Retired Players with the Best Goals-Per-Game Ratio

Football is a game that goes far beyond just the number on the scoreboard. Football is about the many subtleties which finally lead to a host of ‘almosts’ which ultimately brings us to that one thing that can make the crowds in the stadium roar with joy; that one thing that can make or break a match in the matter of a few seconds. That one thing is a goal. And in such a game, being able to consistently perform well and the score is no easy feat.

Although the consistency of performance can be measured in a lot of ways, one of the easiest ways is the consistency when it comes to scoring goals. Though all players in a team (like the goalkeeper) cannot be measured in the same manner, consistency in scoring goals is what makes some of the players reach the platform they have now reached.

It is a no-brainer that we have contemporary players like Neymar, Suáerz, Messi, and Ronaldo are some of the best players in the world with mind-boggling performances. It would be foolish, however, to ignore the giants who came before them whose goals-per-game ratio has been out of this world. The best example is Portugal’s Fernando Peyroteo whose ratio was a ridiculous 1.77 goals per game. He could even boast of an unimaginable 2.5 goals per game in his debut season. Other players include Czech-Austrian striker Josef Bican (1.52 goals per game) and Hungarian forward Imre Schlosser (1.3 per game).

While these three legendary players passed away in 1978, 2001 and 1959 respectively. But the game goes on, and while no one can replace these legends, we have other players who added their own flavor to the dish. These players influenced and inspired the football world with the unmatchable skill they brought to the table. These legendary players do not actively play the sport professionally anymore but have had impressive careers that boast of an exceptional goals-per-game ratio throughout their football career.

They went beyond their sport and continue to influence and inspire the world in the form of politicians, UN Ambassadors, and football coaches.

Pelé - 0.92

Born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé is arguably the most legendary football player in the sport. He holds the Guinness World Record for most career goals at 1,279 goals between 7 September 1956 and 1 October 1977. However, this number also includes unofficial and friendlies. His official number lies at an impressive 767 goals in 831 matches which means his goals-per-game ratio is 0.92 goals. He also holds the record for the most number of hat-tricks with a startling 92 hat-tricks. For most of his career, Pelé played with Santos FC and then with New York Cosmos till the end of his career. He also had a very illustrious career leading Brazil to win three championships.

Since his retirement, Pelé has been known to be an active humanitarian including being declared a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment.

Gerd Müller - 0.92

Gerd Müller was one of Germany’s greatest football players. He was a striker for FC Bayern München till he began playing for Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the United States of America. He scored a total of 735 goals in 793 games and 68 goals in 62 matches for Germany. The latter was a long-held record till Miroslav Klose broke his record in 2014. This puts his goals-per-game ratio at 0.92 goals – almost a goal a game. Known for efficiently moving past defenders with sudden bursts of pace and great agility, Gerd Müller earned the nickname “Der Bomber”. Throughout his career, he won four Bundesliga titles, three Champions’ Cup, a European Championship and the 1974 World Cup where he hit the winning goal in the final.

Supporting Syria And The Region London 2016 Conference

Romário - 0.78

According to RSSSF’s rankings, Romário had a memorable career with 772 goals in 994 games which brings his goals-per-game ration to a very high 0.78. He, however, personally counts over a 1000 goals in his entire football career. A prolific striker known for his clinical finishing, Romário was instrumental in the 1994 FIFA World Cup which his team, Brazil, one. He got the FIFA Golden Ball and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in the same year. He also did quite well in his club career though flitted to multiple teams like PSV Eindhoven, Vasco da Gama, Flamenco and FC Barcelona.

He is now a Brazilian politician having assumed office in 2015 as the Federal Senator from Rio de Janeiro.

Jogo Das Estrelas Charity Soccer Match

Ruud Van Nistelrooy - 0.74

The Dutch footballer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, rose to fame when he joined PSV Eindhoven with his massive 75 goals in 91 games. An immensely skilled striker, Nistelrooy then played with clubs like Manchester United (after he caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson) and Real Madrid. Although his career was affected by injuries on multiple occasions, he was one of the most formidable players in his active years as a professional player. A goals-per-game ratio of 0.68 puts him just a little above Ronaldo. His most impressive run, was probably at the UEFA Champions League at 60 goals in 81 games, bringing the ratio to a stunning 0.74 making him one of the top scorers in Europe.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is currently the striker coach of the PSV Eindhoven Youth teams (U17, U19 and U21).

UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken - Phnom Penh

Ronaldo Lima - 0.67

There is a reason Brazil has amassed a wide fan following when it comes to the World Cup, and the reason is players like Pelé and Ronaldo. Ronaldo had a very decorated career with 352 goals in 518 club games and 62 goals in 98 international games bringing his goals-per-game ration to 0.67. He is one of the greatest football players of all time which caused him to be nicknamed ‘Il Fenômeno’ or The Phenomenon. Known for his dribbling, feints, and speed among other things, Ronaldo played for many clubs including Barcelona, A.C. Milan, and Real Madrid. He also helped Brazil with the World Cup twice in 1994 and 2002.

He was appointed as a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2000 where he continues his work. He also was an ambassador for the 2014 World Cup.

Pirelli Inter Campus