The Record-Breaking Strikers: Who Has Scored the Most Goals in a Season?

In the world of soccer, certain players have left an indelible mark with their exceptional goal-scoring abilities.

These record-breaking strikers have etched their names in history by netting an astonishing number of goals in a single season.

In this article, we dive deep into the world of these prolific scorers and uncover the players who have achieved this remarkable feat.

From Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo to Robert Lewandowski, these legendary players have set the bar high for goal-scoring records.

We will not only explore their remarkable achievements but also delve into the game-changing moments that defined their record-breaking seasons.

We’ll take a look at the overall record for most goals scored in a seasn and then look at the records for the top leagues from around the world.

Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the players with the most goals in a soccer season.

Overall Record

The world record for most goals in a season is held by Lionel Messi in the 2011-12 season.

In that astonishing season, the Argentinian maestro netted an incredible 73 goals in all competitions for FC Barcelona.

That included:

• 50 goals in La Liga
• 3 goals in the Copa del Rey
• 14 goals in the Champions League
• 1 goal in the UEFA Super Cup
• 3 goals in the Spanish Super Cup
• 2 goals in the FIFA Club World Cup

Those 73 goals were scored in just 60 appearances, meaning Messi scored at a rate of well over a goal per game. 

Most of those goals weren’t just tap-ins either – the diminutive attacker produced a range of stunning strikes including free-kicks, long range stunners and slalom runs through opposition defences. 

Quite simply it was a season of genius that may never be surpassed. 

The Next Best

You don’t have to go far to find the highest scoring seasons after Messi’s iconic 2011/12 haul. 

In second place is his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who notched 61 goals for Real Madrid in the 2014-15 season.

That was made up of:

• 48 goals in La Liga
• 1 goal in the Copa del Rey
• 10 goals in the Champions League
• 2 goals in the UEFA Super Cup.

The Portuguese talisman also contributed 16 assists that season, adding to the nightmare he gave defences during the 2014-15 campaign.

Amazingly however Real Madrid did not win the league that season as Barcelona and his old friend Messi swept all before them, claiming both the La Liga and Champions League titles.

And it is that man Messi again who claims third spot in the all-time season scoring charts, with a total of 60 goals in the 2012-13 season.

That was comprised of:

• 46 goals in La Liga
• 4 goals in the Copa del Rey
• 8 goals in the Champions League
• 2 goals in the Spanish Super Cup

Those goals helped Barcelona to capture La Liga that season as Messi continued to dominate defences in the Spanish league. 

Not to be outdone though, Ronaldo notched his own 60-goal season in the 2011-12 season, which included 46 league goals.

In fifth place in the highest scoring season charts comes Messi’s Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, who hit the back of the net 59 times in all competitions in the 2015-16 season.

So tallying it all up, here are the top 5 all-time highest scoring seasons in European football:

• 1. Lionel Messi, 2011-12 season, 73 goals
• 2. Cristiano Ronaldo, 2014-15 season, 61 goals
• 3.= Lionel Messi, 2012-13 season, 60 goals
• 3.= Cristiano Ronaldo, 2011-12 season, 60 goals
• 5. Luis Suarez, 2015-16 season, 59 goals

So it’s a list dominated by two players – Messi and Ronaldo – and two clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Let’s have a look now at the highest scoring seasons by league.

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Top Five European Leagues

English Premier League (EPL)

In the English Premier League, the record for most goals in a single season is held by Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker, playing for Manchester City, scored 36 goals in the 2022-2023 season, surpassing the previous joint-record of 34 goals held by Andy Cole (1993-1994) and Alan Shearer (1994-1995).

Both Cole and Shearer achieved their records in a 42-game season, while Haaland’s came in a 38-game season, making his feat even more remarkable.

The all-time record in England’s top flight (including the old First Division) is held by Dixie Dean, who scored 60 goals for Everton in the 1927-28 season. 

La Liga (Spain)

As we have seen, Spain’s top-flight league, has seen some extraordinary goal-scoring seasons, dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The record for the most league goals scored in a single La Liga season is held by Lionel Messi, who netted 50 goals during the 2011-2012 season while playing for FC Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely with 48 goals scored in the 2014-2015 season for Real Madrid.

