Happy Birthday Neymar: Career highlights of the Brazilian football star
As Brazilian football star Neymar Jr celebrates his 33rd birthday today, he present you the career-highlights of the former Barcelona star so far in his career.
Neymar Jr., the top scorer for Brazil in international football is celebrating his 33rd birthday today. The Brazilian star made a grand return to his boyhood club Santos recently and will continue to showcase his magic on the field for the fans.
On his birthday, here are all the achievements of Neymar Jr. so far in his career -
Neymar Jr. Career Achievements Summary
Individual Awards
2× South American Footballer of the Year (2011, 2012)
1× FIFA Puskás Award (2011)
1× Footballer of the Year (Brazil) (2011)
2× Player of the Tournament (Copa América 2021, Confederations Cup 2013)
Greatest football XI of all-time: Lamine Yamal keeps Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar in his team
Teenage football star Lamine Yamal created his greatest football XI of all time, which had legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and four Spanish team greats.
Lamine Yamal just created his greatest football XI of all time with Real Madrid and Barcelona legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The recently turned 18 year old teenage star has been one of the best footballers in the world currently from two seasons.
The Spaniard had a Ballon d'Or 2025 worthy season with FC Barcelona as he helped the Catalan club regain La Liga and win a domestic treble. Not only that, he was super influential in Spain winning the Euro 2024 as he was named the best young player of the tournament.
The La Masia product has recently signed a groundbreaking contract with FC Barcelona till 2031. Moreover you will be wearing the famous No. 10 jersey of Lionel Messi from 2025-26 season.
Yamal made an appearance on China Media Group's "Total Soccer" program and he was asked to create his greatest football XI of all-time. The youngster made an scintillating attack consisting Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine great Lionel Messi. Not only that he had four Spain legends in his lineup as most of his XI players are from La Liga giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With more than 400 clean sheets in his entire career Iker Casillas is one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern football. The Spaniard was not only athletic but was brave in making decisions while pulling up some great saves for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Iker Casillas is the player with second most apperances for Los Blancos and led them to many titles in his career. Not only that as he was as much a key player for Spain as he led the La Roja to their first major trophy in 44 years when they won the Euro 2008. Casillas had only conecced two goals in that entire tournameent.
Casillas won 23 major trophies in his career which includes 3 UEFA Champions League, 2 European Championships, 5 La Liga titles, and a FIFA World Cup.
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals Conceded
Clean Sheets
Club
Real Madrid
725
751
264
FC Porto
156
116
74
Real Madrid B
4
2
2
Club Career Total
885
869
340
International
Total International Career
167
102
93
Total Career
Club + International
1,052
971
433
Right-Back
Dani Alves
Image | FC Barcelona
43 career trophies, the second most in football history, trophies across Europe, 280 goal contributions as a right-back and countless brave tackles, Dani Alves is surely one of the greats of the game.
Although the Brazilian ended his career with bitter sweet experiences and cotroveries, no one can deny his ceredbilty as a footballer.
Alves won 43 trophies in career, which had 3 Champions Leagues with FC Barcelona and 9 League titles across three leagues along with one Olympic title with Brazil.
Here comes the two of the greatest center-backs of the modern era. Both defenders were part of the Golden generation of Spanish football where they won back-to-back three international trophies from 2008 to 2012.
Pique, who won 39 trophies for FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Spain, had a stellar career as a defender. The FC Barcelona legend won four Champions League titles along with 9 La Liga titles, which makes him one of the most successful defenders of all-time.
Pique's stats
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Club
Barcelona
616
53
13
Real Zaragoza
28
3
-
Manchester United
23
2
1
Club Career Total
667
58
14
International
Spain
102
5
2
Total Career
Club + International
769
63
16
Meantime, Ramos who is one of highest scoring defenders in football history is known for his performances in clutch moments. Moreover, he was crucial for Real Madrid as a leader and defender while winning four Champions League for them.
Ramo's stats
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Club
Real Madrid
671
101
40
Sevilla FC
87
10
1
Paris SG
58
6
1
Monterrey
15
5
-
Club Career Total
831
122
42
International
Spain
180
23
8
Total Career
Club + International
1,011
145
50
Left-back
Marcelo
Marcelo, the Brazilian defender is one of the most loved players of the modern era. Quoted by Cristiano Ronaldo as the one of the best players he has played with, the Real Madrid legend won 5 Champions League titles and 6 La Liga, all for the Los Blancos.
Marcelo played 546 games for Real Madrid while having 58 appearences for Brazil.
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Club
Real Madrid
546
38
103
Fluminense
107
11
5
Olympiacos
10
3
-
Club Career Total
663
52
108
International
Brazil
58
6
11
Total Career
Club + International
721
58
119
Attacking mid-field
Zinedine Zidane
Image | Football Espana
Now if we are talking about class, clutch moments, flair and midfield greatness, you will have to have Zinedine Zidane in your playing XI. Lamine Yamal thus had the French and Real Madrid great in his playing XI.
Zidane, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner with Juventus, helped Franch win the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In total he won 16 major trophies in his career.
Zidane formed a teriffic mid-field in that Galactico team in the mid 2000s with Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazario, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos. His peformance in big moments influenced Yamal chose over Barcelona legends like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets in his greatest football XI.
Zidane won only Champions League title, in which he scored in the final, against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.
