The world's greatest footballers - but who's the best?
The battle of Messi vs Ronaldo has the world gripped.
In this website, they go head to head in terms of goals, stats, achievements, abilities and much more.
Always up-to-date, reliable and accurate, this is your main port of call to see who's currently leading the constant back-and-forth battle for the golden boot.
Ronaldo hit 2 goals last night to storm through the 500 career goals barrier in style, bringing his grand total to 501. And counting!
The Real Madrid star also extended his recently attained all time Champions League goal record to 82 (now 5 ahead of Messi), and equalled Raul’s all time goals record for Real Madrid, with 323 goals since he joined in 2009.
He will of course hold that record outright in the very near future, but in the meantime, let’s dig a bit deeper into his 501 career goals and take a look at exactly how he’s scored them with the below infographic.
Another historic night for Cristiano Ronaldo tonight as he scored both goals in a 2-0 away victory at Malmo in the Champions League.
These were goals number 500 and 501 in an astonishing career. Just as significant, this brace also brings him level with Raúl as Real Madrid’s all time leading goalscorer on 323 goals.
Cristiano’s goals to games ratio is just a teeny bit more impressive though…
Real Madrid All Time Top Scorers
Player
Goals
Appearances
Ratio
Cristiano Ronaldo
323
308
1.05
Raúl
323
741
0.44
Alfredo Di Stéfano
307
396
0.78
Carlos Santillana
289
645
0.45
Ferenc Puskás
242
262
0.92
Correct as of 30th September 2015
Clearly, Ronaldo’s goals to games ratio is ridiculous quite frankly, and he will go on to set what must surely be a practically unbreakable record. No disrespect is meant to the legendary Raúl of course – this just demonstrates what a phenomenon Ronaldo really is.
Tonight also saw Cristiano clinch another little record – this one, from his great rival Lionel Messi. He has now scored the most braces in Champions League history with 22 braces compared to Messi’s 21.
Check back soon for brand new infographics breaking down Ronaldo’s 501 career goals and how he’s scored them.
Ronaldo is moving from the pitch to the big screen as a new movie documenting his day-to-day life is set to premiere in London and hit cinemas around the world on November 9th.
The film follows Ronaldo over a 14 month period, during which he won the FIFA Ballon d’Or and won the Champions League with Real Madrid. The film crewe were able to see much more than his extensive on-field exploits though, as they were given unprecedented access to the star’s private life and his relationship with his young son.
Watch the film trailer:
Adding to the anticipation surrounding this film and setting it apart from other similar attempts is the team behind the project, who brought us the highly praised biographical films Senna and Amy. With such a track record, a well made piece with extremely high production values can surely be expected.
Lionel Messi was substituted after just 10 minutes of today’s game against Las Palmas after he suffered a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee.
In just the 3rd minute of the match, Messi’s left foot shot was blocked by Las Palmas defender Pedro Bigas, with Leo’s knee colliding with the defender’s in the process. After several minutes of treatment off the field, Messi was then replaced by Munir as he conceded that he was unable to continue. This was the earliest substitution of Messi’s entire career.
The injury will sideline him for 7-8 weeks according to a tweet posted by Barcelona after the match.
Messi has a tear in the internal collateral ligament of his left knee. He will be out for around 7-8 weeks pic.twitter.com/TLor97gmou
Worryingly for Barcelona, this makes him a doubt for the first Clasico of the season, set to take place on November 21st.
The Catalonian’s went on to win today’s match 2-1 with Luis Suarez bagging both of the goals, although fellow forward Neymar continued Barca’s woes from the penalty spot as he blazed his effort over the bar.
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, having bagged an incredible 465 goals in just 593 career appearances for both club and country (excluding club friendlies) at the time of writing.
Unsurprisingly then, it’s been a particularly arduous (yet immensely enjoyable) task trying to select Messi’s 20 best goals from his extensive collection.
We like to think we’ve done a pretty good job though, as our list showcases Messi’s very best and most famous goals, from dribbling masterclasses and exquisite lobs, to perfectly placed free kicks and his trademark edge-of-the-box curlers.
So sit back and enjoy as we take you through the remarkable goalscoring career of one of the beautiful game’s greatest ever players.
