. Despite a difficult final season and tensions with the manager, Salah’s legacy remains unmatched. His future is uncertain, but Liverpool now face a major rebuild without their talisman.

Former Tottenham Hotspur managers Harry Redknapp and Ossie Ardiles were among a host of football stars who attended the funeral of England football great Jimmy Greaves on Friday.

Greaves, 80, has been in poor health since suffering a stroke five years ago. There was no suggestion that he had been suffering from any symptoms related to the coronavirus.

In a scintillating start to their SAFF Championship campaign, India showcased their dominance by thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan with a resounding 4-0 victory at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Leading from the front, Indian captain Sunil Chhetri stole the show with a spectacular hat-trick, cementing his position as one of India's greatest football legends.

Germany great Gerd Mueller, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest goalscorers and nicknamed "Bomber der Nation", has died at the age of 75, his former club Bayern Munich said on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into football lore on May 21, 2025, netting his 935th career goal in Al-Nassr's 2-0 victory against Al-Khaleej. The 40-year-old's stoppage-time penalty sealed the win, propelling him closer to the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo's 90 million Euro transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 is seen as a landmark moment in both clubs' history.

Juventus awarded striker Cristiano Ronaldo a special shirt hailing him as the greatest player of all time and celebrating his latest goal landmark ahead of their Serie A match against Benevento on Sunday.

Women's football boasts an extraordinary number of centennial goal scorers, a feat rarely seen in the men's game. Canadian legend Christine Sinclair leads this elite group with 190 international goals, followed closely by American stars Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm. This remarkable scoring prowess underscores the sustained dominance of top female athletes on the global stage.

Erling Haaland's arrival at Manchester City in 2022 has been nothing short of extraordinary. The young Norwegian striker has set multiple records, such as being the fastest to reach 50 Premier League goals and scoring the most goals in a single season. With an impressive tally of 70 goals already, he may challenge Alan Shearer's all-time record of 260 goals.

The video, shared by Newell’s Old Boys on Twitter, is perhaps the Argentinian superstar’s first ever post-match interview.

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has referred to Brazilian Ronaldo as the greatest talent he came across during his illustrious coaching career. Capello also revelead that Ronaldo's love for parties and alcohol created a big problem for him in the Real Madrid dressing room.

The article lists the top ten all-time goal-scorers in the English Premier League, featuring legends like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney alongside modern stars such as Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah. These players are celebrated for their remarkable goal-scoring abilities and significant contributions to their respective teams in the league.

Harry Kane is set to make history by earning his 100th cap for England during the UEFA Nations League match against Finland at Wembley. The Bayern Munich forward will receive a gold cap in recognition of this achievement.

Don't bother making any plans for June-July; chances are, you'll be down with football fever.

With half of the electoral college for the upcoming elections of All India Football Federation (AIFF) made up of former players, some of the ex-India international players feel that the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia should contest the polls for the post of president.

The FIFA World Cup 2018 has been a rip-roaring roller-coaster ride, and the round of 16 hasn’t failed to deliver on that front. With shock results and late drama forming a bulk of the narrative, football fans on Twitter can’t stop talking about the tournament.

The most-capped player in Brazil's history, 43-year-old Formiga, will play her final match for the national team this month after a storied career including seven World Cup and Olympics appearances, officials said Tuesday.

Australian football legend Tim Cahill feels India need to create superstars like Virat Kohli in football, a game which has an immense fan following in the country.

The sixth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2023 will be held in Lucknow on February 23, 2024. The theme of the awards -- #MoreSweatMoreGlory -- is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our athletes and para-athletes across different sports.

Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo's football career was nearly halted at age 15 due to a rare heart condition. Following successful surgery, he resumed playing and recently became the first male player to score over 900 goals in official matches. His achievements span across clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, an indomitable force in the realm of football, stands as a living legend whose name is synonymous with excellence, athleticism, and unparalleled goal-scoring prowess. Born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo's journey from a challenging childhood, marked by humble beginnings and street-cleaning endeavors, to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time is an inspiring narrative of determination and talent. As a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo's impact extends beyond club allegiances.

In the week of George Best's passing away, when the world is coming to terms with his going away despite knowing that it was to happen someday very soon.

Legendary footballer Pele has paid a rich tribute to Lionel Messi after the Barcelona forward equalled the Brazilian legend's record of being the highest goalscorer ever for a single club.