The hardest but most important part of football is to put the ball in the back of the net. This makes strikers the most valuable assets in the sport, as finding a number nine that can regularly find a way to score goals is a rare commodity. Some teams find a way to spread their goals around the team, but it is perhaps no coincidence that the best teams tend to have the most prolific men leading the line.
Obviously, playing for a better team gives the forward a better chance of having shots at goal, but ensuring the ball finds a way past the goalkeeper is a fine art. This article ranks the top 20 strikers in world football at the moment, with a few of the centre-forwards operating in the Premier League.
Ranking factors
Football is all about opinions. There is often no right or wrong, as most parts of the beautiful game are subjective. Statistics can be used to back up claims, but nothing can be proved outright when ranking players in order. For the list below, the following factors have been used to help place each striker:
- Goals
- Assists
- Goals per game
- Importance to team
- Individual performances
20 Jonathan David
Club: Juventus
Now, if there’s a striker who has been linked with a summer move for season after season after season, it is none other than Canadian hitman Jonathan David. Manchester United and Arsenal, two clubs in England’s top flight, were mooted as potential landing spots for the 25-year-old over the summer months, but it was Serie A’s Juventus who he joined in the summer.
From KAA Gent in Belgium, the goal-hungry David moved to LOSC Lille in the summer of 2020 and helped them to a league title in his maiden campaign under Cristophe Galtier. He struck double-digits during every season in France and, while he may not be the pick of the bunch in the grand scheme of talent, the centre-forward is up there with one of the most reliable.
Jonathan David – 25/26 statistics (Juventus)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
20
Goals
3
Assists
1
19 Mateo Retegui
Club: Al-Qadsiah
It was claimed that Premier League outfit Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Mateo Retegui in January 2025, but the 26-year-old’s services were snubbed as they looked elsewhere in the summer. He, in response, moved to Saudi Arabia to ply his trade for Al-Qasidah in July, and he hit the ground running in the Middle East with two goals on his league debut. Start as you mean to go on, they say! He’s since bagged six more goals.
For supporters, it’s a shame to see one of the world’s most exciting frontmen – who netted 28 strikes for Serie A side Atalanta in 49 games last season – no longer earn his corn in Europe but the Saudi Pro League is now brimming with talent, Retegui included. The Argentina-born striker, who is now a 26-cap Italy international, is far more than just an archetypal fox in the box.
Mateo Retegui – 25/26 statistics (Al-Qadsiah)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
12
Goals
8
Assists
1
18 Joao Pedro
Club: Chelsea
Liam Delap, signed by Chelsea in the early stages of the summer, wouldn’t have been most pleased to see Joao Pedro walk through the door. Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the Premier League, the Brazilian worked his magic on the coast for Brighton & Hove Albion – and that intrigued the nation’s biggest hoarder of talent.
Although he is still in the embryonic stages of his west London career, it is clear that Pedro will be a revelation for Enzo Maresca and Co. In the league so far, the six-cap Brazil international has clearly been his side’s primary choice for the middle – and, as of December, it’s his berth to lose given he can score, drop deep, move out wide, run the channels. In truth, there’s not much he cannot do – and to a good standard, too!
Joao Pedro – 25/26 statistics (Chelsea)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
20
Goals
5
Assists
3
17 Rasmus Hojlund
Club: Napoli
By the end of his time at Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund had become a divisive figure at Old Trafford. Some believed that the Danish international might still have something to offer, while others believed he wasn’t good enough to lead the line for the Red Devils.
In the end, Hojlund moved to Napoli on an initial loan, with an obligation to make the move permanent next summer included. And the 22-year-old has rediscovered his best form back in Italy, scoring six goals in a total of 16 matches and earning rave reviews from the Italian media. That form has carried over into his performances on the international stage, with six goal involvements in his last four matches for Denmark.
Rasmus Hojlund – 25/26 Statistics (Napoli)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
16
Goals
6
Assists
2
16 Patrik Schick
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
You know the saying ‘a great touch for a big lad’? Well, Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen – who has long been linked with a move to England’s primary division – epitomises just that. Also an utter menace in the final third, as evidenced by his 89-goal haul in 186 matches for his current employers, Schick may be lanky, but there are no doubts over how lethal he can be.
