Over the years, hockey has undoubtedly garnered a massive fan base from around the world and is currently hailed as one of the most prominent and exclusive sports on a global scale. The rich history of hockey has witnessed numerous path-breaking international hockey players, including Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux and many others, creating a legacy that will continue to resonate in the realms of the sport for decades to come. While these hockey stalwarts have wrecked all the pre-existing records, a few of them
have also established spectacular records that seem impossible to surpass. One such record is the record of scoring the highest number of goals in men’s international hockey. Ever wondered what’s the highest goal score ever smashed by an international hockey player? Well, for that, we need to jump into our curated list of the top four goalscorers in international hockey of all-time.
In this article we will take a look at the top four greatest goalscorers in international hockey who have dominated their opponents and created a long-lasting legacy in the game.
Top 4 Greatest Goal Scorers In International Hockey Of All-Time
| S.No | Player | Team | Goals |
| 1 | Dhyan Chand | India | 570 |
| 2 | Sohail Abbas | Pakistan | 348 |
| 3 | Paul Litjens | Netherlands | 268 |
| 4 | Balbir Singh Sr. | India | 246 |
Major Dhyan Chand – 570 Goals
Often hailed as one of the greatest hockey players of all-time, the late Indian professional hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand, is at the first spot in our list of the top four greatest goal scorers in international hockey with an unbeaten total of 570 goals. Popularly known for his dominating ball control and impeccable goal-scoring achievements, Major Dhyan Chand represented India at three Olympic editions in 1928, 1932 and 1936 and clinched a gold medal in each one of them.
Additionally, under Major Dhyan Chand’s era, India clinched the field hockey event in seven out of eight Olympics from 1928 to 1964, speaking volumes about his prominence in the game. The legendary hockey player of India, Major Dhyan Chand, played international hockey from 1926 to 1949, and scored 570 goals in a total of 185 matches. In 1956, Major Dhyan Chand was honoured with India’s third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan. Moreover, India’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is also named after him.
Sohail Abbas – 348 Goals
At the second spot in our list of the top four greatest goal scorers in international hockey, we have former international hockey player from Pakistan, Sohail Abbas, with the second-highest goal score of 348 goals. Often popularly referred to as the “king of the drag flick”, Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas dominated his opponents with accurate speed and lethal front goals from penalty corners throughout his glorious international hockey career that lasted from 1998 to 2012.
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Additionally, Sohail Abbas’ second-highest goal score in international hockey of 348 goals also includes a phenomenal total of 21-hat tricks. Furthermore, Sohail Abbas represented Pakistan at the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIH Hockey World Cups and the 2000, 2004 and 2012 Summer Olympics, being the top scorer for Pakistan at both the World Cups and Olympics.
After announcing his official retirement from international hockey as a player in December 2004, Sohail Abbas took a long hiatus and took his first coaching role as an assistant coach for penalty corners for the Malaysia national team in 2024.
Paul Litijens – 268 Goals
The legendary late field hockey player, Paul Litijens, is at the third spot in our list of the top four greatest goal scorers in international hockey. Paul Litijens played a total of 177 matches and scored a phenomenal total of 268 goals, which remained an unbeaten record from 1982 to 2004.
Additionally, Paul Litijens was also a member of the Dutch squad that became World Champion in 1973, and he also participated in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, leading the Dutch team to the fourth spot in each of the editions. Moreover, in 1981, Litjens, along with the Dutch squad, also garnered immense appreciation for clinching the coveted Champions Trophy in Karachi. Furthermore, Paul Litijens was also a top scorer in the Olympic Games of 1976 and at the 1981 Champions Trophy.
Balbir Singh Sr. – 246 Goals
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Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of top four hockey players who have dominated their opponents with unbelievable goal scores, we have another legendary Indian hockey player, Balbir Singh Dosanjh, often popularly referred to as “Balbir Singh Senior”.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist, Balbir Singh, was also hailed as the “Modern-Day Dhyan Chand” for his dominant style of play and his spectacular achievements on the field. Balbir Singh scored 246 goals from just 61 international caps and scored 23 goals in just 8 Olympic matches, speaking volumes about his dominance in the game.
Balbir Singh Sr. successfully led the Indian national hockey team to a phenomenal victory at the 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup as the manager and chief coach of the team. The legendary Indian hockey player tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of 96, leaving millions of hockey fans heartbroken.
