Top 10 Best Strikers in the World - 2026 (Ranked)

In football, there are two types of strikers; the first ones are those who score direct goals, and then, there are number 9s who tend to drop deep execlling in link-up plays along with finding the back of the net. Now that we have started this piece with a seemingly philosophical note, it's time to take a look at the best strikers in the world and put all the football fans at ease who understandably scratch their heads when this topic comes into the picture.

A modern striker is expected to lead the press, get involved in playmaking, create chances and switch position upfront. In the 2025-26 season, the PSG star Ousmane Dembele took home the title of best striker in the world, winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or award after his career-best campaign with the Parisians. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are also not far behind in the race of best strikers in the world 2026. In this listicle, we are going to explore the list of the top 10 best strikers in the world currently.

List of Best Strikers in the World 2026

As the 2025-26 football season has entered into bussiness end, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is a few months away. We have considered the current season's performance to decide who is the best striker in the world.

How We Ranked the Best Strikers in Football?

There are plenty of strikers, both experienced and prodigies, who made us jump out of our seats with their goalscoring exploits. After hours of exhaustive research and several ranking factors that we have taken into account to pick the best strikers in the world. These factors are essential to determine who is the best striker in the world, courtesy of their league and continental outings.

• Goals Scored: Goals remain the primary ranking factor in deciding who are best strikers in the world 2026. A centre forward who is clinical in front of goal automatically qualifies for the ranking of best strikers in football.
• Shots on target (per 90): Another key ranking parameter to judge a striker's efficiency in attack is shots on target per match. It shows how many attempts the best striker in the world has produced, causing a direct threat.

• Impact in Key Matches: Last but most important, to form the list of best strikers in the world is their ability to make a significant impact in important matches, scoring clutch goals that shape the result of a match.

  Note: Stats are taken from reliable sources like Sportsdunia, Opta Analyst, and Transfermrkt.

Who is the Best Striker in the World in 2026?

If you are reading this section of the article, then it's obvious you already came across our list of best strikers in the world. We have shortlisted from an exhaustive list of players who have been putting up brilliant performances during the ongoing 2025-26 campaign.

10) Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray | Nigeria)

Embedding his name in golden letters in the Southern Italian city of Naples, Victor Osimhen steered SSC Napoli to 2022-23 Serie A glory, their first title after a 33-year wait. Three years later, the Nigerian ace striker is leading the attacking line of Turkish giants Galatasaray in Turkey and Europe. He was one of the most sought-after names in European transfer after a standout 31-goal campaign, and finished as a top scorer in the Italian top flight.

Following a lengthy transfer saga, he finally decided to make his stay in Istanbul permanent following a successful loan stint. The 27-year-old bagged 37 goals and provided 8 assists while registering 41 appearances in all compeition for in Turkey. The ex-Napoli man continues to build on a great debut campaign with the Lions and Nigerian national football team as one of best strikers in football.

9) Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid | Argentina)

After playing as a backup forward to Erling Haaland during his stint at Manchester City, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez has found his groove after signing for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in 2024 in Spanish capital. He has the ability to stretch the opposition defence by linking up with midfield and creating spaces for fellow attackers, which separates him from other strikers. A dynamic centre forward who can play several positions in attack.

The 26-year-old striker earned himself a place in the list of best strikers in the world after notching an impressive 29 goals and providing 7 assists for Los Colchoneros. This season, he had his ups and downs during a goal drought in club colours, but Alavarez has responded strongly, scoring and assisting in the Copa Del Rey semi-final 4-0 win over Barcelona and he is expected to regain his oldself back going forward.

8) Ousmane Dembélé (PSG | France)

The French forward had a topsy-turvy 2024-25 season with almost had a falling out with manager Luis Enrique by the end of 2024. However, 2025 would see a different version of Dembele as a change in tactics of Luis Enrique led to his role being changed to seemingly that of a striker from his usual position as a winger. All the questions and doubts were put to rest as he ended the season with 34 goals & 14 assists in all competitions.

Ousmane Dembele was voted best player in the world, after helping the Parisians to win all the domestic trophies, first UEFA Champions League title beating Inter Milan followed by the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Dembele caused havoc among the opposition by maximising the threat all over the pitch and scored and created goals for fun. He has cemented his status as the best striker in the world.

7) Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal | Sweden)

In recent years, Victor Gyokeres has been putting up eye-catching numbers; his remarkable 99 goals in just 102 appearances during his stay in Sporting Lisbon across 2 seasons convinced Arsenal to spend €65.8M to acquire his services. Some critics point out the fact that Liga Portugal is not a big league, and Gyokeres was a beneficiary of Amorim's system. Moreover, his Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City can't be ignored.

