Josef Bican is often cited by some sources as having the highest goal tally, with figures ranging from 805 to over 1,400 goals.

Josef Bican, an Austrian-Czech forward who played primarily in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, is a legendary figure whose goal count is subject to significant historical debate. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) credited him with 805 goals in official matches. However, many contemporary reports and personal accounts suggest a much higher total, with some estimates reaching well over 1,400 goals across all games, including youth, amateur, and unofficial matches. The challenge in verifying Bican's exact record lies in the inconsistent and less comprehensive record-keeping methods of his era, especially during and after World War II. Many of his games, particularly in regional or wartime leagues, were not always meticulously documented, leading to discrepancies. While his official competitive tally is generally accepted to be around 805 goals, the widespread belief in his higher, unofficial count persists, making him a central figure in any discussion about the all-time leading scorer.