The Evolution of Football’s Top Scorers: A Look at the Best Since 2012
Since 2012, the world of football has witnessed some phenomenal goal-scoring performances from its brightest stars. From Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 91 goals in a single calendar year to Cristiano Ronaldo’s consistent excellence, the race to become the top scorer has been nothing short of thrilling. As we enter 2023, football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating who will take the coveted title of the top scorer. In this article, we’ll recap the top scorers for each calendar year since 2012 and make some predictions for the future.
2012: Lionel Messi – 91 Goals
In 2012, Lionel Messi set an astonishing record by netting 91 goals in a calendar year. This remarkable feat earned him the title of the top scorer, and his exceptional skills left football fans in awe.
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo – 69 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo responded to Messi’s 2012 brilliance by scoring 69 goals in 2013. Ronaldo’s incredible goal-scoring prowess helped him reclaim the top scorer title, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greatest.
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo – 61 Goals
Ronaldo continued his goal-scoring spree in 2014 with 61 goals, further demonstrating his remarkable consistency and hunger for goals.
2015: Cristiano Ronaldo – 57 Goals
Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his scoring prowess in 2015, notching 57 goals and reminding the world of his enduring talent.
2016: Lionel Messi – 58 Goals
Lionel Messi reclaimed the top scorer title in 2016, narrowly edging out his rival Cristiano Ronaldo with 58 goals. This marked Messi’s incredible goal-scoring ability and his fierce competitiveness.
2017: Harry Kane – 56 Goals
Harry Kane emerged as a surprise top scorer in 2017 with 56 goals. The English striker’s clinical finishing caught the attention of football fans worldwide.
2018: Lionel Messi – 51 Goals
Lionel Messi was back at the top in 2018, proving his consistency year after year. With 51 goals, Messi continued to set the standard for goal-scoring excellence.
2019: Robert Lewandowski – 54 Goals
Robert Lewandowski showcased his lethal striking abilities in 2019, finishing the year with 54 goals and announcing himself as one of the best in the world.
2020: Robert Lewandowski – 47 Goals
Lewandowski continued his impressive form in 2020, maintaining his status as a top-tier goal scorer with 47 goals.
2021: Robert Lewandowski – 69 Goals
In 2021, Robert Lewandowski had a career-defining year, scoring a remarkable 69 goals and becoming the top scorer once again.
2022: Erling Haaland – 52 Goals
Erling Haaland burst onto the scene in 2022, with 52 goals to his name. The young Norwegian striker’s explosive style made him a sensation in the football world.
The Future:
As we look ahead to 2023, the question on every football fan’s mind is, who will be the top scorer this year? With several outstanding contenders, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and emerging talents like Erling Haaland, the competition is fierce. Predicting the future top scorer in football is a challenge, as it depends on various factors like injuries, team performance, and individual form.
The journey of football’s top scorers since 2012 has been a thrilling ride, with Messi and Ronaldo dominating for much of the decade. Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland have also shown their mettle in recent years. As the football world eagerly awaits the top scorer of 2023, one thing is certain: the quest for goal-scoring supremacy will continue to captivate fans and inspire the next generation of footballing legends.
