Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most goal-scoring strikers of the 21st century. However, when it comes to the most goals scored in a calendar year, Ronaldo is not at the top; that title belongs to Lionel Messi.
Throughout history, only a handful of players have scored a record number of goals between January 1st and December 31st each year. These players have set goalscoring records that no other player has been able to replicate or even match. This list includes Brazilian football legends, European football “bombers,” and even Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivals, including Lionel Messi.
Below are the seven players who have scored the most goals in a calendar year in football history.
7. Robert Lewandowski – 69 goals (2021)
Many believe that Robert Lewandowski was “robbed” of the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Lewandowski lost to Lionel Messi, who went on to win his seventh Ballon d’Or.
In reality, Robert Lewandowski had an impressive year. The Polish striker broke Gerd Muller’s record of 41 goals in a Bundesliga season in 2020/2021, scoring 43 goals in the German top flight in a calendar year, becoming the top scorer in Europe that year and winning his sixth Bundesliga Golden Boot.
Lewandowski was also in top form internationally, scoring the equalizer against Spain at Euro 2020 and two goals in Poland’s 7-1 win over San Marino. Throughout 2021, Lewandowski scored 69 goals.
6. Romario – 72 goals (2000)
Romario deserves to be called a “penalty box killer” who specialized in scoring goals. In 2000, the Brazilian football legend reached one of the peaks of his career, scoring 72 goals in just one year. The “Little Devil” Romario scored a hat-trick when Brazil beat Bolivia 5-0, scored four goals against Venezuela, and was the top scorer in the Carioca (16 goals) and Copa do Brasil (8 goals).
Brazilian football legend Romario. PHOTO: AFP
Despite the controversy surrounding his absence from the 1999 Copa America with Brazil due to an eye injury, which was later attributed to Romario taking a vacation, he truly returned in incredible form.
5. Zico – 72 goals (1979)
Often considered an underrated legend, Zico proved his potential in 1979 by scoring 72 goals, the most for a non-striker in a single year.
He also led Flamengo to an undefeated Campeonato Carioca title, becoming the league’s top scorer with 34 goals, and shone in the colors of the Brazilian national team.
Zico only moved to Europe in 1983, but his achievements in 1979 are considered one of the peak periods of his career.
4. Pele – 72 goals (1965)
Football king Pele was not only good at scoring goals, he clearly knew how to break down opposing defenses. In 1965, he scored 72 goals, although the majority were in friendly matches.
The King of Football, Pele. PHOTO: AFP
Despite the lack of major tournaments, Pele still scored in qualifying and friendly matches with the Brazilian national team, and became a key player for Santos in their race for the Brazilian championship. But that wasn’t the best period of the late Brazilian football legend’s career.
3. Pele – 75 goals (1958)
1958 was the year Pele “came into being” a legend. At the age of 17, he scored 75 goals throughout that year.
Some of his impressive goalscoring achievements include scoring six goals at the 1958 World Cup, including a hat-trick against France in the semi-finals, two goals in the final against Sweden, and scoring 58 goals for Santos in one season, helping them win the Brazilian championship.
For young people who want to know how great Pele was, just watch the performance of the King of Football in 1958.
2. Gerd Muller – 85 goals (1972)
Before Messi shook the world, Gerd Muller’s record stood for 40 years. Throughout 1972, the German striker nicknamed “the bomber” scored 85 goals, a number that most players could not achieve.
“The Bomber” Gerd Muller. PHOTO: FIFA
Muller scored 20 goals for the West German national team, including two goals in the Euro 1972 final against the Soviet Union, and 65 goals for Bayern Munich, including 40 Bundesliga goals that helped the team win the championship.
1. Lionel Messi – 91 goals (2012)
There’s no other word than “crazy” to describe La Pulga’s performance in 2012. Lionel Messi scored 91 goals in a calendar year, a world record that still stands today.
No one has surpassed Messi’s achievement of scoring 91 goals in a calendar year. PHOTO: BOLA
Of Messi’s 91 goals, 79 were scored while playing for Barcelona, and he also scored 12 for the Argentine national team.
Although Barcelona did not win La Liga or the Champions League that season, Messi lifted the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. To date, no player has reached Messi’s level in 2012, not even Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Haaland, or Mbappe.