Harry kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe

The Top 20 Strikers in World Football Right Now – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

September 16, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Scoring goals is the hardest yet most valuable skill in football, and the players who master it are always in demand. A great striker can transform a good team into a title contender, providing the cutting edge when it matters most. From seasoned legends to rising stars, here are the 20 best strikers in the world right now, ranked from No. 20 to No. 1.

20. Kai Havertz – Arsenal

Kai Havertz may not always look like a traditional striker, but his intelligence, versatility, and presence make him a valuable option for Arsenal. Often criticized during his early days in London, he has grown into a forward role and become a vital piece of Arteta’s system. His ability to adapt across positions makes him underrated yet effective.

19. Jonathan David – Juventus

Jonathan David has built a reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in Europe. After proving himself in France with Lille, he made the move to Juventus to take on a bigger stage. The Canadian forward combines consistency with sharp instincts, making him a constant threat inside the box.

18. Mateo Retegui – Al-Qadsiah

Mateo Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia may have taken him out of the European spotlight, but his goal-scoring instincts remain undeniable. After shining in Serie A, the Italian international continues to prove he can find the net wherever he plays. His mix of strength and positioning makes him a natural finisher.

17. João Pedro – Chelsea

João Pedro has quickly made an impression since joining Chelsea from Brighton. A forward capable of scoring, linking play, and drifting wide, he is a modern striker who fits multiple roles. His flair and versatility make him one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents.

16. Patrik Schick – Bayer Leverkusen

Patrik Schick has become a lethal figure in the Bundesliga, combining height, skill, and composure in front of goal. Known for his technical ability despite his size, he continues to deliver for Bayer Leverkusen. His all-around qualities ensure he remains one of Europe’s most complete strikers.

15. Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan

Marcus Thuram has proven himself to be more than just a supporting act at Inter Milan. Comfortable both through the middle and out wide, he has delivered key goals and assists in Italy and Europe. His pace and power make him a constant danger against defenders.

14. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo may now be in the twilight of his career, but his scoring record remains remarkable. The Portuguese icon continues to find the net regularly in Saudi Arabia and still displays his killer instinct. Even at 40, he’s proving that class is permanent.

13. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City

Omar Marmoush has emerged as one of Egypt’s brightest attacking stars and is now making his mark at Manchester City. Quick, technically strong, and versatile, he has fit seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s system. His ability to link with Erling Haaland makes City’s attack even more frightening.

12. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins has become the face of Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery. His work rate, movement, and finishing ability have carried the club into the Champions League. Reliable and consistent, he’s one of the most underrated strikers in English football.

11. Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool after a breakout season in Germany, bringing flair and unpredictability to Anfield. Tall and skillful, he blends traditional center-forward play with creativity. With his ability to stretch defenses, he looks set to shine in the Premier League.

10. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen has become one of the most dominant strikers in Europe in recent years. His blend of pace, strength, and lethal finishing saw him rise to prominence at Napoli, and now he continues to score freely in Turkey. Defenders dread going up against his relentless style.

9. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund

Serhou Guirassy is a late bloomer who has turned into one of Europe’s most feared strikers. After exploding at Stuttgart, he now leads the line for Borussia Dortmund with the same scoring touch. His Champions League displays show he belongs at the top level.

8. Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres’ rise from the Championship to one of Europe’s elite has been remarkable. Now at Arsenal, the Swedish striker is proving he can deliver in the toughest league in the world. His power, movement, and finishing make him a natural Premier League forward.

7. Julián Álvarez – Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez has stepped out of Erling Haaland’s shadow and become a superstar in his own right at Atlético Madrid. Dynamic, hardworking, and clinical, he embodies everything Simeone wants in a striker. His performances in Spain show he’s among the best.

6. Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan

Lautaro Martínez has evolved into a world-class forward, leading Inter Milan with relentless consistency. Quick, aggressive, and clinical, he thrives in big games and carries Argentina’s proud tradition of strikers. Many now see him as one of the very best in the game.

5. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski remains a goal machine even deep into his career. At Barcelona, the Polish striker continues to score with remarkable consistency, proving his intelligence and positioning are second to none. His longevity at the top is simply extraordinary.

4. Alexander Isak – Liverpool

Alexander Isak has developed into a complete striker, combining elegance with efficiency. His big move to Liverpool is a testament to his growing reputation. Tall, skillful, and composed, the Swede has the tools to dominate the Premier League for years.

3. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Erling Haaland is the definition of a natural goalscorer. Since arriving at Manchester City, he has broken records with his unstoppable finishing and unmatched physicality. At just 25, he’s already one of the most feared strikers in football history.

2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Harry Kane has redefined the role of a striker, blending prolific scoring with world-class playmaking. At Bayern Munich, he has maintained his incredible consistency while adding more silverware to his career. England’s captain remains a complete and unselfish forward.

1. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé may not be a pure No. 9, but his devastating pace and finishing place him at the very top. Now starring at Real Madrid, the French superstar scores with ease while terrorizing defenses across Europe. Simply put, Mbappé is the most unstoppable forward in world football.