Top 10 players with most goals in football scored by the age of 21

Brazilian Ronaldo Nazrio has the record for scoring the most goals in football by the age of 21. Here's a list of the top 5 footballers who scored the most goals in football by the age of 21.

Top 10 players with most goals in football scored by the age of 21

Football history and present have witnessed many skilful and formidable goalscorers. Many great footballers play for their country and represent the country, but only a few can make a distinct difference and win the match. Football fans are always in search of accomplished players and there is an abundance of them. Many footballers started their journey at a very young age and some of them even achieved a lot in their careers. Here is a list of the top 510 footballers who have scored the most goals in football by the age of 21.

1. Ronaldo Nazario | 167 goals in 185 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21 - Ronaldo Nazario - sportzpoint.com

The youngest Ballon d'Or winner in football history and arguably the greatest No. 9 in football history, Ronaldo Nazario is the player with the most goals scored in football by the age of 21. Ronaldo by 21 had scored 167 goals in just 185 games playing for Brazil and clubs like PSV Eindhoven, FC Barcelona, Cruzeiro and Cruzeiro. 

Ronaldo started his career in Brazil and gradually came through the ranks after scoring a lot of goals. He then joined PSV and FC Barcelona before joining Inter Milan, where he won his first of two Ballon d'Or awards. Ronaldo went on to win two FIFA World Cups with Brazil. However, he never won the UEFA Champions League as a player. 

Read Also: 5 Youngest Ballon d'Or winners in football history

2. Neymar Jr. | 140 goals in 220 games

2013 - Overview | Neymar Jr.

If anyone came close to the skills of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the modern era, it was Nyemar Jr. Playing for Santos in Brazil, Neymar made a name for himself with his dribbling skill and goal-scoring ability. Neymar before turning 21, scored 140 goals in just 220 games playing for Santos and Brazil. He then went on to join FC Barcelona and created the most prolific trios of football with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. With FC Barcelona he won every possible trophy there was to win for the Spanish team. Moreover, he then went on to win the Gold medal for the Brazil team in the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Read Also: MSN vs BBC: Rivalry of football's greatest trio in stats

3. Erling Haaland | 118 goals in 167 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21 - Erling Haaland - sportzpoint.com

The next footballer on this list with 113 goals in 164 appearances by the age of 21 is Erling Haaland. The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best strikers in the Football world and no wonder why he is credited so. The youngster is well known for his strength, agility, and vigour on the field. In the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he was the winner of the tournament's Golden Boot by making a record scoring 9 goals in a single match. After this, he made his senior debut in the Norway football team in September 2019. His first senior International goal was against Austria in the year 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League B. 

In his club career, Haaland first came through the ranks of the Norweigan football system and then enriched his skill in Germany where he first joined RB Salzburg and then Borussia Dortmund. Right after turning 21, he joined Premier League giant Manchester City and won the treble with the club in the 2022/23 season.

4. Kylian Mbappé | 116 goals in 199 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21 - Kylian Mbappe - sportzpoint.com

Kylian Mbappe has taken football to another level in the past few years. He creates a new record in the world of football every time he steps on the field. In 2017, he made his senior debut for the French team and since then he has not looked back. He is a World Cup winner with France and became the youngest French footballer to score a goal at the World Cup. Also, he is the second teenager after Pele to score a goal in a World Cup final. The end of the tournament was the best for him as he finished it by becoming the joint second-highest goal scorer and also received the Best Young Player and French Player of the Year awards. He made his debut at 18 years of age and within 21 years of age, he scored a whopping 118 goals in 199 appearances.

Read also: Erling Haaland: Top 10 fastest to 20 UEFA Champions League goals

5. Sergio Aguero | 84 goals in 213 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21 - Sergio Aguero - sportzpoint.com

Sergio Agüuero, Manchester City's record goalscorer, holds the third position on this list with the most goals in football. In 213 appearances by the age of 21, the Argentina forward player has scored 84 goals. He was the youngest debutant to play for the Primera Division at 15 years and 35 days. He made his debut in the senior Argentina team in 2006. The 33-year-old has played for several clubs in his senior career.

