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Valverde backs Griezmann to face Atletico heat

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Valverde backs Griezmann to face Atletico heat
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Ernesto Valverde has backed Antoine Griezmann in the event of facing heat from Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday morning.

The Frenchman comes back to Atletico subsequent to leaving the club for a huge expense of £110m, and all things considered, he will be forced to bear quite some heat from Atletico fans.

“Whatever you say, I can’t change how people behave with Griezmann. He left there, some will be valued and others not. We are used to harsh environments.”

“In both games in the Metropolitano, ​Atletico went ahead and we had to go back and draw,” he stated. “The two games followed the same pattern, we dominated, but they hurt us on the break. It is possible that the script is repeated. They defend well, together, but when they attack they hurt many players. It will be exciting.

“Atletico forces mistakes from you a lot with high pressure and we will need some patience to look for holes and cover what we have behind. They will run a lot, we will have to do it and the technical part will also be important.

“The importance of the game is for two reasons, first to regain the leadership and then for the morale we will have from here until the end of the year. Whoever wins will experience a very important high. It is a game in which you have to play [for] it.”

See More: FC Barcelona Players Wages 2019 (Salaries Per Week List)

 

 

Barcelona outcast Arturo Vidal threatens to leave club

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Barcelona outcast Arturo Vidal threatens to leave club
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The Chilean has started only three La Liga games this season.

In spite of that, he has scored four league goals.

In a recent interview, Barcelona player Arturo Vidal opened up on his future and revealed that he could consider leaving the La Liga giants, if he no longer feels important at the club.

Vidal moved to Barcelona from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in 2018 August, for a reported transfer fee of €18 million. Though his arrival at the Camp Nou was a surprise to many, he cemented his place within the first-team with a series of virtuoso performances in the 2018-19 season. So far, the former Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen ace has played 66 matches for the Blaugrana, scoring seven times and assisting another eight goals.

However, despite his fine form, the 32-year-old is not a guaranteed starter under manager Ernesto Valverde – in fact, he has made only three La Liga starts this season, and as mentioned earlier, has suggested that he could move on if he continues to face a lack of game time.

“I would like to be here forever, but I have to be objective and live day to day. If in December or at the end of the season I do not feel important here, I will look for a solution and expand my horizons [in order] to be important,” Vidal told MARCA.
“There are always offers, but for the moment I am focused on Barcelona, working and helping my team as much as possible,” he added.

Vidal has slipped behind close-season arrival Frenkie de Jong and Ivan Rakitic in the pecking order at Barca, who lead rivals Real Madrid on goal difference at the top of the La Liga table.

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Barcelona confident they can sign back Dani Olmo

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Barcelona confident they can sign back Dani Olmo

Barcelona are confident of signing back their former academy talent, Dani Olmo.

They are confident that Olmo would chose them over any other potential suitors. Reports claim the midfielder has been approached by many clubs with bids going up as high as €30m.

Dinamo Zagreb rejected all advances as they wait to get promoted to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history, all through the creative help of Dani Olmo.

The 21-year-old has starred all over Europe this year, making his debut for the Spain senior side and even scoring after 24 minutes. He has made Barcelona regret selling him for free in 2014 and is making a strong case for a Camp Nou return.

The Blaugrana are looking to recruit young budding talent like Olmo who are already accustomed to the club’s philosphy. Their midfield ranks are currently bloated with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal, Frenkie de Jong, Arthur, Carlos Alena and Ivan Rakitic.

There is no way Olmo will just walk in and claim a starting spot in this Barcelona squad. However, the prospect of going back to his roots will excite him. The question is over how much?

Dinamo are guaranteed to charge a premium sum for Olmo whereas, Barcelona need more strength at the striker position.

SEE MORE: 10 Worst Barcelona signings: Top 10 worst Barcelona transfers!

Barcelona’s Financial Abilities Questioned In Neymar Chase

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Barcelona's Financial Abilities Questioned In Neymar Chase

Former AS Monaco president, Vadim Vasilyev has questioned Barcelona’s intentions on getting Neymar.

