Top 5 leading goalscorers in Ligue 1 history

Let’s take a look at the most lethal strikers in the history of the French top flight.

Ligue 1 has been graced by some of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the sport. These players have left an indelible mark on the league, captivating fans with their incredible ability to find the back of the net.
In this article, we take a closer look at the top five all-time leading scorers in Ligue 1.

5- Thadée Cisowski (206)

Cisowski, a Polish-born French striker, enjoyed a prolific career in Ligue 1 during the 1950s and 1960s. Cisowski netted an impressive 206 goals in 286 appearances for Racing Club de Paris, Metz and Nantes. His lethal finishing and instinct in front of goal saw him claim three top-scorer prizes in the French top flight.

4- Roger Courtois (210)

Courtois etched his name in Ligue 1 history with his goal-scoring exploits for FC Sochaux during the 1930s. The French striker accumulated a total of 210 goals in 288 top-flight matches. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to create scoring opportunities, Courtois helped Sochaux to win two Ligue 1 titles.

🇫🇷 Most goals by a French in the history of Europe's top 5 leagues:

– Karim Benzema – 281 goals
– Bernard Lacombe – 255
– Thierry Henry – 233
– Hervé Revelli – 216
– Roger Courtois – 210
– Michel Platini – 207@statsdufoot #rmalive pic.twitter.com/eYSuD585pY
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 4, 2023

3- Hervé Revelli (216)

Hervé Revelli was a standout striker for AS Saint-Étienne during the 1960s and 70s. He scored an impressive 216 goals in 389 league appearances, becoming a key figure in Saint-Étienne’s success during that period. Revelli’s technique, positioning, and goal-scoring prowess helped his side claim seven Ligue 1 trophies.

2- Bernard Lacombe (255)

Lacombe enjoyed a stellar career in Ligue 1, representing several top clubs, including AS Saint-Étienne and Bordeaux. Lacombe found the back of the net 255 times in 497 league games. His physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a formidable presence in the opposition’s penalty area. Lacombe won three league trophies at Bordeaux while being a part of France’s European Championship-winning side in 1984.

1- Delio Onnis (299)

At the top of the list is Delio Onnis, an Argentine-born forward who left an indelible mark on Ligue 1. Onnis, who played for AS Monaco and Tours FC, holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of the league, an astonishing 299 goals in 449 league matches. His consistency, goal-scoring instinct, and longevity make him a true legend of Ligue 1. Onnis, who led Monaco to Ligue 1 glory in 1978, claimed six top-scorer prizes during his career in the French top flight.