From 2003-2006 he played for Independendiente. His extraordinary performances opened his road to Atletico Madrid in 2006 for a €23 million transfer. From 2007 to 2008, he scored 27 goals in 50 matches, and then he moved on to Manchester City in 2011 and played for a decade over there. In 2021 he transferred to Barcelona. Aguero is Argentina's all-time 3rd-highest goalscorer. He has a Don Balon award, Tuttosport's Golden Boy, and the World Soccer Young Player of the Year in his name as well.

6. Michael Owen | 76 goals in 156 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21- Michael Owen - sportzpoint.com

Michael Owen, one of the youngest Ballon d'Or winners in the history of football, stormed into the football world with his striking ability for Liverpool FC. Owen joined Liverpool from the youth team in 1997 and had a stellar career there before joining Real Madrid in 2004. At the age of 21, Owen scored 76 goals in just 156 games for Liverpool and England which makes him appear on this list at number six position. Own won the Ballon d'Or award in the 2001 season 4 days after turning 22. 

7. Wayne Rooney | 66 goals in 212 games

Career in Pictures: Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney |  Page 4 | Shoot - Shoot

One of the greatest Premier League history, Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton, where he finished his career as a legend. Rooney came through the ranks of Everton Youth Academy and joined the senior team in 2002. At the age of 21, Rooney scored 66 goals in 212 games while featuring for Everton and Manchester United alongside the England National team. Rooney was always told to be the best young player of the era and with his skill and goal-scoring ability, he proved everyone right down the line. 

8. Karim Benzema | 62 goals in 143 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21: Karim Benzema - sportzpoint.com

The 21-year-old Karim Benzema was touted to be one of the best young strikers in football. Then an Olympique Lyon striker scored 62 goals in 143 games and then left the French club to join Real Madrid in 2009 just after turning 22. Benzema in 2008/09 scored 23 goals in 47 games and assisted six times before joining the Madrid giants. 

Benzema went on to become one of the highest scorers for Real Madrid and won the Ballon d'Or once in 2022.

9. Lionel Messi | 51 goals in 140 games

Messi in 2008 - sportzpoint.com

The list would have remained incomplete without the modern-day G.O.A.T of football. Lionel Messi enlisted his name in this prestigious list of most goals in football by the age of 21 by scoring 51 goals in 140 appearances. In the mid-2000s, the Ronaldinho-inspired player joined Barcelona. He scored his first Blaugrana goal against Albacete in May 2005. Little did people know that this player would change football history and emerge as one of the greatest players of all time. At the age of 14, he shifted to Spain to prepare himself for joining Barcelona. Within 3 years of his debut in Barcelona, he established himself as one of the most impactful players in the club.

Read also: 10 biggest and unexpected football transfers of all time

In 2008-09, he played extremely well and helped the club to win the first treble in Spanish football. This win led him to his first Ballon d'Or. The next three seasons were extremely successful for him and he consecutively won 4 Ballons d'Or. Messi went on to win 7 Ballon d'Or awards till now. 

10. Cristiano Ronaldo | 36 goals in 182 games

Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21: Cristiano Ronaldo - sportzpoint.com

Right one step below Lionel Messi, one of his biggest rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo is sitting in the 10th position with 36 goals in 182 appearances by the age of 21. It is impossible that there will be a list of top goal scorers and Ronaldo is absent in it. No wonder why he is regarded as one of the greatest goal-scorers and best players of all time. In 2003, he signed a contract with Manchester United after scoring 5 goals for Sporting. He won his FA Cup in his very first season. In 2003, he made his senior debut in the Portugal National Football team.

