Top 5 active La Liga goal scorers

With regards to UEFA's league coefficient over the past five seasons, the La Liga is the most competitive league in Europe. Spain's rich footballing culture in Europe has been prevalent for a long time now, as the country's clubs have produced the most wins in European competitions.

The La Liga was founded in 1929, as clubs from across the nation competed to be crowned Spanish and European champions. Players from around the world flocked to compete in Spain's top clubs, eager to make an impact in a big league.

A number of players have failed to make their mark, while others created lasting memories. We take a look at five of the top active goalscorers in the league who are currently plying their trade in Spain's top flight.

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#5 Antonie Griezmann (102 goals in 257 appearances)

French superstar and Atletico Madrid forward, Antoine Griezmann began his professional career in Spain with Real Sociedad in 2009. After five seasons with the club, the Frenchman moved away to Atletico Madrid in 2014, as he began to establish himself as a top quality player, putting in outstanding displays at the highest level of the game.

Around the same time, the flamboyant striker earned his first national team call-up with France in 2014, taking no time to establish himself as a French regular in the starting eleven.

Having made over 250 appearances in the Spanish league for Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, Greizmann has notched a staggering 102 goals. He sits in fifth on the chart of active La Liga goalscorers, with a lot of ground to make if he has to break into the all-time chart.

However, the 26-year-old Frenchman is a tricky customer with great ability and skill capable of performing at greater heights, with all-time records in his sight, for club and country.

#4 Karim Benzema (122 goals in 247 appearances)

Benzema in a jovial mood after netting a goal

Controversial French striker and Real Madrid talisman, Karim Benzema has been one of the top strikers in Europe over the last decade The Frenchman made his move to Spain's top flight with a move from Lyon to Real Madrid in 2009.

After five seasons at the French club with a lot of goals to his name, Benzema sought a move to the biggest and most successful European club in football history. Having made close to 250 appearances in La Liga for the Los Blancos, the forward has netted 122 times in the league.

In his eighth season with the club, the Frenchman has also made 81 appearances for his country before he was indefinitely suspended by manager Didier Deschamps. However, the striker has still managed to notch in the goals for his club as he helped guide the Galacticos to two back to back Champions Leagues titles.

#3 Artiz Aduriz (150 goals in 383 appearances)

Aduriz celebrates a goal for Bilbao

Basque-born Spanish striker, Artiz Aduriz has played for numerous clubs across Spain's top flight league. Aduriz made his first appearance in the league for Athletic Bilbao in 2002. After failing to make a serious impact, Aduriz was sent out on loan, before he moved to Valladolid in 2004 for a season.

A return to Bilao was sealed in 2006, however, the Spanish striker was quicky on the move yet again after two seasons with the club, moving to Mallorca. After two seasons at Mallorca, Aduriz spent two seasons at Valencia before joining Bilbao for the fourth time in 2013.

Aduriz has made close to 400 appearances in the league scoring 150 goals during his time with various clubs in the top flight of Spanish football. He is also part of the current Spanish squad under Julen Lopetegui and might be in line to make the squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (285 goals in 268 appearances)

Ronaldo celebrates for Real Madrid

Portugal and Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer and multiple time Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest European footballers to have graced the game. The former Manchester United player made his move to the Spanish capital in 2009 and has since lit the La Liga up with some incredible spellbinding goals and moments.

Ronaldo has scored 285 goals in 268 appearances for Real Madrid in the Spanish top-flight and sits only behind rival and fellow great Lionel Messi in the top La Liga scorers of all-time.

Ronaldo guided Portugal to their maiden Euro championship triumph in France 2016. The Portuguese forward has picked up honours across governing bodies and leagues and will go down in history as one of the true greats of the game. A consistent performer at the highest level, the 32-year-old is far from done as he gears up to pick up more accolades for both club and country.

Second, on the La Liga all-time goal-scoring list, Ronaldo is also top of the all-time goal-scoring chart in the Champions League.

#1 Lionel Messi (360 goals in 389 appearances)

Messi tops the all-time goal scoring chart as well

Argentine and Barcelona sensation, Lionel Messi sits on top of the all-time list for the most number of goals scored in the Spanish top-flight since its establishment in 1929. The 30-year-old forward began his career at Barcelona working his way up through the ranks and made his debut at the tender age of 17 in 2004.

Since then the Argentinian forward has taken the league and world by storm as he has established and cemented his legacy as the greatest goal scorer of all time. Having netted 360 goals in 389 appearances for Barcelona in La Liga, the magician Messi leads the way as the most accomplished goal scorer in Spanish top-flight history.

Messi is also Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer and captain who is focused on securing his first international trophy with his country at next year's WC in Russia. Having come close to winning an international honour on numerous occasions, Messi strives to achieve and add another honour to his illustrious career.

In his 13th season with the Catalonia giants, Messi continues to spearhead Barcelona's charge to another La Liga trophy and secure his lead at the top of the goal scoring chart.