These stars have performed exceptionally well for their club and country this year
In a year that has been as electrifying as 2024, football fans across the globe have witnessed an exceptional showcase of goal-scoring prowess from players who have risen to the occasion. These strikers have not just been the architects of their team’s success but have also etched their names in footballing history by setting records and delivering breathtaking performances.
From Erling Haaland, who spearheaded Manchester City to yet another Premier League title under Pep Guardiola, to Vinicius Júnior, whose brilliance played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s European Championship triumph, this year has been nothing short of spectacular. On the international stage, England’s Cole Palmer and Harry Kane showcased their class, helping Gareth Southgate’s squad secure a silver medal at UEFA Euro 2024.
With goals defining victories and championships, the spotlight inevitably falls on these sharpshooters, whose precision and poise have often made the difference between glory and despair. In this feature, we look back at the year’s most remarkable performances and rank the top 10 highest goalscorers of 2024 from the top seven European leagues.
Whether it’s the seasoned veterans adding more accolades to their illustrious careers or the young guns announcing their arrival with style, this list will surely leave fans in awe. Stay with us as we unveil the names of the players with the most goals in 2024:
Honourable mention: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Al Nassr) – 43 goals
In any discussion of the highest goalscorers in 2024, omitting the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo would be nothing short of an oversight. Despite not being a part of the top seven European Leagues, Ronaldo at 39 years old, continues to defy the limits of age, demonstrating remarkable consistency and form. Ronaldo has been instrumental for Al Nassr, netting an incredible 38 goals in the calendar year.
Despite Al Nassr narrowly missing out on the Saudi Pro League title last season, finishing as runners-up, Ronaldo’s performances have been nothing short of sublime. Currently sitting third in the league standings, Al Nassr will undoubtedly look to their talisman to guide them back to the summit. On the international stage, Ronaldo has remained a pivotal figure for Roberto Martinez’s Portugal.
While Portugal fell short of reaching the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals, Ronaldo’s contributions have been exceptional. In 12 appearances for the national team this year, he has scored an impressive seven goals, reaffirming his status as a cornerstone of the squad. With a combined tally of 43 goals in 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo’s exploits ensure his well-deserved place as an honourable mention among the year’s elite goalscorers
10. Omar Marmoush – 25 goals (Egypt/ Eintracht Frankfurt)
Omar Marmoush, the 25-year-old Egyptian centre-forward from Cairo, has delivered remarkable performances on both international and club stages in 2024. For the Egyptian national team, Marmoush made 11 appearances, scoring crucial goals against Ghana and Cape Verde, further solidifying his reputation as an emerging star in African football.
9. Luuk de Jong – 27 goals (Netherlands/ PSV Eindhoven)
Luuk de Jong, the 34-year-old veteran Dutch striker has carved his name among the elite goal scorers of 2024 with his exceptional performances for PSV Eindhoven. Renowned for his clinical finishing and aerial prowess, de Jong has been in sublime form, playing a pivotal role in his team’s success in the Eredivisie.
In the calendar year of 2024, De Jong netted an impressive 27 goals for PSV Eindhoven, helping his side clinch the Eredivisie top division title. His consistent displays and invaluable contributions earned him prestigious accolades, including the Dutch Footballer of the Year and the Eredivisie Player of the Season awards.
As he prepares for the upcoming year (2025), De Jong will be aiming to maintain his remarkable goal-scoring form and continue his vital role at PSV. Additionally, he looks forward to contributing to the success of the Netherlands national team in forthcoming international competitions, further cementing his legacy as a prolific striker.
8. Cole Palmer – 28 goals (England/Chelsea)
The 22-year-old English striker Cole Palmer, hailing from Manchester, has enjoyed a remarkable year, excelling for both club and country. Despite limited opportunities with the national team, Palmer made a significant impact, helping Gareth Southgate’s England squad reach the UEFA Euro 2024 final. His standout moment came in the final itself when he scored a crucial equalizer for the Three Lions, reigniting hope and bringing his team back into contention.
On the club front, Palmer has been in stellar form for Chelsea, netting an impressive 26 goals in the calendar year. His consistent performances and knack for scoring in pivotal moments earned him widespread recognition. He was crowned England’s Men’s Player of the Year and was included in the Premier League Fan Team of the Season for 2023-24. Chelsea also honoured his contributions by naming him their Player of the Season for the same campaign. As a rising star, Palmer’s journey continues to captivate fans and promises even greater achievements in the future.
7. Alexander Sorloth – 30 goals (Norway/Atletico Madrid)
Alexander Sorloth, the 28-year-old Norwegian striker from Trondheim, has had an impressive year, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess for both club and country. Representing Norway, Sorloth made eight appearances and scored four goals, three of which came against formidable opponents like Slovenia, Austria, and Kazakhstan during the UEFA Nations League campaign, underscoring his importance in international fixtures.
At the club level, Sorloth has been in scintillating form for Atlético Madrid, finding the net 26 times in the calendar year. His ability to deliver consistently in front of goal has made him a key figure in Atlético’s attacking setup. As the Spanish giants aim for domestic and European glory, Sorloth’s extraordinary goal-scoring abilities will be pivotal in their quest for success.
