5 renowned international goalscorers of the modern era

Cote D'Ivoire v Japan: Group C - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Didier Drogba

Over the years we've seen some incredible strikers perform across the world. Whilst many of them are prolific for their clubs, not all of them translate that to the international stage.

These strikers are being classed as 'modern era' for the purposes of this slideshow, which means they're of my generation (I was born in 1989).

There are of course other strikers who have higher goals tallies and more country appearances, but the selection here are the ones you and I will remember most fondly. Some are still playing!

Their records speak for themselves in terms of goals scored but a number of times they're represented their country also stands out. Their determination to continue representing their country is incredibly impressive.

Players are often lauded for standing by certain clubs for seasons on end, but they should also be acknowledged for continuing to travel abroad during long campaigns to pull on their national shirt.

Here are five strikers who have been able to score goals for their nation, as we count down the top 5 goalscorers in international games ever.


#5: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is a Chelsea legend, make no mistake about it. He joined from Marseille and really made a name for himself in the Premier League. Not only was he adored by the Blues fans but he became so very well appreciated by opposition fans - and still is!

Many neutral fans will remember his pace and power in the final third and you'd be hard pushed to find too many other strikers who added more to their teams in the Premier League era. Big words, I know, but he really was that good.

He took just about every winners medal available home with him during his time at Stamford Bridge.

His international record was as follows: 65 goals in 104 caps.

A great player for club and country, one deservedly in the top five here.

#4: Robbie Keane

Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar - EURO 2016 Qualifier
Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane has played for a lot of clubs, famously declaring himself a 'fan' of just about all of them. His only poor spell probably came during his time at Liverpool, but omitting that, he lit up Spurs, Leeds and LA Galaxy, amongst others.

Whilst being heavily represented at club level, Keane has also excelled on the international platform, consistently turning out for the Republic of Ireland. His Ireland career began way back in 1998, which means he's been part of squads on and off for 18 years - a staggering achievement.

His famous goal celebration has therefore been seen in green quite a few times, and much of them in vital games or on the world stage in tournaments.

He's bagged a delectable 68 goals in his 148 caps. Here's to Robbie Keane, an Irish legend in his own right.

#3: Stern John

FIFA 2006 World Cup Playoff - Trinidad & Tobago
Stern John

Stern John is probably best known for his spell in the Championship playing for Birmingham between 2002 and 2004. He also spent time at Nottingham Forest prior to joining Birmingham, adding to his successful spell in the Midlands.

Someone of his stature through those years was obviously very well revered in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean nation had a striker they could rely on and oh how they watched him score plenty for them.

He netted a grand total of 70 goals in 115 appearances, which is a remarkable record all being told.

Like Drogba, his commitment to travelling to the Caribbean on a regular basis should be admired. It's no easy task to keep making the trip, mid-season, and to perform at the peak of his ability. Stern John, we salute you.

#2: Miroslav Klose

Brazil v Germany: Semi Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Miroslav Klose

What a career Klose has had. Where to begin?

Of Polish descent, Klose has become a legend in German football history, with over 13 years of service to the national side. He made his name during spells in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and then Bayern Munich.

He then made the move to Lazio later in his years to try his hand in Serie A, proving he was every bit the striker he'd shown to that point.

Five years in Lazio led to 50 goals, with some 100+ coming in his many Bundesliga years.

That record's good but it's eclipsed, in my opinion, by his service to Germany and international football. For 13 years Klose pulled on the German jersey and in that time, he scored 71 goals, making 137 appearances.

Again, another legend of the game.

#1: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal v Belgium International Friendly
Cristiano Ronaldo

No surprise this man sits at the number one spot.

He's been at the very top of the sport for so many years now it feels like a lifetime. Just where would Portugal be without him?

From Sporting as a youngster to Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, he set the Premier League ablaze in a period of pure success for the Red Devils. From there, after impressing so much, it was no surprise that Los Blancos would come calling. They paid a then world-record fee for the forward and the rest has been history.

Eight years in Madrid and over 280 goals in that time - an unspeakably good record.

For Portugal, his longevity has been again nothing short of superb. He's recorded appearances at every age level for his country, spending the last 14 years as a Portuguese regular.

He helped his nation to Euro 2016 success and has picked up every notable trophy or honour going. His record: 78 goals in 145 caps.

He's one of the best ever.

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