We all saw how the transfer saga rolled out over the summer. Barcelona made multiple bids involving some of their players but it was never enough to convince PSG.

Neymar ended up staying and that was thought to be the final blow to a potential reuning. However, reports claim there is still a possibility of Barcelona coming back for the Brazilian.

Vasilyev said, “Barça probably don’t have the financial backing to buy the Brazilian. I have to question the real intentions of the Catalan club when it comes to Neymar. My question is whether Messi’s wishes are shared by the club.”

“I believe Mbappe is the star of the team with Neymar. He’s the best French player and, financially speaking, Paris are capable of keeping hold of them both.”

Speaking of Mbappe, Vasilyev said, “When (will he move)? I don’t know anything but I feel its inevitable. Real Madrid’s offer was very interesting for Monaco and he told me: ‘Vadim, for me it’s too soon. I haven’t played for more than a year in my country. I want Paris. I don’t want to leave my country yet. I want to become a great player here. Madrid can wait.'”

See Also: 10 Legendary Barcelona players: Top 10 most Valuable stars at Nou Camp

Suarez tells Dembele to get fit

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Suarez tells Dembele to get fit
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Luis Suarez has told Dembele and his team of doctors to fix the winger’s injury for the long term.

“Dembele and the doctors have to try and find a solution to his injuries,” Suarez said after the match, as quoted by Sport.

“[They have to find out] how he keeps getting injured after he has recovered. We hope he’s back with us soon.”

Suarez has kind words for new signing Griezmann. The Frenchman was happy with his new move to the club in the summer but things have not been smooth since. 

I’ve always said that spending time together, being with each other day to day, for so many years, playing games together makes the connection with Messi easy,” Suarez said. 

“You start [running] knowing that he’s going to put the ball in front of you. We always look for the best option. It’s normal that we find each other because we’re the two main forwards.”

He added: “As has happened with other team-mates, knowing [Griezmann] was struggling to score, when we were up we looked for him. Antoine did spectacularly: he had chances and he scored. It’s important for his confidence.”

SEE MORE: El Clasico results since 1902? Barcelona vs Real Madrid history results list!

Messi vs Hazard dribbling

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Messi vs Hazard dribbling skills video

Messi vs Hazard dribbling? Who is the best dribbler – Messi vs Hazard? Which player is best at dribbling? Hazard is considered to be one of the best Barcelona strikers ever. Can he be compared to Messi when it comes to dribbling?

Hazard and Lionel Messi are both quite similar in their dribbling skills. They both don’t use fancy tricks like step-overs and such.But they can both get past defenders with just a simple body feint or change of pace. The ball just sticks to their feet.

Now obviously, Lionel Messi is the better player overall. He has won the Ballon d’Or five times after all. But, in 2017, statistics revealed Hazard was actually the better dribbler with the ball than Messi.

How so? Well when the stats were published in 2017, Squawka revealed that Hazard had completed more take-ons than any other player in Europe since 2014/15.

Messi vs Hazard dribbling stats

As you can see below, Hazard had completed more successful dribbles past opponents than any other player. Hazard completed 388 successful dribbles compared to Lionel Messi’s 363 take-ons.

But dribbling past opponents is all well and good but how influential were they in terms of the end product? Well Lionel Messi wins that battle easily. But here we look at the dribbling skills to find out why Hazard has been the best dribbler with the ball than any other player since 2014/15.

Hazard has been one of the best players for Barcelona and is in our all-time greatest Barcelona XI list.

Messi vs Hazard dribbling skills videos

Leo Messi vs Hazard ● The Ultimate Skills, Assists & Goals Show 2016/17 ● HD 1080i

Check out GTNation’s video of Hazard Vs Lionel Messi:

Lionel Messi VS Hazard – Best Dribles – 2017 HD

 

Is Lionel Messi better than Hazard?

Well the simple answer is, no. Lionel Messi is by far the better player overall. The little Argentinian has scored more goals, made more assists and won more titles than Hazard. But the Belgian wins the Messi vs Hazard dribbling battle.

