Two of the greatest football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in the top 10 of the Most Admired Personalities. They are the only footballers who have made it to the top 20 list; followed by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. According to a survey conducted by YouGov, a British market research and data analytics firm. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have surpassed both Tendulkar and Kohli in terms of ranking.
Following the new list, former American president Barack Obama ranks first in the most admired personalities list; followed by Bill Gates and Xi Jinping. Cristiano Ronaldo has jumped up 2 ranks and is at 4th. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is now at 7th after jumping up 4 ranks. However, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are ranked 12th and 18tu respectively. The study surveyed more than 42,000 people in 38 countries and territories before creating the list.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at 8th followed by 2 Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan at 14th and Amitabh Bachchan at 15th on the list.
When it comes to the most admired women, Michelle Obama tops the list; followed by Angelina Jolie and Queen Elizabeth II. Amongst the Indian personalities, Priyanka Chopra Jonas (10th), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (13th), and Sudha Murty (14th) feature in the top 20.
Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list
With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti Mandhana has now become the first Indian woman and sixth overall Indian batter to score an international ton in all formats.
Indian Women's batter Smriti Mandhana became the latest batter to score international centuries in all formats of the game. With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti has now become the sixth Indian and the first Indian woman batter to have the achievement.
Smriti Mandhana played a sensational 112-run inning from just 62 balls, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes. This is also the highest score by any Indian Women player in T20Is. The previous best was Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 against New Zealand in 2018.
Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out of the first T20I of the series as a precaution taken by the team after she suffered a head injury during the practice game against the ECB Select XI. Sneh Rana handed the debut cap to left-arm spinner N Shree Charani.
Harleen Kaur also scored a quick-fire 43 from 23 balls, to help India score 210/5 in the first inning.
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.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ICC tournaments | Details Stats
Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats.
The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is one of the most discussed topics in the cricketing world. Although Virat made his debut much earlier in 2008, while Babar played his first international match in 2015, the debate about these two batting superstars across various formats continues to thrive.
Both Kohli and Babar were U-19 stars. Kohli won the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophy in 2013 and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats.
Kohli has played 37 ODI World Cup matches across four editions, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 88.20, with five hundreds and 12 half-centuries. The former India captain has been dismissed without scoring only once in the ICC event. His best of 117 came off 113 balls against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Virat Kohli in ODI WCs
Innings
Runs
Not outs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
0s
2011
9
282
1
35.25
82.21
100*
1
1
0
2015
8
305
2
50.83
81.55
107
1
0
0
2019
9
443
1
55.37
94.05
82
0
5
0
2023
11
765
3
95.62
90.31
117
3
6
1
Total
37
1,795
7
59.83
88.20
117
5
12
1
Looking at Babar's record in the ODI World Cup, he has played 17 matches and has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93 and a strike rate of 85.74, with one hundred and seven fifties. He is yet to be dismissed for a duck in a World Cup match. Babar's only ton in the ODI World Cup came against New Zealand in Birmingham in 2019, when scored 101* off 127 balls.
Babar Azam in ODI WCs
Innings
Runs
Not outs
Average
SR
HS
100s
50s
0s
2019
8
474
1
67.71
87.77
101*
1
3
0
2023
9
320
1
40
82.90
74
0
4
0
Total
17
794
2
52.93
85.74
101*
1
7
0
ICC Champions Trophy
Looking at his stats in the Champions Trophy, Kohli has played 17 innings and has scored 747 runs at an average of 74.07 and a strike rate of 89.04, with six half-centuries and one century to his name. He has been dismissed without scoring on one occasion.
Babar has featured two Champions Trophies. In seven matches so far, he has scored 220 runs at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 74.08, with just one fifty. In the 2017 edition that Pakistan won, Babar contributed 133 runs in five innings (two not outs) at an average of 44.33 and a strike rate of 74.71. Again, Kohli has a better average and strike rate than Babar in the Champions Trophy.
Virat is the all times highest run scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup. In 33 matches, Virat has scored 1292 runs at a strike rate 128.8 of and an average of 58.7. Kohli has also scored 15 half-centuries with a top score of 89 not out to his name.
Babar, on the other hand, has played only 3 editions of the T20 World Cup. In 2021, he was the top run-scorer after he made 303 runs from 6 games at an average of 60.60. In 17 T20 World Cup matches, Babar has scored 549 runs at an average of 36.6.
Curious about who holds the unwanted record? See the top 10 players with most ducks in ICC events, featuring unexpected names like Jasprit Bumrah, James Anderson and Virat Kohli.
Cricket is a game of glorious highs, as well as, not-so-glorious lows at times! Besides the massive sixes, aerial catches, and other heroic moments, there's the other side of the game where a player walks back in the pavilion without scoring a single run.
You got it right, we are talking about the infamous "duck." So, get ready to discover the top 10 players with most ducks in ICC events.
Here's the complete list:
10. Mohammed Siraj (11 ducks) | India
Mohammed Siraj getting out for a duck in a test match. Image | DafaNews
Known for his fiery and aggressive bowling for India, Mohammed Siraj holds the 10th place for most ducks in ICC events, which clearly states how batting is not his forte. Siraj has a total of 11 ducks out of 51 innings.
Virat Kohli walks back to the dugout after getting out for a duck. Image | ProBatsman
Virat Kohli being here is perhaps the most astonishing name on the list. Apart from his exceptional batting records across all formats, and having scored 6451 runs in ICC events, he also has 11 ducks in 166 innings.
