For UK sports fans, the allure of European club football is undeniable. We celebrate the skill, the passion, and, of course, the goals! But the best part about football is still scoring goals, and we mostly honour those who score the most of them. For that reason, we want to mention some of the best individual seasons that players have had during the years and highlight the all-time best scorers from European competitions per season.
Lionel Messi (2011/12)
Lionel Messi’s 2011/12 season was nothing short of a phenomenon. The Argentine maestro netted a staggering 81 goals in just 68 games, a record that may stand for decades. His dribbling, vision, and finishing were all at their peak, leaving defenders helpless and fans in awe. This season wasn’t just about the volume of goals it was about the sheer artistry with which they were scored. Messi was playing a different game, operating on a plane above everyone else.
- Goals: 81
- Games: 68
Cristiano Ronaldo (2014/15)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2014/15 season was a masterclass in power and precision. The Portuguese superstar scored an astonishing 66 goals in 60 games, showcasing his incredible athleticism and lethal finishing ability. Every match felt like a highlight reel as he unleashed thunderous shots, soared for towering headers, and terrorized defences with his relentless drive. This season solidified Ronaldo’s status as one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time.
- Goals: 66
- Games: 60
Robert Lewandowski (2019/20)
Robert Lewandowski‘s 2019/20 season was a testament to his unwavering consistency and clinical finishing. The Polish striker scored 59 goals in just 53 games, leading Bayern Munich to a dominant treble-winning campaign. His positioning, technique, and composure in front of the goal were unmatched, making him the most feared striker in Europe.
- Goals: 59
- Games: 53
Luis Suarez (2015/16)
Luis Suarez’s 2015/16 season saw him at the peak of his powers with Barcelona. Forming a deadly trio with Messi and Neymar, Suarez bagged 60 goals in 55 games. This season highlighted his incredible work rate, relentless pressing, and ability to score from seemingly impossible angles. Suarez’s tenacity and hunger for goals made him a nightmare for defenders.
- Goals: 60
- Games: 55
Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002/03)
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 2002/03 season was a classic display of predatory finishing. Playing for Manchester United, the Dutch striker scored 47 goals in 59 games, showcasing his exceptional ability to be in the right place at the right time. Van Nistelrooy’s single-minded focus on scoring goals and his deadly accuracy made him one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League and Europe.
- Goals: 47
- Games: 59