While some strikers are known for their poaching ability, the Czech international is, instead, the all-round package: he’s a great goalscorer, of course, but his composure and ball control make him fantastically suited to Bundesliga football. Victor Boniface’s injury record and his loan to Werder Bremen mean that he’ll be relied upon more often than not in Germany.
Patrik Schick – 25/26 statistics (Bayer Leverkusen)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
18
Goals
8
Assists
2
15 Cristiano Ronaldo
Club: Al-Nassr
There was once a point in time when the greatest goalscorer of all time would be the name at the very top of this list, with no real competition for his crown. In 2025, however, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, which is undeniably lower in quality than the top European leagues.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: On the men’s international stage, Ronaldo is the highest-ever goalscorer. He’s scored 141 times in 224 appearances for Portugal.
The Portuguese superstar is the biggest fish in the small pond that is the emerging division. Ronaldo scored more goals than any other player in 2023, hitting the back of the net 54 times. As already mentioned, the lack of quality in the league he plays in has to factor against the Real Madrid and Manchester United icon, but the 2024/25 was still a successful season for the 40-year-old, and considering he has recently renewed his contract, the coming years could follow in a similar vein.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 25/26 statistics (Al Nassr)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
12
Goals
11
Assists
2
14 Omar Marmoush
Club: Manchester City
Having been reportedly scouted by Liverpool’s first-rate recruitment team, mooted as the heir to Mo Salah’s golden throne, is enough of a compliment in itself. Omar Marmoush is considered to be the next big thing in Egypt, but it was Manchester City who recently raided Eintracht Frankfurt to acquire his services. In Marmoush, Pep Guardiola has unearthed yet another lethal forward in the final third. But it’s not just his numbers that excite City fans – his style of play is equally compelling.
Marmoush thrives with his back to goal, often operating like a second striker, a role reminiscent of Julian Alvarez in previous campaigns. Paired with Haaland, the duo can wreak havoc on opposition defences – a truly daunting prospect for Premier League defenders. That’s only if Pep Guardiola starts to give him more minutes mind.
Omar Marmoush – 25/26 statistics (Man City)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
14
Goals
1
Assists
1
13 Viktor Gyokeres
Club: Arsenal
The name on everybody’s lips over the last few years, Viktor Gyokeres looked all set for a big-money move in the 2024 summer transfer window, but ultimately ended up spending another year in Portugal. The Sweden international only joined his former side, Sporting CP, the previous year from Championship outfit Coventry City, but his sparkling form while in the Portuguese league had caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
After another incredible season where he finished second in the race for the Golden Shoe, the Swede made the switch to England to join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. His start to life in the Premier League has been a mixed bag, but supporters will tell you that his mere presence on the pitch, along with his first goals for the club, are helping the team already.
Viktor Gyokeres – 25/26 statistics (Arsenal)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
18
Goals
6
Assists
0
12 Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins’ rise to prominence since Unai Emery’s arrival at Villa Park has been astronomical, and arguably, hasn’t been spoken about enough. The England international has consistently been a reliable source of goals for Aston Villa in the past five years, emerging as one of the top attackers in the English top-flight after starting his career at Exeter City.
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His talismanic form for the Villains was enough to fire the West Midlands club into the Champions League. It was the first time the English side have ventured into the elite European competition in over four decades, and while he didn’t set the world alight throughout much of the 2024/25 campaign, he will be hoping to continue improving under his influential Spanish manager.
Ollie Watkins – 25/26 statistics (Aston Villa)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
22
Goals
3
Assists
0
11 Serhou Guirassy
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Stuttgart was one of the lesser-known underdog stories of the Bundesliga in 2023/24 as they qualified for European competition for the first time since 2008 thanks to Serhou Guirassy’s firepower. Instead of a move to England, though, with Guirassy rumoured to be on his way to Manchester United, he stayed in Germany, securing a switch to Borussia Dortmund.
With Niclas Fullkrug gone, the 29-year-old walked straight into the team and made his mark immediately. Guirassy managed 47 goal contributions in just 50 games in what was a brilliant debut campaign for BVB.
