Top 10 Midfielders With The Most Goals Scored in Football History

Midfielders are often seen as the engine of a football team controlling tempo, distributing passes, and supporting both attack and defense. While scoring goals is typically the duty of strikers, some midfielders have defied expectations by consistently finding the back of the net. These players not only contributed creatively but also became prolific scorers in their own right.

10. Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard was the heartbeat of Liverpool for over a decade. With 206 goals, Gerrard regularly stepped up in big matches, including a famous Champions League final in 2005. He was a complete midfielder tough in tackles, visionary in passing, and deadly from distance.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
10	Steven Gerrard	1998–2016	206	Liverpool legend

9. Kaká

Kaká was a modern-day attacking midfielder who combined speed, grace, and goal-scoring ability. The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner scored 237 goals, starring for AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Brazil. His Champions League performances and playmaking brilliance made him a global superstar in the 2000s.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
9	Kaká	2000–2014	237	Ballon d’Or winner

Also Check: আজকের ক্রিকেট ম্যাচ প্রেডিকশন

8. Sócrates

A philosopher on and off the pitch, Brazilian midfielder Sócrates scored 258 goals in a career defined by elegance and vision. He captained Brazil during the 1982 World Cup and played for clubs like Corinthians, Fiorentina, and Botafogo-SP. He also pioneered the “Corinthians Democracy” movement, blending football with political awareness.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
8	Sócrates	1973–1989	258	Brazilian midfielder

7. Frank Lampard

One of the Premier League’s finest, Frank Lampard was known for his late runs into the box and incredible scoring consistency. He scored between 297 and 303 goals, most of them for Chelsea, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer. Lampard was a midfield general, combining technical skill, timing, and composure.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
7	Frank Lampard	1995–2016	297–303	Premier League legend

6. Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton is one of England’s most revered footballers. Playing primarily for Manchester United, he scored between 309 and 312 goals, depending on source variation. He was a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup win and also helped rebuild United following the Munich Air Disaster. His long-range shooting and football intelligence made him a legendary attacking midfielder.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
6	Bobby Charlton	1956–1975	312–309	Manchester United icon

Also Check: ফুটবল লাইভ ম্যাচ দেখুন E2bet-এ

5. Jan Ceulemans

Belgium’s all-time great Jan Ceulemans was an attacking powerhouse from midfield, scoring 314 goals across his club and international career. A consistent performer for Club Brugge and the Belgian national team, Ceulemans played in three World Cups and was known for his strength, stamina, and heading ability.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
5	Jan Ceulemans	1974–1992	314	Belgian midfielder

4. Teófilo Cubillas

Peruvian legend Teófilo Cubillas is one of South America’s finest midfielders. With 342 goals to his name, he combined creativity with clinical finishing. Known for his performance in World Cups (especially 1970 and 1978), Cubillas remains a national hero in Peru and a benchmark for attacking midfielders.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
4	Teófilo Cubillas	1966–1989	342	Peruvian star

3. Michel Platini

French football icon Michel Platini scored 354 goals during a glittering career with Nancy, Saint-Étienne, Juventus, and France. He was a playmaker who also had a sharp eye for goal, especially from set-pieces. Platini’s best international moment came in Euro 1984, where he scored 9 goals in just 5 matches to lead France to victory.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
3	Michel Platini	1972–1987	354	French maestro

Also Read: PSG vs Real Madrid – FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal Match

2. Fritz Walter

A World Cup-winning captain with West Germany in 1954, Fritz Walter was a dominant force in midfield. He scored 390 career goals, mainly for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and the national team. Known for his creativity, leadership, and goal-scoring knack, Walter was a key figure in Germany’s post-war football revival.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
2	Fritz Walter	1937–1958	390	German World Cup winner

1. Zico

Brazilian legend Zico tops the list with a staggering 517 goals, an incredible tally for a midfielder. Known as the “White Pelé,” Zico had exceptional vision, technical brilliance, and a deadly free-kick. He starred for Flamengo, Udinese, and the Brazil national team, becoming a global icon despite never winning a World Cup. Zico’s goal-scoring record stands as a testament to his attacking instincts and football intelligence.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
1	Zico	1971–1994	517	Brazilian legend

Conclusion

These midfielders not only dictated play but consistently impacted the scoreboard. From Zico’s samba magic to Lampard’s Premier League precision, they proved that midfielders can be as prolific as strikers. Their legacy lives on in the evolution of modern football, where the line between midfield playmaker and goal-scorer continues to blur.

Rank	Player	Career Span	Goals Scored	Notable Details
1	Zico	1971–1994	517	Brazilian legend
2	Fritz Walter	1937–1958	390	German World Cup winner
3	Michel Platini	1972–1987	354	French maestro
4	Teófilo Cubillas	1966–1989	342	Peruvian star
5	Jan Ceulemans	1974–1992	314	Belgian midfielder
6	Bobby Charlton	1956–1975	312–309	Manchester United icon
7	Frank Lampard	1995–2016	297–303	Premier League legend
8	Sócrates	1973–1989	258	Brazilian midfielder
9	Kaká	2000–2014	237	Ballon d’Or winner
10	Steven Gerrard	1998–2016	206	Liverpool legend

FAQ