Who are the top 25 best strikers in the world? Profiles, stats, more

Who are the top 25 best strikers in the world? Profiles, stats, more

Helix Odhiambo, Jackline Wangare, Adrianna Simwa
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM

The best strikers in the world prove their value every time they step on the pitch. Beyond scoring goals, forwards also contribute to the defensive aspect of football by holding the ball and creating chances. Here are some of the most talented and the world's best strikers.

Best strikers in the world
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Source: UGC

The best strikers in the world have scored over 25 goals per season for their club and international teams. They have the power to change the outcome of a match when in possession of the ball or create chances.

Who are the best strikers in the world?

The iconic contributions of the strikers remain significant to football history. These are some of the best strikers in the world ever. They are ranked by the number of goals scored.

25. Rasmus Hojlund - Manchester United

best young strikers in the world
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: James Gill - Danehouse
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rasmus Winther Højlund
  • Date of birth: 4 February 2003
  • Age: 20 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Club: Manchester United
  • Appearances: 101
  • Goals: 32

Rasmus Højlund plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the Denmark national team. Rasmus played international football for Denmark from under-16 and under-21. He was signed from Atlanta to Manchester United for a fee of £72 million.

24. Santiago Gimenez - Eredivisie

best strikers in the world ever
Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and AZ at Stadion Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Photo: Peter Lous/BSR Agency/
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Santiago Tomás Giménez
  • Date of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Place of birth: 18 April 2001
  • Age: 22 years old (as of 2023)
  • Club: Eredivisie
  • Appearances: 165
  • Goals: 59

Santiago Gimenez is a striker for the Eredivisie club and Mexico national team. He played for the Mexico under-15, under-18, under-20 and under-23 teams.

23. Phil Foden - Manchester City

best strikers in the world in 2023
Phil Foden celebrates scoring for Manchester City during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Philip Walter Foden
  • Date of birth: 28 May 2000
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Stockport, England
  • Club: Manchester City
  • Appearances: 235
  • Goals: 65

Phil Foden primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and is widely regarded as one of the best young strikers in the world of football. Phil Foden has already made over 100 appearances for Manchester City and has won several trophies, including two Premier League titles and an FA Cup.

22. Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Everton

best young strikers in the world
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on January 6, 2023 in Manchester, England. Photo: Matthew Ashton
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Dominic Nathaniel Calvert-Lewin
  • Date of birth: 16 March 1997
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Sheffield, England
  • Club: Everton
  • Appearances: 263
  • Goals: 78

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is known for his aerial ability, strength, and work rate. He has been a regular starter for Everton since 2016. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored over 40 goals for the club. Dominic has also represented his country internationally, debuting for the England national team in 2020.

21. Darwin Núñez - Liverpool

who are the best strikers in the world
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro
  • Date of birth: 24 June 1999
  • Age: 24 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Artigas, Uruguay
  • Club: Liverpool
  • Appearances: 198
  • Goals: 90

Darwin Núñez is a right-footed player with an athletic frame and excellent acceleration. His sprinting speed is the defining feature of his athletic abilities. Darwin Núñez excels at attacking open spaces and creating shots in various situations.

20. Victor Osimhen - Napoli

who is the best football strikers in the world
Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli pre-game warm-up during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, Italy. Photo: Ivan Romano
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Victor James Osimhen
  • Date of birth: 29 December 1998
  • Age: 24 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
  • Club: Napoli
  • Appearances: 201
  • Goals: 103

Victor has earned recognition as one of the premier strikers globally and is widely regarded as one of the top players in the world. Renowned for his exceptional finishing, speed, strength, and athleticism, he achieved the impressive rank of 8th in the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards held in Paris, France. Notably, Victor Osimhen made history by becoming the first Nigerian to secure a position in the prestigious top ten of the Ballon d'Or.

