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Whilst most players are lucky to reach 500 career appearances, a few special players have reached this figure, but in goals scored. Just three active players have reached this total due to the incredibly difficult challenge that it represents.
To reach 500 goals, players must be incredibly consistent in front of goal, in addition to hoping to avoid long-term injury layoffs. Pele is, of course, the most famous goalscorer in history and the world cup winner scored 767 goals during his storied career. These players are still chasing his enormous total, although one or maybe even two of them may eventually beat his tally.
#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Appearances - 879 Goals - 500
Zlatan served as the inspiration for this list after he scored his 500th career goal at the weekend during LA Galaxy's 5-3 win over Toronto FC. The Swedish big man has scored with increasing frequency as he has got older which is an oddity in football. The striker will now look to add to his total as he closes out his legendary career in the MLS.
#2 Lionel Messi
Appearances - 825 Goals - 648
Messi has the best goalscoring rate on the list, he is also is at the advantage of being the youngest player. The Argentine has averaged nearly 50 goals per season over the last 10 years and at just 31, will have plenty of time to chase down his rival who currently occupies the top spot.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Appearances - 954 Goals - 678
The best goalscorer of all time unsurprisingly takes the top spot for most goals among active footballers. Ronaldo's goals-to-minute ratio is lower than Messi's, but this can be attributed to the fact that the 33-year-old played on the wing during his Manchester United career.
Since leaving England, he has managed to score every 90 minutes which has resulted in the forward pulling ahead of Messi on the most goals scored list. Expect this battle to continue over the next 5 years as both players are likely to keep scoring until retirement.
