One of the most hotly debated topics in world football is the question: who are the best strikers on the planet right now? In an era where the No. 9 role has evolved beyond just scoring goals, today’s top forwards are expected to press, create, and contribute across all phases of play.

Still, goals win games—and the players on this list have delivered in style. From breakout stars in surprising places to global icons at the peak of their powers, we’ve ranked the top 25 strikers in the world as of April 2025, based on form, impact, and all-around contribution.

25. Mika Biereth

The Danish forward has enjoyed a rapid rise after spells in Austria and now Ligue 1, where he’s thrived for Monaco. Biereth is a classic poacher who always seems to be in the right place, and his eye for goal continues to elevate him beyond his reputation.

24. Moise Kean

After years of inconsistency, Kean has rediscovered his best form at Fiorentina. While still a bit raw technically, his confidence is sky-high, and he’s proving once again how dangerous he can be when given a run of games.

23. Jean-Philippe Mateta

Long seen as a cult figure at Crystal Palace, Mateta has blossomed into a legitimate Premier League striker under Oliver Glasner. His physicality, work rate, and recent goal return have silenced the doubters.

22. Chris Wood

At 33, few expected a breakout season from the veteran Kiwi. But Wood has been lethal for Nottingham Forest, combining smart hold-up play with a clinical touch, thriving as the focal point of a fast-paced counter-attacking team.

21. Jonathan David

Consistency is the name of the game for David, who has once again hit double digits for Lille. The Canadian international remains one of Europe’s most well-rounded finishers and a master from the penalty spot.

20. Hugo Ekitike

Back in the spotlight after struggling at PSG, Ekitike has flourished at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Bundesliga suits his pace and movement, and he’s stepped up following Marmoush’s departure, reminding everyone why he was once seen as a future star.

19. Patrik Schick

Schick has quietly put together one of the best seasons of his career at Bayer Leverkusen. With Boniface sidelined, the Czech forward has embraced the role of lead striker, showcasing his impressive technique and killer instinct in front of goal.

18. Benjamin Sesko

The Slovenian striker is turning heads at RB Leipzig, where his mix of athleticism, two-footed ability, and clever movement has Premier League scouts circling. At just 21, Sesko is still developing—but the ceiling is sky-high.

17. Dominic Solanke

Solanke’s move to Tottenham has been one of the bright spots in a tough season for the club. After a standout year at Bournemouth, the Englishman has adapted well to Postecoglou’s system, offering goals, physical presence, and pressing energy.

16. Kai Havertz

Once labeled a mystery, Havertz has finally found a defined role under Mikel Arteta—as Arsenal’s striker. He combines relentless pressing with timely goals, and despite a recent injury, his impact on the Gunners’ title push shouldn’t be underestimated.

15. Omar Marmoush

Signed by Manchester City in January, Marmoush has given Pep Guardiola a dynamic new option in the final third. His versatility and explosiveness made him a star at Frankfurt, and he’s already showing flashes of brilliance in the Premier League.

14. Ollie Watkins

Watkins was electric during Aston Villa’s Champions League push last season and hasn’t looked back since. His all-action style, combined with goal contributions and smart off-ball movement, makes him a nightmare to defend.

13. Mateo Retegui

Thrown into the fire after Scamacca’s injury, Retegui has been a revelation at Atalanta. The Italian international has scored consistently and added layers to his game—link-up play, pressing, and positional intelligence—that make him more than just a poacher.

12. Serhou Guirassy

Guirassy’s incredible 2023/24 with Stuttgart earned him a big move to Borussia Dortmund, and he’s carried that form into this season. Despite BVB’s domestic inconsistency, Guirassy has delivered with regularity and become the team’s most reliable goal threat.

11. Viktor Gyökeres

Gyökeres has lit up the Primeira Liga since joining Sporting CP and finished last season with a mind-boggling 43 goals. The powerful Swede is attracting interest from major clubs, and his form in Lisbon makes a summer move almost inevitable.

10. Julian Alvarez

After growing tired of life in Erling Haaland’s shadow, Alvarez joined Atlético Madrid last summer and hasn’t missed a beat. His pressing, aggression, and finishing are tailor-made for Diego Simeone’s system, and he’s become an instant fan favorite.

9. Marcus Thuram

Thuram has made the free-agent switch to Inter look like a masterstroke. His chemistry with Lautaro Martinez has been one of Serie A’s highlights, and his ability to link play, create chances, and score in big moments makes him a key piece in Inter’s success.

8. Victor Osimhen

Despite the chaos at Napoli, Osimhen continues to score goals—now on loan at Galatasaray. The Nigerian star is still one of the most explosive strikers in the game, and while out of the European spotlight, his form hasn’t dipped.

7. Antoine Griezmann

Now leading the line for Atlético Madrid, Griezmann has evolved into a complete attacker. He’s equally comfortable creating and finishing chances, and his intelligence and technical brilliance continue to define his late-career renaissance.

6. Lautaro Martinez

The Inter captain has taken his game to new heights under Simone Inzaghi. A complete forward who works tirelessly and scores all types of goals, Lautaro has emerged as one of the most consistent attackers in Europe.

5. Alexander Isak

Newcastle’s marquee striker has stayed healthy and delivered in style. With 20+ goals in all competitions and a League Cup triumph, Isak’s mix of finesse, flair, and intelligent movement has made him one of the game’s most watchable forwards.

4. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski may not dominate headlines like before, but he remains ruthlessly efficient for Barcelona. His experience, positioning, and finishing ability make him indispensable—and he continues to defy Father Time.

3. Erling Haaland

Even during Manchester City’s less dominant 2024/25, Haaland’s goals have kept flowing. There’s a terrifying predictability to his scoring—he doesn’t do much else, but when it comes to putting the ball in the net, nobody does it better.

2. Kylian Mbappé

In his debut season with Real Madrid, Mbappé has lived up to the hype. Playing as a flexible number nine, he’s racked up goals while developing chemistry with Vinicius Jr. He’s not just Madrid’s future—he’s their present.

1. Harry Kane

Kane has taken Bayern Munich by storm and is producing one of the best seasons of his legendary career. A master goalscorer and elite passer, the England captain is on pace to break records for club and country—and finally, silverware may be on the way.