1) 2005 La Liga vs Albacete
What a way to start the list. Leo’s first goal in his debut season (not his debut match as some would have you believe) was executed with the composure of a seasoned veteran. He even did it twice, but the first one was given offside, and this video shows them both (the actual goal is at 1:50).
Some bloke called Ronaldinho with the assist for both the disallowed and legit goals there. You might have heard of him.
2) 2007 La Liga vs Getafe
This is perhaps Messi’s most famous goal of all, as it was the one that really announced him to the world and confirmed his place as one of the world’s best at the tender age of 19. An incredible solo effort worthy of the world’s undivided attention, this goal got even more publicity due to its similarity to Maradona’s goal against England at the 1986 World Cup. Watch them both side-by-side – the likeness is remarkable!
3) 2007 La Liga vs Real Madrid
Another special landmark moment for a 19 year old, scraggly-haired Lionel Messi. His first hat-trick for Barcelona came not just in any game, but in El Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Pretty incredible! Go to the 2 minute 40 seconds mark to see the 90th minute hat-trick goal.
4) 2007 Copa America Semi Final vs Mexico
Messi didn’t take long to endear himself to Argentinian fans either. At 20 years old, playing in his first Copa America he scored this quite sensational lob against Mexico – in the semi-final no less.
5) 2009 Champions League Final vs Man Utd
Again, not one to go missing on the big stage, Messi sealed the win in his first Champions League final appearance against reigning champions Manchester United. A wonderful header for a man of his modest stature, Leo judged the ball’s flight perfectly to leave both Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar utterly helpless.
6) 2009 La Liga vs Malaga
Here Messi shows his all round ability as he collects and beats his man with some magnificent chest control, before dribbling into the box as his lightning feet completely bamboozles the Malaga defence. Rather good.
7) 2010 La Liga vs Real Zaragoza
Skip to 0:28 for the action here. Leo shows his deceptive strength to win the ball just inside the opponent’s half – he then leaves a defender for dead with some astonishingly quick feet before turning another defender inside out and finally firing past the ‘keeper with absolute assurance. Definitely one of his best.
8) 2010 La Liga vs Valencia
This goal against Valencia was the first of three 2nd half goals, and was another that truly justifies the moniker of Messi the magician. He receives the ball with his back to goal and surrounded by 4 Valencia defenders – Leo then manages to outwit each of them with some quick turns and deft touches before firing home.
9) 2011 Champions League vs Arsenal
The speed of thought displayed by Messi here is quite staggering. As the goalkeeper rushes out, Leo deftly chips the ball over him before calmly knocking the ball into the net. He makes it look SO easy!
10) 2011 Champions League Semi Final vs Real Madrid
Another day, another wonderful solo goal for Lionel Messi. But this wasn’t just another day, and it certainly was no ordinary opponent. This was a Champions League semi final against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Their world class defenders can’t get anywhere near him as he sprints with the ball from near the half way line, before slotting the ball past the world class Iker Casillas – whose reaction says it all. It’s not fair is it, Iker?
11) 2011 Champions League Final vs Man Utd
Anyone getting déjà vu here? It’s another Champions League final against Manchester United, and once again Messi does not disappoint on the big stage. Messi’s strike can be seen around the 1:47 mark as he picks the ball up in a non-threatening position, and turns it into a threatening one in mere moments. Again, van der Sar is left helpless as Messi powers one past him from outside the area.
12) 2012 vs Brazil
2012 was a fantastic year for Lionel Messi, and this goal was one of the many highlights. Although just a friendly, Argentina vs Brazil fixtures always have a huge amount of pride riding on them, and this time it was a superb hat-trick from Lionel Messi that gave the Argies the bragging rights. His hat-trick goal (at 1:57) was an absolute gem as he dribbles from near the half way line before curling an unstoppable strike into the top corner. Widely regarded as his best goal in Argentina colours and understandably so.
13) 2012 Champions League vs Bayer Leverkusen
We’re cheating a bit with this one by giving you 5 goals for the price of 1. A tremendous feat in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. If we really have to pick one though, we’re going to plump for goal number three (0:55), a truly exquisite lob with his not-so-trusty right foot. Not bad for a “one-footed” player, eh?
14) 2012 La Liga vs Atletico Madrid
Lionel Messi’s scored a fair few free kicks in his time, but none quite as special as this one. From that angle, it barely looks possible for a left-footer to curl one into the opposite corner over a helpless keeper – but that’s precisely what he did.