Although you can’t deny that the two players are very similar in terms of dribbling technique. In-fact, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez spoke to Goal back in 2017 about the Messi vs Hazard dribbling argument.

Martinez said: “What he does is quite unique. “It’s that acceleration and stopping and standing still. He reminds me a lot of Messi.”

“Not many players can control the moment and take the defenders where you want to take them. The way he uses the ball with his feet is sensational and what is surprising more than anything is his maturity.”

Hazard Vs Lionel Messi- Stats from the 2018/19 season

So we’ve looked at Messi vs Hazard dribbling comparisons so now we will look at overall stats. Here we look at the attacking stats from both Hazard and Lionel Messi. Stats have been taken from Transfermarkt and Whoscored.

Goals from all competitions 2018/19:

Hazard goals: 16 goals in all competitions

Lionel Messi goals: 39 goals in all competitions

Winner: Lionel Messi has scored more goals than Hazard

Assists in all competitions 2018/19:

Hazard assists: 11 assists

Lionel Messi assists: 21 assists

Winner: Lionel Messi has made more assists than Hazard

Successful dribbles per-game (2018/19):

Hazard successful dribbles: 4.2 successful dribbles per-game

Lionel Messi successful dribbles per-game: 4.5 successful dribbles per-game

Winner: Lionel Messi has completed more successful dribbles per-game than Hazard in 2018/19.

Minutes per goal:

Hazard: 184 minutes per goal

Lionel Messi: 77 minutes per goal

Winner: Lionel Messi has scored more goals per-minute than Hazard

Pass completion:

Hazard pass completion: 87.4% pass-success rate

Lionel Messi pass completion: 86.2% pass-success rate

Winner: Hazard has made more successful passes than Lionel Messi.

Key passes per-game ( Pass leading to a shot or goal chance):

Hazard key passes per-game: 2.8 key passes per-game

Lionel Messi key passes per-game: 3.3 key passes per-game

Winner: Hazard has made less key passes per-game than Lionel Messi.

Market Value:

Hazard’s market value: €105 million

Lionel Messi’s market value: €195 million

Winner: Lionel Messi has a higher market value than Hazard despite being 31-years-old while Hazard is 27-years-old.

Individual awards:

Hazard individual awards:

  • PFA Player of the Year (2014/15)
  • PFA Young Player of the Year (2013/14)

Lionel Messi individual awards:

  • FIFA Ballon D’Or (5 times)
  • UEFA Best Player in Europe (3 times)
  • Player of the Year (3 times)
  • Striker of the Year (La Liga 2014/15)
  • Top scorer (9 times- La Liga, Champions league, Supercopa)

Winner: Lionel Messi easily wins as he has far more individual awards than Hazard.

Overall better player: Lionel Messi

Overall, statistics show that Lionel Messi is better than Hazard. But, the Belgian can still be proud that he beat the Argentinian in some categories. Plus Hazard has been the better dribbler statistically than Lionel Messi. Hazard has been the FC Barcelona Player of the Year multiple times too. But Lionel Messi is on another footballing realm compared to Hazard. Messi is, in my opinion, the best footballer ever. Yes even better than Pele, Maradona, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo etc.

Lionel Messi is well on his way to becoming the winner for the best player for the 6th time now given his form.

See also…

Winger Malcom doesn’t regret Barcelona flop move

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Winger Malcom doesn't regret Barcelona flop move
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The Brazilian joined Barca back in 2018.

Only to leave a year later.

After having left Barcelona for Zenit Saint Petersburg earlier this summer, Brazilian winger Malcom has he has no regrets joining the La Liga defending champions. In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Malcom even revealed that he has been getting messages from Barcelona fans, asking him to return to the Camp Nou.

“I can say that I receive messages about returning to Barcelona. Every time the coach gave me an opportunity to play, I did my job and I think I did it well. That is why Barcelona fans love me.”

