The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now – Ranked
Strikers remain at the heart of football, even as their roles evolve with tactics and team dynamics. In this article, we rank the top 25 strikers in the world as of 2025, starting from number 25 and moving up to the very best.
25. Alexander Sørloth
The Norwegian target man has quietly become one of Europe’s most effective scorers, especially after his prolific form with Villarreal. A towering figure in the box, Sørloth combines strength, aerial dominance, and a surprising technical touch.
24. Moise Kean
Kean has rediscovered his most potent form at Fiorentina this season after early-career inconsistency. Though not the most technically refined striker, he's confident, aggressive, and dangerous in front of goal when in rhythm.
23. Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta has become a cult hero at Crystal Palace, flourishing under Oliver Glasner’s system. His blend of power, pressing, and reliable finishing has proven he’s far more than a gimmick forward.
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22. Chris Wood
Now enjoying a career-best season at Nottingham Forest, Wood has proven vital in a side built for counter-attacking. Beyond his goals, his intelligent hold-up play and vision have made him a key figure in Forest's frontline.
21. Jonathan David
Since joining Lille in 2020, David has been remarkably consistent, hitting double figures in Ligue 1 each season. A well-rounded striker with composure and penalty-taking prowess, he's often underappreciated despite his output.
20. Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike has found his groove in the Bundesliga after a stalled spell at PSG. His movement and flair have been crucial for Frankfurt, particularly in the absence of Omar Marmoush.
19. Patrik Schick
Schick has stepped up for Leverkusen this season, capitalizing on injuries to teammates. His technical skill, combined with his size, makes him an elegant yet efficient target forward.
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18. Benjamin Sesko
Staying at RB Leipzig for another year, Sesko has shown why top clubs are circling. His mix of aerial threat, two-footed finishing, and clever movement suggests superstardom awaits.
17. Dominic Solanke
Solanke has become a Premier League force after previously underwhelming at Liverpool and Chelsea. At Tottenham, he’s been a bright spot in a tricky season, showing strength, creativity, and a striker’s instinct.
16. Kai Havertz
Reinvented as a striker under Mikel Arteta, Havertz has embraced the role with high energy and big goals. Though not a traditional number nine, his pressing and link-up play are vital for Arsenal.
15. Omar Marmoush
A January signing for Manchester City, Marmoush is already proving to be a clever acquisition. Fast, unpredictable, and relentless, he could be the long-term answer as a secondary striker.
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14. Ollie Watkins
Watkins had a sensational 2023/24 season with Aston Villa and played a key role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign. His movement, work rate, and consistent output make him a top-tier number nine.
13. Mateo Retegui
Brought to Atalanta as emergency cover, Retegui has exceeded all expectations, becoming one of Serie A’s top strikers. He combines physical presence with smart decision-making and technical quality.
12. Serhou Guirassy
Guirassy’s goal explosion at Stuttgart earned him a move to Dortmund, where he’s continued to shine. His power and poise in front of goal have seen him emerge as one of Europe's hottest forwards.
11. Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres took Portugal by storm, scoring 43 goals across all competitions for Sporting CP last season. His powerful, direct style has made him a nightmare to defend against in the Primeira Liga.
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10. Julian Alvarez
After stepping out of Haaland’s shadow by moving to Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has flourished in a system that suits his all-action game. He brings energy, finishing, and a warrior mentality to the Spanish capital.
9. Marcus Thuram
Thuram has proven to be an inspired free transfer for Inter, forming a lethal duo with Lautaro Martinez. His pace and strength have helped drive the Nerazzurri to continued success.
8. Victor Osimhen
Now on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen is still delivering at a high level despite his move out of the spotlight. His explosive pace and lethal finishing haven’t diminished in the slightest.
7. Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann’s brilliance continues to shine for Atletico Madrid, where his footballing IQ and technical class remain unmatched. Whether in midfield or up top, he controls games with elegance and precision.
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6. Lautaro Martinez
The Inter captain is more than just a finisher—he presses, links play, and creates space with intelligent movement. His evolution into a complete striker is key to Inter’s title-winning success.
5. Alexander Isak
Isak’s flair and versatility have made him a Premier League star with Newcastle. Tall and skillful, he’s a dynamic scorer capable of brilliance from anywhere in the final third.
4. Erling Haaland
A scoring machine, Haaland is simply the best at doing what a striker is meant to do—put the ball in the net. With his size, speed, and hunger for goals, he’s still unstoppable in front of goal.
3. Robert Lewandowski
Even into his mid-thirties, Lewandowski remains a supreme striker at Barcelona. His finishing, movement, and leadership continue to set the standard for number nines.
2. Harry Kane
Now at Bayern Munich, Kane continues to prove he's the complete centre-forward—part scorer, part creator. His incredible consistency and range of skills make him the gold standard for modern strikers.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s first season at Real Madrid has been electric, with Carlo Ancelotti deploying him perfectly as a fluid striker. His blend of pace, precision, and star power makes him one of the world's most feared forwards.
