Football: All-Time Top Goal Scorers of Portuguese National Team, by player
PlayerNumber of goals scored
Cristiano Ronaldo128
Pauleta47
Eusébio41
Luís Figo32
Nuno Gomes29
Hélder Postiga27
Rui Costa26
Nani24
Simão22
João Vieira Pinto22
  • Region: Portugal
  • Time period: Feb 2024
  • Published: Feb 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 29, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Cristiano Ronaldo's Unmatched Legacy

Cristiano Ronaldo stands far above the rest with an astonishing 128 goals, a figure that not only dwarfs the second-placed Pauleta 's 47 goals but also establishes him as a monumental figure in Portuguese football. His goal tally is nearly triple that of Pauleta, underscoring a prolific career unmatched by any other Portuguese player.

Exclusive Century Club Member

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for the Portuguese national team, placing him in an exclusive category. This achievement highlights the significant gap in goal-scoring prowess between him and all other Portuguese players, with no one else even halfway to his monumental total.

Top Three Scorers' Dominance

The combined goals of the top three scorers— Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta, and Eusébio —account for 216 goals, showcasing the significant impact these players have had on the Portuguese team's offensive capabilities. Their contributions alone make up a substantial portion of the goals scored by the top ten all-time scorers.

Goal Scoring Diversity Among Legends

The list features players from different eras, including legends like Eusébio and Luís Figo, who scored 41 and 32 goals respectively. This diversity highlights the consistent emergence of talent within Portuguese football, bridging the gap between past and present.

Narrow Margins in the Middle Pack

A narrow margin separates the players ranked from fifth to ninth, with Nuno Gomes at 29 goals and Simão at 22 goals. This close range indicates a competitive spirit among the players, underscoring the depth of talent in Portuguese football's attacking options.

Elite Group of High Scorers

Only ten players have scored more than 20 goals for Portugal, highlighting the exclusivity of the high-scoring elite in Portuguese football history. This select group has significantly contributed to Portugal's successes on the international stage, with their goals often proving crucial in competitive matches.

Pauleta and Eusébio's Legacy

While Ronaldo's records may seem insurmountable, the contributions of Pauleta and Eusébio, with 47 and 41 goals respectively, remain monumental. Their achievements set early benchmarks for excellence in Portuguese football, laying the groundwork for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the highest goal scorer for the Portuguese football team?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer for the Portuguese football team with an impressive 128 goals.

How many players in the Portuguese football team have scored over 100 goals?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for the Portuguese national team.

What is the combined goal score of the top three scorers for the Portuguese football team?

The combined goals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta, and Eusébio is 216.

How many players have scored more than 20 goals for Portugal?

Only 10 players have scored more than 20 goals for Portugal.

Terms and Definitions

Also known as soccer in some regions, football is a team sport involving two squads of eleven players each. The game is played using a spherical ball, and the players aim to score by steering the ball into the opponent's goal. It's one of the most popular sports globally.

This term refers to players who have scored the highest number of goals in the history of a particular team or league. It does not restrict the tally to a single season. Instead, it considers the entirety of a player's career with the specific team or in the specified league.

This refers to a team composed of male football players held to represent Portugal in international competitions. It's governed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). The team involves Portugal's best players and takes part in significant tournaments like the World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

This is a designated player whose primary role is to prevent the opponents from scoring by directly blocking or stopping the ball from entering their team's goal. They are the only player who can touch the ball with their hands and arms, but only within the penalty area.

These are football competitions that involve teams from different countries. Examples include the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and the Copa America. National teams usually represent their countries in these tournaments.

The governing body for football in Portugal. It is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport in the country, including professional leagues, amateur football, and managing the Portuguese Men's National Team.

Often known as the Euros, UEFA European Championship is a football competition held every four years involving European nations. Like other international tournaments, each country is represented by their national team. It is considered one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world.
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