Probbaly the greatest showstopper of the modern football, Neymar Jr., formed one of the greatest trios of football alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
The Brazilian's dribbling skill had made him one of the biggest attackers in the world which made PSG sign him for a controversial record fee of £200m. Neymar scored the most goals for his country, Brazil while raking up goals for teams like FC Barcelona, PSG and Santos.
The greatest playmaker in football history, Lionel Messi was a no-brainer in Lamine Yamal's greatest football XI of all-time. With 46 trophies, Messi is the player with most trophies in football history. Moreover, the Agrentine is the player with most goal contributions in football history.
El calendario solidario de la @FundacioFCB 2008 en colaboración con @sport protagonizado por Leo Messi, Lamine Yamal y otros jugadores del primer equipo. 🤩
Una acción social para recaudar fondos para UNICEF y para los programas de protección de la infancia de la Fundación Barça… pic.twitter.com/PHqBhEYGaT
The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, just like Lamine Yamal himself, was a La Masia product. Not only that, he was the one who had early connection with Yamal, in a once-in-a-generation photos for UNESCO, where Messi was seen holding a toddler Lamine Yamal.
Messi, who has the record of most non-penalty goals in 21st century, scored the most goals for FC Barcelona and Argentina and surely will be there in everyone's all-time football XI.
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Club
Barcelona
778
672
303
Paris SG
75
32
35
Miami
68
58
26
Club Career Total
921
762
364
International
Argentina
193
112
61
Total Career
Club + International
1,114
874
425
Right Wing
Ronaldinho
Image | FC Barcelona
Ronaldinho's presence on the right wing proves how much Lamine Yamal is influenced with Brazilian style of football. Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner was one of the most eye-catching footballers of his time.
The former FC Barcelona legend had the flair, style and skill which made even the opponents appreciate him.
However his off-field life shoretned his carrer, which could have become more legendary. He won 11 major trophies including one Champions League and one FIFA World Cup.
The greatest goalscorer of the world with 938 goals and counting for his clubs and country combined, is a must in any World XI. Ronaldo, who started as a winger at Manchester United, became a goal scoring machine at Real Madrid.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has won 36 major trophies in his career, including 5 Champions League titles and one European Championships.
Ronaldo's pace, agression, and will to score goal is an asset for any team and looks like Yamal knows that too.
Level
Team / Category
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Club
Real Madrid
438
450
131
Manchester United
346
145
64
Juventus
134
101
22
Al-Nassr
105
93
19
Sporting CP
31
5
6
Club Career Total
1,060
800
242
International
Portugal
221
138
45
International Career Total
221
138
–
Total Career
1,275
938
287
Striker
Ronaldo Nazario
Image | FC Barcelona
Now, here is the ultimate striker. The finishing skill, goal scoring ability, flair, agression, shooting and the ball control - all of these makes Ronaldo Nazario the ultimate striker.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is the youngest winner of the award, when he won it in 1997 while playing for Inter Milan, after a successful 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo won 18 major trophies in his career and is the only player on this list two have played for both Ral Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, he is the only player not to win the Champions League which he has compensted by winning two FIFA World Cup titles.
Top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century. Here are the top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century.
Hat tricks are one of the toughest and most exciting things in football. To score thrice in a single match is not only hard but also one of the rarest things as well. However, some players have made it look so easy.
Today, in this article, we will talk about the top ten players with most hat tricks in football in the 21st century.
But before that, let me answer the question that you have in your mind. I know that you want to know who has scored the most hat-tricks in football history.
Who has scored the most hat-tricks in football history?
Now that's a very tricky question to answer because there is a lack of proof with the data of football score lines from the past.
As per Guinness World Records, the Brazilian legend Pele has scored the most hat-tricks in football history. The former striker scored as many as 92 hat tricks in his career, with seven of them being for Brazil. However, since Pele never played in Europe, there is no exact data or proof to support the answer. Most of Pele's hat-tricks came in unofficial and friendlies as well.
Top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century
Now, to list the top ten players with most hat tricks in football in the 21st century, there will be no confusion, because we have the proof and the data to support our list. This data not only validates but also proves why keeping the record of every football stat is important.
With this list, you will know how the 21st century has been dominated by two of the greatest footballers in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored twice as many hat tricks as the 3rd player on the list has achieved.
Here is the full list of the top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century.
12. Sergio Aguero | 18 hat-tricks
Aguero has scored a record 12 Premier League hat-tricks. Image | mancity.com
With 18 hat tricks to his name, including his club and international career, Aguero is the player with the 12th most hat-tricks in the 21st century.
Not surprisingly, twelve of his 18 hat tricks came for Manchester City, most in the Premier League. However, Aguero only scored one hat-trick for Argentina in his international career.
The former striker scored more than four goals three times in his career, all in the Premier League.
