By signing a hat-trick once morest Tottenham, Cristiano Ronaldo brought his total of goals scored in official matches to 807 on Saturday, surpassing the 805 attributed to Czechoslovak Josef Bican, considered until then by several sources as the best scorer in history.
With 807 goals scored since 2002, the Portuguese superstar of Manchester United can now claim to be the top scorer in football history, although this honorary title remains the subject of debate, with figures diverging according to sources and matches. taken into account or not.
Against Tottenham, Cristiano Ronaldo first opened the scoring with a shot from more than 25 meters in the top corner (1-0, 12th) before restoring the advantage to his close team (2-1, 38th), three minutes following Harry Kane equalized for the Londoners from the penalty spot. He then scored a third time (3-2, 81st) before being replaced.
The Portuguese had crossed the 800 goal mark in early December with a double once morest Arsenal (3-2).
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 692 goals with his successive clubs — Sporting, Manchester United in two spells, Real Madrid and Juventus Turin — and 115 with the Portugal team, which also makes him the top scorer in the national team in history.
According to Fifa, Josef Bican, active from 1931 to 1955, racked up 805 goals during his career. He died in Prague on December 12, 2001.
Brazilian legend Pelé claims on his Instagram account 1,283 goals scored in total during his career, counting unofficial matches. But most sources agree to count 767 goals of “King” Pelé during official matches.
Another Brazilian, former international striker Romario (55), claims the “personal total” of 1,000 goals, counting those scored in youth categories, friendly matches and gala matches. Other sources attribute 772 to him.