The former Bordeaux star created quite a lot of controversy ahead of the 2018-19 season, as he initially agreed to join AS Roma – and just before the deal was agreed to by both Bordeaux and the Serie A side, Barcelona hijacked him and took him to Spain. He then made the move to Zenit St. Petersburg ahead of the ongoing 2019-20 season, after making 24 appearances and scoring four goals for the Catalans across various competitions.

Malcom also made it clear that he does not regret the fact that he had to leave the Blaugrana: “No, I don’t regret it. I am young and I want to play anywhere, because I like football. Zenit are the team who gave me the opportunity to play football, so I don’t regret it.”

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All-time Best Barcelona 11: Best XI players from Barcelona history!

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Best XI players from Barcelona history!
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All-time Best Barcelona 11

All-time Best Barcelona 11? Who features in the All-time Best Barcelona 11? Which players make the All-time Best Barcelona 11? Here we look through the archives and select for you the All-time Best Barcelona 11

While a vast majority of the best players would have been from the Pep era (due to some amazing) we will also select some of the best Barcelona players from before Pep.

All-time Best Barcelona 11

All-time Best Barcelona 11 : Formation: 4-3-3

All-time Best Barcelona 11: Goalkeeper

Andoni Zubizarreta

In 1986, Zubizarreta signed with FC Barcelona for a record for a player in the position of a goalkeeper for €1.7 million, rapidly expelling Urruti from the starting lineup and once in a while missing a match a short time later.

After the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, where Barça lost 0–4 to A.C. Milan in the last, Zubizarreta was considered surplus to necessities and completed his career at Valencia CF, as yet playing at an elevated level. He resigned after the 1997–98 season at about 37, having played in almost 1,000 competitive games (622 in the league alone – the unequaled record – surrendering 626 goals).

On 2 July 2010, Zubizarreta was named Barcelona’s chief of football by president Sandro Rosell, taking over from previous club and national partner Txiki Begiristain. Over the earlier decade, he had served in a similar limit at Athletic Bilbao, while likewise filling in as a radio and correspondent.

On 5 January 2015, Zubizarreta was sacked as Barcelona chief of football by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. On 27 October 2016, he marked with Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in a similar limit.

All-time Best Barcelona 11: Defence

Right Back: Dani Alves

One of the better players the game has ever seen. He has been a game changer for how full backs should play. He is also one of the most decorated players in the history of the game in terms of silverware.

Dani Alves was a threat in every attack Barcelona made. Playing in a team that scored for fun and kept the ball under their belt all the time, it was important Alves knew how to bomb forward but also run back by sensing danger. 

He was perfect for it. However, the champion that he is, he chose to move to Juventus and Paris Saint Germain after that and challenged himself to win league titles and did so.

Centre Back: Carles Puyol

The lion haired defender was a captain for the Barcelona team for the longest time. He was a Barcelona player all throughout his life and having come through the ranks of La Masia he was integrated into the team rather early.

Puyol played with the big established stars like Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Deco and led them. However, later when Pep Guardiola came in with his students like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Busquets, Barcelona played a different brand of football.

Puyol adjusted seamlessly to the change and led the new generation of youngsters to unprecedented success in the Barcelona club history.

Centre Back: Ronald Koeman

We all know him as the coach. However, back in his playing days he was way more than a smart player. Yes, we all know about his technical skills but he also is a rugged leader at the back who gave the club brilliant strength and leadership at the back.

Koeman was a part of the club in their greatest days of success in the modern era and brushed shoulders with the likes of Sir Bobby Robson, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at Nou Camp. No wonder he is a brilliant coach now.

Left Back: Jordi Alba

All-time Best Barcelona 11

The left back has been hailed as one of the best players to play in this generation. If you do not believe us, go talk to Andy Robertson!

All-time Best Barcelona 11: Midfielders

Central Holding Midfield: Johann Cryuff

The master of the Cryuff turn himself, he immortalised not one but two clubs and remains a legend at Nou Camp. He was the master and inventor of the pass and play football along with total football for Holland.

Central Right Midfield: Xavi

Another brilliant man on the ball. Despite being short in size, he knew how to wiggle the ball through and was always a step ahead of his opposition. He was the master of passing, short or long, Xavi was the midfield orchestrator.

