20 Best Strikers in World Football (2025/26 Season)
Strikers remain football’s most prized assets — tasked with the hardest job of all: scoring goals. From Mbappé’s magic in Madrid to Havertz’s surprising evolution in London, we rank the 20 best centre-forwards in the world right now based on form, stats, and influence on their teams.
20. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Criticized early on for a sluggish start at Arsenal, Kai Havertz has since found his rhythm under Mikel Arteta. Though often used in midfield, his most effective performances have come as a striker — where his intelligence and physicality make him a real problem for defenders.
19. Jonathan David (Juventus)
One of Europe’s most consistent goal-getters, Jonathan David has made a solid start to life in Turin. After several successful seasons in France, the Canadian striker continues to deliver with goals and assists, proving he can handle the step up.
18. Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah)
Retegui raised eyebrows when he swapped Atalanta for Saudi Arabia, but he’s wasted no time making an impact. With three goals in five games, the Italy international is proving that his lethal touch travels well, even if he’s now off Europe’s main stage.
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17. João Pedro (Chelsea)
After lighting up the Premier League with Brighton, João Pedro now finds himself spearheading Chelsea’s attack. Already contributing with both goals and assists, the Brazilian’s versatility and flair are quickly earning him a central role at Stamford Bridge.
16. Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Schick remains one of the Bundesliga’s most well-rounded strikers, combining finesse with brute force. With four goals in seven matches, he continues to show why he's such a vital cog in Leverkusen’s attacking machine.
15. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
The all-time international top scorer is still putting up impressive numbers in Saudi Arabia. With five goals in six matches this season, Ronaldo’s hunger for goals remains undiminished, even at 40.
14. Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Recently snapped up by Manchester City, Marmoush offers something different — a forward who can play with his back to goal and link play smartly. Though still settling in, he’s already being touted as a dangerous partner to Erling Haaland.
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13. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins has become a mainstay in Villa’s forward line under Unai Emery, helping fire them into the Champions League. Although he's yet to score this season, his movement, work rate, and past form keep him in the top 20.
12. Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Often overshadowed by Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram has quietly become one of Serie A’s most reliable attackers. With five goals already this season, he’s showing that he’s not just a supporting act.
11. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
Once a misfit at PSG, Ekitike is now flourishing at Liverpool with five goals in eight games. His pace, directness, and eye for goal make him a nightmare for defenders — and a perfect fit in Klopp’s dynamic front line.
10. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
After a falling out with Napoli, Osimhen took his talents to Turkey, where he’s quickly become Galatasaray’s talisman. With two goals already, he continues to display the power and precision that made him a Serie A star.
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9. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Guirassy lit up the Bundesliga last season and hasn't slowed down since joining Dortmund. With five goals in six games and a Champions League top scorer title to his name, he’s proving he belongs on Europe’s biggest stage.
8. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
Following a breakout year in Portugal, Gyökeres is now trying to make his mark in England. A return of three goals in seven games is a decent start, and he’s showing signs he can be the real deal in the Premier League.
7. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Serie A’s reigning Golden Boot winner, Lautaro is in red-hot form for Inter. With two goals and an assist so far, he remains one of the most complete forwards in the world.
6. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Now the star of the show at Atlético, Álvarez has flourished since leaving Manchester City. Six goals in seven games, including a derby brace, prove he’s more than ready to lead the line for a European giant.
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5. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Still one of the most feared finishers in football, Lewandowski continues to defy age. With three goals in six games this season, he remains a ruthless operator at the heart of Barcelona’s attack.
4. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)
Isak’s £130 million move to Liverpool was one of the summer’s biggest headlines, and expectations are sky-high. Though he's only scored once so far, his skill, link-up play and movement make him a crucial asset in this revamped Reds attack.
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The Norwegian monster continues to dominate goal charts with nine goals in seven appearances. Even when he’s not at his best, Haaland's instincts and presence are enough to terrorize any defence.
2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane has adapted seamlessly to life in Germany, becoming the fastest player to 100 goals for Bayern. With 15 goals and three assists in just eight games, he’s showing why he’s among the most complete forwards of his generation.
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1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé tops the list with 10 goals in eight games for Real Madrid, despite early doubts about his role. His pace, flair, and killer instinct make him virtually unplayable when he’s in full flight — and right now, he is.
