Volume and efficiency answer different questions
A career total measures accumulated scoring. Goals per appearance measures average scoring in matches played. Neither metric replaces the other: one values sustained output, while the other describes frequency within a defined sample.
The Champions League example
Ronaldo's 140 goals in 183 appearances yield approximately 0.77 goals per game. Messi's 129 goals in 163 appearances yield approximately 0.79. Ronaldo leads this total and Messi leads this rate. Both observations can be true at the same time.
An appearance is not 90 minutes
A five-minute substitute appearance and a full match both count as one appearance. Goals per 90 minutes helps address that difference, but it needs reliable minutes for the same matches. We do not estimate missing minutes or label goals per game as goals per 90.
Context remains essential
Even a rate adjustment does not account for opposition, teammates, tactics or a player's role. Use the competition filters to narrow the question, read the coverage note, and avoid presenting one metric as a complete evaluation of a footballer.