The surprising name that tops Messi and Ronaldo in 21st Century goals per game

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long been considered the greatest goalscorers in modern football.

But in a stunning twist, a new list reveals that neither of them holds the top spot in goals-per-game ratio for the 21st century.

The player who outshines both legends? None other than Manchester City's goal machine, Erling Haaland.

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Erling Haaland: The new goalscoring king

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Erling Haaland, just 24 years old, has already left his mark on the football world. With an astonishing goals-to-games ratio of 0.82, Haaland has scored 257 goals in just 315 professional matches, putting him ahead of both Messi and Ronaldo.

Haaland’s ability to find the back of the net is unparalleled, and his numbers are expected to rise as he continues his career at Manchester City. His dominance in front of goal has quickly made him one of the most feared strikers in the game.

Messi, who is often regarded as the greatest of all time, sits second on the list with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.78. The Argentine legend has scored 838 goals in 1069 matches, a remarkable achievement that has seen him win countless accolades, including seven Ballon d'Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, holds third place with a ratio of 0.73. The Portuguese superstar has netted 987 goals in 1233 matches, making him one of the most prolific scorers in football history.

Other notable names on the list

The list also features other football greats, including Kylian Mbappe, who ranks fourth with a 0.72 ratio, and Robert Lewandowski, who comes in fifth with a 0.70 ratio. These players, like Messi and Ronaldo, have consistently performed at the highest level, but Haaland’s rapid rise has set a new standard.

Retired legends like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ruud van Nistelrooy also make the top 10, highlighting the exceptional talents that have graced the football pitch over the past two decades.

As Haaland continues to develop and score at an incredible rate, it's clear that the young Norwegian is carving out his own legacy. With many more years ahead of him, Haaland's goals-per-game ratio could become even more impressive, solidifying his place among football’s elite.