Competition
Club
Date
Match
Goals
LaLiga
Atlético de Madrid
May 21, 2011
RCD Mallorca 3–4 Atlético de Madrid
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Sep 10, 2011
Man City 3–0 Wigan Athletic
3
FA Cup
Manchester City
Jan 25, 2014
Man City 4–2 Watford FC
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Oct 18, 2014
Man City 4–1 Tottenham Hotspur
4
UEFA Champions League
Manchester City
Nov 25, 2014
Man City 3–2 Bayern Munich
3
Premier League
Manchester City
May 10, 2015
Man City 6–0 Queens Park Rangers
3
International Friendlies
Argentina
Jun 7, 2015
Argentina 5–0 Bolivia
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Oct 3, 2015
Man City 6–1 Newcastle United
5
Premier League
Manchester City
Apr 16, 2016
Chelsea FC 0–3 Man City
3
UEFA Champions League Qualifying
Manchester City
Aug 16, 2016
Steaua Bucharest 0–5 Man City
3
UEFA Champions League
Manchester City
Sep 14, 2016
Man City 4–0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Sep 16, 2017
Watford FC 0–6 Man City
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Jan 20, 2018
Man City 3–1 Newcastle United
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Feb 10, 2018
Man City 5–1 Leicester City
4
Premier League
Manchester City
Aug 19, 2018
Man City 6–1 Huddersfield Town
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Feb 3, 2019
Man City 3–1 Arsenal FC
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Feb 10, 2019
Man City 6–0 Chelsea FC
3
Premier League
Manchester City
Jan 12, 2020
Aston Villa 1–6 Man City
3
11. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar | 18
Huntelaar scored 8 hat-tricks for Schalke. Image | uefa.com
Now, this name can come as a surprise to many Gen-Z football followers. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the former Dutch and Ajax centre-forward, scored 18 hat-tricks in his stunning football career.
Although three of his 18 hat-tricks came in the second division of the Dutch League, they are considered official hat-tricks.
Huntelaar scored seven hat-tricks for Ajax and eight for German club FC Schalke. He could only score one international hat-trick for the Netherlands.
Huntelaar scored 366 goals in his career and also featured for clubs like Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Gomez after scoring his 11th Bundesliga hat-trick. Image | uefa.com
The former German striker is one of the most underrated players of his generation. Over his entire career, Mario Gomez scored 333 goals in 610 games for teams like FC Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart and Fiorentina.
The one-time Champions League and three-time Bundesliga winner scored 18 hat-tricks in his career.
12 of his hat-tricks came for FC Bayern Munich, while four came for Stuttgart and one each for Wolfsburg and Germany.
Competition
Club
Date
Match
Goals
1.Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart
Mar 8, 2008
VfB Stuttgart 6–3 Werder Bremen
3
DFB-Pokal
VfB Stuttgart
Jan 30, 2008
Werder Bremen II 2–3 VfB Stuttgart
3
1.Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart
Apr 18, 2009
1.FC Köln 0–3 VfB Stuttgart
3
1.Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart
May 9, 2009
VfB Stuttgart 4–1 Wolfsburg
4
International Friendlies
Germany
Jun 2, 2009
UAE 2–7 Germany
4
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Dec 19, 2010
VfB Stuttgart 3–5 Bayern Munich
3
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Nov 3, 2010
CFR Cluj 0–4 Bayern Munich
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Oct 16, 2010
Bayern Munich 3–0 Hannover 96
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Jan 22, 2011
Bayern Munich 5–1 Kaiserslautern
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Apr 17, 2011
Bayern Munich 5–1 Leverkusen
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
May 7, 2011
St. Pauli 1–8 Bayern Munich
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Aug 27, 2011
Kaiserslautern 0–3 Bayern Munich
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Sep 10, 2011
Bayern Munich 7–0 SC Freiburg
4
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Nov 2, 2011
Bayern Munich 3–2 Napoli
3
1.Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Mar 10, 2012
Bayern Munich 7–1 Hoffenheim
3
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Mar 13, 2012
Bayern Munich 7–0 Basel
4
DFB-Pokal
Bayern Munich
Apr 16, 2013
Bayern Munich 6–1 Wolfsburg
3
1.Bundesliga
VfL Wolfsburg
Apr 2, 2017
Leverkusen 3–3 Wolfsburg
3
#9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 20
Ibra scored 10 hat-tricks for PSG. Image | PSG on X.
One of the most acrobatic and threatening strikers of the modern era, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the highest scorers of the 21st century.
The Swedish legend is perhaps one of the greatest players to never win the UEFA Champions League despite playing for teams like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester United, PSG and Juventus.
Zlatan scored 20 hat-tricks in his career, among which half were for PSG. He scored four hat-tricks for his country, Sweden.
Competition
Club
Date
Match
Goals
Assists
Minutes
World Cup qualification Europe
Sweden
Sep 4, 2004
Malta 0–7 Sweden
4
–
90'
Serie A
Juventus FC
Apr 17, 2005
Juventus 5–2 Lecce
3
–
90'
European Qualifiers
Sweden
Jun 7, 2011
Sweden 5–0 Finland
3
1
66'
International Friendlies
Sweden
Nov 14, 2012
Sweden 4–2 England
4
–
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Dec 11, 2012
Valenciennes 0–4 PSG
3
–
90'
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Oct 23, 2013
Anderlecht 0–5 PSG
4
–
90'
International Friendlies
Sweden
Aug 14, 2013
Sweden 4–2 Norway
3
–
90'
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 8, 2014
Brest 2–5 PSG
3
1
63'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Feb 23, 2014
Toulouse 2–4 PSG
3
–
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Aug 31, 2014
PSG 5–0 AS Saint-Étienne
3
–
73'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Mar 20, 2015
PSG 3–1 Lorient
3
1
90'
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Apr 8, 2015
PSG 4–1 AS Saint-Étienne
3
–
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Mar 13, 2016
Troyes 0–9 PSG
4
1
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Apr 2, 2016
PSG 4–1 Nice
3
–
90'
UEFA Europa League
Manchester United
Feb 16, 2017
Man Utd 3–0 AS Saint-Étienne
3
1
90'
Major League Soccer
LA Galaxy
Jul 30, 2018
LA Galaxy 4–3 Orlando City
3
1
90'
Major League Soccer
LA Galaxy
Jul 20, 2019
LA Galaxy 3–2 Los Angeles FC
3
–
90'
Major League Soccer
LA Galaxy
Sep 16, 2019
LA Galaxy 7–2 Sporting Kansas City
3
–
90
#8 Neymar | 21
Neymar scored four hat-tricks for Barcelona. Image | fcbarcelona.com
The Brazilian modern-day great, Neymar, is one of the most loved and eye-catching footballers of the 21st century. Neymar is Brazil's highest goal scorer ever, with 79 goals in 120 matches.