What is even more impressive, though, is the fact that Guirassy led the way in Europe, with his 13 goals in the Champions League making him the competition’s top scorer, despite his side being knocked out by Barcelona in the quarter-finals. He’s picked up where he left off in 2025/26 and will only gain the attention of more European giants if his form persists.
Serhou Guirassy – 25/26 statistics (Borussia Dortmund)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
21
Goals
9
Assists
4
10 Marcus Thuram
Club: Inter Milan
Striker Marcus Thuram may not be the jewel in Inter Milan’s crown; that mantle is claimed by Lautaro Martinez (more on him later!) but his opening two seasons at the San Siro can still be considered an incredible success. Joining on a free transfer from German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, the Frenchman played a starring role in his first campaign as the men in black and blue reclaimed their league title.
In 2024/25, he was pivotal as his side reached the Champions League final and his return in front of goal (eight goals and two assists) proves he is vital to the Nerazzurri. Thuram is one of the best forwards in Italy currently and is more than capable of playing either as his side’s chief line-leader or, instead, on the left wing, where he has turned into an impressive playmaker.
Marcus Thuram – 25/26 statistics (Inter Milan)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
15
Goals
8
Assists
2
9 Victor Osimhen
Club: Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen’s potential has been well-known since he joined French side Lille in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the world truly saw the full extent of the relentless Nigerian’s talent. Standing tall, with speed, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing, Osimhen has scored nearly every type of goal imaginable throughout his Napoli career, leading them to the Serie A title in 2023 with 26 goals in 32 league matches.
Despite his heroics for Napoli, he fell out with the club and settled for temporary accommodation over at Galatasaray, a move which was a resounding success. He’s now made the move permanent and should continue running roughshod in Turkey, and he’ll earn a very pretty penny while doing so.
Victor Osimhen – 25/26 statistics (Galatasaray)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
16
Goals
12
Assists
0
8 Lautaro Martinez
Club: Inter Milan
A typically tenacious Argentine centre-forward, Lautaro Martinez has been doing the business at Inter Milan for several seasons now. Now entering the prime of his career as a 28-year-old, Martinez looks to be accelerating his progression and has become one of the finest hitmen on the planet.
The Nerazzurri forward won the Serie A Golden Boot in 2023/24 with a significant margin between himself and the chasing pack, and then continued to score plenty of goals in 24/25 as he fired his side to the Champions League final. Martinez has refined his finishing ability in recent times and is now being recognised around the world, with Lionel Messi himself even naming the talisman as his heir for the Ballon d’Or, though it was Rodri who would take that crown in the end.
Lautaro Martinez – 25/26 statistics (Inter Milan)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
19
Goals
11
Assists
2
7 Hugo Ekitike
Club: Liverpool
Once unfavoured at Paris Saint-Germain, the languid Frenchman – who has drawn plenty of comparisons to new teammate Alexander Isak because of his rangy frame and dribbling exploits – became Eintracht Frankfurt’s latest big-money striker by joining the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool, this summer. He moved after a career-best season of 22 goals and 12 assists.
At his previous club, Ekitike plundered 40 goal involvements (26 goals and 14 assists) in 64 outings, but he’s proved that he’s more than just an out-and-out goalscorer. He’s relatively adept at taking on opposition and stretching defences to exploit space, something which supporters have already since making his Liverpool debut earlier this season. What’s crazier is that we’re yet to see him at his best.
Hugo Ekitike – 25/26 statistics (Liverpool)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
23
Goals
10
Assists
1
6 Alexander Isak
Club: Liverpool
A few eyebrows were raised when Newcastle United paid a huge £63 million fee for Alexander Isak, but not many doubted his quality after seasons of finding the back of the net, with ease, as if the art of goalscoring were going out of fashion. The Swedish striker enjoyed an excellent spell in St James’ Park, scoring 62 times for the Magpies in 109 appearances for the club.
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Isak’s brilliance caught the attention of Liverpool and, after a summer of speculation, the Swede made a £130m move to the Reds on transfer deadline day. He will no doubt eventually find his feet at Anfield, but it’s been a slow start to life on Merseyside as the Swede continues to navigate the pressure of leading the line for one of football’s biggest clubs.