Gyokeres has been consistent in his performances led him to represent his country frequently, where he continues to perform as one of the best Swedish football players. Granted, he has his weaknesses when it comes to being an aerial threat or coming up against low blocks, but regardless, he is one of the best finishers in the world. The Swedish striker is thriving in North London for Arsenal, as their leading goal scorer, scoring 12 times in 30 appearances.

6) Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool | France)

What a journey he has been through!! A few seasons ago, Hugo Ekitike was a fringe player at a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain side. He had begun his footballing journey in his hometown of Reims, advancing through the ranks of Stade de Reims academy. However, it was in Germany where he discovered his best form as a striker, netting 22 goals and 12 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt.

His exploits in front of the goal made him one of the most exciting forwards in the world. The 23-year-old earned a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Year and attracted huge interest from top European clubs. Liverpool pounced on the opportunity to sign the French international in the summer. In the Premier League, Ekitike is enjoying a captivating debut campaign, bagging 10 goals and two assists in Liverpool colours.

5) Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona | Poland)

We have reached the halfway point of the top 10 best strikers in the world list. Even at the age of 37, the Polish icon Robert Lewandowski does what he knows best, and that is scoring goals. After an unexpected, underwhelming 1st season at Barcelona, Robert found his form, which has instilled fear into numerous defenders over the years under the tutelage of Hansi Flick, securing a place amongst the best strikers in the world.

He netted 42 goals in all competitions, including 32 goals in the Spanish top flight. If not for the injury he suffered at the closing stages of the campaign, Barca might have won the Champions League, and he could have won the European Golden Boot. Alongside, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, he helped Barcelona revive its status. Even Real Madrid couldn't cope with his threat as he scored a brace in a memorable 4-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu, completing a treble of domestic trophies.

4) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan | Argentina)

Since joining Inter Milan, the Argentine talisman Lautaro Martinez has become a key cog of the Nerazzurri's attack, playing alongside Marcus Thuram. Over the years, he has been a prolific goal scorer and has the ability to deliver in key matches. He scored an impressive 21 goals in the 2024/25 campaign for the Nerazzurri, and if not for an injury that impacted his form in the closing stages of the campaign, he would have bagged more.

He led the Italian outfit to reach the 2024-25 Champions League finals and two Scudetto successes. The 28-year-old has been a commanding figure in the team as captain. The Argentine international will be keen to put the Champions League final heartbreak behind in the 2025-26 season. Lautaro Martinez is the leading goal scorer in the Serie A, amassing 14 goals in 24 appearances as one of the best strikers in the world.

3) Erling Haaland (Manchester City| Norway)

It goes without saying that some of the best number 9s are the ones who keep on delivering consistently, even if their team is going through a poor run of form. It might sound strange at first, but this was the recurring theme for Norwegian ace Erling Haaland & Manchester City last season, when the club was performing well below their usual standards thanks to tactical shortcomings and injuries.

Even the best striker in Premier League couldn't prevent the Cityzens from experiencing a below-par season during which they only managed to win the Community Shield. However, Haaland was still able to score a respectable 41 goals in all competitions. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, the 25-year-old is currently leading the 2025-26 EPL Top scorer's race with 22 goals to his name.

2) Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid | France)

Now we are going to talk about the Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe, arguably the most in-form player in Europe, leading the race for the 2026 European Golden race. The Frenchman is also the top scorer in the 2025-26 LaLiga, already netting 23 goals and providing 4 assists. Meanwhile, Mbappe's extrordinary 13 goal haul in the Champions League league phase; however, it wasn't enough for Real Madrid to finish in the top eight.

He has been brilliant individually since moving to the Spanish capital, having scored 42 goals in all competitions and pipping Gyokeres & Lewandowski to win the European Golden Shoe, which is awarded to the best striker across Major European domestic leagues. The ex-Monaco forward must add a few major trophies in this campaign, alongside his personal goal records, to top the list of best strikers in the world.

1) Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Every season, it goes without saying that Bayern Munich number 9 Harry Kane will always be seen as one of the best strikers in the world due to his never-ending goal-scoring exploits. The England International has taken the Bundesliga by storm since he arrived in 2023, as he maintained his scoring spree and ended up winning the Golden Boot over the past 2 seasons.

Last season, Kane bagged a whopping 41 goals in all competitions and won the Bundesliga – his first ever major trophy. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur star is the most complete striker, who can work on and off the ball, with his sharp movements, link-up plays and clinical finishing. Moreover, his playmaking skills are underrated. The 32-year-old has already scored 39 times across all competitions in 34 matches.