15) 2012 Spanish Super Cup vs Real Madrid
He’s scored a few against Real Madrid hasn’t he? Another free kick here, albeit rather different to the last one. From 35 yards out, he hits the ball clean-as-you-like, bending it round the wall and beyond the goalkeeper. A wonderful strike.
16) 2013 La Liga vs Athletic Bilbao
Another exceptional display of intricacy here as Messi shimmies his way through three defenders before firing home just inside the 18-yard box – his close control here is nothing short of mind-boggling. Yet another fine solo goal from the maestro.
17) 2014 World Cup vs Iran
This World Cup group game against minnows of the footballing world, Iran, was on its way to an agonising, goalless conclusion. Then Messi happened. It’s a real trademark Messi goal as he picks the ball up in a not-too-threatening position, before teasing the defender, cutting inside and curling a left footed strike around the keeper into the far corner of the goal. Fantastic strike and impeccable timing.
18) 2014 La Liga vs Granada
No individual thrills about this one, but it was a superb team goal and a huge landmark in Messi’s glittering career. Xavi’s long ball, Dani Alves’s first time volleyed cross and Messi’s headed finish combined to mark Leo’s 400th career goal for club and country – in just his 525th game.
19) 2015 Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg vs Bayern Munich
This one sent shock waves around the world. Messi had just broken the deadlock in a tense semi-final encounter with European giants Bayern Munich – he then floored Boateng with a touch of skill before lobbing the world’s best goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.
20) 2015 Copa Del Rey Final vs Athletic Bilbao
Once again confirming his status as a big game player, Messi produced this outrageous solo goal in the 2015 Copa Del Rey final against Athletic. In true Messi fashion, he picks up the ball near the half way line, beats one defender, dribbles down the touchline, beats three more, dribbles into the box, beats another, and finally, beats the ‘keeper at the near post. One of his best.
What an absolutely remarkable list of goals. There are many more worldies that didn’t quite make the cut as well – not all that surprising for a player closing in on 500 career goals! If we left out one of your favourites, let us know in the comments below.
Messi and Ronaldo both began last season just a few goals short of Raul’s all time Champions League top scorer record, but it didn’t take long for Messi to equal and then surpass the record.
Ronaldo was hot on his heels for the rest of the season though, and they both ultimately ended it on exactly the same tally of 77 all time Champions League goals to hold the record jointly.
This season, Real Madrid began their campaign a day earlier than Barcelona, providing the perfect opportunity for Ronaldo to edge ahead of Messi and hold the all time Champions League top scorer record outright for the first time.
Of course, he didn’t pass up on this opportunity as he scored his 2nd hat-trick in just 4 days (8 goals in total), helping Los Blancos to a 4-0 win at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. This puts the Portuguese star on 80 all time Champions League goals, 3 ahead of Lionel Messi. Don´t miss to bet on the next season with a free bet from one of the bookies out there.
The ultimate question: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Every man and his dog has an opinion on what is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting rivalries of all time, and their fellow professionals are no different. They want their say too!
The guys over at BT Sport have posed this dilemma to footballers both past and present, including Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart and David Luiz, along with a couple of the BT Sport pundits. Watch the video below from BT Sport to hear their responses!
Some good points made on both sides, but it’s ultimately a fairly convincing win for Lionel Messi, who comes out on top with 6 votes to Ronaldo’s 3 votes.
How They Voted
Robin Van Persie
Messi
Michael Owen
Ronaldo
Rio Ferdinand
Ronaldo
Joe Hart
Messi
Steven Gerrard
Messi
Jake Humphrey
Messi
Owen Hargreaves
Ronaldo
James Richardson
Messi
David Luiz
Messi
This is obviously just a bit of fun and doesn’t count for much, but the Ballon d’Or – also voted for by fellow players, managers and pundits – is fast approaching. And that is an award both players would dearly like to get their hands on.
Before today, Ronaldo had some how managed to go eight games without scoring for club and country. The drought didn’t take long to break though as he notched Real’s first goal of the day against Espanyol after just 7 minutes. The odds was incredible 5,6 on this happening. Make sure you bet with free bets on the next game.