Alexander Isak – 25/26 statistics (Liverpool)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
15
Goals
2
Assists
1
5 Julian Alvarez
Club: Atletico Madrid
You don’t see Atletico Madrid splash in excess of £80 million on players very often, and after the failed signing of Joao Felix for over £100 million, there was pressure on Diego Simeone and company to get this transfer bang on the money. Luckily, Julian Alvarez has delivered on every facet and is one of the hottest strikers in European football.
Fans had seen glimpses of what he was capable of at Manchester City, but he was always going to play the supporting role behind Haaland at the Etihad. Now in Spain, he has become the main protagonist and is banging in goals left, right and centre – including a brace in the Madrid derby back in late September – as he takes another step towards putting himself in world-class territory.
Julian Alvarez – 25/26 statistics (Atletico Madrid)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
21
Goals
11
Assists
4
4 Robert Lewandowski
Club: Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski became the only man to manage Champions League hat-tricks at three different clubs when he rocketed three past Viktoria Plzen on his European debut for Barcelona. The prolific Pole just knows where the goal is and has proven the only challenger to the scoring power of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo for the last decade, now surpassing them both season after season.
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Even whilst towards his twilight years, the ex-Bayern Munich talisman finds himself outperforming the young guns. He rediscovered some of his youth in the 24/25 season as he banged in 27 goals in 34 La Liga appearances, including a brace in El Clasico as La Blaugrana stormed to the title. Lewandowski, even at 37, is still wreaking havoc in Spain, evidenced making a more-than-decent start to the 2025/26 term as Barca bid to retain their league title.
Robert Lewandowski – 25/26 statistics (Barcelona)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
17
Goals
8
Assists
2
3 Erling Haaland
Club: Manchester City
Erling Haaland has to go down as one of the best strikers in world football for one reason. He’s the best at putting the ball in the back of the opponent’s net. The Norwegian has set the world alight ever since he graced the Premier League with his presence. He even managed to smash the goalscoring record for a single season, scoring 36 times in only 35 appearances during his debut campaign in the competition.
Haaland wasn’t able to match that total in his second and third seasons in the English top flight, and he has faced a lot of scrutiny from pundits, including Roy Keane, for some of his performances. But he’s still one of the best goalscorers on the planet, and there’s no sign of that natural-born instinct letting up any time soon as he looks in top shape so far in 2025/26.
Erling Haaland – 25/26 statistics (Man City)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
21
Goals
21
Assists
3
2 Harry Kane
Club: Bayern Munich
Harry Kane is modern football’s answer to Wayne Rooney. Yes, he will absolutely score 20 goals a season. But he’ll also hit double figures in the assist rankings and spend about 30% of his time playing as a holding midfielder just to find that added space to work his magic.
The England captain became his nation’s top goalscorer in 2023, as well as reaching second place in the all-time Premier League scoring charts after scoring an incredible 213 times for Tottenham Hotspur. His summer of 2024 move to Bayern Munich has been a success to date as he managed to win the first piece of silverware in his career in the form of the Bundesliga last season. He recently scored his 100th goal for the German club, becoming the quickest player to reach that mark for a major European side (doing so in just 104 outings).
Harry Kane – 25/26 statistics (Bayern Munich)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
23
Goals
28
Assists
3
1 Kylian Mbappe
Club: Real Madrid
Is Kylian Mbappe a striker? It’s clearly debatable, but that’s where he’s operated from for the majority of his Real Madrid career. That said, he can pretty much play anywhere across the front line and is arguably more effective coming off one of the flanks. But back to the player, never have we witnessed such devastating explosiveness as when Paris-born Mbappe is well and truly at it.
The Frenchman falls into the super-rare category of being unstoppable at times and if he hasn’t claimed two or three Ballon d’Or awards by the time he’s hung up his boots, then it’ll be a shock. It is extremely harsh that the man who scored a hat-trick in a World Cup had any doubts over his talent in the infancy of his Los Blancos career.
While he may have got off to a slow start in Real Madrid’s famous white and gold, his star power didn’t falter, and he’s now found his feet, scoring at every given opportunity. So far in 2025/26, he’s scored 25 goals and grabbed a further four assists in 21 outings.
Kylian Mbappe – 25/26 statistics (Real Madrid)
Statistic
Number
Appearances
21
Goals
25
Assists
4
All statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt – correct as of 13/12/2025