Top 15 Best Strikers in World Football (Ranked)

With the new season in full swing, the world’s best strikers are battling for the title of the top finisher. Harry Kane has thrived since joining Bayern Munich in 2023, continuing his prolific form in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland, despite occasional criticism for his overall play, remains one of the most lethal strikers, now partnering with Manchester City’s latest addition, Omar Marmoush.

Scoring goals is the hardest yet most vital aspect of football, making top strikers invaluable. While some teams share goals across the squad, history shows that elite sides often rely on a clinical number nine. Though playing for a strong team boosts scoring chances, the ability to consistently beat goalkeepers is an art.

This list ranks the current top 15 strikers based on key metrics: goals, assists, goals per game, importance to their team, and individual performances.

Top 15 Strikers (2025 Rankings)

• Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Though often deployed from the flank, Mbappe’s pace, skill, and finishing make him unstoppable when in form. He has silenced critics after a slow start at Real Madrid and now scores regularly.

Career Stats: 421 appearances, 318 goals, 127 assists.

• Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): The Polish striker continues to shine despite his age, scoring 16 goals in 19 La Liga games this season, including a brace in El Clasico.

Career Stats: 805 appearances, 600 goals, 155 assists.

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane remains a complete forward, combining goalscoring with playmaking. Since leaving Tottenham, he has maintained his prolific form while chasing his first major trophy.

Career Stats: 590 appearances, 380 goals, 99 assists.

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Known for his ruthless finishing, Haaland broke the Premier League single-season scoring record with 36 goals in 35 games and continues to dominate, despite recent injury struggles.

Career Stats: 316 appearances, 252 goals, 53 assists.

• Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): After overcoming injuries, Isak has found top form, scoring 21 Premier League goals last season and continuing his rise as one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.

Career Stats: 311 appearances, 136 goals, 28 assists.

• Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon): The Swedish striker has exploded in Portugal, scoring 22 goals and providing 5 assists in 21 league games this season, drawing interest from top clubs.

Career Stats: 379 appearances, 200 goals, 60 assists.

• Omar Marmoush (Manchester City): Signed from Frankfurt, Marmoush has quickly adapted under Pep Guardiola, tallying 20 goals and 14 assists in 26 appearances this season while forming a deadly duo with Haaland.

Career Stats: 220 appearances, 73 goals, 32 assists.

• Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): The Argentine striker continues to lead Inter’s attack, winning the Serie A Golden Boot last season while being touted as Lionel Messi’s heir.

Career Stats: 378 appearances, 171 goals, 55 assists.

• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray – loan from Napoli): Despite off-field issues with Napoli, Osimhen remains one of Europe’s elite forwards, now thriving on loan at Galatasaray.

Career Stats: 247 appearances, 133 goals, 32 assists.

• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Watkins has flourished under Unai Emery, firing Villa into the Champions League and consistently outperforming his expected goals (xG).

Career Stats: 425 appearances, 158 goals, 67 assists.

• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen): Key to Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title run, Boniface remains one of Germany’s most dangerous attackers.

Career Stats: 170 appearances, 71 goals, 31 assists.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): Though playing in a less competitive league, Ronaldo’s goalscoring prowess remains unmatched, with 54 goals in 2023 alone.

Career Stats: 1040 appearances, 783 goals, 242 assists.

• Mateo Retegui (Atalanta): Retegui has burst onto the scene with 20 goals in 23 Serie A games this season, leading the Italian scoring charts.

Career Stats: 228 appearances, 79 goals, 15 assists.

• Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan): The Frenchman has been instrumental in Inter’s success, operating as both a central striker and wide forward.

Career Stats: 338 appearances, 92 goals, 53 assists.

• Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): At 33, Griezmann remains vital for Atletico, contributing 12 goal involvements in La Liga and shining in the Champions League.

Career Stats: 728 appearances, 283 goals, 125 assists.

All statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt – correct as of 19/02/2025