19. Diogo Jota - Liverpool

best strikers in the world ever
Diogo Jota of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2023 in London, England. Photo: Catherine IvilI
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Diogo José Teixeira da Silva
  • Date of birth: 4 December 1996
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Porto, Portugal
  • Club: Liverpool
  • Appearances: 342
  • Goals: 117

Diogo Jota is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for the Premier League club Liverpool and the Portugal national team. He mainly plays as a forward and can also operate as a winger. Diogo Jota began his career at the Porto academy and played for Pacos de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, Wolves and Liverpool.

18. Simy Nwankwo - Benevento

best strikers in football
Simy Nwankwo of Benevento Calcio during the Serie B match between Benevento Calcio and Ascoli Calcio at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on October 02, 2022 in Benevento, Italy. Photo: Ivan Romano
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo
  • Date of birth: 7 May 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Onitsha, Nigeria
  • Club: Benevento
  • Appearances: 377
  • Goals: 118

Simy Nwankwo is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Benevento on loan from Salernitana. He began his career with FC Ifeanyi Ubah and has since featured for several clubs, including Gil Vicente, Crotone, and Portimonense. Simy Nwankwo is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and has scored over 100 goals in his career.

17. Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal

best young strikers in the world
Gabriel Jesus, Centre-Forward of Arsenal and Brazil, during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville, Spain. Photo: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gabriel Fernando de Jesus
  • Date of birth: 3 April 1997
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: São Paulo, Brazil
  • Club: Arsenal
  • Appearances: 363
  • Goals: 138

Gabriel Jesus is a talented and versatile forward who can play in various attacking positions. Gabriel Jesus is well-known for his quickness, technical abilities, dribbling ability, creativity, finishing, movement, and work ethic.

16. Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

top 20 strikers in the world in 2023
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on February 25, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Simon Stacpoole
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ollie Watkins
  • Date of birth: 30 December 1995
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Newton Abbot, England
  • Club: Aston Villa
  • Appearances: 381
  • Goals: 139

Ollie Watkins is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Premier League club Aston Villa and the England national team. Ollie Watkins began his career at Exeter City. He has represented England at various youth levels.

15. Andre Silva - Real Sociedad

who is the best striker in the world
Andre Ramalho of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v Fc Twente at the Philips Stadium on February 26, 2023 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Photo: Pim Waslander
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: André Miguel Valente da Silva
  • Date of birth: 5 November 1995
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Baguim do Monte, Portugal
  • Club: Real Sociedad
  • Appearances: 391
  • Goals: 140

Andre Silva is a professional soccer player who has played for Porto and AC Milan. He is known for his pace, agility, and ability to score goals, which have made him one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.

He has won several awards and trophies over his career. In 2023, Andre Silva moved to the Spanish top-tier club Real Sociedad on a season-long loan with an option to buy

14. Lautaro Martínez - Inter Milan

Who are the 10 best strikers in the world?
Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale gestures during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna, Italy. Photo: Emmanuele Ciancaglini
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lautaro Javier Martínez
  • Date of birth: 22 August 1997
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bahía Blanca, Argentina
  • Club: Inter Milan
  • Appearances: 312
  • Goals: 142

Lautaro Martínez is a professional soccer player who plays for Inter Milan in Serie A. He began his professional career in his homeland with Racing Club before transferring to Inter in 2018. Since then, Lautaro Martínez has become an integral part of the team, scoring important goals and becoming a fan favourite. He is known for his pace, agility, and ability to find the back of the net.

13. Luis Muriel - Atalanta

best strikers in the world ever
Luis Muriel of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and Atalanta BC at Dacia Arena in Udine, Italy. Photo: Alessandro Sabattini
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto
  • Date of birth: 15 April 1991
  • Age: 32 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Santo Tomas, Colombia
  • Club: Atalanta
  • Appearances: 454
  • Goals: 145

Muriel represented Colombia at the U20 level in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Although Luis Muriel is usually deployed as a centre-forward, he is a versatile forward who can play in various offensive positions.