I think it’s fair to say that this well and truly opened the floodgates, as Cristiano bagged another 4 goals (and assisted another) as he helped Real Madrid to a 6-0 victory.
It’s the second time this year that Ronaldo has scored 5 goals in a single La Liga game, and this time it comes with great significance as it takes him past the legendary Raúl’s tally of 228 La Liga goals to break the record for Los Blancos.
Ronaldo now sits on 230 La Liga goals, which also puts him fourth on the all time list. It’s the rate at which he has achieved this milestone that is truly staggering though. Raúl notched his 228 goals over 16 seasons and 550 games. Ronaldo has needed just over 6 seasons and just 204 games to sail past the record.
Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo’s goals to games ratio is by far the best ever recorded in the Spanish top flight.
All Time Top Scorers in La Liga
4Cristiano Ronaldo2302041.135Raúl2285500.41
Rank
Player
Goals
Appearances
Ratio
1
Lionel Messi
287
318
0.90
2
Telmo Zarra
251
378
0.90
3
Hugo Sánchez
234
347
0.67
As you can see, Ronaldo will soon jump to 3rd on the all time list and is extremely likely to surpass Telmo Zarra’s total at some point this season to sit just behind Lionel Messi in 2nd place.
As this post goes to print, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a staggering 491 goals in his career for club and country (excluding club friendlies). We’ve dug into this vast collection of goals and compiled a list of his very best and most famous, from 40 yard scorchers and swerving free kicks, to mazy runs and imaginative finishes.
So put your feet up, sit back, start scrolling and watch each clip in pure awe and amazement as one of the greatest footballers of all time takes you on a journey through his goalscoring career – and what a career it’s been.
1) 2005 Premier League vs Bolton
It’s hard to believe this guy has been beating defenders and knocking goals in for well over a decade now, but here he is 10 years ago doing just that. The astonishing speed of his stepovers create just enough space to fire the shot home. Not a bad start, Cristiano… not bad at all.
2) 2007 Champions League vs Sporting Lisbon
It’s 1-1, into injury time, against his previous club and a free kick is awarded a good 40 yards from goal. Too far to be any real danger, right? Cristiano says otherwise!
The celebration says it all.
3) 2007 Premier League vs Fulham
A classic winger’s goal here. Picks the ball up well inside his own half, beats 2 men, comes inside – the defenders almost visibly quaking in their boots – and BOOM.
4) 2008 Premier League vs Aston Villa
Ronaldo’s pace is frightening and his quick feet are lightning (I could be a poet!). But that’s not all, as is evident by this bit of genius, his speed of thought is pretty darn impressive, too!
5) 2008 Premier League vs Portsmouth
One of Ronaldo’s most famous goals as it birthed a new way of striking a dead ball. The power and movement he got on the ball was bewildering to most at the time – not least David James in the Portsmouth goal! It’s okay David, I don’t think even Superman on steroids would have saved that bullet.
6) 2009 Champions League Quarter-Final vs Porto
Another iconic Cristiano Ronaldo goal, unsurprisingly. I mean, how do you beat a Champions League goalkeeper from that far out?! How do you hit a ball so hard and still direct it straight into the top corner? HOW IS THIS GOAL EVEN POSSIBLE?
7) 2009 Champions League Semi-Final vs Arsenal
Oh wait, he pretty much did the same thing again… in the very next round of the Champions League. Just if you were suspecting that last one might have been a bit flukey. Nope. He’s just that good.
Now we enter a new chapter in Ronaldo’s career as he moves to another giant of world football; Real Madrid, where he’s not done too badly either. He’s scored 313 goals in 302 appearances for Los Blancos so far (yep, really!), so we had a fair few to choose from here…
8) 2009 La Liga vs Villarreal
Another great solo effort here. Receives the ball in his own half, expertly turns an opponent, skips past another, creates the space to shoot and then fires home from 20 yards. Top, top stuff.
9) 2010 La Liga vs Villareal
And now for another truly stunning dead ball effort. Ronaldo strikes this ball so powerfully and with such definition that it flies straight as an arrow into the very top corner of the goal.
10) 2010 La Liga vs Almeria
You’re just showing off now, Ronnie. He receives the ball in a very non-threatening position – 6 seconds later, the ball’s in the back of the net. Ronaldo bursts into life, goes past 3 defenders with help from the trusty stepover, and then expertly fires home across the goal.
