Top 10 players with most goals in El Clasico history

The clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona is one of the most popular fixtures in the world.

This season's first El Clasico is approaching, and the two biggest teams in Spain are preparing for the high-intensity game that has produced many memorable games over the years. Both clubs are on equal points, and this game will decide where the clubs stand at the moment, with many top-class players representing their respective clubs.

El Clasico has seen many great players who have set records and scored goals in this rivalry, so before the game, we look at who ranks where in terms of the most goals scored in El Clasico history.

10. Luis Saurez - 11 goals

Suarez demonstrated his value when he joined Barcelona, scoring many decisive goals and a hat-trick in El Clasico, one of the very few players to do so. Suarez may have flown under the radar, but the Uruguayan's goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing made him stand out performer in these games. The former Barcelona player scored 11 goals in El Clasicos and left the club after earning the respect of fans and becoming one of Barcelona's leading scorers.

9. Santillana - 12 goals

Santillana, a very experienced forward which many defenders dreaded, was a lethal striker during his time at the club and defined his authority by becoming one of Real Madrid's top scorers. He led the team from the front and had excellent positional sense and game understanding. Santillana also scored 12 goals in El Clasico matches and played a critical role as a forward for Los Blancos.

8. Karim Benzema - 13 goals

Benzema may have come to the fore now, but the player has had his fair share of limelight at Real Madrid. He had a terrific, prolific year last term. The 34-year-old finally found his footing when the expectations were high, and he delivered a stellar performance for Real Madrid. Benzema has been a key player in El Clasico, scoring 13 goals and remains the only active goalscorer on this list.

7. Ferenc Puskas - 14 goals

An award named after Ferenc Puskas honours the legendary Real Madrid striker. Puskas was a nightmare for defenders and was involved in almost every goal his team scored. One of the best players to appear in the rivalry, he had a massive impact on the El Clasico, scoring 14 goals.

6. Francisco Gento - 14 goals

Gento possessed qualities that no other football player inhabited in the late 1990s: he was a stunning player with breakneck pace. He could dribble through entire defences. He is a prominent player in Real's history, scoring 14 goals in the El Clasico. Gento played on the left wing and was a distributor in addition to scoring goals. He spent 18 years at Real Marid before departing and undoubtedly established himself at the Bernabeu.

Also Read: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Head-to-Head Record

5. Cesar - 14 goals

Gento is a highly respected player in Real Madrid's history. He steered the club during their downfall and made them a proficient team once again. With 14 goals, he is the fifth most productive player in El Clasicos. He was a winger for the club and aided them in winning six European titles.

4. Raul - 15 goals

Raul was another legendary player who was frequently on the scoreboard for Real and was integral in Real Madrid's progress. With 15 goals, he is the fourth-highest goalscorer in El Clasico history. He was a core member of the Bernabeu side that dominated European football in the 1990s and early 2000s, along with other legendary players.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo - 18 goals

The only player who could succeed Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo became Real Madrid's one of greatest goal scorers. Ronaldo was a predator for Real Madrid, scoring goals almost every game. He has outperformed Stefano as the team's top goal scorer, and is also the third most prolific goal scorer in El Clasico with 18 goals.

Ronaldo was at his peak during his time at Real Madrid, orchestrating the club to four Champions League titles and emerging as the club's all-time leading scorer across all competitions.

2. Alfredo Di Stefano - 18 goals

During his playing career, the legendary Di Stefano defied all odds while playing against rivals Barcelona. He was always the star of the show during El Clasico matches and scored countless goals, scoring 18 goal. The player who almost joined Barcelona indicated what a blunder it was to let him go after he led Real Madrid to six European titles.

1. Lionel Messi - 26 goals

He has to be the only player who has scored the most goals in this highly-debated match in Spanish history. Lionel Messi inevitably leads the chart with a record-breaking 26 goals against Real Madrid, 18 of which have come in La Liga, and no player is likely to eclipse the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's El Clasico record, who also has the most hat-tricks.

However, the 35-year-old no longer plays for Barcelona, but he will be the top scorer in this game for decades until some great player supersedes him.

*Last updated on October 16, 2022.