What is La Liga's goal record and who holds it? All the facts and details

What is La Liga's goal record and who holds it? All the facts and details

Lenah Ann
June 25, 2024 at 12:18 PM
In this article:
Spanish La Liga logo
SPA La Liga
Spain
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Karim Benzema logo
K.Benzema
Al-Ittihad Club logoFFrance logo

Spain's top football league, La Liga, has produced some of the best goal-scorers in history. La Liga's goal record is a testament to individual players' skills and the quality of Spanish football. Legends like Telmo Zarra, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi have defined eras, captivated fans, and established incredible records.

L-R Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema during a match
L-R Lionel Messi during a La Liga match on 8 May 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo on 26 May 2018 and Karim Benzema on 4 June 2023. Photo: David S Bustamante, Simon Stacpoole, Diego Souto. (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Lionel Messi is the top scorer in La Liga, scoring an incredible 474 goals for FC Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 311 times when he was a Real Madrid player. Here is a detailed look at the most goals scored in La Liga, the legends who hold those records, and all the facts and details about them.

La Liga goal record

One of the most famous leagues in the world, La Liga, has produced great soccer players and teams that have posted incredible La Liga goal records. Here is a summary of the notable records.

Most goals by an individual

According to Transfermarkt, Lionel Messi holds the record for the most goals scored by an individual in the league with 474 goals. He also holds the record for the most:

  • Goals scored in a season (50)
  • League goals scored in a calendar year (59)
  • Career league assists (192)
  • League away goals in a season (24)

Most goals by team

Real Madrid holds the record for most goals scored in La Liga by a team in a single season (121). They also have the most home La Liga goal record in a season (78) and the most away league goals in a season (58).

Top 10 La Liga goal record all-time

Sports Brief has compiled a list of the top 10 La Liga's most goal record holders based on credible stats from La Liga Expert and SportsAdda.

10: Pahiño – 212

Pahiño (L) during a match. On the right, he receives an award.
Pahiño (L) during a match. On the right, he receives an award. Photo: Lavozdegalicia, Elconfidencia. (Modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Manuel Fernández Fernández
  • Age: Died at 89
  • Position(s): Striker
  • Teams: Celta, Real Madrid and Deportivo

Pahiño was a well-known Spanish footballer in the mid-20th century. He had remarkable tenures at Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruña, and Celta Vigo, where he scored 212 times. He also left his mark on the Spanish national team.

9. Quini – 219

Enrique Castro Gonzalez, aka Quini, of Sporting de Gijon looks on
Enrique Castro Gonzalez, aka Quini, of Sporting de Gijon looks on before the La Liga match on 22 September 2010. Photo: Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Enrique Castro González
  • Age: Died at 68
  • Position(s): Striker
  • Teams: Sporting de Gijón and FC Barcelona

Enrique Castro had a distinguished career with FC Barcelona and Sporting Gijón. He scored 219 times in La Liga throughout the 1970s and 1980s, making him one of the league's greatest scorers. Quini spent twelve years as a Spanish international, competing for his country in two World Cups and one European Championship.

8. César Rodríguez – 221

Barcelona legend César Rodríguez Álvarez pictured
Barcelona legend César Rodríguez Álvarez pictured during his 16-year tenure at Barcelona. Photo: @totalBarca
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: César Rodríguez Álvarez
  • Age: Died at 74
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Barcelona

César Rodríguez was a famous football player from Spain who made history at Barcelona. During the 1940s and 1950s, he scored an astonishing 232 goals in La Liga, placing him among the league's all-time greatest scorers.

7. Alfredo Di Stéfano – 227

Alfredo Di Stefano (1926 - 2014) during training with the Spanish national team
Argentine-born Spanish footballer Alfredo Di Stefano (1926 - 2014) during training with the Spanish national team on 25 October 1960. Photo: Evening Standard
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé
  • Age: Died at 88
  • Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
  • Teams: Real Madrid

Legendary Argentine-Spanish footballer Alfredo Di Stéfano was known for his exceptional flexibility and scoring prowess. He was part of Real Madrid's successful generation in the 1950s and 1960s. Di Stéfano scored 227 times in La Liga during his time with Real Madrid, making him one of the greatest scorers in the division.

