Frank Christian
Belgium’s journey into Euro 2024 saw them facing less pressure than in previous major tournaments. Despite high expectations, the team’s past “Golden Generation” fell short of claiming top honors. With key players retired or aging, the current squad led by coach Domenico Tedesco faces a more relaxed atmosphere.
After a surprising 1-0 loss to Slovakia, Belgium rebounded with a 2-0 victory over Romania, setting the stage for a crucial final group match to advance to the knockout stage.
The success of Belgium in Euro 2024 and beyond could heavily rely on the performance of striker Romelu Lukaku, their all-time leading goal scorer and a standout in the Serie A with Roma.
Let’s delve into how Lukaku’s goal-scoring record compares to football’s elite, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lukaku’s International Goal Milestone
As of June 22, 2024, Romelu Lukaku has netted 85 goals in 117 matches for Belgium, solidifying his place as the team’s top goal scorer. He surpasses Eden Hazard by a significant margin of 52 goals.
Having surpassed Ferenc Puskas in the all-time international goal rankings, Lukaku remains second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in Europe for senior international goals. His international goal-scoring journey began in 2010 against Russia in a friendly match.
Lukaku set the Belgian goal-scoring record with his 31st goal against Japan in 2017. However, FIFA initially did not acknowledge this achievement due to a technicality surrounding a match against Luxembourg in 2014.
During the 2018 World Cup, Lukaku finished third in the Golden Boot race, trailing Antoine Griezmann and Harry Kane.
Top International Goal Scorers in Men’s Football
Lukaku joins a select group of nine male footballers who have scored over 80 goals in senior internationals. At 31 years old, he stands a good chance of reaching the prestigious 100-goal mark, a feat achieved by only three other male players.
While Lukaku leads Neymar of Brazil by six goals, he still trails the top two international goal maestros, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Top 10 Men’s International Goal Scorers of All Time
Updated data as of June 22, 2024.
*Denotes active player
| Player | Country | Goals | Caps | Years active | |
| 1. | Cristiano Ronaldo* | Portugal | 130 | 209 | 2003 — |
| 2. | Ali Daei | Iran | 109 | 148 | 1993-2006 |
| 3. | Lionel Messi* | Argentina | 108 | 183 | 2005 — |
| 4. | Sunil Chhetri | India | 94 | 151 | 2005 —2024 |
| 5. | Mokhtar Dahari | Malaysia | 89 | 142 | 1972-1985 |
| 6. | Ali Mabkhout* | UAE | 85 | 114 | 2009 — |
| = | Romelu Lukaku* | Belgium | 85 | 117 | 2010 — |
| 8. | Ferenc Puskas | Hungary | 84 | 89 | 1945-1956 |
| 9. | Robert Lewandowski* | Poland | 82 | 151 | 2008 — |
| 10. | Godfrey Chitalu | Zambia | 79 | 111 | 1968-1980 |
| = | Neymar* | Brazil | 79 | 128 | 2010 — |
