When talking about the greatest goal scorers of all time, most fans immediately think of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — two timeless icons. However, the journey of the Top 5 goal scorers since 2000 (excluding penalties) also includes several other legendary figures.
This list not only reflects the number of goals scored but also the resilience, consistency, and artistry they have brought to world football. Especially, the ongoing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo remains a never-ending topic of debate.
Why Is This Ranking Special?
Unlike usual goal statistics, this Top 5 goal scorers list excludes goals scored from penalty kicks. This creates a fairer assessment of each player’s true scoring ability in open play — where skill, composure, and instinct truly matter.
This unique criterion has caused a surprising shift between Messi and Ronaldo, sparking intense discussion across the football community and analytical platforms like Agila FC. The change in ranking has amazed fans and deepened curiosity about the true form of these contemporary legends.
Lionel Messi – 784 Goals
Lionel Messi has surpassed Ronaldo in the list of goal scorers from open play with 784 goals, a number that commands respect from experts worldwide. Notably:
- Messi holds the highest penalty-excluded scoring rate in history: 0.68 goals per game.
- 693 club goals and 91 goals for Argentina (excluding penalties).
- On average, he scores an open-play goal every 178 minutes for the Albiceleste.
- At the same time, he remains a perfect “playmaker” with one of the highest assist counts globally.
If Ronaldo symbolizes power and hunger, Messi represents pure artistry. His superiority on this list is not just about quantity but quality — breathtaking goals that mark the legacy of an eternal football genius.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 774 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only the player with the highest total goals in football history when including penalties, but also ranks second worldwide when considering only open-play goals.
- 774 goals from open play, including 653 at club level and 121 for Portugal.
- At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to score consistently at Al Nassr.
- No one in the 21st century has maintained such longevity and scoring form like him.
Despite losing the number one spot in the penalty-excluded goal scorers ranking, Ronaldo remains a symbol of relentless effort, exceptional physicality, and an indomitable spirit.
Robert Lewandowski – 622 Goals
Robert Lewandowski is a striker who combines strength, positioning intelligence, and deadly composure inside the box. In the Bundesliga, he stormed through seasons with 40–50 goals almost routinely.
- Currently, he is the only veteran still playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
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The fixture congestion creates considerable pressure, yet he continues to score consistently for Barcelona despite being 37 years old.
- His ability to sustain top-level form earns admiration worldwide.
Although catching up to Messi or Ronaldo in total goals is difficult, Lewandowski remains one of the most consistent and effective forwards at all levels.
Luis Suarez – 547 Goals
Luis Suarez is a striker who combines craftiness, technique, and a rare goal-scoring instinct. During his prime at Barcelona, even though he wasn’t the penalty taker (because Messi handled those), Suarez consistently scored every season — showing just how outstanding his ability to deliver results from open-play situations truly is.
- An average of 0.54 goals per game excluding penalties, the highest among players just below Messi.
- From Liverpool to Barca to Inter Miami, “Su the Rabbit” has always haunted defenders.
- Even at 37, Suarez has scored over 40 non-penalty goals since moving to MLS.
If judging by open-play scoring efficiency, Suarez consistently ranks among the world’s elite — a testament to his natural killer instinct.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 488 Goals
Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands as a symbol of personality, power, and extraordinary technique. No matter the league — Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, or MLS — Ibra left his mark with unique goals.
- 84.9% of Ibrahimovic’s goals come from open play, an outstanding statistic.
- He can score with any part of his body: head, left foot, right foot, bicycle kicks, long-range shots…
- His career is a journey of “breaking all barriers” across major leagues, terrifying opposing defenses wherever he played.
Though retired, his name remains synonymous with prolific scorers and a singular playing style.
Conclusion
The Top 5 goal scorers (excluding penalties) since 2000 clearly demonstrate the dominance of legendary forwards over the past two decades. Messi and Ronaldo continue to overshadow all others, but Suarez, Ibrahimovic, and Lewandowski have also helped shape the golden era of attacking football.
In the future, will anyone manage to break into this legendary ranking? Bellingham, Haaland, Mbappé… may be strong contenders, but reaching the level of Messi or Ronaldo remains almost impossible.