6. Raúl – 228

Head coach Raul Gonzalez of Real Madrid Castilla reacts during a match
Head coach Raul Gonzalez of Real Madrid Castilla reacts during the Primera RFEF Group 2 match on 13 January 2024. Photo: Angel Martinez
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Raúl González Blanco
  • Age: 47 (as of June 2024)
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Real Madrid

Spanish football icon Raúl González is well-known for his scoring abilities and leadership qualities. He was one of Real Madrid's most cherished players, amassing 228 goals in the league. The legendary Spanish footballer has numerous accomplishments on and off the field and is well-known for his professionalism and commitment.

5. Hugo Sánchez – 234

Former player Hugo Sanchez attends the pre-season friendly match
Former player Hugo Sanchez attends the pre-season friendly match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on 29 July 2023. Photo: Omar Vega
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hugo Sánchez Márquez
  • Age: 65 (as of June 2024)
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Real Madrid

Hugo Sánchez is a legendary football player from Mexico who is well-known for his acrobatic flair and prolific scoring abilities. He rose to recognition in the 1980s while he was a member of Real Madrid, where he amassed 234 goals in the Spanish top-flight league and was among the team's best scorers.

4. Karim Benzema – 238

Karim Benzema controls the ball during a match
Karim Benzema controls the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 4 June 2023. Photo: Denis Doyle
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
  • Age: 36 (as of June 2024)
  • Position(s): Striker
  • Teams: Real Madrid and Al-Ittihad

French football striker Karim Benzema is renowned for his scoring skills and adaptability. During his time at the club, he established himself as a vital member of the Real Madrid squad. His leadership on the pitch and steady play solidify his place among the best forwards of his time.

3. Telmo Zarra – 251

Former Athletic Club legend Telmo Zarra during a match
Former Athletic Club legend Telmo Zarra (L) during a match. On the right, he takes a shot. Photo: @nostalgiafutbo1, @LaLigaLowdown. (Modified by author)
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Pedro Telmo Zarraonandía Montoya
  • Age: Died at 85
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Athletic Bilbao

Spanish football star Telmo Zarra is famous for his tremendous scoring ability in the middle of the 20th century. He spent most of his time with Athletic Bilbao and scored 251 times in 278 games, demonstrating his skilful finishing and strength in the penalty area.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 311

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates during a match
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates during the La Liga Santander match between Eibar and Real Madrid on 10 March 2018. Photo: David S Bustamante
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
  • Age: 39 (as of June 2024)
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Real Madrid

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is famous for his exceptional athleticism and scoring prowess. During his Real Madrid tenure, he continuously dominated La Liga and was among the top scorers. Ronaldo's La Liga's goal record is 311, only behind Lionel Messi.

1. Lionel Messi – 474

Lionel Messi during a La Liga Santander match
Lionel Messi during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou on 24 February 2021. Photo: Pedro Salado
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
  • Age: 37 (as of June 2024)
  • Position(s): Forward
  • Teams: Barcelona

Often regarded as the greatest football player of all time, Lionel Messi is an Argentine virtuoso whose unmatched dribbling abilities, scoring prowess, and vision are widely recognized. Messi's La Liga goal record stands at 474.

He became FC Barcelona's all-time top scorer during his over 20-year stay at the club and holds the La Liga goal-scoring record in a season.

Frequently asked questions

La Liga has hosted some of the most prolific scorers in football history. Here are some frequently asked questions about La Liga's goal records.

What is the most La Liga goal record in a season?

Lionel Messi holds the record for most goals scored in a single La Liga season (50) in the 2011–12 campaign. He is also the first and only player to win the Pichichi Award eight times.

What is Ronaldo's La Liga goal record?

Ronaldo has an incredible scoring record in just 292 Real Madrid games; he scored 311 goals.

What is Messi's La Liga goal record?

Messi holds the record for most goals scored with 474 goals, 36 hat-tricks, and 192 assists in La Liga. He is also a brilliant playmaker and prolific striker.

Who won more in La Liga, Messi or Ronaldo?

While Messi and Ronaldo have almost comparable prize collections, Messi has an advantage in league titles. He has won Ligue 1 twice with PSG and La Liga ten times with Barcelona.

Who is the highest goal scorer in football history in one season?

Lionel Messi has the most goals in a single European football season. In the 2011/12 campaign, he scored 73 times. In addition, he still retains the record for the most scored in a calendar year, having scored 91 in 2012.

Final word

La Liga's goal record proves that exceptional players have enriched Spanish football. From Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible scoring ability to Lionel Messi's unrivalled consistency and record-breaking accomplishments, these players have not only left their marks on La Liga history but have also improved sports worldwide.

READ ALSO: A list of the most iconic UEFA Euro Cup records that you should know

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Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.