6. Vinicius Jr – 32 goals (Brazil/ Real Madrid)
Vinícius Júnior has been an instrumental figure for Real Madrid in 2024, delivering remarkable performances that helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side secure multiple prestigious trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, the Supercopa de España, and the UEFA Super Cup. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, known for his dazzling pace and clinical finishing, scored an impressive 30 goals for Los Blancos this calendar year. His heroics on the European stage earned him the coveted UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award.
On the international front, Vinícius faced a less triumphant campaign with Brazil in the Copa América 2024. Despite the team’s overall struggles, he made 11 appearances and scored twice, both goals coming in a single fixture against Paraguay. While his contributions for Brazil were limited, his club performances have firmly established him as one of the world’s elite players. Vinícius will undoubtedly aim to carry his exceptional form forward as he continues to shine on both club and international stages.
5. Jonathan David – 36 goals (Canada/ LOSC Lille)
Jonathan David, the 24-year-old Canadian centre-forward hailing from Brooklyn, New York, has been a standout performer in 2024, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring abilities both at the international and club levels. Representing the Canadian national team, he netted five goals this year, with key strikes against teams such as Suriname, Panama, the United States, and Uruguay, reinforcing his reputation as a pivotal player for his country.
At the club level, David has been in scintillating form for LOSC Lille, scoring an impressive 31 goals across all competitions. His consistent performances have been instrumental in keeping Lille competitive in the French top flight, as they aim to establish themselves as a dominant force in Ligue 1. With his lethal finishing and tireless work rate, David remains a crucial figure for both Lille and Canada, and he will be eager to build on his remarkable form in the seasons to come.
4. Erling Haaland – 39 goals (Norway/ Manchester City)
Erling Haaland stands at the pinnacle of the highest goalscorer list for the calendar year 2024, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in the world. Despite Manchester City facing a challenging phase, Haaland has continued to be the driving force behind their success, playing a pivotal role in helping the club secure the Premier League title last season.
On the international stage, Haaland made a notable impact for the Norwegian national team, scoring 11 goals in just over 10 appearances. His clinical finishing and physical presence have been crucial for Norway in key international fixtures.
At the club level, Haaland has been in blistering form, netting 28 goals for Manchester City in 2024. His ability to score consistently, regardless of the circumstances, has been invaluable for Pep Guardiola’s side. Haaland’s remarkable year cements his status as one of the most dangerous strikers in world football, and he will undoubtedly be looking to continue his remarkable goal-scoring feats in the coming seasons.
3. Robert Lewandowski – 39 goals (Poland/FC Barcelona)
At 36 years old, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age, delivering exceptional performances for both club and country. The Polish striker from Warsaw has been in sublime form, netting a remarkable 36 goals for FC Barcelona in the calendar year. His clinical finishing and leadership on the pitch have been instrumental in Barcelona’s success, helping them maintain their competitive edge in LaLiga so far.
Despite facing injury setbacks during crucial moments, Lewandowski has still managed to make significant contributions to the Poland national team. He made 10 appearances and scored two goals, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his country’s cause.
Looking ahead, Lewandowski is determined to help FC Barcelona continue their dominance in Spanish football, especially after a strong start under Hansi Flick’s guidance. His experience and goal-scoring prowess will remain vital to Barcelona’s aspirations as they aim to challenge for further domestic and European honours.
2. Harry Kane – 41 goals (England/ FC Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane remains an undisputed force in world football, consistently finding his name at the top of any list of highest goal scorers. Whether it’s in the Premier League or the Bundesliga, Kane has proven time and again that he is a goal-scoring machine. The new number 9 at Bayern Munich, Kane, has been in superb form, netting 34 goals for the German giants in the calendar year.
His impact isn’t limited to club football. Kane was also a key figure for Gareth Southgate’s England squad, scoring seven goals for his national team in 2024. His performances have earned him recognition, with Kane being inducted into the Bundesliga Team of the Season for his remarkable contributions. Additionally, his goal-scoring exploits in the 2023-24 season were rewarded with the prestigious European Golden Shoe, further solidifying his place among the elite.
Kane’s ability to score consistently at the highest level, regardless of the competition, is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless determination. With his leadership and prowess, he continues to be one of the most feared strikers in world football.
1. Viktor Gyokeres – 61 goals (Portugal/Sporting CP)
Amidst growing transfer speculation, particularly from the Manchester clubs, Viktor Gyokeres has undeniably had a stellar year in world football, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting future. The Swedish forward has had a record-breaking season, scoring an impressive 61 goals for both club and country in 2024. His remarkable form has seen him net 16 goals in the 2023-24 season and 25 more in the current campaign, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
Gyokeres has also made significant contributions to the Swedish national team, scoring 10 goals and continuing to prove his worth on the international stage. As the transfer rumours swirl, with top clubs vying for his signature, it will be intriguing to see whether he stays with Sporting Clube de Portugal or if a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs materializes.
Gyokeres’ exceptional performances this year have undoubtedly made him one of the hottest properties in the upcoming transfer window. Regardless of where he plays next, he is sure to remain one of the most exciting players to watch in world football.
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