12. Gerard Moreno - Villarreal

best strikers in the world in 2023
Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF holds the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and Girona FC at Estadio de la Ceramica, January 22, 2023, Vila-real, Spain. Photo: David Aliaga
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gerard Moreno Balagueró
  • Date of birth: 7 April 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Santa Perpètua, Spain
  • Club: Villarreal
  • Appearances: 471
  • Goals: 212

Gerard Moreno made his reserve debut, coming on as a late substitute. Gerard Moren has played for Villarreal, Mallorca, and Espanyol, where he won the 2021 Europa League and two Zarra Trophies.

11. Erling Haaland - Manchester City

best young strikers in the world
Erling Haaland of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England. Photo: Clive Rose
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Erling Braut Haaland
  • Date of birth: 21 July 2000
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
  • Club: Manchester City
  • Appearances: 271
  • Goals: 224

Erling Haaland is one of the best young strikers in the world. He began his career at his hometown club, Bryne, at five. He has established himself as one of the top strikers in the world, scoring an incredible 188 goals. Erling Haaland is known for his power, speed, and ability to score from any angle or distance.

10. Alexandre Lacazette - Lyon

best strikers in the world
Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon passes the ball during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between RC Strasbourg and Olympique Lyon at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, France. Photo: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexandre Armand Lacazette
  • Date of birth: 28 May 1991
  • Age: 32 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lyon, France
  • Club: Lyon
  • Appearances: 539
  • Goals: 240

Alexandre Lacazette plays as striker for Ligue 1 club Lyon. He returned to Lyon after signing a three-year contract with the club. He ended as the tournament's joint-best scorer with five goals, earning him the FIFA U-20 World Cup Bronze Shoe in 2011.

9. Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain

best strikers in the world
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain runs with the ball during the Ligue 1 match between Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain at Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Photo: Aurelien Meunier
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kylian Mbappé Lottin
  • Date of birth: 20 December 1998
  • Age: 24 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Paris, France
  • Club: Paris Saint-Germain
  • Appearances: 347
  • Goals: 258

Kylian Mbappe is a world-class player known for his dribbling abilities, exceptional speed, and finishing. In 2018 and 2019, Kylian Mbappe was named to the FIFA FIFPro World11. Because of his ability with both feet, he frequently plays as a winger.

8. Harry Kane - Bayern Munich

who are the best strikers in the world
Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen looks on after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Photo: DeFodi Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Harry Edward Kane
  • Date of birth: 28 July 1993
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Walthamstow, London, England
  • Club: Bayern Munich
  • Appearances: 485
  • Goals: 284

Harry is a professional footballer from England who captains the national team. Harry Kane is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in football. He is also one of the highest Premier League goalscorers of all time.

7. Romelu Lukaku - Roma

who is the best football strikers in the world
Romelu Lukaku of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli
  • Date of birth: 13 May 1993
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Antwerp, Belgium
  • Club: Roma
  • Appearances: 602
  • Goals: 289

Lukaku is a left-footed striker with a strong physique and a keen eye for goal. He has been known to use his strength to get past defenders. Romelu Lukaku was the first Premier League player to join Jay-Z's management agency, Roc Nation Sports.

6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Marseille

who is the best strikers in the world
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Marseille in action during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Group B match between Olympique de Marseille and Brighton & Hove Albion at Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang
  • Date of birth: 18 June 1989
  • Age: 34 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Laval, France
  • Club: Marseille
  • Appearances: 619
  • Goals: 309

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is known for his speed, finishing ability, and off-the-ball movement. He announced his retirement from international football on 18 May 2022. However, one year later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang declared a reversal in his decision and expressed his intention to rejoin the national team.