Central Left Midfield: Iniesta

He could not be touched. So swerve and so fast on the ball, he was too good at balance play. He would take on 5 defenders at a time and leave them all dead by going through them. He was an unselfish team player as well.

All-time Best Barcelona 11: Attackers

Left Winger: Ronaldinho

He not only gained fans in Barcelona but also in Madrid and that just shows how good he was. The Brazilian was good at dribbling, shooting, crossing, free kicks, you name it. 

He won the World Cup, the Champions League, the La Liga and the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldinho was a Brazil and Barca legend.

Striker: Kubala

Playing in the tough times of the 1950s, he was a striker who scored 280 odd goals in 340 odd games. He has a statue of him outside the club and was voted as the best Barcelona player to ever play in 1999.

But hold on maybe?

Right Winger: Lionel Messi

Yes there we have it. Not just the best Barcelona player but possibly the best player ever is Lionel Messi. The Argentine magician scores, dribbles and wins too much. More than we can imagine. 

He is a legend and we are lucky to see him live!

See More:

5 Barcelona striker targets: Top 5 new players they can sign this January 2020

All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers: Where is Messi?

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All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers - Where is Messi
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All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers

All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers? Who are Barcelona’s all time leading goalscorers? Have you ever thought of finding out who are part of the all time leading goalscorers at Barcelona? if you have then today is your lucky day as we have prepared a list of the All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers.

Barcelona’s Greatest Goalscorers of All Time

FC Barcelona is a team that has always been one of the best teams for many years. The club has made sure that they remain at the top with key signings from time to time. The La Liga giants are on course to win the league this season. Founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English and Catalan footballers led by Joan Gamper, the club has become a symbol of Catalan culture and Catalanism. Hence the motto “Més que un club” (“More than a club”).

Unlike many other football clubs, the supporters own and operate the club. It is the second most valuable sports team in the world, worth $3.56 billion. It is also the world’s third richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turnover of €648.3 million Barcelona is a club full of so much history and culture, the club is one of the most respected clubs in the world.

All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers: Where is Messi?
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In recent times, Barcelona have been said to be the most successful club. Without any doubt Barcelona have been the most successful club in the last two decades, being blessed with players like Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta, Xavi, and now stars like Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

But, the question is among all these players mentioned and so not mentioned which of them are part of the club’s all time leading goalscorers lists. Let’s find out as we rundown the All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers. Previously we published the:

List of the All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers

Here is Barcelona’s all time leading goalscorers list. Enjoy!

*As of 26 October 2019:

# Name Nationality Years Official goals Total
1 Lionel Messi Argentina 2004– 612 647
2 César Spain 1942–1955 232 301
3 László Kubala Hungary 1950–1961 194 281
4 Luis Suárez Uruguay 2014– 186 197
5 Josep Samitier Spain 1919–1932 184 361
6 Josep Escolà Spain 1934–1949 167 236
7 Paulino Alcántara Spain 1912–16, 1918–27 143 395
8 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon 2004–2009 130 152
9 Rivaldo Brazil 1997–2002 130 137
10 Mariano Martín Spain 1940–1948 128 214

Barcelona’s All Time Leading Goalscorer

All Time Leading Barcelona Top Goalscorers
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Who is Barcelona’s all time leading goalscorer? Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s all time leading goal scorer with 609 official career goals at Barcelona. It is hard to imagine anyone surpassing Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s highest ever scorer.

With 612 official goals to his name, the diminutive Argentinean will forever be remembered as the greatest player to ever wear the shirt. Messi has also scored the most goals in European competition for the club, he is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, and it’s highly likely that he’ll win it again before he hangs up the boots. His time at Barcelona has seen an extended period of success sweep through.

Since his introduction to the first team, the club has gone on to win La Liga on 10 occasions and the UEFA Champions League four times. He is undoubtedly the greatest ever footballer the world has ever seen.

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Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time: Where is Messi?

