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Record-Breaking Single-Season Goal Scorers in Major European Leagues

Scoring goals is the essence of football, and some players have taken this art to extraordinary heights by breaking records in single seasons. Here, we explore the top three players who have scored the most goals in one season in the Premier League, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A.

Premier League

  1. Erling Haaland
    • Club: Manchester City
    • Goals: 36 (2022-2023)
    • Haaland’s debut season in the Premier League was nothing short of sensational. His physicality, speed, and clinical finishing helped him break the single-season goal-scoring record, leading Manchester City to numerous victories.
  2. Andy Cole
    • Club: Newcastle United
    • Goals: 34 (1993-1994)
    • Cole was a goal machine during his time at Newcastle, and his 34-goal haul in the 1993-94 season remains one of the highest in Premier League history, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of goal.
  3. Alan Shearer
    • Club: Blackburn Rovers
    • Goals: 34 (1994-1995)
    • Shearer matched Cole’s record the following season, leading Blackburn Rovers to a Premier League title. His powerful shots and heading ability made him a constant threat to defenders.

Ligue 1

  1. Josip Skoblar
    • Club: Marseille
    • Goals: 44 (1970-1971)
    • Skoblar’s incredible 44-goal season is still the benchmark in Ligue 1. His knack for finding the back of the net was unparalleled, earning him the nickname “Monsieur Goal.”
  2. Salif Keita
    • Club: Saint-Étienne
    • Goals: 42 (1970-1971)
    • Keita was a key figure for Saint-Étienne, and his 42-goal season remains one of the most prolific in the league’s history. His pace and finishing were crucial for his team’s success.
  3. Carlos Bianchi
    • Club: Reims
    • Goals: 37 (1977-1978)
    • Bianchi was a formidable striker known for his powerful shots and positioning. His 37 goals in a single season made him a standout player in Ligue 1 during his era.

Bundesliga

  1. Robert Lewandowski
    • Club: Bayern Munich
    • Goals: 41 (2020-2021)
    • Lewandowski broke Müller’s long-standing record with an incredible 41-goal season. His technical prowess and consistent goal-scoring ability have made him a modern-day legend in the Bundesliga.
  2. Gerd Müller
    • Club: Bayern Munich
    • Goals: 40 (1971-1972)
    • Müller, known as “Der Bomber,” set a record that stood for decades with his 40-goal season. His exceptional finishing and positioning made him one of the most feared strikers in the world.
  3. Harry Kane
    • Club: Bayern Munich
    • Goals: 36 (2023-2024)
    • Harry Kane’s hit a remarkable 36 goals in his maiden campaign for Bayern. He’s also the first Englishman to earn the famous canon trophy.

La Liga

  1. Lionel Messi
    • Club: Barcelona
    • Goals: 50 (2011-2012)
    • Messi’s 50-goal season is a record in La Liga, showcasing his extraordinary talent and consistency. His dribbling, vision, and finishing have made him one of the greatest players in history.
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo
    • Club: Real Madrid
    • Goals: 48 (2014-2015)
    • Ronaldo’s 48-goal season highlighted his incredible athleticism and goal-scoring ability. His time at Real Madrid was marked by numerous records and unforgettable performances.
  3. Telmo Zarra
    • Club: Athletic Bilbao
    • Goals: 38 (1950-1951)
    • Zarra’s 38-goal season was a record for many years and is still one of the highest in La Liga history. His powerful shots and aerial ability made him a legend at Athletic Bilbao.

Serie A

  1. Gonzalo Higuaín
    • Club: Napoli
    • Goals: 36 (2015-2016)
    • Higuaín’s record-breaking 36-goal season for Napoli showcased his clinical finishing and ability to score from various positions, earning him the Capocannoniere as Serie A’s top scorer.
  2. Ciro Immobile
    • Club: Lazio
    • Goals: 36 (2019-2020)
    • Immobile matched Higuaín’s record with his 36-goal season. Known for his movement and finishing, he has been a key player for Lazio and one of Serie A’s top strikers in recent years.
  3. Gino Rossetti
    • Club: Torino
    • Goals: 36 (1928-1929)
    • Rossetti’s 36-goal season stood as a record for decades. Playing in an era with fewer matches, his feat is particularly impressive and highlights his goal-scoring prowess.

These record-breaking players have left an indelible mark on their respective leagues, showcasing extraordinary talent and determination in their pursuit of goals. Their achievements continue to inspire footballers and fans around the world.


Ready for some fun?

Put your football goal scoring knowledge to the test with our Football Higher or Lower Games! Challenge yourself to guess which player scored more goals for their club or country or who is worth more money. Are you up for the challenge? Let’s find out!