Best strikers in the world 2025
The role of the striker remains pivotal in shaping football matches, with exceptional talent redefining attacking play. Modern strikers combine clinical finishing with versatility, excelling in creating chances, pressing defenses, and linking up with teammates.
Their ability to adapt to various tactical systems and deliver consistently under pressure has elevated the standard of the position. From leading counterattacks to dominating in the box, these players epitomize the art of scoring. The evolution of their skill sets continues to captivate fans and influence the game globally.
Best strikers in the world 2025
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland is recognized as one of the world’s top strikers, celebrated for his incredible goal-scoring, pace, and physical dominance. Starting his career at Molde, he rose to prominence with RB Salzburg before joining Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 86 goals in 89 matches.
At Manchester City, he achieved a record-breaking 52 goals in 53 games during the 2022–23 season, helping them win the treble. Internationally, Haaland is Norway’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in 31 caps. His unmatched consistency and explosive performances define his elite status in football.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé is widely regarded as one of the world's premier forwards, known for his exceptional speed, dribbling, and finishing abilities. Beginning his professional career with AS Monaco, he played a pivotal role in securing the Ligue 1 title in the 2016–17 season. His subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) saw him amass 191 goals, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.
Internationally, Mbappé has earned 86 caps for France, netting 48 goals, and was instrumental in their 2018 World Cup victory. In 2024, he joined Real Madrid, continuing to showcase his elite talent on the global stage.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane is celebrated as one of the world's top strikers, renowned for his clinical finishing, playmaking, and aerial prowess. He began his professional journey with Tottenham Hotspur, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances. In 2023, Kane transferred to Bayern Munich, where he continued his prolific form, scoring 59 goals in 57 appearances.
Internationally, he has earned 103 caps for England, netting 69 goals, and captained the national team to the UEFA Euro 2020 final. Kane's consistent goal-scoring and leadership underscore his status as an elite forward.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Lautaro Martínez is acclaimed as one of the world's premier strikers, known for his agility, technical skill, and goal-scoring prowess. Beginning his professional career with Racing Club in Argentina, he made a significant impact before transferring to Inter Milan in 2018.
At Inter, Martínez has been instrumental, scoring 108 goals in 164 Serie A appearances and contributing to the team's Serie A title in the 2020–21 season. Internationally, he has earned 69 caps for Argentina, netting 31 goals, and played a crucial role in their 2022 World Cup victory. Martínez's consistent performances and leadership underscore his status as an elite forward.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Robert Lewandowski is widely celebrated for his prolific scoring, intelligent movement, and relentless work ethic. He began his career with Znicz Pruszków and Lech Poznań in Poland before gaining attention at Borussia Dortmund, where he quickly made his mark.
He later joined Bayern Munich, where he cemented his legacy by becoming the club's second all-time top scorer, contributing to their dominance in domestic and European competitions. Now playing for Barcelona, he continues to be a vital contributor to the team's success. With 81 goals for Poland in 144 caps, Lewandowski remains an iconic figure in global football.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Alexander Isak is recognized as one of the world's top strikers, celebrated for his agility, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability. He began his professional career with AIK in Sweden, making a significant impact before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
After a loan spell at Willem II, Isak joined Real Sociedad in 2019, where he scored 33 goals in 105 La Liga appearances. In 2022, he transferred to Newcastle United, continuing his impressive form in the Premier League. Internationally, Isak has earned 50 caps for Sweden, netting 15 goals. His consistent performances and versatility underscore his status as an elite forward.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as one of Europe's leading strikers, known for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility. He began his professional career with IF Brommapojkarna in Sweden before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion. After several loan spells, he joined Coventry City in 2021, where he scored 38 goals in 91 appearances.
In 2023, Gyökeres transferred to Sporting CP, quickly becoming a key player. As of November 2024, he has netted 45 goals in 44 matches for the club. Internationally, he has earned 25 caps for Sweden, scoring 11 goals. Gyökeres's consistent performances and adaptability highlight his status as an elite forward.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins has established himself as a prominent striker in English football, known for his versatility, work ethic, and goal-scoring ability. He began his professional career with Exeter City, making a significant impact before transferring to Brentford in 2017. At Brentford, Watkins scored 26 goals in 49 appearances during the 2019–2020 season, leading to his move to Aston Villa in 2020.
Since joining Villa, he has netted 59 goals in 147 appearances, becoming a key figure in their attack. Internationally, Watkins has earned 10 caps for England, scoring 3 goals. His consistent performances and adaptability underscore his status as an elite forward.
Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Kai Havertz is recognized as one of the world's top strikers, celebrated for his versatility, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability. He began his professional career with Bayer Leverkusen, making a significant impact before transferring to Chelsea in 2020.
At Chelsea, Havertz scored 19 goals in 65 appearances, playing a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League victory in 2021. In 2023, he moved to Arsenal, where he has continued his impressive form, scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances. Internationally, Havertz has earned 53 caps for Germany, netting 19 goals. His consistent performances and adaptability underscore his status as an elite forward.
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
Dušan Vlahović is one of the world's top strikers, celebrated for his physicality, clinical finishing, and aerial prowess. He began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade, making a significant impact before transferring to Fiorentina in 2018. At Fiorentina, Vlahović scored 49 goals in 108 Serie A appearances, becoming the club's top scorer in the 2020–2021 season.
In January 2022, he moved to Juventus, where he has continued his impressive form, scoring 24 goals in 45 appearances. Internationally, Vlahović has earned 31 caps for Serbia, netting 13 goals. His consistent performances and adaptability underscore his status as an elite forward.