The attacking midfielder made his name with Brazilian club Santos and then went on to conquer Europe with FC Barcelona and PSG before joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Four of his 21 hat tricks came for Brazil, which is the second most for the five-time world champion nation. He scored four hat tricks each for FC Barcelona and PSG, while scoring eight hat tricks for his home club, Santos.
Competition
Club
Date
Match
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Campeonato Paulista
Santos FC
Feb 10, 2012
Botafogo FC 1–4 Santos FC
3
–
90'
Copa Libertadores
Santos FC
Mar 7, 2012
Santos FC 3–1 Internacional
3
–
90'
Campeonato Paulista
Santos FC
Mar 30, 2012
Santos FC 5–0 Guaratinguetá
3
–
90'
Campeonato Paulista (Fase final)
Santos FC
Apr 29, 2012
São Paulo FC 1–3 Santos FC
3
–
90'
International Friendlies
Brazil
Sep 11, 2012
Brazil 8–0 China
3
–
72'
UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona
Dec 11, 2013
Barcelona 6–1 Celtic
3
1
81'
International Friendlies
Brazil
Mar 5, 2014
South Africa 0–5 Brazil
3
–
90'
International Friendlies
Brazil
Oct 14, 2014
Brazil 4–0 Japan
4
–
90'
LaLiga
FC Barcelona
Sep 27, 2014
Barcelona 6–0 Granada
3
–
90'
Copa do Brasil
Santos FC
Apr 15, 2010
Santos FC 8–1 Guarani
5
–
90'
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Santos FC
Nov 21, 2010
Goiás EC 1–4 Santos FC
3
2
90'
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Santos FC
Oct 29, 2011
Santos FC 4–1 Atlético Paranaense
4
1
90'
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Santos FC
Nov 3, 2012
Cruzeiro 0–4 Santos FC
3
1
90'
Campeonato Paulista
Santos FC
Apr 13, 2013
União Barbarense 0–4 Santos FC
4
–
90'
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Oct 3, 2018
PSG 6–1 Red Star Belgrade
3
–
82'
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Dec 9, 2020
PSG 5–1 Başakşehir
3
1
90'
World Cup Qual. South America
Brazil
Oct 14, 2020
Peru 2–4 Brazil
3
2
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 17, 2018
PSG 8–0 Dijon
4
2
90'
LaLiga
FC Barcelona
May 14, 2017
Las Palmas 1–4 Barcelona
3
1
90'
LaLiga
FC Barcelona
Oct 17, 2015
Barcelona 5–2 Rayo Vallecano
4
3
90'
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Apr 9, 2022
Clermont 1–6 PSG
3
1
90'
#7 Kylian Mbappe | 22
Mbappe till now has scored 3 hat-tricks for Real Madrid. Image | Real Madrid on X
Now here comes the new generation superstar. Kylian Mbappe has already broken multiple football records in his short career for AS Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid and France.
One of the youngest goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history and one of the youngest ever to score in a World Cup final, Kylian Mbappe is indeed made for greatness.
Mbappe has already scored 22 hat-tricks in his career, which include one in the famous FIFA World Cup 2022 final as well. The youngster, who is often compared with Cristiano Ronaldo, has scored 14 hat-tricks for PSG and three for France. The rest came for AS Monaco (2) and Real Madrid (3).
Competition
Club
Date
Match
Goals
Coupe de la Ligue
AS Monaco
Dec 14, 2016
AS Monaco 7–0 Stade Rennais FC
3
Ligue 1
AS Monaco
Feb 11, 2017
AS Monaco 5–0 FC Metz
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Oct 7, 2018
PSG 5–0 Olympique Lyon
4
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 19, 2019
PSG 9–0 EA Guingamp
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Apr 21, 2019
PSG 3–1 AS Monaco
3
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Oct 22, 2019
Club Brugge 0–5 PSG
3
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Mar 4, 2020
Olympique Lyon 1–5 PSG
3
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Feb 16, 2021
FC Barcelona 1–4 PSG
3
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 3, 2022
Vannes OC 0–4 PSG
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
May 21, 2022
PSG 5–0 FC Metz
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Aug 21, 2022
Lille 1–7 PSG
3
World Cup 2022
France
Dec 18, 2022
Argentina 7–5 pens France
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Apr 9, 2022
Clermont Foot 1–6 PSG
3
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 23, 2023
Pays de Cassel 0–7 PSG
5
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Nov 11, 2023
Reims 0–3 PSG
3
European Qualifiers
France
Nov 18, 2023
France 14–0 Gibraltar
3
Coupe de France
Paris Saint-Germain
Jan 7, 2024
US Revel 0–9 PSG
3
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain
Mar 17, 2024
Montpellier 2–6 PSG
3
UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid
Feb 19, 2025
Real Madrid 3–1 Manchester City
3
LaLiga
Real Madrid
Jan 25, 2025
Real Valladolid 0–3 Real Madrid
3
LaLiga
Real Madrid
May 11, 2025
FC Barcelona 4–3 Real Madrid
3
#6 Erling Haaland | 25
In just two seasons, Haaland has already scored 8 Premier League hat-tricks. Image | premierleague.com
Norwegian Erling Haaland is a beast when it comes to scoring goals within the 'D box'. He would always see him at the right place at the right time, scoring some great acrobatic goals.
