Best strikers in the world 2025

There is a reason why strikers earn the big bucks.

A great goalscorer is usually the difference between success and failure in football, which is why teams across the world are always hunting for them.

The likes of Eusebio, Pele, Ferenc Puskas and Ronaldo are among the most legendary strikers to have led the line but in the modern game, we are blessed with some truly brilliant marksmen as well.

After weighing up recent form, impact for club and country as well as long-term success, we've pieced together a top-10 list. It should come as no surprise that you'll probably disagree with a few of our picks.

RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the 10 best strikers in the world in 2025.

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10. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

Stepping out of Erling Haaland's shadow has proven a no-brainer for Julian Alvarez, who has reminded us all that he is a sparkling talent since moving to Atletico Madrid by bagging 29 goals in his first season in the Spanish capital.

The 25-year-old's work rate and grit make him a manager's dream but his qualities as a finisher and a technician are what have earned him a place on this list.

9. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)

Viktor Gyökeres could prove to be the missing piece for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League. The Swedish striker earned his Emirates move on the back of scoring 97 goals across two seasons at Sporting and firing in 40 in his last two seasons in the Championship.

A dynamic forward and skilled finisher, he must now raise his game to prove he can cut it at the highest level.

8. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Wherever Victor Osimhen goes, goals are sure to follow. After cementing his place among the best strikers in the game by guiding Napoli to Serie A glory in 2022/23, he took the Turkish Super Lig by storm with new club Galatasaray last term.

A bully of a forward with such clever movement and ferocious finishing to boot, Osimhen is a marksman of the highest calibre.

7. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

We still can't really find a reason to drop Lionel Messi from the upper echelons of this list. Granted, he's playing in a weaker league in his twilight years but the numbers he's pulling in are ridiculous while his international form remains outstanding.

After inspiring Argentina to the biggest prize in the game at the 2022 World Cup, you could not blame the former Barcelona superstar for quitting the dramas of PSG for the glamour of Inter Miami. He remains an utter joy to watch and we will celebrate him while we can.

6. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

Lautaro Martinez broke the 20-goal barrier for the fourth season in a row last year – helping Inter reach the Champions League final – and can lay claim to being one of the most complete forwards on our list.

Capable of dropping deep to link up play and running in behind, the Argentina international is a defensive nightmare and has racked up plenty of silverware for club and country.

5. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a reason. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best strikers in the game during his time at St James' Park and has a massive future ahead.

Isak's movement and finishing have set him apart, helping him score hatfuls for the Toon and Real Sociedad before that, and once it clicks for him at Anfield, the numbers could be frightening.

4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Will this man ever stop? Robert Lewandowski remains one of the deadliest marksmen in the game and continues to find the back of the net with regularity in the twilight years of his career.

The Polish talisman enjoyed the most productive season of his Barcelona career last term, scoring 42 times. A bit of a throwback, Lewandowski does his best work in the box thanks to his movement and finishing.

3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane's goalscoring record has been quite frankly ridiculous for Bayern Munich since his move, while his exploits at Tottenham, in a team that simply couldn't match his talent, look even more impressive in hindsight.

Spurs and England's all-time leading goalscorer boasts three Premier League Golden Boots and the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot on his mantelpiece. As well as being lethal in front of goal, Kane boasts a playmaking quality that many strikers can only dream of but his mobility means he's below the top two on this list.

2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé's fast feet, rapid pace and dead-eye finishing make him a defender's nightmare.

Last season was a disappointing one for Real Madrid but the Frenchman still put up remarkable numbers after finding his feet at the Bernabeu.

A hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final earned him the Golden Boot and his trophy cabinet is running out of space, although there is still room for the Champions League and a Ballon d'Or...

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Seriously, has anyone checked that Erling Haaland isn't actually a robot sent from the far future to score goals? He has scored at a frightening rate since joining Man City – nearly a goal a game – and looks in better shape than ever this season.

A lethal finisher from any angle, Haaland is able to bully even the most physical of centre-backs while his pace in behind is a real asset as well.

Who is the best striker in the world?

Separating the top three – Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland – is near impossible but the latter just shades it.

The Premier League is the best league in the world and still, no one can stop the Man City striker.

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