8. Khaled Ahmed (12 ducks) | Bangladesh
Khaled Ahmed facing a bouncer while batting for Bangladesh in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
A right-arm medium fast bowler from Bangladesh, Khaled Ahmed, appears in the list for having 12 ducks in ICC events in the span of 2021 to 2024. His focus is primarily on bowling and he serves as a typical lower-order batsman.
7. Mominul Haque (12 ducks) | Bangladesh
Mominul Haque after being dismissed for a duck. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Another Bangladeshi player with 12 ducks makes his way on the list. Mominul Haque, a left-handed batter and former captain of Bangladesh, holds the 7th position, despite delivering impressive ICC performances.
6. Keshav Maharaj (12 ducks) | South Africa
Keshav Maharaj batting for SA in an ICC tournament. Image | Outlook India
South Africa's leading orthodox spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who is known for his ability to surprise with the bat sometimes, also has 12 ducks in 65 innings. He is the only South African player in the list.
Jonny Bairstow walking back after getting dismissed for a duck. Image | Sky Sports
Jonny Bairstow found himself walking back to the dugout without scoring a single run 12 times in an ICC event. His explosive strokeplay and skill-set is undeniably good, but it is the count for ducks that places him at no. 5 in here.
4. James Anderson (12 ducks) | England
James Anderson dismissed for a duck. Image | Arab News
England's legendary fast bowler, James Anderson, also has 12 ducks in ICC events, spanning from 2003 to 2024. For a player whose career has been defined by his unparalleled legacy, a few early dismissals do not really matter.
Pat Cummins batting for Australia in ICC events. Image | Cricket Australia
Australia's captain and one of the world's premier all-rounder, Pat Cummins, has been out for a duck 13 times in ICC events. He has been remarkable with the ball and also backed up the team as a handy lower-order batter.
However, the intense quality of bowling and pressure in ICC tournaments make the best ones falter.
2. Tim Southee (14 ducks) | New Zealand
Tim Southee getting dismissed for a duck. Image | India TV News
Next up is New Zealand's swing master, who often showed a knack for hitting some powerful boundaries while batting down the order. That's right! Tim Southee has 14 ducks in ICC events, which is the second-most by any player.
As we come down to the final name on the list, we find the world's best bowler Jasprit Bumrah, with 21 ducks, holding the place tight. The one who so frequently dismisses opponents for a duck, and holds spectacular bowling records, tops this chart as well.
Bumrah has stunned fans every time he has come down to play. Be it scoring the most runs in a single over in tests or having the most ducks, this man will get you everything!
Indian won seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns. let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is cricket’s global governing body, overseeing various prestigious tournaments. These include the ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship. The ICC tournaments are considered the most prestigious in cricket, and players strive to lift the trophies.
India have always had the services of the best players. And thanks to them, India have been a consistent force in world cricket. The same consistency is visible in the ICC tournaments. This has helped the Indian team win seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns.
So, let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles
6. Harbhajan Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
Having started his career in 1998, Harbhajan Singh is one of the few Indian cricketers to have won all three ICC white-ball titles.
He was part of India's 2002 ICC Champions Trophy title-winning campaign, where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka. Five years later, he played a key role in India's triumph in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, in 2007. He was also a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad.
5. Yuvraj Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
One of India's greatest all-rounders, Yuvraj Singh has also won all three ICC white-ball tournaments. He was part of the teams that won the 2002 Champions Trophy, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2011 ODI World Cup.
In the 2011 ODI World Cup, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance. He made history in the 2007 T20I World Cup by hitting six sixes in an over against England.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 3 Titles
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
After India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja went level with Dhoni. The star all-rounder now has three ICC trophies.
Before the latest win, Jadeja was part of another Champions Trophy victory in 2013. He picked up the most wickets in that tournament to win the Golden Ball. Fast forward to 11 years, and Jadeja found himself in the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. After this, he retired from T20I cricket.
3. MS Dhoni | 3 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
MS Dhoni was the first Indian player to win three ICC trophies. Interestingly, he won all three of them as skipper. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India had a successful run in limited-overs. And he showed a glimpse of his tactical acumen early in his captaincy stint.
Captain Cool guided a young team to the inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007. Then he followed it with the ODI World Cup triumph in 2011. And Dhoni completed the ICC ODI tournament trophy with the Champions Trophy win in 2013.
2. Rohit Sharma | 4 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma is level with Kohli when it comes to ICC trophy victories. The current Indian captain has won two of the four titles while leading the Indian team. Before that, he was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Then, alongside Kohli, he took India to the Champions Trophy victory in 2013. Rohit repeated the feat in 2024 and 2025, but this time as a captain. He guided the Men in Blue to the T20 World Cup win in 2024, followed by the Champions Trophy triumph in 2025.
Virat Kohli has been a proven match-winner for India. And the same is true when it comes to ICC events. The top-order batter hardly fails to perform in these high-stakes tournaments. He has powered the team to many wins, including four ICC title victories.
Kohli managed to land his hands on an ICC trophy for the first time in 2011. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad that defeated Sri Lanka in the final at home. Two years later, he was on the podium yet again as India won the Champions Trophy in England. But then Kohli had to endure a decade’s wait to add the third title. He helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 before clinching his fourth silverware in 2025 as India landed the Champions Trophy.
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