5. Neymar - Al Hilal

best young strikers in the world
Brazil's forward Neymar controls the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Uruguay and Brazil at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. Photo: Eitan Abramovich
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Mogi das Cruzes, State of São Paulo, Brazil
  • Club: Al Hilal
  • Appearances: 589
  • Goals: 360

Neymar is a Brazilian professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the best and most skilful players in the world. Footballer Neymar began his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil before moving to Europe to play for FC Barcelona in 2013.

4. Karim Benzema - Al-Ittihad

best strikers in the world ever
Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Abha Club at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Abdul Ghani Bashir Issa/MB Media
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
  • Date of birth: 18 December 1987
  • Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lyon, France
  • Club: Al-Ittihad
  • Appearances: 833
  • Goals: 447

Karim is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for Al-Ittihad and captains the club. Karim Benzema is a creative and prolific forward widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time.

3. Robert Lewandowski - Barcelona

who are the best strikers in the world
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: David Ramos
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Robert Lewandowski
  • Date of birth: 21 August 1988
  • Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Warsaw, Poland
  • Club: Barcelona
  • Appearances: 806
  • Goals: 581

Robert Lewandowski is the captain of the Polish national team and a professional footballer from Poland. He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, having scored over 200 goals in the Bundesliga since joining Bayern in 2014. Robert Lewandowski finished second in the Ballon d'Or, just 33 points behind the winner Lionel Messi in 2021.

2. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami

who is the best strikers in the world
Lionel Messi, #10 of Inter Miami CF, dribbles the ball against the New York City FC during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Rich Storry
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
  • Date of birth: 24 June 1987
  • Age: 36 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Club: Inter Miami
  • Appearances: 899
  • Goals: 726

As of 2023, Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, having won eight Ballon d'Or awards. He is well-known for his finishing ability, positioning, quick reactions, and ability to make attacking runs to get past the defensive line.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Al Nassr

best young strikers in the world
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Wehda and Al-Nassr at King Abdul Aziz Stadium in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Khalid Alhaj/MB Media
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1985
  • Age: 38 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
  • Club: Al Nassr
  • Appearances: 993
  • Goals: 737

Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional soccer player from Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He has played for several top clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, and is the all-time top scorer for the Portuguese national team. He is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, the highest individual honour in soccer and an icon of the sport.

Who is the best football striker in the world?

Below is a summary of the top 25 strikers in the world in 2023.

Rank

Name

Current team

Goals scored

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

737

2

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami

726

3

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

581

4

Karim Benzema

Al-Ittihad

447

5

Neymar

Al Hilal

360

6

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Marseille

309

7

Romelu Lukaku

Roma

289

8

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

284

9

Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain

258

10

Alexandre Lacazette

Lyon

240

11

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

224

12

Gerard Moreno

Villarreal

212

13

Luis Muriel

Atalanta

145

14

Lautaro Martínez

Inter Milan

142

15

Andre Silva

Real Sociedad

140

16

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

139

17

Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal

138

18

Simy Nwankwo

Benevento

118

19

Diogo Jota

Liverpool

117

20

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

103

21

Darwin Núñez

Liverpool

90

22

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton

78

23

Phil Foden

Manchester City

65

24

Santiago Gimenez

Eredivisie

59

25

Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United

32

Who is the best striker in the world?

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He was one of the most successful and well-known sports figures of the twentieth century. In 700 games, he scored a total of 655 goals. Pelé died on December 29, 2022, at 3:27 p.m., due to multiple organ failure, a complication of colon cancer.

The best strikers in the world consistently score goals while maintaining a strong presence in the attacking third of the pitch. In addition to their goal-scoring abilities, these strikers are known for their determination, which allows them to make an impact throughout the entire match.

Sportsbrief.com recently published a list of the top 25 female volleyball players in the world. Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the world. Many professional volleyball players make their living from the sport.

In today's world, there are many elite female volleyball players who have accomplished a lot in their careers. They are known for their stamina, strength, good pivoting skills, and motivation.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.
Jackline Wangare photo
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).
Adrianna Simwa photo
Adrianna Simwa
Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years.