The 20 Most Valuable Strikers in World Football – Ahead of the 2025/2026 Season
Strikers remain the heartbeat of every top football team — the players who turn tight games into wins with a single touch. As we approach the 2025/26 season, transfer fees and market valuations continue to soar, especially for world-class center-forwards. From established superstars like Haaland and Mbappé to rising forces like Isak and Sesko, this list highlights the 20 most valuable strikers in the game today.
Here’s a countdown from No. 20 to No. 1, showcasing football’s most prized finishers.
20. Darwin Núñez – £38.25m
The Uruguayan forward has had an up-and-down journey at Liverpool, but his raw pace and power still make him a unique threat. Despite inconsistencies, he remains a valuable asset due to his potential and versatility in attack.
19. Mateo Retegui – £38.25m
The Italian-Argentine striker impressed in Serie A and with the national team, earning his way onto this list. Retegui’s physical style and finishing have turned heads, especially after his move to Genoa.
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18. Moise Kean – £42.5m
Back in Italy with Fiorentina, Kean has rebuilt his form after a turbulent few years. Still only 25, the powerful forward offers a mix of strength and technique that clubs continue to find appealing.
17. Loïs Openda – £42.5m
The Belgian international shone brightly in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Known for his speed and clinical edge, Openda continues to rise in prominence on both club and international stages.
16. João Pedro – £42.5m
A technically gifted Brazilian striker at Chelsea, João Pedro blends flair with intelligent movement. Although not always a guaranteed starter, his creativity and composure give him high market value.
15. Nicolas Jackson – £42.5m
Jackson burst onto the scene at Chelsea with a streak of strong performances. His pace and direct style have added dynamism to the Blues' frontline, making him one of the more exciting young strikers in the Premier League.
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14. Samu Agehehwo – £42.5m
The 21-year-old Spanish-Nigerian forward is one of the biggest emerging talents in Europe. Currently at Porto, Samu combines raw power with maturity beyond his years, making him a future star in the making.
13. Kai Havertz – £55.25m
Though traditionally a hybrid attacking midfielder, Havertz has adapted well as a central striker at Arsenal. His intelligence, timing, and technical finesse contribute to his high valuation in the market.
12. Victor Osimhen – £59.5m
Osimhen remains a powerhouse for Napoli, known for his athleticism, aerial ability, and consistent goal scoring. He’s heavily linked with Premier League clubs and remains a hot commodity in world football.
11. Benjamin Sesko – £59.5m
The Slovenian wonderkid has been making waves in the Bundesliga. His combination of height, speed, and finishing has drawn comparisons to Haaland, and his value keeps climbing.
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10. Harry Kane – £63.75m
Now leading the line for Bayern Munich, Kane’s prolific goal scoring and world-class vision continue to shine in Germany. Even at 31, his all-around play and leadership are invaluable.
9. Marcus Thuram – £63.75m
A dynamic and physical forward, Thuram has found great form at Inter. With strong performances in both domestic and European competitions, his versatility up front is a major asset.
8. Viktor Gyökeres – £63.75m
The Swedish striker exploded at Sporting CP with a tremendous goal tally. Gyökeres’ combination of strength and technical skill has seen him linked to several Premier League clubs.
7. Omar Marmoush – £63.75m
Marmoush enjoyed a breakout season with Eintracht Frankfurt and is now a Manchester City player. His pace and unpredictability give him a unique profile among elite forwards.
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6. Hugo Ekitiké – £63.75m
Ekitiké’s rise through Ligue 1 and now in the Bundesliga has highlighted his natural scoring instinct. At just 23, his calmness in front of goal and link-up play have earned him elite-level attention.
5. Lautaro Martínez – £80.75m
The Inter captain has been a consistent scorer in Serie A and a leader on the pitch. His sharp movement, leadership, and finishing have made him one of the best strikers in Europe.
4. Julián Álvarez – £85m
Whether starting or rotating with Haaland at City, Álvarez always delivers. The World Cup winner’s technical intelligence, relentless energy, and clutch performances continue to boost his value.
3. Alexander Isak – £102m
Isak has become a Premier League star at Newcastle, combining slick dribbling, composed finishing, and excellent movement. His elegance and flair make him one of the most enjoyable strikers to watch.
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2. Kylian Mbappé – £153m
Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé is entering his peak years with unmatched speed and goal-scoring prowess. Though he plays across the frontline, his central striker role has elevated his value to astronomical heights.
1. Erling Haaland – £153m
The most feared striker in the world, Haaland continues to break records at Manchester City. His brute force, positioning, and finishing are unmatched, making him the gold standard for modern No. 9s.
