La Liga has witnessed some of the greatest goal scorers in football history. From the legendary Telmo Zarra to the modern-day brilliance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, each season has brought magical moments. In this article, we highlight the top 5 players with the most goals in a single La Liga season, showcasing their individual brilliance and impact on Spanish football.
These records represent peak goal-scoring prowess and are a testament to the player’s dominance during a particular campaign. Here’s a closer look at the incredible footballers who scored the most goals in a single La Liga season.
5. Telmo Zarra – 38 Goals (1950–51)
Before the modern era, Telmo Zarra was the face of Spanish football. The Atlético de Bilbao striker scored 38 goals in the 1950–51 season, earning his place in the top five for most goals in a single La Liga season. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement made him one of La Liga’s first great icons. Zarra’s record stood tall for decades before being matched and surpassed by others.
4. Hugo Sánchez – 38 Goals (1989–90)
Hugo Sánchez, the legendary Mexican forward, matched Zarra’s mark with 38 goals during the 1989–90 season for Real Madrid. Known for his athleticism and flair, Sánchez thrilled fans with spectacular volleys and acrobatic finishes. His efforts earn him fourth place among players with the most goals in a single La Liga season, and his impact remains etched in Madrid’s history.
3. Luis Suárez – 40 Goals (2015–16)
Luis Suárez had an unforgettable campaign in 2015–16, scoring 40 goals for FC Barcelona. His performance broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly as he claimed the Pichichi Trophy. With clever runs, relentless pressing, and elite finishing, Suárez secured third place in the ranking for most goals in a single La Liga season.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 48 Goals (2014–15)
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered one of his finest seasons in 2014–15 by scoring 48 goals for Real Madrid. Despite finishing second in the league, his individual brilliance was on full display. Ronaldo’s relentless drive and physical dominance make him second in history for the most goals in a single La Liga season—a feat that still stands as one of his finest achievements.
1. Lionel Messi – 50 Goals (2011–12)
Sitting at the top of the list is Lionel Messi with a jaw-dropping 50 goals in the 2011–12 season for FC Barcelona. This record is unmatched and remains the highest ever for the most goals in a single La Liga season. Messi’s magical combination of dribbling, passing, and shooting made him unstoppable that year. His 50-goal campaign remains the gold standard for goal-scoring excellence in La Liga history.
All-Time Top 5 Most Goals in a Single La Liga Season
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 50 | 2011–12 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | 48 | 2014–15 |
| 3 | Luis Suárez | FC Barcelona | 40 | 2015–16 |
| 4 | Hugo Sánchez | Real Madrid | 38 | 1989–90 |
| 5 | Telmo Zarra | Atlético de Bilbao | 38 | 1950–51 |
From Zarra’s post-war brilliance to Messi’s modern-day magic, these five footballers have defined eras in La Liga with their incredible goal tallies. The most goals in a single La Liga season isn’t just a stat—it’s a reflection of extraordinary talent and consistency.
As La Liga continues to evolve, fans eagerly wait to see if any new star will rise and challenge Messi’s record-setting 50-goal season—the pinnacle of the most goals in a single La Liga season.
These historic feats serve as motivation for the next generation of goal scorers aiming to leave their mark.
With each new season, the race for goal-scoring glory in Spain only gets more thrilling.