Haaland rose to fame with German club Borussia Dortmund and then unleashed his absolute best for Premier League club Manchester City. In his first season in the Premier League, he broke the record for the most goals in a season in the tournament (36).
In 329 matches, he has scored 24 hat-tricks and can only get better from here on. 11 of his hat-tricks came for Manchester City, among which 8 came in the Premier League, in only two seasons.
Harry Kane has already scored 8 hat-tricks for FC Bayern Munich. Image | FCBayern on X
Harry Kane is the only English player on our list of the top 12 players with most hat tricks in football in 21st century. With 27 hat tricks in his career till now, Harry Kane is fifth on our list currently.
The Tottenham Hotspur legend, who left Premier League with the second most goals in the competition's history, is now breaking records in the Bundesliga as well.
Kane scored 14 hat-tricks for Spurs and has already scored 8 hat-tricks for FC Bayern Munich in just two seasons.
Suarez scored 12 hat-tricks for FC Barcelona. Image | FC Barcelona on X.
Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez, who dominated European football first for Ajax and Liverpool and then for FC Barcelona, creating the famous M-S-N trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar, scored 30 hat-tricks in his career.
Suarez is currently playing for Inter Miami and has scored 505 goals so far in his career, among which 69 came for Uruguay.
Twelve of his total 30 career hat-tricks came for FC Barcelona and 9 for Ajax during his early days.
Lewandowski has scored three hat-tricks for FC Barcelona. Image | FC Barcelona on X
If we do not count Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski of Poland has been the greatest footballer of this generation. It is harsh that he always gets compared to those two and has not recieve the appreciation he should get.
He was even unlucky not to win the 2020 Ballon d'Or, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. Apart from Messi and Cristiano, he is the only player to score over 100 Champions League goals.
Lewandowski scored 34 hat-tricks in his career so far, and 20 of them came for FC Bayern Munich, where he won 8 Bundesliga and one Champions League titles. With 6 UCL hat-tricks, he is the player with the second most hat-tricks in the competition's history, only behind Lionel Messi.
Competition
Club/National Team
Date
Match
Goals
Fortuna 1 Liga
Znicz Pruszkow
Sep 19, 2007
Znicz Pruszkow 4–2 GKS Jastrzebie
3
Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund
Oct 1, 2011
Dortmund 4–0 Augsburg
3
DFB-Pokal
Borussia Dortmund
May 12, 2012
Dortmund 5–2 Bayern Munich
3
UEFA Champions League
Borussia Dortmund
Apr 24, 2013
Dortmund 4–1 Real Madrid
4
Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund
Nov 1, 2013
Dortmund 6–1 Stuttgart
3
Euro Qualifiers
Poland
Sep 7, 2014
Gibraltar 0–7 Poland
4
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Sep 22, 2015
Bayern 5–1 Wolfsburg
5
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Sep 29, 2015
Bayern 5–0 Dinamo Zagreb
3
Euro Qualifiers
Poland
Jun 13, 2015
Poland 4–0 Georgia
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Aug 26, 2016
Bayern 6–0 Werder Bremen
3
DFB-Pokal
Bayern Munich
Aug 19, 2016
Carl Zeiss Jena 0–5 Bayern
3
World Cup Qualifiers
Poland
Oct 8, 2016
Poland 3–2 Denmark
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Feb 25, 2017
Bayern 8–0 Hamburg
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Apr 1, 2017
Bayern 6–0 Augsburg
3
World Cup Qualifiers
Poland
Jun 10, 2017
Poland 3–1 Romania
3
World Cup Qualifiers
Poland
Oct 5, 2017
Armenia 1–6 Poland
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Mar 10, 2018
Bayern 6–0 Hamburg
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Mar 31, 2018
Bayern 6–0 Dortmund
3
DFL-Supercup
Bayern Munich
Aug 12, 2018
Frankfurt 0–5 Bayern
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Aug 24, 2019
Schalke 0–3 Bayern
3
Euro Qualifiers
Poland
Oct 10, 2019
Latvia 0–3 Poland
3
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Nov 26, 2019
Red Star Belgrade 0–6 Bayern
4
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Oct 4, 2020
Bayern 4–3 Hertha BSC
4
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Oct 24, 2020
Bayern 5–0 Eintracht Frankfurt
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Mar 6, 2021
Bayern 4–2 Dortmund
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Mar 20, 2021
Bayern 4–0 Stuttgart
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
May 8, 2021
Bayern 6–0 Gladbach
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Aug 28, 2021
Bayern 5–0 Hertha
3
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Nov 2, 2021
Bayern 5–2 Benfica
3
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
Jan 15, 2022
Köln 0–4 Bayern
3
UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Mar 8, 2022
Bayern 7–1 Salzburg
3
UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona
Sep 7, 2022
Barcelona 5–1 Viktoria Plzen
3
LaLiga
FC Barcelona
Apr 29, 2024
Barcelona 4–2 Valencia
3
LaLiga
FC Barcelona
Oct 6, 2024
Alavés 0–3 Barcelona
3
#2 Lionel Messi | 59
Messi scored most non-penalty hat-tricks in football history.
Now you will have to bear with me a bit because the list will get bigger.
