Top 10 Best Strikers in the World

Football matches are decided in moments of brilliance, and more often than not, those moments belong to strikers. However, the most celebrated part of the game isn't as easy as it seems. Strikers are the ones who take up the goal-scoring responsibility by converting the half-chances after tussling through the defence. Modern centre-forwards are no longer judged solely on their finishing. They contribute to building up play, linking attacks, holding the ball under pressure, and drifting wide when the situation demands it.

In this article, we are about to explore the best strikers in the world at present, who are etching their names in world football courtesy of their goal-scoring charts and putting up significant numbers on the statistical board. As we move onto the table and individual sections, you'll find strikers from English football teams dominating this list. These are superstar figures, and prolific attackers tend to lead their team from the front as a spearhead. Without further delay, let's understand the best forwards in the world listed in the 2025-26 season.

List of Top 10 Best Strikers in the World

Based on current form and performances, we have finalised a list of the best attackers in the world, focusing primarily on centre-forwards and traditional No.9s known for their goal-scoring prowess.

Who are the Top 10 Best Strikers in the World?

Now that we have identified the top 10 best strikers in the world, let’s take a closer look at their performances. We’ll briefly explore how these exceptional forwards cemented their place on the list by scoring consistently, breaking records, and displaying outstanding attacking football.

10. Alexander Isak (Liverpool | 26)

Once hailed as the club hero of St. James Park, Alexander Isak led Newcastle to the EFL Cup glory, their first silverware after a 70-year wait. Months later, the Swedish international is now no less than a traitor for Magpies after Liverpool roped him in as the most expensive signing in Premier League history. Following a lengthy transfer saga, Isak finally made his debut as a Liverpool player, but things have not worked well for the £130 million forward at Anfield. Injuries, lack of match fitness, and misfortune have derailed his debut campaign.

9. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal | 27)

Destined to play in the English Premier League, for many, the best striker in football, Viktor Gyökeres, recorded an unbelievable tally of 97 goals in 102 appearances at Sporting CP. He was thriving under Ruben Amorim's system, spearheading the Lions' attack, and helped them claim two successive Portuguese league titles. The Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres made a sensational move to North London, joining Arsenal and picking the iconic number 14 shirt of one of the greatest Arsenal players, Thierry Henry. Fair to say, the Swedish number nine is doing great as the leading goal scorer for the Gunners in this 2025-26 season.

8. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool | 23)

Once a fringe figure in a star-studded PSG squad, French sensation Hugo Ekitike has come a long way to establish himself as a fan favourite in Merseyside, England. Liverpool were never in doubt to sign Ekitike, who arrived in the English Premier League on the back of a breakout campaign in the German top tier, racking up 40 goal contributions. The 23-year-old has been a livewire in Liverpool's attack with his link-up plays, goal scoring, and loving personality.

7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan | 28)

The star Argentine striker Martinez has been quietly doing his job in the backdrop of Milan in the Serie A giants Inter Milan. Over the years, Lautaro Martinez has been their vital cog upfront, netting goals and setting up his teammates with his playmaking skills. Nerazzurri's very own Martinez likes to play aggressively & thrives when partnering with fellow frontman in a two-striker system. He has been a torchbearer for Inter in attack, while the ongoing 2025-26 season is no different for the 28-year-old forward, netting 14 times in total so far in all competitions.

6. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid | 25)

Arguably the most talented young striker in world football, Julián Álvarez is an exceptionally gifted centre-forward who can operate seamlessly across multiple attacking roles. The 25-year-old is deservedly hailed as one of the best strikers in the world due to his lethal finishing and unpredictability in the 18-yard box. Erling Haaland's growing fame overshadowed Alvarez's achievement with Man City, forcing him to secure a move to the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. His brace against Real Madrid, as well as an impressive hat-trick against Rayo Vallencano, this season, showcase his talent.

5. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona | 37)

One of the most decorated and best attackers in the world, Robert Lewandowski, is still on top of his game, bagging goals week in week out at the age of 37. The Polish icon Robert Lewandowski is hailed for his clincalness in front of goal, his intelligence and experience make him one of the best strikers in the world. Despite a few injury setbacks, Lewandowski remains a talismanic figure for Barcelona, netting a hat-trick and a brace in the Spanish top flight, taking his goals tally to 8 across all competitions. Last season, the centre forward played a pivotal role in Blaugrana's La Liga triumph, netting 27 goals in 34 league outings. The veteran will never be out of fashion for scoring goals.

4. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG | 28)

Last season, the Frenchman enjoyed his best-ever club campaign, leading Paris Saint-Germain to a historic UEFA Champions League and subsequently completing the sextuple triumph. Following the departure of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, Ousmane Dembele took matters into his own hands. In return for his exceptional work that he put up on board for the Parisians, the 28-year-old was awarded the Ballon d'Or accolade and the FIFA Best Award. He continues to be the difference maker for Ligue 1 giants with 6 goals and 5 assists in 18 outings this season. Dembele is arguably the best football player on the planet right now.

3. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid | 27)

The European Golden Boot and Pichichi award have not killed his pedigree of scoring goals in the Los Blancos shirt. Kylian Mbappe bagged an astonishing 44 goals in the previous 2024-25 campaign, but sadly, he could not gift his side any major silverware. This season, he is hunting goals with the same intensity, already reached 30 goals while playing 27 matches in all competitions. Recently, Mbappe equaled the 59-goal calendar-year record set by five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid.

2. Erling Haaland (Man City | 25)

The Norwegian hitman is holding the crown of being the best Premier League striker in 2025; goals are synonymous with Erling Haaland. He makes scoring goals a piece of cake, headers, tap-ins, cheeky finishes, screamers, and whatnot. Erling Haaland is no ordinary striker, recording goals in double figures every season; he is a force to be reckoned with. Even on his worst days, the Manchester City goal machine is prolific in finding the back of the net. He ranks second on the list of best strikers in the world, matching strides with Mbappe and Kane when it comes to racking up goals.

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich | 32)

The English talisman Harry Kane became the fastest ever player to reach the German top-flight 100-goal mark in merely 78 league appearances. A serial goal getter, England's all-time top scorer, second highest in the Premier League, as well as one of the Tottenham legends, Kane's efficiency in front of goal is a class apart. The ex-Tottenham striker can do it all, an epitome of a complete centre forward. In the 2025-26 campaign, the 32-year-old tops the rankings of best strikers in the world, as the leading goal scorer in Europe.

Who are the Best Young Striker in the World? Top 5 Table

Here's a bonus section including some of the most promising best striker in football, who could not mark their place in the top 10 ranking above.