The 22 Greatest Finishers in Football History – Ranked

Scoring goals is the essence of football, and throughout history, certain players have mastered the art of finishing. These legends possessed a unique ability to convert chances into goals with precision, composure, and instinct. Here’s our ranking of the 22 greatest finishers of all time.

22. Filippo Inzaghi

A poacher in the purest sense, Inzaghi thrived in the penalty box. His movement was unmatched, always staying a step ahead of defenders to tap home rebounds and loose balls. He wasn’t the most technically gifted, but his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.

21. Andriy Shevchenko

A lethal finisher with both feet, Shevchenko dominated Serie A and Europe with AC Milan. His combination of pace, technique, and ice-cold composure in front of goal made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether from outside the box or in a one-on-one situation, he rarely missed.

20. Gabriel Batistuta

Nicknamed “Batigol,” Batistuta was a powerhouse of a striker. His ferocious right foot, coupled with his ability to score from all angles, made him one of the most feared forwards in the 1990s. He excelled in both Serie A and with Argentina, always delivering on the biggest stage.

19. George Weah

The first African player to win the Ballon d’Or, Weah combined physicality with finesse. He could bulldoze through defenses or delicately chip a goalkeeper, making him a multi-dimensional finisher. His famous solo goal for AC Milan against Verona is a testament to his all-around ability.

18. David Villa

Spain’s all-time leading scorer, Villa was a clinical finisher known for his precision. He could score with either foot and was deadly on the counterattack. His performances at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup solidified his reputation as one of football’s most consistent strikers.

17. Ruud van Nistelrooy

A predator in the box, Van Nistelrooy had an almost supernatural ability to anticipate where the ball would land. He wasn’t flashy, but he was ruthlessly efficient, often needing just one touch to finish. His scoring exploits in the Premier League and La Liga earned him legendary status.

16. Zlatan Ibrahimović

One of the most technically gifted strikers ever, Zlatan combined strength, flair, and acrobatic finishing. He scored goals that defied logic, from bicycle kicks to long-range screamers. His confidence and sheer ability made him a nightmare for goalkeepers.

15. Hugo Sánchez

A master of the volley and acrobatic finishes, Sánchez was an artist in front of goal. The Mexican legend scored over 200 goals for Real Madrid, often with breathtaking athleticism. His bicycle kicks and instinctive strikes were a spectacle to watch.

14. Giuseppe Meazza

One of Italy’s earliest football icons, Meazza was a complete forward who could finish with style and efficiency. His dribbling and goal-scoring instincts helped Italy secure two World Cups (1934 and 1938), cementing his place as one of football’s early greats.

13. Alessandro Del Piero

A finesse finisher, Del Piero specialized in curling shots into the top corner. His ability to score from free kicks and open play made him Juventus’ all-time top scorer. He was a big-game player who delivered under pressure, especially in European competitions.

12. Marco van Basten

A striker of elegance and precision, Van Basten was the definition of a complete forward. His volley in the Euro 1988 final is one of the greatest goals ever scored. Despite an injury-shortened career, his impact on football remains enormous.

11. Ronaldo Nazário

Nicknamed “O Fenômeno,” Ronaldo combined speed, skill, and finishing in a way no one had ever seen before. He could slalom past defenders and still have the composure to pick his spot. Injuries hampered his later years, but his goal-scoring ability was never in doubt.

10. Thierry Henry

Henry made scoring look effortless. His trademark finish—curling the ball into the far corner with the inside of his foot—became a thing of beauty. He was just as good at creating goals as he was at finishing them, making him Arsenal’s all-time top scorer.

9. Luis Suárez

A relentless striker, Suárez could score from almost anywhere. His aggression, technical ability, and sharp finishing made him a force at Liverpool and Barcelona. His knack for scoring audacious goals set him apart from other great finishers.

8. Romário

Romário was a fox in the box with an extraordinary ability to finish in tight spaces. His quick thinking and one-touch finishes helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup. He was deadly from close range, often scoring before defenders knew what had happened.

7. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski is a modern-day goal machine. His movement, positioning, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. Scoring five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg showcased just how deadly he can be.

6. Eusébio

Portugal’s greatest ever striker, Eusébio had a powerful shot and immense technical ability. He carried Benfica and the Portuguese national team, scoring goals at an astonishing rate. His performances at the 1966 World Cup remain legendary.

5. Ferenc Puskás

A magician with the ball, Puskás possessed one of the most feared left feet in football history. His goal-scoring record for Real Madrid and Hungary was nothing short of astonishing. The Puskás Award exists because of his legacy of spectacular goals.

4. Lionel Messi

Messi isn’t a traditional striker, but his finishing ability is second to none. His balance, dribbling, and composure in front of goal allow him to score from impossible angles. Whether from long range or inside the box, he finds the net with surgical precision.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

A complete goal-scorer, Ronaldo has scored every type of goal imaginable. His aerial ability, powerful shots, and penalty-box instincts make him one of the greatest finishers in history. He thrives under pressure and has delivered on the biggest stages.

2. Pelé

Pelé scored over 1,000 goals in his career, a testament to his finishing prowess. He could score with his left foot, right foot, and head, making him one of the most complete strikers ever. His ability to adapt and score in any situation made him a global icon.

1. Gerd Müller

The ultimate poacher, “Der Bomber” was the most clinical striker the world has ever seen. He needed minimal space and time to score, making him deadly in the box. His 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany and over 500 goals for Bayern Munich solidify his place as the greatest finisher of all time.