The top goalscorers in the 21st century have been revealed

Someone has compiled the 10 top goalscorers so far in the 21st century, and it is of course spearheaded by the two greatest players of the past 15/20 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with 838 goals in 1168 games, which works out to 0.72 goals per game, a world-class ratio for a man who has won 32 trophies so far in an illustrious career where he has won titles in Spain, England and Italy.

Lionel Messi follows closely behind with 807 goals in 1028 games, working out to a staggering 0.79 goals per game ratio - the best goal to game ratio of the 21st century.

The tricky Argentinian played the majority of his career with Barcelona, with only the last two years being at PSG, with his goalscoring career highlight being the fact that he scored an astonishing 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year.

Bayern Munich legend and current Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is in a distant third place, still boasting an impressive 636 goals in 898 games, with an average of 0.71 goals per game which falls just short of equalling Ronaldo's ratio.

The one and only Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in fourth with 573 goals scored in 988 games, with his goal to game ratio coming to 0.58, some way away from the goal per game averages set by the top three.

Though the top three are still playing and can add to their tally, Ibrahimovic announced his retirement this season, meaning he could potentially be overtaken by those behind him.

PA Images)

In fifth is Luis Suarez with 543 goals in 916 games, working out to 0.59 goals per game - the Uruguayan was lethal for Liverpool and became even more prolific at Barcelona, where he formed one third of the legendary MSN trio.

Current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema is some way behind in sixth with 457 goals in 895 games, a goals to game ratio of 0.51.

Neymar is next with 434 goals in 707 games, working out at 0.61 goals per game, and he is followed very closely by the lethal Edinson Cavani who has 432 goals in 786 games which comes out to 0.55 goals a game.

The recently retired Sergio Aguero is in ninth place with 426 goals in 786 games with a ratio of 0.54 goals per game, and rounding out the list is surprisingly the retired David Villa, with 426 goals in 826 games - working out to 0.52 goals a game.

Best known as Spain's star at the 2010 World Cup, his inclusion is surprising to say the least, though he may soon be overtaken by upcoming strikers such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Topics: Football, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski

Joshua Nair

Freelance football writer.

@joshnair10