Top 5 Footballers with the Most Guinness World Records

Football isn’t just about scoring goals and winning titles; it’s also about achieving remarkable feats that etch a player’s name in history. Some footballers have managed to transcend the sport, breaking records that seem almost superhuman. These athletes have not only wowed fans on the pitch but have also secured their place in the Guinness World Records.

Let’s take a look at the top five footballers who hold the most Guinness World Records, from the least to the absolute record-breaking king.

5. Neymar Jr – 4 Guinness World Records

Starting off our list is the Brazilian sensation, Neymar Jr. Known for his flair, agility, and dazzling skills, Neymar has made his mark both on and off the field. He holds four Guinness World Records, which include:

• Most expensive football player in a transfer: Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a staggering €222 million set a new benchmark in the football transfer market.
• Fastest goal in Olympic football history: During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Neymar scored just 14 seconds into a match against Honduras, leading Brazil to Olympic gold.
• Most goals scored in a single Copa del Rey season: In 2015, Neymar’s eight goals helped Barcelona clinch the trophy.
• Youngest player to be named the best player at a FIFA Club World Cup: Neymar was just 19 when he dazzled at the 2011 tournament with Santos.

4. Kylian Mbappe – 5 Guinness World Records

Next up is the French prodigy, Kylian Mbappe, who has taken the football world by storm with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. At just 25 years old, Mbappe has already secured five Guinness World Records:

• Youngest player to score in a World Cup final: Mbappe found the net at 19 years and 207 days during France’s triumph in 2018.
• Youngest player to score in four consecutive Champions League knockout matches: Mbappe achieved this feat during the 2016-17 season with AS Monaco.
• Fastest player to score 20 Champions League goals: He reached this milestone at the age of 21.
• Most goals by a teenager in a World Cup: Mbappe scored four goals during the 2018 World Cup, showcasing his immense talent on the global stage.
• Youngest player to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1: He netted three goals in a match at the age of 18.

3. Robert Lewandowski – 9 Guinness World Records

The Polish powerhouse, Robert Lewandowski, has been a goal-scoring machine throughout his career. His remarkable consistency and ability to find the back of the net have earned him nine Guinness World Records:

• Fastest five goals in a Bundesliga match: Lewandowski scored five goals in just 9 minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015.
• Most goals by a substitute in a Bundesliga match: Those five goals also set the record for the most goals scored by a substitute.
• Most hat-tricks in a Bundesliga season: He scored four hat-tricks in the 2019-20 season.
• First player to score in 11 consecutive Bundesliga matches: Lewandowski achieved this in the 2019-20 season.
• Most goals scored in a Bundesliga season: He netted 41 goals in the 2020-21 season, surpassing Gerd Muller’s long-standing record.
• Fastest to score four goals in a Champions League match: He achieved this in 14 minutes against Red Star Belgrade in 2019.
• Most goals in a calendar year in the Bundesliga: Lewandowski scored 43 goals in 2021.
• Most consecutive matches scoring in the Bundesliga: He scored in 19 consecutive matches.
• Most goals in the first 100 Champions League appearances: He netted 82 goals in his first 100 matches.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 40 Guinness World Records

The name Cristiano Ronaldo is synonymous with excellence in football. With his incredible work ethic and unmatched athleticism, Ronaldo has amassed an astonishing 40 Guinness World Records. Below are some of them;

• Most goals scored in the UEFA Champions League: Ronaldo has 134 goals in the competition.
• Most goals scored in a European Championship: With 14 goals, Ronaldo is the top scorer in the tournament’s history.
• Most hat-tricks in La Liga: He scored 34 hat-tricks during his time at Real Madrid.
• Most goals in a single European season: Ronaldo scored 17 goals in the 2013-14 Champions League season.
• Most followed athlete on social media: Ronaldo has over 500 million followers across various platforms.
• Most international goals by a male footballer: He surpassed Ali Daei’s record with 115 goals.
• First player to score in 10 consecutive international tournaments: Ronaldo achieved this milestone at Euro 2020.
• Most headed goals in the Champions League: Ronaldo has scored 23 headed goals.
• Most goals scored in a single calendar year: Ronaldo netted 69 goals in 2013.
• Oldest player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup: He was 33 years and 130 days old when he scored three goals against Spain in 2018.

1. Lionel Messi – 41 Guinness World Records

At the pinnacle of our list is the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi. With his extraordinary vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has broken records that might never be surpassed. He holds an incredible 41 Guinness World Records, below are some of them;

• Most goals scored in a calendar year: Messi netted 91 goals in 2012, breaking Gerd Muller’s record.
• Most goals in La Liga: Messi scored 474 goals for Barcelona.
• Most assists in La Liga: He provided 192 assists during his time at Barcelona.
• Most goals in a single European club season: Messi scored 73 goals in the 2011-12 season.
• Most Ballon d’Or wins: He has won the prestigious award seven times.
• Most hat-tricks in La Liga: Messi scored 36 hat-tricks in the Spanish top flight.
• Most goals in a single La Liga season: He scored 50 goals in the 2011-12 season.
• Most appearances for a single club: Messi made 778 appearances for Barcelona.
• Most assists in a calendar year: Messi provided 36 assists in 2011.
• Most goals scored in El Clásico: Messi has 26 goals against Real Madrid.

These footballers have not only captivated audiences with their skills but have also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Each record they hold is a testament to their dedication, talent, and passion for football.

Which of these footballers is your favorite?