Read also: Football facts: 10 players who have played most games with Cristiano Ronaldo

Meanwhile, he played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009 where one of his best seasons was 2005-06. Then 18-year-old scored 9 nine goals and had 7 assists in 33 Premier League games in his first season. With the Five Ballon d'Or award, he is the European player with the most individual awards in football history. 

Let us know in the comments who is your favourite.

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"I take full responsibility for it": Kylian Mbappe shares message following Real Madrid's defeat against Athletic Bilbao

Kylian Mbappe has shared a message on Instagram taking responsibility for Real Madrid's defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga last night. Mbappe missed a penalty to spoil an early equalizer.

"I take full responsibility for it": Kylian Mbappe shares message following Real Madrid's defeat against Athletic Bilbao-sportzpoint.com

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid: Mbappe penalty miss proves costly
(Image Credit | FotMoB)

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard

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Italy vs France UEFA Nations League: Match Preview, Head to Head stats, Streaming Details, Injury Update and Possible Lineups

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, streaming details, team news and possible lineups of the Italy vs France UEFA Nations League 2024 match as the European powerhouses set to tussle against each other.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 17, 2024, 2:42 AM

Italy vs France UEFA Nations League: Match Preview, Head to Head stats, Streaming Details, Injury Update and Possible Lineups

The stage is set for an epic showdown as Italy takes on France in what promises to be an exciting Nations League clash. With a storied history of rivalries and memorable encounters, both teams come into this match with high stakes.

Italy secured their spot in the Nations League knockout phase on Thursday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s early strike. The Azzurri’s fourth win in five matches came after overcoming a few nervy moments, extending their unbeaten run since their disappointing Euro 2024 exit.

Luciano Spalletti's men have shown remarkable improvement, previously defeating Israel twice and holding Belgium to a draw in Rome despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly an hour. The campaign began on a high in September when Italy bounced back from conceding in just 13 seconds to beat arch-rivals France at Parc des Princes.

Now through to the quarter-finals in March, Italy could secure top spot in Group 2 with a result on Sunday. They need to avoid a loss by two goals or more. Meanwhile, although France has also qualified for the next round, their November camp has been far from smooth.

Read Also| Olympique Lyonnais faces provisional relegation and transfer ban

Match Details

Match: Italy vs France

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 13

France wins: 7

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

Read Also| Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement

Team News and Injury Update

With qualification already secured, Italy may opt for some changes to their lineup, potentially rotating their attack. 

Italy's injury concerns include Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli has been called up to replace Ricci and will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a midfield spot.

On the other hand, France will be without Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, whose absence remains unexplained, as well as injured players Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembélé, Loïc Badé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

AC Milan duo Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start on familiar ground at San Siro. At the same time, Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will contend with Randal Kolo Muani for the central striker role. Kingsley Coman, brought in to replace the injured Dembélé, is in the mix alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for starting spots in France's attacking lineup.

Read Also| Substitutions that changed the football history

Possible Starting XI

Italy's possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola; Thuram

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Portugal vs Poland UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head, Permutations and State of Play

As the UEFA Nations League resumes Sportz Point brings you all the talking points to look out for in a game that promises to nothing short of exciting.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 14, 2024, 2:32 PM

Portugal vs Poland UEFA Nations League: Preview, Head to Head, Permutations and State of Play

Portugal will pay host to the Polish team in the UEFA Nationes League group game on the 15th of November 2024 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto at 1.15 AM IST.

The hosts currently sit at the top of group 1 in League A recording 3 wins and 1 draw from four matches currently played and they will have the chance to extend their lead if they secure a crucial win against Poland.

However, the same cannot be said for Poland. The team has managed one win out of  4 matches and they sit 3rd in the group only above Scotland. It remains to be seen if Michal Probierz can change the fortune of the team moving foward.

Read Also| Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Match Details

Match: Portugal vs Poland

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal

Read Also| UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin hits back amid controversy over excessive number of matches

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 9

Portugal wins: 4

Poland wins: 2

Draws: 3

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Previous Records

Portugal and Poland have faced each other 9 times. Portugal have recorded more wins as they have won 4 times in this fixture. Poland has won twice. The other 3 matches ended in a draw, with the last meeting between these two teams in October 2024. 