Lionel Messi, who has won the most trophies in football history, won the most Ballon d'Or awards, scored the second most four or more goals in football (8), and also has the record for most goal contributions in football history, scoring 59 hat-tricks in his career so far.
Messi also has the record of scoring the most La Liga (36) hat-tricks, which is more than other player's whole career.
The Argentine has scored 48 hat-tricks for FC Barcelona, which is also a record. Messi till now has scored 10 international hat-tricks, the most for Argentina and joint-most in international football history.
Moreover, out of Messi's 59 hat-tricks, only 12 included a penalty, which makes him the player with the most non-penalty hat-tricks as well.
Date
Team
Opponent
Score
Competition
Goals
Pens
10/03/2007
Barcelona
Real Madrid
3-3
La Liga
3
0
06/01/2009
Barcelona
Atlético Madrid
3-1
Copa del Rey
3
1
10/01/2010
Barcelona
Tenerife
5-0
La Liga
3
0
14/03/2010
Barcelona
Valencia
3-0
La Liga
3
0
21/03/2010
Barcelona
Real Zaragoza
4-2
La Liga
3
0
06/04/2010
Barcelona
Arsenal
4-1
Champions League
4
0
21/08/2010
Barcelona
Sevilla
4-0
Supercopa de España
3
0
20/11/2010
Barcelona
Almería
8-0
La Liga
3
0
12/01/2011
Barcelona
Real Betis
5-0
Copa del Rey
3
0
05/02/2011
Barcelona
Atlético Madrid
3-0
La Liga
3
0
17/09/2011
Barcelona
Osasuna
8-0
La Liga
3
0
24/09/2011
Barcelona
Atlético Madrid
5-0
La Liga
3
0
29/10/2011
Barcelona
Mallorca
5-0
La Liga
3
1
01/11/2011
Barcelona
Viktoria Plzen
4-0
Champions League
3
1
22/01/2012
Barcelona
Málaga
4-1
La Liga
3
0
19/02/2012
Barcelona
Valencia
5-1
La Liga
4
0
29/02/2012
Argentina
Switzerland
3-1
Friendly
3
1
07/03/2012
Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen
7-1
Champions League
5
0
20/03/2012
Barcelona
Granada
5-3
La Liga
3
0
02/05/2012
Barcelona
Málaga
4-1
La Liga
3
2
05/05/2012
Barcelona
Espanyol
4-0
La Liga
4
2
09/06/2012
Argentina
Brazil
4-3
Friendly
3
0
20/10/2012
Barcelona
Deportivo La Coruña
5-4
La Liga
3
0
27/01/2013
Barcelona
Osasuna
5-1
La Liga
4
1
15/06/2013
Argentina
Guatemala
4-0
Friendly
3
1
01/09/2013
Barcelona
Valencia
3-2
La Liga
3
0
18/09/2013
Barcelona
Ajax
4-0
Champions League
3
0
16/03/2014
Barcelona
Osasuna
7-0
La Liga
3
0
23/03/2014
Barcelona
Real Madrid
4-3
La Liga
3
2
22/11/2014
Barcelona
Sevilla
5-1
La Liga
3
0
25/11/2014
Barcelona
APOEL
4-0
Champions League
3
0
07/12/2014
Barcelona
Espanyol
5-1
La Liga
3
0
18/01/2015
Barcelona
Deportivo La Coruña
4-0
La Liga
3
0
15/02/2015
Barcelona
Levante
5-0
La Liga
3
1
08/03/2015
Barcelona
Rayo Vallecano
6-1
La Liga
3
1
09/01/2016
Barcelona
Granada
4-0
La Liga
3
0
03/02/2016
Barcelona
Valencia
7-0
Copa del Rey
3
0
03/03/2016
Barcelona
Rayo Vallecano
5-1
La Liga
3
0
11/06/2016
Argentina
Panama
5-0
Copa América
3
0
13/09/2016
Barcelona
Celtic
7-0
Champions League
3
0
19/10/2016
Barcelona
Manchester City
4-0
Champions League
3
0
09/09/2017
Barcelona
Espanyol
5-0
La Liga
3
0
19/09/2017
Barcelona
Eibar
6-1
La Liga
4
1
11/10/2017
Argentina
Ecuador
3-1
World Cup Qualifier
3
0
07/04/2018
Barcelona
Leganés
3-1
La Liga
3
0
29/04/2018
Barcelona
Deportivo La Coruña
4-2
La Liga
3
0
30/05/2018
Argentina
Haiti
4-0
Friendly
3
1
18/09/2018
Barcelona
PSV
4-0
Champions League
3
0
16/12/2018
Barcelona
Levante
5-0
La Liga
3
0
23/02/2019
Barcelona
Sevilla
4-2
La Liga
3
0
17/03/2019
Barcelona
Real Betis
4-1
La Liga
3
0
09/11/2019
Barcelona
Celta Vigo
4-1
La Liga
3
1
07/12/2019
Barcelona
Mallorca
5-2
La Liga
3
0
22/02/2020
Barcelona
Eibar
5-0
La Liga
4
0
10/09/2021
Argentina
Bolivia
3-0
World Cup Qualifier
3
0
05/06/2022
Argentina
Estonia
5-0
Friendly
5
1
28/03/2023
Argentina
Curaçao
7-0
Friendly
3
0
15/10/2024
Argentina
Bolivia
6-0
World Cup Qualifier
3
0
19/10/2024
Inter Miami
New England
6-2
MLS
3
0
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | 66
Ronaldo scored a record 44 hat-tricks for Real Madrid.
