The 20 best strikers in world football (ranked)
Strikers win matches — that’s the simple truth. Whether they're veteran finishers or emerging stars, these are the players making the biggest impact up front. Here's our countdown of the 20 best strikers in world football right now, based on form, goals, and influence.
20. Jonathan David – Juventus
Canadian striker Jonathan David has built a reputation as a consistent goalscorer, and his move to Juventus marks a major step up. With just one goal in his first seven appearances, his start has been slow — but few doubt his ability to find form quickly.
19. Mateo Retegui – Al-Qadsiah
Retegui might not be lighting up Europe anymore, but he's hit the ground running in Saudi Arabia with three goals in five games. His powerful playing style and sharp instincts make him a standout even outside the top leagues.
18. Joao Pedro – Chelsea
The former Brighton forward has made an early impact at Chelsea, scoring twice and assisting three in nine matches. Pedro's technical quality and ability to operate across the frontline make him a key figure under Enzo Maresca.
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17. Rasmus Hojlund – Napoli
After a frustrating stint at Manchester United, Hojlund is rediscovering his best form in Serie A. Four goals in six games for Napoli — plus his international form — show he's bouncing back in a big way.
16. Patrik Schick – Bayer Leverkusen
Known for his silky touch and physical presence, Schick remains a reliable weapon in Germany. With four goals and an assist already this season, he’s once again proving his worth as a complete forward.
15. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr
He may be playing in a lower-profile league, but Ronaldo's scoring instincts haven't faded. With 5 goals in 6 games and a world-leading 54 in 2023, the 40-year-old is still rewriting the record books.
14. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City
A new arrival at City, Marmoush is adjusting to life under Pep Guardiola. Though he’s yet to score, his intelligent movement and ability to link play suggest it’s only a matter of time before he clicks.
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13. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Watkins has grown into one of the Premier League's most dependable strikers. Despite a slow start this season, his role in Villa's Champions League return underlines his importance to Unai Emery’s side.
12. Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan
Thuram might not be Inter’s main man, but his versatility and work rate make him invaluable. With five goals and two assists already, he’s proving he can be more than just a supporting act.
11. Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool
Ekitike has started strong for the reigning Premier League champions, scoring five in his first ten matches. The Frenchman brings flair, strength, and a growing reputation for delivering under pressure.
10. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray
After leading Napoli to a historic Scudetto, Osimhen now stars in Turkey. With three goals so far at Galatasaray, the Nigerian forward continues to terrorize defences wherever he plays.
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9. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund
Fresh off a brilliant season at Stuttgart, Guirassy has slotted seamlessly into Dortmund’s front line. Six goals and three assists in eight games — plus a Champions League top-scorer title last season — show he’s one of Europe’s hottest finishers.
8. Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal
Gyokeres finally arrived in the Premier League after dominating in Portugal, and he’s already making a difference at Arsenal. His physicality and smart movement are causing problems for defenders, even as he adjusts to the pace of English football.
7. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
The fiery Argentine is at the peak of his powers, having claimed the Serie A Golden Boot and led Inter to a Champions League final. Lautaro’s blend of aggression, technique, and leadership make him one of the most complete strikers in the world.
6. Alexander Isak – Liverpool
Isak’s big-money move to Anfield raised expectations, and although his start has been steady, the Swede’s class is clear. With elite movement and clinical finishing, he’s poised to explode in the months ahead.
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5. Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid
Now the main man in Madrid, Alvarez has embraced his starring role with 7 goals and 3 assists. Freed from Haaland’s shadow, the Argentine is proving he’s a world-class forward in his own right.
4. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
Age is just a number for Lewandowski, who remains one of the most lethal strikers on the planet. After netting 27 goals last season, he's started strong again in 2025/26 — even scoring in El Clasico — reminding fans that he's not done yet.
3. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The Norwegian powerhouse continues to dominate, already scoring 12 goals in 9 games this term. While critics pick apart his all-around play, Haaland’s goal tally keeps proving why he’s among the game’s elite.
2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Kane is thriving in Munich, racking up 18 goals and 3 assists in just 10 games. He’s not just a scorer — his passing, vision, and movement make him one of the most intelligent strikers in football.
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1. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Mbappe’s explosive speed and clinical finishing have made him unstoppable. Though he started slowly at Real Madrid, he’s now firing on all cylinders and proving why many consider him the most dangerous forward in the world today.