Read Also| Substitutions that changed the football history

Match Prediction

Portugal has a significant advantage going into games because they are the host team, which is another factor that contributes to the odds being stacked in their favour. 

It will be very tough for the Polish players to control Portugal since, on paper, they are a stronger and more balanced team with speedy forwards who can take advantage of gaps and excellent midfield players that have the capacity to maintain pressure.

Team News and Injury Update

Robert Lewandoski has been ruled out of this fixture it will be difficult to for Poland to make an impact in attack with his absence considering that he is their most prolific goal threat.

Portugal is not missing any key player heading into this fixture and this will present the perfect opportunity to improve their standing on the table.

Possible Starting XI's 

Portugal

Diogo Costa(GK), Dalot, Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Bernado Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Neto, Ronaldo, Leao

Poland

Martin Bulka(GK), Kiwior, Bednarek, Piatkowski, Zaleweski, Zelinski, Moder, Szymanski, Frankowski, Urbanski, Piatek

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The most shocking goal misses in Football history

From legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the new superstars of football, there have been many distressing goal misses that remain iconic and unforgettable. Sportzpoint explores the most shocking goal misses in Football history.

The most shocking goal misses in Football history

Football is a sport full of drama, distress, excitement, and unforgettable moments that are cherished from generation to generation. Goals are the highlighting factor that decides the fate of a team and that is why the near-misses leave the fans in agony and sometimes change the course of football's history.

These fumbles in front of the goal are surprising and unexpected at the same moment. In this article, we delve into the most shocking misses in football history.

Erling Haaland 

(Manchester City vs Liverpool, 2022 FA Community Shield Final)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

The Norwegian goal-machine emerged as an absolute cheat-code for Manchester City since his move to Man City in 2022. However, he came to England as and promising youngster but faced criticism from fans after his open goal miss in his very first match for Manchester City in the FA Community Shield Final on 30 July 2022 against Liverpool.

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

Phil Foden unleashed a left-footed strike in the seventh minute of injury time and it was denied by Liverpool keeper Adrian, but Erling Haaland wasted an open chance to score from the second ball as he hit the crossbar from a close range to the goal. Liverpool won the game by 3-1.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

(PSG vs Strasbourg, Ligue 1 2018-19)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Squawka Live)

The Cameroonian International featured for teams such as Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain, and he was a part of the PSG squad who were runner-ups in the UCL 2019-20. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also scored the winner in injury time against Atalanta in the quarter-final of the same UCL campaign.

However, Choupo-Moting got down in history for a bizarre instance in a 2-2 draw against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 during his first season with the French side. Christopher Nkunku successfully chipped the opponent keeper with a shot that was about to go in, but Choupo-Moting somehow stopped the shot on the line in an attempt to tap it in, but his intervention led the threat to get cleared. 

Neal Maupay

(Brentford vs Cardiff City, EFL Championship 2017-18)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Wales Online)

Neal Maupay, the French forward who spent most of his career in England, joined Brentford in 2017 and went on to be a headline for his incredible open-goal miss against Cardiff City in the 2017-18 EFL Championship. 

The golden opportunity emerged as Ollie Watkins won the possession in front of the box by beating Sean Morrison in a duel and he fooled the keeper to pass it to Maupay, who only had an open goal in front of him.

However, Maupay took some time to slot it home as defender Sol Bamba ran onto the goal-line to stop the shot. Surprisingly, Maupay did not let Bamba do anything as he fired it inches off the post. Brentford eventually lost the game by 0-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Manchester United vs Sheffield United, Premier League 2006-07)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Sheffield Star)

Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest footballer ever, also finds himself on this unfortunate list. The dreaded Portuguese netted the most goals in football history, although his unbelievable miss came in his early days at Old Trafford. Ronaldo wasted this open-scoring chance during a Premier League game against Sheffield United in 2006.

