In the world of football, achieving the title of the player with the most goals in a calendar year is an iconic remark that speaks volumes about a player’s skill, dedication, and perseverance. As the year unfolds, all eyes are on Premier League stars and global football icons, pondering if anyone can surpass Lionel Messi’s staggering record of 91 goals set in 2012. 

With Erling Haaland needing to net 23 more goals in the waning months of 2022, the anticipation builds around whether we’ll witness a new record-setter.

The extraordinary achievements of football legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport by scoring impressively high numbers of goals in a single calendar year. Beyond Messi’s unparalleled record, we explore the accomplishments of Gerd Muller, Pele, Romario, and Cristiano Ronaldo, each of whom has significantly contributed to the legacy of this remarkable feat. Through their stories, we gain insights into the sheer talent and unrelenting drive that propel players to the zenith of football history, setting benchmarks that challenge the next generation of the sport’s elite.

1- Lionel Messi | 91 goals in 2012

Lionel Messi’s extraordinary achievement of scoring 91 goals in 2012 stands as a towering milestone in football history, showcasing his unparalleled prowess and consistency on the field. This remarkable feat is dissected below to highlight the components that contributed to this record-breaking performance:

Breakdown of Goals Scored by Messi:

• Club Performance: Messi scored 79 goals for Barcelona across all competitions, demonstrating his critical role in the team’s attacking force.
• International Success: Contributing 12 goals for the Argentine national team, Messi displayed his talent on an international scale as well. 
• Competition Breakdown: His goals were spread across different competitions, with 59 in La Liga, 13 in the UEFA Champions League, and 7 in other domestic competitions, alongside the international goals for Argentina.

Key Highlights:

• Goal Frequency: Achieving an average of 1.32 goals per game and netting a goal every 68 minutes, Messi’s efficiency in front of goal was astonishing.
• Assists: In addition to his goal-scoring, Messi also provided 22 assists in 69 appearances, contributing to a total of 106 goal involvements in the year.
• Memorable Moments: Among the plethora of goals, Messi added nine hat tricks to his tally, including two four-goal games and a record-setting five goals in a single Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. 

Historical Context and Recognition:

• Comparison with Peers: Messi’s tally surpassed the previous record held by Gerd Muller by a significant margin and outscored entire teams like Manchester United and Chelsea in the same year. 
• Acknowledgements: The football world, including legends like Muller and teammates like Gerard Piqué, hailed Messi’s 2012 performance as a testament to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
• Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign not only shattered records but also elevated the benchmark for individual excellence in football, combining prolific goal-scoring with creative playmaking to dominate the sport’s highest echelons.

2- Gerd Muller | 85 goals in 1972

Gerd Muller, affectionately known as ‘der Bomber’ for his explosive scoring ability, set a remarkable record in 1972 that stood as the pinnacle of goal-scoring achievements for over three decades. His mastery in the art of scoring is broken down as follows:

Performance Breakdown of Gerd Muller:

• Bundesliga Brilliance: Muller netted an astonishing 42 goals in just 34 Bundesliga games, showcasing his dominance in the German top flight.
• Versatility Across Competitions: Beyond the league, he was prolific in other tournaments, scoring 7 goals in the German Cup, 12 in the German League Cup, 1 in the European Cup-Winners Cup, and 11 in the European Cup. 
• International Impact: On the international stage, Muller was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 13 goals in just 5 appearances for West Germany. His remarkable performance was pivotal in West Germany’s Euro 72 victory, where he scored 4 goals against England, 2 against Belgium, and 2 against the USSR.

Key Highlights:

• Club Success: His goal-scoring prowess helped Bayern Munich clinch the Bundesliga title in both the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons. His legacy further solidified with Bayern’s European Cup victories in 1974, 1975, and 1976. 
• International Triumphs: Muller’s scoring feats were key in West Germany’s European Championship win in 1972, where he emerged as the top scorer of the tournament. 

Muller’s Accolades and Recognitions

• Honours and Awards: Named European Footballer of the Year in 1970, Muller’s list of personal achievements is extensive. He won the Bundesliga Top Scorer title seven times, the European Golden Shoe twice, and the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in 1970. His legacy is further commemorated by his inclusion in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
• Record and Legacy: Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year alongside his career total of 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches for Bayern Munich, underscores his legendary status in football history. 

Through his unparalleled goal-scoring record, Gerd Muller not only etched his name into the annals of football history but also set a benchmark that inspired future generations of strikers. His nickname ‘der Bomber’ aptly reflects his devastating impact on the pitch, making him one of the most feared and respected strikers in the world of football.

3- Pele | 75 goals in 1958

Pele’s 1958 achievement of scoring 75 goals in a single calendar year not only places him third on the all-time list but also highlights his extraordinary talent and impact on football during a less prolific scoring era. His performance that year for both Santos and the Brazilian national team is a testament to his legendary status in the sport. Here’s a closer look at the breakdown of Pele’s remarkable goal-scoring feat in 1958:

Club vs. National Team Performance:

• Santos: Pele scored an astonishing 69 goals for Santos, showcasing his dominance at the club level.
• Brazilian National Team: Contributing significantly on the international stage, Pele netted 6 goals during the 1958 FIFA World Cup, helping Brazil to secure the title.

Match Breakdown:

• Total Matches Played: The 75 goals were scored across 53 matches, indicating an impressive average that surpasses many modern-day scoring rates. 
• Goal Distribution: Unlike common misquotations, Pele’s 75 goals were not the product of a few high-scoring games but were consistently spread over the year, underscoring his reliability and scoring prowess.

