European Football Scoring Records: Who’s on Track to Break Them?
Everyone loves a goal or assist record and commentators are quick to point them out. While some records appear untouchable – thanks, Lionel Messi – others are within reach and could be broken this season. Here’s a look at the scoring titles across Europe’s top five leagues and the UEFA Champions League.
Premier League
Single-season goal record: 36 goals, Erling Haaland (2022-23)
This season’s top scorer: 22 goals, Erling Haaland
Will it be broken? Unlikely
Single-season assist record: 20 assists, Thierry Henry (2002-03), Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20)
This season’s assist leader: 13 assists, Bruno Fernandes
Will it be broken? Possibly
Erling Haaland initially appeared poised to surpass his own Premier League goal record, scoring 14 goals in his first 11 games. However, a mid-season drought has made that outcome improbable. The assist record is more attainable, with Bruno Fernandes showing strong form after a managerial change at Manchester United, adding five assists in his first four league games following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
Bundesliga
Single-season goal record: 41 goals, Robert Lewandowski (2020-21)
This season’s top scorer: 30 goals, Harry Kane
Will it be broken? Possibly
Single-season assist record: 21 assists, Thomas Müller (2019-20)
This season’s assist leader: 16 assists, Michael Olise
Will it be broken? Likely
Harry Kane is making a strong push to break Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga goal record, having scored 10 goals in his first five league games. Michael Olise is also within reach of surpassing Müller’s assist record.
LaLiga
Single-season goal record: 50 goals, Lionel Messi (2011-12)
This season’s top scorer: 23 goals, Kylian Mbappé
Will it be broken? No
Single-season assist record: 20 assists, Messi (2019-20)
This season’s assist leader: 10 assists, Lamine Yamal
Will it be broken? Unlikely
Lionel Messi’s LaLiga goal record appears unbreakable. Kylian Mbappé, despite being a top scorer in Europe, is far from Messi’s mark. Messi’s assist record, while potentially more attainable, is unlikely to be broken this season by Lamine Yamal.
Serie A
Single-season goal record: 36 goals, Gonzalo Higuaín (2015-16), Ciro Immobile (2019-20)
This season’s top scorer: 14 goals, Lautaro Martínez
Will it be broken? No
Single-season assist record: 16 assists, Alejandro “Papu” Gómez (2019-20)
This season’s assist leader: 15 assists, Federico Dimarco
Will it be broken? Yes
Lautaro Martínez is leading the Serie A scoring chart but is not expected to challenge the single-season goal record. However, Federico Dimarco is poised to surpass Papu Gómez’s assist record, having recorded eight assists in a five-game stretch between January 23 and February 21.
Ligue 1
Single-season goal record: 38 goals, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2015-16)
This season’s top scorer: 14 goals, Mason Greenwood, Joaquín Panichelli
Will it be broken? No
Single-season assist record: 18 assists, Angel Di Maria (2015-16)
This season’s assist leader: 8 assists, Ludovic Ajorque
Will it be broken? Unlikely
Mason Greenwood, tied with Joaquín Panichelli, is leading the Ligue 1 scoring race, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record remains safe. Angel Di Maria’s assist record is also unlikely to be broken this season, with Ludovic Ajorque the closest contender.
UEFA Champions League
Single-season goal record: 17 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo (2013-14)
This season’s top scorer: 13 goals, Kylian Mbappé
Will it be broken? Possibly
Single-season assist record: 9 assists, James Milner (2017-18)
This season’s assist leader: 4 assists, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arda Guler, Michael Olise, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Valverde, Vinícius Júnior
Will it be broken? Unlikely
Kylian Mbappé has a chance to break Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League goal record, especially with the expanded format of the competition. The assist record, held by James Milner, appears unlikely to be broken this season, with a six-way tie for the lead at just four assists.