A sublime backheel by Wayne Rooney opened a space in front of the box for the Red Devils as Ryan Giggs intercepted the pass before cutting a grounder through Sheffield's defence. The ball comfortably found Cristiano Ronaldo but his strike flew over the crossbar from a very close distance to the goal.

Lionel Messi 

(Argentina vs Trinidad and Tobago, Friendly, 2014)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

Lionel Messi, the other footballer who is arguably considered the greatest footballer of all-time, has also entered this fateful list due to his unbelievable blunder for Argentina against Trinidad and Tobago on 4 June 2014, prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Angel Di Maria fired into the opponent box and released a comfortable pass before the ball could cross the goal-line, but Messi failed to respond quickly as the defender cleared the ball from in front of an open goal before even Messi could intercept.

Randal Kolo Muani

(France vs Argentina, 2022 FIFA World Cup Final)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

This wasted scoring opportunity changed Argentina's football history as Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup by beating France in penalties, following an unnerving 3-3 draw after extra time. 

The 120-minute Final showcased a brilliant display of football ending in a 3-3 draw between France and Argentina, before going down to penalties to decide the world champion. However, France could have snatched the World Cup if Randal Kolo Muani was not denied by Emiliano Martinez in the last minute of the game.

A lobbed pass was intercepted by Kolo Muani in front of Argentina's box as Nicolas Otamendi failed to intercept, but Kolo Muani's first-touch attempt was denied by Argentina keeper Emiliano Martine who stretched his leg to stop the shot. Only 47 seconds were left before the final whistle! This miss will remain iconic for the heroic save by Emi rather than the blunder by Kolo Muani.

Fernando Torres 

(Chelsea vs Manchester United, Premier League 2011-12)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Footy Accumulators)

Fernando Torres was arguably the top striker in the world in and around 2007 to 2010. Chelsea broke the British transfer record to acquire the Spaniard from Liverpool in January 2011. Somehow, 'El Nino' failed to replicate his Liverpool performance at Stamford Bridge, and his disappointing tenure with the Blues was highlighted by a moment during a match against Manchester United in September 2011.

Torres already scored the only goal for his team but Chelsea was behind 3-1. In the 83rd minute, Ramires played a beautiful through that cut the United defense open in half. Torres intercepted the ball and managed to ease past David de Gea with a skillful feint, having an open goal in front of him.

However, Torres surprisingly shot the ball wide of the post and missed the golden chance which went down as one of the worst misses in the Premier League history.

Yakubu Ayegbeni

(Nigeria vs South Korea, FIFA World Cup 2010)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Afrosport)

Nigeria faced South Korea in a do-or-die match after two consecutive defeats in the Group stage of FIFA World Cup 2010, and Yakubu Ayegbeni crashed the headlines but not quite for the right reasons.

Midfielder Yusuf Ayila delivered a ball right into the six-yard box where Ayegbeni received the pass, but he missed the absolute sitter from inches close to the goal. The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw and Nigeria finished at the bottom of the group.

Ilija Sivonjic

(Dinamo Zagreb vs Cibalia Vinkovci, HNK 2006)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Vecernji)

Croatian footballer Ilija Sivonjic's open miss in 2006 for Dinamo Zagreb against Cibalia is widely considered one of the worst misses in football history. 

In the 33rd minute of the game, one of his Dinamo teammates slotted the ball on target. Although it went past the opposition keeper, it was stopped by Sivonjic who attempted a backheel to tap it in. The ball inexplicably bounced off the goal line and one of the Cibalia defenders sent it out of play. 

Ronny Rosenthal

(Liverpool vs Aston Villa, 1996)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image credit | Birmingham Live)

Ronny Rosenthal started his Liverpool career very well, scoring 7 goals in his first 8 games. He even scored a hat-trick in his first game against Charlton. However, he couldn't keep up this great form later.