Serie A (Italy)

Serie A’s record for the most goals in a single season is 36 goals, held jointly by Gonzalo Higuaín in the 2015-2016 season while playing for Napoli, Gino Rossetti in the 1928-1929 season for Torino and Ciro Immobile for Lazio in 2019-20 season. 

Bundesliga (Germany)

In the Bundesliga, the record is held by Robert Lewandowski, who scored an astonishing 41 goals in the 2020-2021 season for Bayern Munich.

Lewandowski’s achievement broke the previous record of 40 goals set by Gerd Müller during the 1971-1972 season.

Müller’s record had stood for nearly 50 years, underlining the significance of Lewandowski’s achievement.

Ligue 1 (France)

Ligue 1’s record for the most goals in a single season is a bit older, having stood the test of time.

Josip Skoblar scored 44 goals for Olympique de Marseille during the 1970-1971 season.

This record has remained unbeaten for decades, highlighting Skoblar’s extraordinary goal-scoring prowess.

 

Notable Other Performances from Around the World

Brazilian Série A

In the Brazilian Série A, the record for the most goals in a single season is held by Neymar, who scored 43 goals for Santos during the 2012 season.

Neymar’s incredible talent was evident even before his move to Europe, and this season remains a highlight of his career.

EFL Championship (England)

In the English Football League Championship, the second tier of English soccer, Alexsander Mitrovic holds the record for most goals in a single season.

He scored 43 goals for Fulham during the 2021-2022 season. 

That edged out the record that had been held by Guy Whittingham since the 1992-1993 season when he scored 42 goals for Portsmouth.  

Scottish Premiership (Scotland)

The Scottish Premiership has seen some remarkable goal-scoring seasons, particularly during the era of Celtic’s and Rangers’ dominance.

Henrik Larsson of Celtic holds the modern-day record with 35 goals in the 2000-2001 season.

However, the all-time record for Scotland’s top flight is held by Willie McFadyen, who scored 52 goals in the 1931-1932 season for Motherwell.

Eredivisie (Netherlands)

The Eredivisie has produced several prolific goalscorers, but the record for most goals in a single season is held by Coen Dillen of PSV Eindhoven, who scored 43 goals during the 1956-1957 season.

This record still stands despite the league being known for its attacking style of play and high-scoring matches.

Primeira Liga (Portugal)

In Portugal, the record for the most goals in a single season is held by Héctor Yazalde of Sporting CP.

He scored 46 goals during the 1973-1974 season and won the European Golden Shoe for that season for his goalscoring feat.

Argentine Primera División

The Argentine Primera División has seen some extraordinary goal scorers, but the record for the most goals in a single season is held by Arsenio Erico of Independiente. He scored 47 goals during the 1937-1938 season.

Erico is also the highest scoring player in the history of the Argentine first division, netting 295 goals over the course of his career.  

 

Conclusion – The Goalscoring Record-Breakers

The remarkable achievements of these goal-scoring legends illustrate the pinnacle of soccer prowess.

From Lionel Messi’s astonishing 73-goal season in 2011-12 to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 61-goal campaign in 2014-15, these players have redefined what it means to be a prolific scorer.

Messi’s sublime strikes and Ronaldo’s relentless determination have left an indelible mark on the sport, making them icons in the world of soccer.

Additionally, players like Robert Lewandowski, who broke a nearly 50-year-old Bundesliga record with 41 goals in 2020-21, and Josip Skoblar, whose 44-goal season in 1970-71 remains a Ligue 1 benchmark, highlight the global nature of goal-scoring excellence.

Erling Haaland’s record-breaking 36 goals in the English Premier League during the 2022-23 season further underscores the evolving standards and incredible talent present in modern-day soccer.

In leagues around the world, other extraordinary talents have also left their mark. Neymar’s 43-goal season in the Brazilian Série A and Arsenio Erico’s 47-goal feat in the Argentine Primera División all exemplify the universal pursuit of goal-scoring greatness.

These records are not just numbers; they are stories of perseverance, skill, and moments of pure magic on the field.

They serve as benchmarks and inspirations for future generations of players, pushing them to aspire to and surpass these legendary achievements.

As soccer continues to evolve, the feats of these record-breakers will remain celebrated, ensuring their place in the annals of the sport’s history.

Their legacies will continue to inspire fans and players alike, fostering a love for the beautiful game that transcends time and geography.

Now read – Breaking Records: The Legendary Football Matches with the Most Goals Scored