Goalscorers are always in demand, commanding huge transfer fees and recognition worldwide. While many footballers shine in club football, only a few maintain consistency on the international stage. Scoring for your national team is an achievement that cements a player’s legacy.
Football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominate the highest goal scorer in football history list. These players have consistently delivered for their countries, adding major international trophies like the FIFA World Cup, Copa America, and the UEFA European Championship to their resumes.
11. Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia) – 58 Goals
The towering striker has been a goal machine for Serbia, netting 58 goals in 91 appearances. His ability to score with both his feet and head makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders. Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time top scorer, currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
10. Harry Kane (England) – 68 Goals
England’s captain, Harry Kane, continues to dominate international football. The Bayern Munich striker has scored 68 goals for England, surpassing legends like Wayne Rooney. Kane’s ability to perform in UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup has solidified his status as one of the best international strikers.
9. Edin Dzeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina) – 65 Goals
Bosnia-Herzegovina’s all-time leading goal scorer, Edin Dzeko, has registered 65 international goals. Currently playing for Fenerbahce, the veteran striker continues to inspire his nation with crucial goals in UEFA competitions.
8. Luis Suarez (Uruguay) – 68 Goals
A true football legend, Luis Suarez has netted 68 international goals for Uruguay. Despite playing in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, Suarez remains a key figure in Uruguay’s squad. He was also top scorer in Copa America tournaments.
7. Neymar (Brazil) – 79 Goals
Brazil’s most gifted attacker, Neymar, has overtaken Pele’s goal-scoring record, making him Brazil’s all-time top scorer. The Al-Hilal forward has scored 79 international goals and remains a vital player for Brazil in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
6. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 84 Goals
Poland’s greatest-ever goal scorer, Robert Lewandowski, has netted 84 international goals. The Barcelona striker was instrumental in Euro 2020 and continues to shine in UEFA Nations League matches.
5. Ali Mabkhout (UAE) – 85 Goals
The UAE’s highest-ever goal scorer, Ali Mabkhout, has scored 85 goals in 114 appearances. Playing exclusively in the UAE Pro League, his ability to find the net consistently makes him one of the top active international scorers.
4. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 86 Goals
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time top scorer, having netted 86 goals. Currently playing for Napoli, Lukaku continues to be a key player for the Belgium national team in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and UEFA Euro competitions.
3. Sunil Chhetri (India) – 95 Goals
India’s greatest-ever footballer, Sunil Chhetri, retired from international football on March 19, 2025, after scoring his 95th goal against Maldives. The Indian captain was instrumental in his country’s qualification for multiple AFC Asian Cups, making him one of the highest goal scorers in international football history.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 112 Goals
Lionel Messi has scored 112 international goals for Argentina, playing a pivotal role in FIFA World Cup 2022 and Copa America 2021 & 2024 victories. The Inter Miami forward remains a key figure in World Cup 2026 qualification matches.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 135 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer in football history, has netted 135 international goals. The Al-Nassr forward remains Portugal’s key player in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
FAQs
1. Who is the highest active goal scorer in international football?
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with 135 international goals for Portugal.
2. Who has scored the most goals for Argentina?
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 112 goals.
3. Has Sunil Chhetri retired from international football?
Yes, Sunil Chhetri retired on March 19, 2025, after scoring 95 goals for India.
4. How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?
Neymar has scored 79 goals, surpassing Pele’s record.
5. Who is England’s all-time top scorer?
Harry Kane holds the record with 68 goals for England.