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International football continues to divide opinion. While international breaks are often criticized, big tournaments like the Euros, the Copa America and the World Cup are still heavily watched by people across the world.
The biggest superstars in club football represent their national teams with pride, and have excelled on the global stage. Some of the greatest players to have played the game have cemented their position in the sport's legacy by performing for both club and country.
On that note, we look at the 5 best active international goalscorers in world football right now.
#5 Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
The best striker in world football and one of the best players in the world, Robert Lewandowski has been a talismanic figure for both club and country for some time now.
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Bayern Munich signed Lewandowski on a free transfer in 2014 in what is regarded by many as one of the best transfers in the history of the sport. The striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants and is renowned for his prolific goalscoring as well as technical ability.
Lewandowski has also been a superstar for the Polish national team. The 33-year old is the all-time top goalscorer for his country, having scored 69 goals in 122 appearances. Lewandowski is a modern-day legend and is bound to add several more goals to his account before hanging up his boots.
#4 Sunil Chhetri (India)
Arguably his country's greatest ever footballer, Sunil Chhetri is the most-capped player as well as the all-time top goalscorer of the Indian national team.
Chhetri began his career with Mohun Bagan, and is one of very few Indian players to have played abroad. The forward has had stints with the Kansas City Wizards and Sporting CP B, and is one of the most popular athletes in India.
The 37-year-old currently plays for Bengaluru FC. Chhetri has 74 goals in 118 appearances for India, and is well-known for his finishing ability in the box and his sharpness.
Also Read: Ranking the best starting XIs in club football after Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer
#3 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi is a global superstar.
Messi made headlines this month after Barcelona announced that he had departed the club on a free transfer. The Argentina international subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he will play alongside world-class forwards like Neymar, Angel di Maria and Kylian Mbappe.
A world-class creator, goalscorer and dribbler, the 34-year old has scored 76 goals in 151 appearances for his national team. Messi recently led his country to victory at the Copa America 2021, where he also won the Player of the Tournament award.
#2 Ali Mabkhout (United Arab Emirates)
One-club man Ali Mabkhout continues to be a prolific goalscorer for both club and country.
Mabkhout has spent his entire playing career with Al Jazira. The forward made his debut for the club in 2008, and has since been a consistent presence in the first-team. Mabkhout has won three UAE Pro League titles and two UAE President's Cups with Al Jazira.
The 30-year old has scored 76 goals in just 92 appearances for the United Arab Emirates. Mabkhout has also won the Arabian Gulf Cup with his country and helped them finish 3rd in the AFC Asian Cup in 2015.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo's brace against the Republic of Ireland last night made him the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football.
Ronaldo has now scored 111 goals in 180 appearances for Portugal. The attacker is regarded by many as one of the greatest players to have stepped on a football pitch. Ronaldo's latest feat further cements his legacy as a true legend of the sport.
Ronaldo recently rejoined Manchester United from Juventus, but is yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils. The 36-year old still has a lot left in him and Manchester United could benefit hugely from his quality upfront.
Also Read: 5 clubs that had the worst transfer window (2021)