Here comes the greatest goal scorer in football history,Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend has scored the most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century. And, if you do not count the unverified record for Pele, he has the most hat-tricks in football history.
Most goals in club history, most goals in international football, most Champions League goals, joint-most Champions League hat-tricks (10), most league hat-tricks (45) - these are a few of the records set by the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star.
Ronaldo, till now, has scored 66 career hat-tricks, among which 44 came for Real Madrid, a record for the Los Blancos. Moreover, he has scored four or more goals in a game a record 11 times, scoring 4 goals in a game nine times and 5 goals twice.
However, compared with Lionel Messi, 29 of Ronaldo's 66 career hat-tricks included a penalty.
Who has scored the most goals in the 21st century? In this article, we present to you the top 13 highest-scoring footballers of the 21st century. Check where Messi and Ronaldo stand.
The 21st century has been a golden age for football, filled with breathtaking talents and goal-scoring giants. It gave us the legends whose legacy can never be matched, and moments to cherish for the longest time.
The footballers indeed took this sport to another level, shaping the modern era with passion and brilliance. Join us as we count down the highest-scoring footballers in the 21st century, celebrating their remarkable journey.
13. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (408 goals) | Netherlands
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar celebrating a winning goal in the added time for Netherlands in 2014 World Cup. Image | Facebook
Goals: 408
Matches: 738
Position: Forward
Securing the 13th position is Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with 408 goals in 738 matches. He made his international debut in 2006 and was widely known for his lethal finishing. He reached the 2010 World Cup Final, where they ended up as runners-up.
Huntelaar won multiple Dutch Cups and Eredivisie titles for Ajax. He had a rollercoaster-like club journey, with his stints for AC Milan and Real Madrid. He later became a fan favourite for FC Schalke 04, where he was the Bundesliga's top scorer in 2011-12.
Samuel Eto'o celebrating a goal with a text on his shirt that reads "MERCI MAMAN," which translates to "Thank you Mom" in French. Image | X
Goals: 424
Matches: 872
Position: Forward
Cameroon's iconic striker and all-time leading goal-scorer, Samuel Eto'o, holds the 12th spot with 424 goals in 872 matches, after his international debut in 1997.
From winning an Olympic gold medal in 2000 to leading the Indomitable Lions to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002) and winning 3 La Liga titles and 2 Champions League titles (2006, 2009) for Barcelona, he has done it all.
He then moved to Inter Milan and achieved a historic treble in 2010, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and another Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Samuel is the only player to win back-to-back trebles with different clubs.
Breakdown of Samuel's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
Country Matches
Country Goals
754
368
118
56
11. David Villa (426 goals) | Spain
David Villa celebrating a goal for Spain in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Image | Mint
Goals: 426
Matches: 827
Position: Forward
The former Spanish footballer, David Villa, holds the 10th position with 426 goals in 827 matches. He made his international debut in 2005 and has been unstoppable ever since. He was a crucial part of Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, where his 5 goals made him a joint top scorer.
Villa also found immense success in his club career, where he won numerous titles forBarcelona, including the UEFA Champions League in 2011 and 2 La Liga titles. He also won another La Liga title with Atletico Madrid.
Additionally, he holds the record of being Spain's all-time top scorer, which is unmatched even years after his retirement (in 2019).
Sergio Aguero is an impressive Argentinian footballer who made his international debut in 2006, scoring 426 goals in 786 matches.
He won the 2021 Copa America with the national team, but unfortunately missed the chance to be a part of the World Cup-winning squad of 2022.
He became an icon for Manchester City, transforming into the leading goal-scorer, who played a key part in securing their first Premier League title in 44 years in 2012.
After that famous victory, he never looked back and went on to win 6 Premier League titles, 6 League Cups, and one FA Cup. He also holds the most Premier League hat-tricks (12 times).
Neymar is the only Brazilian footballer to make it to the top 10 of this list, with 442 goals in 731 matches. After his international debut in 2010, he quickly became the face of the national team.
He is now Brazil's all-time leading scorer, surpassing legendary Pele's long-standing record.
Neymar led Brazil to win an Olympic gold medal in 2016 and won the Confederations Cup in 2013. He also did brilliantly at club level, playing for Barcelona and PSG, and later moving to Al-Hilal and Santos.
Neymar is hands down the most exciting and effective attacker of his generation, who is equally fun to watch!
Cavani celebrating a goal against Portugal in 2018 World Cup. Image | Sky Sports
Goals: 456
Matches: 865
Position: Forward
The Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, who debuted internationally in 2008, scored 456 goals in 865 matches, which earned him the deserved spot here. He played a key role in Uruguay's 2011 Copa America win.
His scoring rate and passion made him the leading goal-scorer for Paris Saint-Germain (a record later surpassed by Kylian Mbappe). During his time at PSG, he won a collection of trophies, including six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, and five French League Cups.
Cavani also had successful spells at Napoli, Manchester United, and Valencia.
Breakdown of Cavani's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
International Matches
Country Goals
729
398
136
58
7. Harry Kane (461) | England
Harry Kane celebrating a goal for England. Image | ESPN
Goals: 461
Matches: 714
Position: Forward
Breaking into the top goalscorers and finally breaking his much-discussed trophy drought is England's captain, Harry Kane, with an impressive 461 goals in 714 appearances.
After his debut in 2015, he quickly established himself due to his all-around striking ability, pinpoint passing, and other skills.
