Top 25 Strikers in World Soccer Right Now

Strikers today vary widely depending on how their teams play. The modern forward does more than just score goals; they contribute across the pitch. Yet, goals remain the most valuable currency in football.

Here is Sports Illustrated's ranking of the 25 best strikers currently making waves worldwide.

25. Jonathan David

Jonathan David has been consistently scoring for years. Since joining Lille in 2020, he quickly hit double figures, followed by seasons with 25+ goals each. Despite Lille not being a top-tier powerhouse, his numbers stand out. In summer 2025, Juventus signed him, placing him among elite company ready to shine on the biggest stages.

24. Patrik Schick

Patrik Schick embodies the skilled big striker archetype. Though he may look awkward, his ball control is exceptional. After quieter years, he exploded in 2024–25 with 27 goals, stepping up when Victor Boniface was injured. His performance secured him the starting spot, leading to Boniface’s departure.

23. Samu Aghehowa

Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa represents the return of the powerful centre-forward. At 6'4", he dominates aerial battles and holds play well but also shows finesse and timing. During the 2024–25 season with Porto, he scored 27 goals featuring a variety of finishes including volleys and overhead kicks, proving his versatility.

22. Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta took time to flourish at Crystal Palace after joining on loan in 2021. Initially underwhelming, he broke out in 2023–24, showing composure, two-footed finishing, and aerial strength. He netted 36 goals over two calendar years, earning a place in France’s national team and scoring in World Cup qualifiers.

21. Ollie Watkins

Since arriving at Aston Villa in 2020 from Brentford, Ollie Watkins has been pivotal in their rise from relegation candidates to Champions League contenders. His 27 goals in 2023–24 helped transform the club's fortunes, and his commitment signals more progress ahead.

20. Nick Woltemade

Newcastle United made a smart move signing Nick Woltemade after Alexander Isak’s departure. At 6’6”, Woltemade is surprisingly elegant, known for intelligent movement, pressing, and a delicate first touch. Scoring 17 goals in his last season with Stuttgart, he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.

19. Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush lit up the Bundesliga with 20 goals before transferring to Manchester City mid-2024–25. Even used off the main striker role, his impact was immediate. His long-range strike against Bournemouth showcased his technical skill and fearless playmaking.

18. Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres struggled early in his career due to positional uncertainty but seized the chance to play as Barcelona’s central striker after Lewandowski’s decline. His sharp finishing and high-intensity pressing have led to a surge in goals, making him a strong candidate to be Barça’s main forward.

17. Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha stands out with flair and creativity. Whether threading passes, dribbling, or scoring from distance, his style is unique. His performances kept Wolves in the Premier League during 2024–25, and now at Manchester United, expectations are high for more contributions.

16. Cristiano Ronaldo

Even in his forties and playing in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring remains sharp. He led Portugal with eight goals in the 2024–25 Nations League, including crucial strikes in the semifinal and final. Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations.

15. Viktor Gyökeres

Viktor Gyökeres scored an incredible 97 goals in two seasons for Sporting CP before joining Arsenal. While his record is historic, he still needs to prove himself fully in the Premier League. He's showing progress, but there’s room for growth.

14. Benjamin Šeško

Benjamin Šeško finally fulfilled his potential in 2024–25 with 21 goals for RB Leipzig. His size, two-footed ability, and sharp movement make him a rising star. Now at Manchester United, the question is whether he can sustain this form amid new challenges.

13. João Pedro

João Pedro has always brought energy and flair, but only recently found consistency at Chelsea, especially after managerial changes. His aggressive style and samba skills add a unique edge to his game as he starts scoring more regularly.

12. Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram proved to be a steal for Inter Milan, seamlessly replacing Romelu Lukaku. His link-up play, hold-up ability, and versatility have helped Inter win the 2023–24 Scudetto and reach the Champions League final. With 33 goals over two seasons, his value is clear.

11. Serhou Guirassy

Serhou Guirassy rose from Ligue 2 struggles to Borussia Dortmund’s star striker. After a breakthrough at Stuttgart with 30 goals in 30 games, he continued to impress with 38 goals in his debut Dortmund season, including 13 in the Champions League, topping that competition’s scoring charts.

10. Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak surprised many after Newcastle paid a record fee in 2022. Since then, he scored 62 goals in three seasons and moved to Liverpool for £125 million. Known for scoring with all techniques, he faces high expectations to deliver trophies at Anfield.

9. Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s first Serie A title in decades during 2022–23. Despite a later loan and permanent move to Galatasaray, he continues scoring prolifically, proving his quality is not tied to league reputation.

8. Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski may lack the flashiness of some peers but remains one of the most efficient strikers ever. After dominating the Bundesliga, he moved to Barcelona and keeps scoring relentlessly, combining intelligence and precision for nearly two decades.

7. Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike revived his career after moving from PSG to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he showed sharp finishing and strength. His 2024–25 form earned him a transfer to Liverpool, where he started strongly.

6. Julián Álvarez

Julián Álvarez played second fiddle to Haaland at Manchester City but shone in limited minutes. Moving to Atlético Madrid in 2024, he exploded with 29 goals, blending intelligence, pace, and clinical finishing reminiscent of Argentina’s great forwards.

5. Lautaro Martínez

Lautaro Martínez combines grit with skill, pressing like a midfielder and finishing like a poacher. Consistently scoring over 20 goals each season at Inter Milan, often alongside other stars, he defines the modern No. 9: relentless and lethal.

4. Ousmane Dembélé

Injuries and inconsistency hindered Dembélé at Barcelona, but since his 2023 move to Paris Saint-Germain, especially after Mbappé’s exit, he became PSG’s main man. His 35 goals and 16 assists helped them win a historic quadruple including their first Champions League title.

3. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland might lack flair but excels at scoring. Towering and fast, he is unstoppable, replicating his devastating form at Manchester City despite team struggles. His relentless goal-scoring makes him arguably the best striker today.

2. Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé stands above all forwards currently. His speed, dribbling, strength, and goal-scoring instincts are unmatched. Despite Real Madrid’s uneven team season, Mbappé scored a record 43 goals in his debut year, surpassing legends like Ronaldo and Benzema.

1. Harry Kane

Harry Kane’s natural goal-scoring instinct is rare. He converts chances seemingly effortlessly, using spatial awareness and quick shooting. As the Premier League’s second-highest scorer, he now adds trophies with Bayern Munich, silencing critics who once doubted him.