Kane joins Messi and Ronaldo; only six players have scored 50 goals in a single season since 2000

English striker Harry Kane has joined an exclusive list of football legends after scoring 50 goals for Bayern Munich during the 2025–26 season.

This is a rare feat in European football, although some of the sport’s biggest names have achieved it more than once during their prime.

Here are the players who have scored 50 or more goals in a single season across all competitions in the top five leagues since 2000:

Harry Kane — Bayern Munich (2025–2026)

Kane reached his 50th goal during Bayern Munich’s 4–3 victory over Real Madrid, cementing his exceptional season with the German side.

The English striker achieved this feat in just 42 matches, making him one of the fastest players to reach this milestone, second only to Messi.

Erling Haaland — Manchester City (2022–2023)

Erling Haaland was the only player from the English Premier League to reach this milestone, having scored 52 goals in his first season with Manchester City.

His goals helped lead the team to a treble, including a record 36 league goals.

Luis Suárez — Barcelona (2015–2016)

Luis Suárez enjoyed his most prolific season with Barcelona, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.

He also scored 40 league goals, winning the European Golden Boot and breaking Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance at the top of the scoring charts.

Robert Lewandowski — Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski scored 55 goals in the 2019–2020 season, leading Bayern Munich to the treble.

He returned in the 2021–2022 season to score 50 goals, confirming his ability to score at the highest level.

Cristiano Ronaldo — Real Madrid (6 seasons: 2010–2011 to 2015–2016)

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved this feat in six consecutive seasons with Real Madrid.

He reached his peak in the 2014–2015 season, scoring 61 goals in one of the most prolific scoring spells in the history of the game.

Lionel Messi — Barcelona (6 seasons: 2010–2011 to 2018–2019)

For his part, Lionel Messi scored 50 or more goals in six seasons with Barcelona.

His 2011–2012 season remains the most notable, having scored 73 goals, the highest tally in football history in a single season.

A dual dominance

When breaking down the 50-goal records, a clear dual dominance emerges:

• Messi: 6 seasons (highest: 73 goals)
• Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 seasons (highest: 61 goals)

12 out of 17 seasons bear the duo’s signature, accounting for over 70% of all seasons in which the 50-goal mark was broken.

Statistical highlights

* Highest goal tally:

• Messi – 73 goals
• Highest tally in England:
• Haaland – 52 goals with Manchester City
• Highest tally in a treble-winning season:
• Lewandowski – 55 goals

Featured image via the Canary