Football has witnessed many great strikers over the years. These players have not only scored countless goals but also helped their teams achieve remarkable success on the field.
![The Best Strikers in Football History](https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1216244486/photo/as-photo-archive.jpg?s=2048x2048&w=gi&k=20&c=8agNwSD03lZvgud1Ga6w4K3eEce4zy9UKrkoPNndJ74=)
Football has witnessed many great strikers over the years. These players have not only scored countless goals but also helped their teams achieve remarkable success on the field. From the legendary Pele to the modern-day phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo, let's take a look at some of the best strikers in football history.
Pele No discussion about the greatest football striker in history can start without mentioning the Brazilian legend Pele. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored a staggering 1281 goals in his career. Pele was a true ambassador of the sport and his impact on the game remains unmatched.
Diego Maradona Although Diego Maradona was mainly known for his dribbling skills and creativity on the field, he was also a prolific scorer. He led Argentina to their second World Cup triumph in 1986 and scored two of the most memorable goals in football history in that tournament. Maradona scored 345 goals in his career, and his legacy as one of the best players of all time will never fade away.
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi is one of the most recognizable faces in modern football. The Argentine forward has won numerous individual awards, including seven Ballon d'Or titles, and has helped Barcelona to multiple league titles and Champions League victories. With over 700 goals to his name, Messi is regarded as one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo The rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated football headlines in recent years. The Portuguese forward has scored over 700 goals in his career, including a remarkable 100+ goals in Champions League history. Ronaldo's success at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and now Juventus has cemented his place among the greatest football players of all time.
Gerd Muller Gerd Muller was a lethal goal-scorer who played for Bayern Munich and the German national team in the 1960s and 70s. He scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for Germany and won the World Cup in 1974. Muller's impressive scoring record of 365 goals in 427 league games for Bayern Munich is still unmatched in German football.
Eusebio Eusebio was a Portuguese striker who played for Benfica and the national team in the 1960s. He scored an incredible 473 goals in 440 appearances for Benfica and helped Portugal to a third-place finish in the 1966 World Cup. Eusebio's technical skills, pace, and finishing ability made him a feared opponent for any defense.
Ferenc Puskas Ferenc Puskas was a Hungarian striker who played for Real Madrid and the national team in the 1950s and 60s. He scored a remarkable 514 goals in 529 appearances for both clubs and helped Hungary to reach the World Cup final in 1954. Puskas was known for his powerful left foot and his ability to score from almost any position on the field.
Marco van Basten Marco van Basten was a Dutch striker who played for Ajax, AC Milan, and the national team in the 1980s and 90s. He scored 277 goals in 373 appearances for both clubs and helped the Netherlands to win the European Championship in 1988. Van Basten was a technically gifted player who was known for his acrobatic finishes and his ability to score from tight angles.
Johan Cruyff Johan Cruyff was a Dutch forward who played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the national team in the 1960s and 70s. He scored 290 goals in 521 appearances for both clubs and led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974.
Continuing the discussion about the greatest forwards in football history, one cannot overlook the achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two players have dominated the sport for over a decade, breaking countless records and leading their respective clubs to multiple domestic and international titles.
Lionel Messi, born in Argentina in 1987, is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. Messi has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona, where he has won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four Champions League titles. He has also been awarded the Ballon d'Or, given to the world's best player, a record seven times.
Messi's playing style is characterized by his incredible dribbling ability, unmatched vision on the pitch, and his incredible accuracy in front of goal. He is a prolific scorer, holding the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, with 91 goals in 2012. Messi is also a brilliant playmaker, holding the record for the most assists in La Liga history.
Cristiano Ronaldo, born in Portugal in 1985, is another player who has consistently been considered one of the best in the world. Ronaldo has won titles with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has won the Ballon d'Or five times and has also won four Champions League titles.
Ronaldo's playing style is characterized by his incredible speed and agility, his powerful shooting ability, and his determination to win. He is one of the highest-scoring players in the history of the sport, with over 700 career goals. He is also known for his ability to perform in big matches, having scored numerous important goals in Champions League and international competitions.
Updated: 12:35, 15 Apr 2023