Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is set to finish 2023 as the leading goalscorer, securing the top spot with an impressive 53 goals. This feat was achieved after a Boxing Day double against Al Ittihad, propelling him ahead of competitors Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Despite the initial skepticism surrounding Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the 38-year-old has defied expectations, maintaining his goal-scoring prowess with 17 league goals this season.
While critics, including Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, deemed Ronaldo’s transition a ‘sad end’ to his career, the football icon continues to silence doubters. His departure from Manchester United, marked by an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, hasn’t hindered his performance on the pitch.
Truth Live News gathered that while competing against other standout players across Europe for the title of 2023’s best goalscorer, Ronaldo faces stiff competition. Notable contenders include Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
Here’s a roll of how Ronaldo compares to the top six European-based goalscorers in 2023:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/Portugal) – 53 goals
– Ronaldo’s 43 goals for Al Nassr and ten for Portugal showcase his enduring goal-scoring ability.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/France) – 52 goals
– Despite a strong performance, Mbappe falls short of overtaking Ronaldo, with PSG’s season concluded due to the French winter break.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/Tottenham/England) – 52 goals
– Kane’s prolific debut Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich, including 25 league goals, cements his place among the top scorers.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway) – 50 goals
– Haaland’s impact in the Premier League and Champions League contributes to his impressive goal tally, though a foot injury has sidelined him in recent games.
Romelu Lukaku (Roma/Belgium) – 40 goals
– Lukaku’s resurgence at Roma, coupled with international success for Belgium, places him among the top scorers in 2023.
Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord/Mexico) – 39 goals
– The 22-year-old’s remarkable season with Feyenoord and contributions to Mexico’s goals see him as a rising star in the goal-scoring charts.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) – 37 goals
– Martinez’s prolific form for Inter Milan puts him in contention, with the Serie A club keen to secure him with a new deal.
As the year concludes, Ronaldo’s achievement as the top scorer adds another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career, proving that age is no barrier to success.