For years, Kane's individual excellence, including winning multiple Premier League Golden Boots, was paired with an absence of team silverware. This narrative finally changed in 2025, after his transfer to Bayern Munich, where he played a pivotal role in their dominant 2024-25 Bundesliga title win.
France and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is currently the sixth in the list of highest scoring footballers in the 21st century. One part of the famous B-B-C trio of Real Madrid, Benzema, is the second-highest goal scorer in Real Madrid's history.
Entering the Top 5 of highest scoring footballers in the 21st century is the Swedish maestro Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 558 goals in 949 matches. He was widely recognised for his boldness, acrobatic finishes and lively personality.
In his 10 years for Sweden (2006-2016), he became the top scorer with 62 goals, most likely to remain unmatched for a long time. He represented his nation in multiple World Cups and European Cups.
Moving on to his legendary individual records, he won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2013 for his phenomenal overhead kick against England. He is also the only player to score 50 Serie A goals for both Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Breakdown of Zlatan's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
Country Matches
Country Matches
827
496
122
62
4. Luis Suarez (574 goals) | Uruguay
Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Uruguay. Image | BBC
Goals: 574
Matches: 972
Position: Forward
Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer,Luis Suarez, makes his way to fourth rank with 574 goals in 972 matches. Known for his incredible skills and finishing, he was always a central figure in his nation's success since his debut in 2007.
Suarez won the 2011 Copa America and helped them reach the WTC semi-final in 2010. His club career is equally impressive. After winning the Dutch Cup with Ajax, he moved to Liverpool, becoming a Premier League top-scorer and earning a European Golden Shoe.
His prime time arrived at Barcelona, where he formed a fearsome attacking trio with Messi and Neymar. With Barcelona, he won La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey trophy, as well as the Champions League in 2015.
Lewandowski celebrating a goal for his nation. Image | The Bridge
Goals: 695 goals
Matches: 981
Position: Forward
Coming in at no. 3 is the Polish goal-machine, Robert Lewandowski, with 695 goals in 981 matches. He swiftly became his nation's all-time top scorer with the kind of positioning skills and consistency he has.
He made his international debut in 2008 and became one of the most celebrated Polish footballers of this century. He won two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund and later moved to Bayern Munich, where he cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers.
Lewandowski holds astonishing goal-scoring records, such as surpassing Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season (41 goals in 2020-21) and became the tournament's leading foreign scorer.
He also won two consecutive European Golden Shoes and 2 FIFA Best Men's Player awards.
Messi kissing the World Cup after their victory over France in 2022. Image | Mint
Goals: 886
Matches: 1108
Position: Forward
Probably the most anticipated name on the list, Argentina's golden boy, Lionel Messi, holds the 2nd position with a staggering 866 goals in 1108 matches. Having made his international debut in 2005, he had a career full of greatness, which shaped the modern era of football.
From Copa America glory to the 2022 World Cup triumph, which made the dreams of millions come true, there is not a single title left for him to fill his cabinet. He spent the majority of his career at the club level at Barcelona, becoming their all-time leading scorer.
Messi's unimaginable dribbling and scoring prowess earned him eight Ballon d'Or awards (which is the most by any player) and six European Golden Shoes. He also holds the record for most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).
It is really difficult to put the legacy of the greatest of all time into words and summarise in a couple of paragraphs!
Crowning the list as the highest scoring footballer in the 21st century is Portugal's indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo with 938 goals in 1281 matches. Following his debut in 2003, he was unstoppable and reached heights with his scoring talent.
He led Portugal to their first major international title (UEFA European Championship) in 2016 and followed it with the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. At club level, he won multiple titles with Manchester United, and later moved to Real Madrid, where he became the leading scorer.
Ronaldo's hunger for goals saw him achieve five Ballon d'Or awards and four European Golden Shoes.
His fitness and dedication to this game help him maintain an elite level of goal scoring in his late 30s, making him one of the greatest in the history of this sport.
El Clasico is considered as the greatest football rivalries, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is the list of the top 10 greatest El Clasico matches ever played.
Zamorano celebrating his goal in the 1995 El Clasico. Image | TheHardTackle
The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.
The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.
9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014
Gareth Bale(right) celebrating his 85th minute winner against Barcelona in the 2014 El Clasico. Image | Sky Sports
The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Balesecured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.
8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010
Xavi Hernandez after scoring the first goal of the night in the 2010 El Clasico. Image | CNN
After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.
Lionel Messi celebrating his hattrick in the 2007 El Clasico. Image | 90MIN
This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.
Messi scored a hat-trick, whileVan Nistelrooy scored twice andRamos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.
6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005
Raul Gonzalez celebrating his goal in the 2005 El Clasico. Image | Squawka
The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.
5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960
Alfredo Di Stefano trying to score a goal in the 1960 El Clasico. Image | Alamy
Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.
The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.
4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015
Luis Suarez(centre) celebrating his goal in the 2015 El Clasico. Image | FC Barcelona
During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.
2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011
Cesc Fabregas(left) celebrating his assist to Lionel Messi(right) in the 2011 El Clasico. Image | TheNewYorkTimes
One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.
Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.
1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017
Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.
What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's squad announced, Neymar and Oscar named in the squad
Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers squad has been announced, and Neymar and Oscar have been called for the qualifiers. This article provides the full squad details.
This list includes former Barcelona forward Neymar Jr. and former Chelsea forward Oscar, both of whom are returning to the national team after a long time.
Next week, Brazil national team's head coach Dorival Junior will announce the final squad of 23 players.