In 1992 during Pool's PL encounter against Aston Villa, Rosenthal wasted a golden opportunity to score. Rosenthal intercepted a long ball from David James and dribbled past the goalkeeper, but misfired his left-footed strike to hit the crossbar. This miss is still remembered as one of the worst misses in Premier League history.

Rosenthal later joked about this famous miss and said:

"Does it bother me? No it doesn't matter now. I'm glad it happened!

"I'm glad I missed because I'm still on the map [because of it]."

via Birmingham Live

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Top scorers in Europe’s top league

Europe’s top football leagues are filled with goal-scoring talent, where some of the world's most skilled forwards battle it out each season to make their mark. This list spotlights the top scorers across Europe’s elite leagues.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 9, 2024, 9:16 AM

Top scorers in Europe’s top league

Goal scoring is one of the most difficult skills in football. However, some players have mastered converting a few chances into many goals. From the relentless pace of the English Premier League to the creative dynamism of La Liga and the precision of the Bundesliga, Sportz Point tells you about the people in the spotlight in Europe.

Read Also| Viktor Gyokeres: Do you know he was sold by Brighton for only £1 m in 2021?

1. Viktor Gyokeres|16 Goals|10 Games

Viktor Gyokeres after scoring against Manchester City- Sportz Point.com

Swedish star Viktor Gyökeres is spearheading Sporting CP’s campaign for a second consecutive league title, showcasing the same qualities that put him in the spotlight at Coventry. His recent hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League has only heightened his profile on the big stage.

With an impressive 16 goals in 10 league games, Gyökeres is averaging over a goal per match, making it hard to imagine how Sporting intends to prevent top clubs from coming after him in the summer transfer window.

Read Also| Robert Lewandowski stats under Hansi Flick

2. Robert Lewandoski|14 Goals| 12 Games

99th Champions League goal for Lewandowski - Crvena vs Barcelona - sportzpoint.com

Since his move to Barcelona, the former Bayern Munich star is arguably in his best form yet. Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, he’s rediscovered a new level of dominance, highlighted by an outstanding performance in El Clásico where he controlled duels and commanded the box.

Positioned centrally with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on either wing, Lewandowski poses a relentless threat, making it nearly impossible for defenses to contain him. This season, he’s showcasing all the qualities that solidify his status as one of the finest strikers of his generation.

Read Also| Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?

3. Erling Haaland|11 Goals| 10 Games

Youngest players to score 50 Premier League Goals-sportzpoint.com

Pep Guardiola struck gold by signing Haaland from Dortmund, as the striker has set new standards for goal-scoring in England, consistently breaking records.

This season, Haaland leads the league’s scoring charts, with his standout performance coming against West Ham, where he netted all of City’s goals. Given his current form, he seems well on track to surpass the 30-goal mark once again this season.

4. Harry Kane|11 Goals| 9 Games 

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League 2024-25 LIVE scores, News and Updates | Raphinha with an early goal; Kane equalises | BAR 1-1 BAY - sportzpoint.com

Harry Kane has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, Kane’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement have been instrumental in Bayern’s success, as he consistently finds the back of the net with ease.

His ability to score from a variety of positions—whether through powerful shots, headers, or well-timed runs—has already made him a fan favorite in Germany. He is on course not only to challenge for the Bundesliga’s Golden Boot but also to possibly break scoring records.

Read Also| Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

5. Mateo Retegui| 11 Goals| 11 Games

Mateo-Retegui- Sportz Point.com

Mateo Retegui's impressive goal-scoring form, has made him a standout in Serie A. The Italian-Argentine forward’s sharp instincts in front of goal, combined with his physicality and precise finishing, makes him a key asset for Atalanta.

Retegui has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, capitalizing on scoring opportunities. His rapid progress suggests he’s not only in contention for the top scorer honors but also likely to attract interest from bigger clubs looking for a reliable finisher.

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