In today’s football landscape, the evolution of the game has led to a broader spectrum of goal-scoring techniques, with strikers now having multifaceted responsibilities beyond simply finding the back of the net. Nevertheless, it remains their fundamental objective (pun intended), doesn’t it?
Yet, when evaluating the top-tier strikers globally, their scoring rate is not the sole determining factor. The role’s evolution and increased complexity require consideration of various other factors.
Here are our top 10 strikers in the world right now:
10. Serhou Guirassy
Before the 2023/24 season, Serhou Guirassy may not have been a household name, but the 27-year-old striker has quickly caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs.
With an impressive tally of 19 goals in only 17 appearances for Stuttgart this season, Guirassy has elevated his game to new heights since permanently joining the German club last summer.
9. Darwin Nunez
The unpredictable Uruguayan has a knack for shaking things up. His introduction to Liverpool has been a rollercoaster ride, to put it mildly, but he’s already proven in the Premier League that he has the ability to turn the tide when the opposition least anticipates it.
Nunez may lack finesse, yet comparisons to Edinson Cavani hold weight. The ex-Benfica standout is a formidable physical presence whose relentless drive is sufficient to unsettle defenders. He navigates the channels effortlessly and possesses the capability to inspire his team with the sheer energy he exudes, whether he’s in possession or not.
8. Gabriel Jesus
Pep Guardiola holds Gabriel Jesus in high regard, and the Brazilian’s exceptional debut season at Arsenal exemplifies why. Guardiola praised Jesus’ defensive contributions, which played a pivotal role in the Gunners’ transformation during the 2022/23 campaign.
Jesus’ impact goes beyond just scoring goals and providing assists. His physical strength, ability to hold up play, and relentless work rate off the ball are commendable. Despite these qualities, his exceptional dribbling skills often go unnoticed.
As a versatile forward, Jesus boasts four Premier League titles from his time at Manchester City, where he adeptly fulfilled various tactical roles. However, he was often undervalued during his tenure at the Etihad, and it seems like he’s now flourishing under Mikel Arteta’s guidance in north London.
7. Antoine Griezmann
Since his return to Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann has reignited his spark on the pitch. Despite showcasing his tactical versatility as a central midfielder for France during the 2022 World Cup, the 32-year-old has made a significant impact as a forward for Atletico this season.
Griezmann’s exceptional technical abilities remain unparalleled in La Liga, and he continues to defy age, resembling a fine wine as he thrives back in the Spanish capital following a challenging stint at Barcelona.
6. Marcus Thuram
What a steal this free transfer has turned out to be for Inter.
Marcus Thuram arrived in Milan after shining in Borussia Monchengladbach, and he’s seamlessly adapted to life in Italy.
The French forward has forged a strong partnership with Lautaro Martinez, playing a key role in Inter’s ascent to the summit of the Serie A table as they strive for yet another scudetto.
5. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has often been overlooked for the recognition he truly deserves. If it weren’t for the cancellation of the Ballon d’Or during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, he would undoubtedly have one of those coveted golden trophies.
Having dominated the Bundesliga for a decade, Lewandowski made the bold move to Barcelona last summer, and he hasn’t skipped a beat in his scoring prowess.
The Polish international embodies the best qualities of his top-tier peers, forming a near-complete package as a center-forward. While he may not possess the blistering speed of Kylian Mbappe or the extraordinary physique of Erling Haaland, and he might not sport a beard like Karim Benzema or deliver pinpoint 80-yard passes like Harry Kane, Lewandowski stands as a formidable force in his own right, efficient and relentless.
4. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s performance in Serie A has finally validated the substantial fee Napoli invested to acquire him from Lille in 2020.
Since joining Napoli, he has become a dynamic force in their attacking lineup, striking fear into opposing defenses with his athleticism and relentless runs behind the backline.
As a Nigerian international, Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the most prized assets in global football. His contributions played a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their first Scudetto since the era of Diego Maradona.
3. Lautaro Martinez
Fans of Italian football were captivated by the instinctive partnership of ‘LuLa’ at Inter. Lautaro Martinez had faced challenges during his first season at San Siro, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Mauro Icardi’s departure. However, the arrival of Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku breathed new life into him.
The Argentine quickly formed a strong bond with the Belgian, and under Conte’s management, Inter finally ended Juventus’ decade-long dominance as champions of Italy.
Even in the absence of Conte and Lukaku, Lautaro has continued to shine, reaching new heights under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi.
In summary, Lautaro is a versatile and astute forward who excels both on and off the ball.
2. Harry Kane
There have been numerous occasions when the England captain has showcased himself as the premier number nine/playmaker globally. Kane possesses the ability to execute any pass flawlessly and find the back of the net with ease.
While the elusive trophy may have eluded him, it doesn’t diminish Kane’s brilliance. At 30 years old, he continues to be a prolific goal scorer in Bavaria, much like his performances in north London.
1. Erling Haaland
Haaland’s scoring prowess seems boundless. / Matthias Hangst/GettyImages
Erling Haaland might not possess the same natural flair or commercial appeal as Kylian Mbappe, but when it comes to what a striker is hired to do – score goals – he’s unrivaled in the world.
Haaland is a physical anomaly, a true phenomenon. Standing tall at 6’5″ and gifted with lightning speed, the Norwegian sensation resembles football’s equivalent of Ivan Drago.
His uncanny ability to find the back of the net has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and Haaland has silenced any doubts about his ability to dominate in the competitive Premier League.
There’s a simplicity to Haaland’s playing style that borders on eerie. His goals seem inevitable.
