How many players have 700 goals?

Only a Handful Have Scored 700 Goals or More

Reaching 700 career goals in football is a feat so rare that only a select few have done it. According to the RSSSF (Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation), just 15 players in history have surpassed that legendary mark. Names like Josef Bican, Pelé, and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate this exclusive club, their scoring records built over decades of dominance at club and international levels.

Bican, often cited as the most prolific, is credited with over 800 goals, though exact counts vary due to inconsistent record-keeping in the early 20th century. Pelé’s milestone of 1,283 goals includes friendlies and unofficial matches—a point of contention among purists. Modern players like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have approached and in some tallies exceeded 700, but their inclusion depends on which goals are counted: competitive matches only, or all official appearances.

The debate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about context. Older eras lacked standardized recordkeeping, and many tallies include wartime matches, exhibition games, or regional tournaments. As a result, while the RSSSF list of 15 stands as one of the most respected references, some totals remain more symbolic than definitive.

What’s undeniable is the sheer longevity and consistency required to approach 700. It's not just about talent, but durability, precision, and an insatiable drive to score. Even in today’s hyper-analyzed game, only a fraction of elite strikers come close. As football evolves and records are scrutinized more closely, the 700-goal barrier remains one of the sport’s most monumental achievements—guarded by legends, and unlikely to see many new entrants anytime soon.