Pele’s 1958 record is not just a number but a narrative of a year where a 17-year-old prodigy rose to global prominence, not only by his goal tally but by the manner in which he achieved it. His ability to perform at both club and international levels, against varied defenses and in high-pressure scenarios, cements his legacy as one of the game’s greatest. This achievement, particularly impressive given the era’s less offensive nature of football, resonates as a milestone in the sport’s history, demonstrating the timeless nature of true talent. 

4- Romario | 72 goals in 2000

Romário, a name that resonates with football enthusiasts for his extraordinary goal-scoring spree, made 2000 a year to remember by netting 72 goals for both Brazil and Vasco da Gama. His journey from the fields of Vasco da Gama to becoming a football legend and later transitioning into a political figure is a tale of sheer talent and multifaceted success. Here’s a breakdown of Romário’s remarkable achievement in 2000:

Club and Country Performance:

• Vasco da Gama: Out of the 72 goals, 53 were scored while playing for Vasco da Gama, highlighting his crucial role in the club’s attacking lineup.
• Brazilian National Team: The remaining 19 goals were scored for the Brazilian national team, showcasing his international prowess and contribution to the country’s football legacy. 

Career Highlights:

• Early Career and Rise: Starting his career with Vasco da Gama, Romário’s journey took him to PSV Eindhoven and FC Barcelona, where he achieved significant success, including three Eredivisie titles and a La Liga win as part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’.
• World Cup Appearances: Representing Brazil in four World Cups, Romário became the fourth-highest goalscorer for the national team, a testament to his enduring talent and impact on the global stage. 

Transition into Politics:

• Political Career: After hanging up his boots, Romário transitioned into politics, initially elected as a deputy for the Brazilian Socialist Party in 2010. His political journey saw him serving as a senator and aligning with multiple parties, currently a member of the Liberal Party. 

Romário’s dual legacy as a football icon and a political figure underscores the breadth of his influence both on and off the pitch. His 72 goals in 2000 not only cemented his place among football’s elite but also inspired countless aspiring athletes. Through his journey, Romário exemplifies the pinnacle of sporting excellence and the potential for athletes to drive positive change beyond their sporting careers.

5- Cristiano Ronaldo | 69 goals in 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2013 calendar year was nothing short of sensational, marking his name in the annals of football history with a record-breaking 69 goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his achievement:

Club and Country Performance:

• For Real Madrid: Ronaldo scored an impressive 59 goals in 51 appearances, showcasing his vital role in the team’s attack.
• For Portugal: He added 10 goals in 9 caps, demonstrating his prowess on the international stage as well.

Goal Scoring Breakdown:

• By Type:
  • Free Kicks: 4 goals
  • Penalties: 6 goals
  • Right Foot: 36 goals
  • Left Foot: 18 goals
  • Head: 15 goals

• By Timing:
  • Earliest Goal: 12th minute 
  • Latest Goal: 69th minute

• By Competition:
  • Champions League: 16 goals 
  • La Liga: 37 goals in 31 games
  • Other Competitions: 10 goals

Milestones and Records:

• Set a new record for goals in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League group stage with 9 goals 
• Equaled Pauleta’s record as Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals 
• Scored his 400th career goal against RC Celta de Vigo on January 5, 2014 
• Achieved an average of 1 goal every 72 minutes 

Ronaldo’s 2013 performance was not just about the numbers but the impact of those goals on his team’s success, including Real Madrid’s journey in domestic and European competitions and Portugal’s international fixtures. His ability to score from free kicks, penalties, and play in various positions on the field highlights his versatility as a forward. This year also saw him win the Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as one of the premier players of his generation. 

Conclusion

Reflecting on the journeys of football legends like Lionel Messi, Gerd Muller, Pele, Romario, and Cristiano Ronaldo, we see the blend of raw talent, unwavering dedication, and the spirit of competition that drives individuals to reach extraordinary heights. The records they’ve set are not mere numbers but milestones that speak volumes of their illustrious careers and the magical moments they’ve provided to football enthusiasts around the world. Their achievements have not only entertained but also inspired future generations, setting the bar ever higher in the domain of international football.

Most Goals in a Calendar Year FAQs

1- Who is the record holder for the most goals scored in a single calendar year?

Lionel Messi holds the prestigious record for scoring the most goals in a single calendar year, with an astonishing total of 91 goals in 2012. This achievement places him at the top of the list, surpassing other football legends.

2- Can you list the top football players with the highest number of goals in a calendar year?

The football players who have scored the most goals in a calendar year are as follows:

• Lionel Messi leads with 91 goals in 2012, setting a record while playing for Barcelona.
• Gerd Muller follows with 85 goals in 1972.
• Pele is next with 75 goals in 1958.
• Romario scored 72 goals in 2000.
• Cristiano Ronaldo rounds out the list with 69 goals in 2013.

3- Has anyone come close to breaking Messi’s record for most goals in a year since it was set?

Since Lionel Messi set the record in 2012 with 91 goals, no player has come close to breaking or challenging this remarkable achievement. The closest in recent times was a young player who finished the 2022 season as Europe’s top scorer with 56 goals, still significantly short of Messi’s record.

4- Who has scored the most goals in a single season, and what is the record?

Lionel Messi also holds the record for the most goals scored by a top-level player in a single season. In 2012, he scored an unprecedented 91 goals across all competitions for both Barcelona and the Argentina national team.