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Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time - Where is Messi
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Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time

Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time? Who are the highest Goalscorers in the Spanish La Liga of all time? Is it Lionel Messi? Are these two fantastic players on the list? Well, let’s find out as we have prepared a list of the Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time.

The Spanish La Liga was formed as Spain’s top division league in 1929 since then Athletic Bilbao’s Telmo Zarra held the record of being the competition’s all-time top scorer until 2014. He was the top scorer for six seasons of the Spanish league between the years 1945 and 1953.

Top 10 La Liga Top Scorers 2019/20

Here are the current top scorers in La Liga 2019/20 season.

*As of 26 October 2019:

# Player Team Nationality Goals
1. Karim Benzema Real Madrid France 10
2. Gerard Moreno Villarreal Spain 8
 3. Lionel Messi Barcelona Argentina 8
 4. Loren Moron Real Betis Spain 8
5. Lucas Pérez Alavés Spain 7
 6. Luis Suarez Barcelona Uruguay 7
7. Daniel Parejo Valencia Spain 6
 8. Joselu Alavés Spain 6
 9. Maximiliano Gómez Valencia Uruguay 6
 10. Willian José Real Sociedad Brazil 6

All Time Highest Goal Scorer in La Liga

Highest La Liga Goalscorers All-Time - Where is Messi
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Who is the all time leading goal scorer in the Spanish La Liga? Let’s find out. Lionel Messi is the all time leading goal scorer with 427 goals in 460 appearances. The Argentine has only played for Barcelona in the league as it is where he kick started his career through the clubs youth ranks.

In second is rival Cristiano Ronaldo who left La Liga in 2018 and had managed to score 311 goals in 292 appearances for Real Madrid making him the second all time leading goal scorer in La Liga.

Cristiano Ronaldo has the best goal ratio among all the players on the list with a ratio of 1.896 per goal.

All time highest Goalscorers in Spanish La Liga

We have prepared a list with the Top 20 Highest La Liga Goalscorers of All Time. Here is the full list of the all time leading Goalscorers in La Liga. Enjoy!

Rank Player Years Goals Apps Ratio
1 Lionel Messi 2004– 427 460 0.92
2 Cristiano Ronaldo 2009–2018 311 292 1.07
3 Telmo Zarra 1940–1955 251 278 0.9
4 Hugo Sánchez 1981–1994 234 347 0.67
5 Raúl 1994–2010 228 550 0.41
6 Alfredo Di Stéfano 1953–1966 227 329 0.69
7 César Rodríguez 1939–1955 223 353 0.63
8 Quini 1970–1987 219 448 0.49
9 Pahiño 1943–1956 210 278 0.76
10 Edmundo Suárez 1939–1950 195 231 0.84
11 Santillana 1970–1988 186 461 0.4
12 David Villa 2003–2014 185 352 0.53
13 Juan Arza 1943–1959 182 349 0.52
14 Guillermo Gorostiza 1929–1945 178 256 0.7
15 Samuel Eto’o 1998–2008 162 280 0.58
16 Luis Aragonés 1960–1974 160 360 0.44
17 Karim Benzema 2009– 158 324 0.49
18 Aritz Aduriz 2002– 158 439 0.36
19 Ferenc Puskás 1958–1966 156 180 0.87
20 Julio Salinas 1982–2000 152 417 0.36

Goalscorers with most hat-tricks in Spanish La Liga

Rank Player Hat-tricks Last hat-trick
1 Lionel Messi 34 9 November 2019
Cristiano Ronaldo 18 March 2018
3 Telmo Zarra 23 15 March 1953
4 Alfredo di Stéfano 22 15 March 1964
5 Mundo 19 4 March 1951
6 César Rodríguez 15 19 October 1952
7 Isidro Lángara 13 15 December 1946
8 Ferenc Puskás 12 15 December 1963
9 László Kubala 11 19 March 1961
Pahiño 11 September 1955
Manuel Badenes 29 March 1958
12 Quini 10 7 October 1981
Luis Suárez 28 October 2018

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