11) 2012 La Liga vs Rayo Vallecano
More genius stuff from the Portuguese star. Running away from the 6 yard box, he somehow has the speed of thought to hit a powerful and precise back heel in the opposite direction and safely into the bottom corner of the goal.
12) 2012 La Liga vs Levante
Ronaldo is so good at finding that extra yard of space for himself to get a shot away. It’s the actual shot that is generally the extraordinary bit though, and this one is no exception.
The despair on the keeper’s face tells the story, doesn’t it.
13) 2012 La Liga vs Osasuna
He did it again. UNSTOPPABLE. The celebration is great, too… those leg muscles are preeeetty impressive, aren’t they?
14) 2012 Spanish Super Cup vs Barcelona
This list wouldn’t really be complete without a Clasico goal would it? He’s scored a few, but this one is probably his best. The flick to take it away from Gerard Pique, the control to bring it back down and the finish… it’s all great stuff.
15) 2013 Champions League vs Galatasary
Ronaldo shows just how silky his skills are with this goal as his quick feet allow him to wriggle past 3 defenders and fire past the goalkeeper.
16) 2014 La Liga vs Osasuna
This is almost a carbon copy of his 2012 goal against Levante (number 12 in this list). Receives the ball in a not-too-dangerous position, touches the ball inside to give him that extra yard of space and then pings it into the top corner like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
17) 2014 Champions League vs Liverpool
Ronaldo’s individual talent is evident, but this goal (which was voted the best Champions League goal of 2014/15) shows how he can come deep and play a pivotal role in an all-round team goal. The intricate give-and-go’s, the movement, and the lob to finish combine to make this a beautiful goal.
18) 2014 Champions League vs Schalke
Those stepovers again! You have to feel sorry for the defender who doesn’t know if he’s coming or going as Ronaldo breezes past him and powers the ball into the back of the net.
19) 2014 La Liga vs Deportivo
We’re nearly at the end of this list and we haven’t had a single header yet?! For one of the best headers of the ball of his generation, this simply can’t do. This goal against Deportivo is quite superb really as Ronaldo is moving away from goal but still manages to get the power and direction to send the ball over the keeper into the far corner of the net.
20) 2014 La Liga vs Valencia
We finish this list with a truly unique goal that no mere mortal would have the ability to think of, let alone actually pull off. Dubbed the “mule kick”, the ball comes across goal a little behind Ronaldo who, turning away from goal, lifts his right leg and whacks the ball home with the underside of his boot.
Hope you enjoyed this list as much as we enjoyed putting it together. If we’ve missed any crackers that really deserve to be in this article (there’s bound to be when you’re dealing with an [almost] 500 goal man!), then let us know in the comments!
A treble win was the potential prize on offer for both clubs last night as Barcelona and Juventus had already wrapped up their respective league and cup titles. It was Barca though who eventually lived up to their favourites tag to win this year’s Champions League trophy and complete their 2nd treble win in 7 years.
Barca were dominant early on and looked set for a relatively straight-forward victory after Rakitic gave them an early lead. Credit to Juve though who held on and found an equaliser in the second half to really make a game of it. Barcelona’s already legendary front 3 proved too much in the end though as goals from Suarez and Neymar won the game for the Catalonian side.
There was no goal for Lionel Messi, but he has been credited with the assist for Suarez’s goal after he knocked in the rebound from Messi’s shot.
Barca are now the first European club to have won the treble on two separate occasions.
European Treble Wins
Celtic – 1966-67
Ajax – 1971-72
PSV – 1987-88
Manchester United – 1998-99
Barcelona – 2008-09
Inter Milan – 2009-10
Bayern Munich – 2012-13
Barcelona – 2014-15
Messi, along with several of his Barca team mates, have now joined a very exclusive club of players to have won multiple trebles.
Players who have won multiple European trebles
Gerard Pique – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Xavi Hernandez – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Andres Iniesta – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Lionel Messi – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Sergio Busquets – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Pedro – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Dani Alves – Barcelona 2008-09 and 2014-15
Samuel Eto’o – Barcelona 2008-09 and Inter Milan 2009-10
Samuel Eto’o remains in an even more exclusive club of one to have won a European treble with 2 different clubs and in consecutive seasons.
What do you think? Have your say…