While we have shifted to the era of new number 9s who deliver whopping numbers season in and season out, the change in terms of roles and responsibilities along with the definition of a number 9 is all about rich history. While some of us have heard a lot about these talented players, there are some of us who were lucky enough to enjoy these forwards gracing the football pitch with our own eyes.
While goal tally is something of a crucial factor towards the competency of a forward, there are many contributing factors to what makes them the best to do it. Contribution towards the team and Leading by example are two of the finest traits among the forwards.
In this post, we take a trip back to memory lane and take a look at the top 15 number 9s who have graced the sports we grew up loving so much. Let us dive in!
The ranking factors of the top 15 number 9s in Football History
But before we start, let us clarify that there are no players included in this list who are still actively playing. Moreover, this list is composed with more metrics than the goal tally. Let us take a look at these factors:
Goals Scored
The primary metric of any forward is the goals they have scored over their career. It is one of the contributing factors to this list.
Impact of the game
You win matches as a team not by yourself. In addition to goals, one’s ability to have a positive impact in matches and being decisive in big matches is another important factor.
Trophies and Honors
Both personal and collective achievements are considered in this list as both of them are important metrics.
Style and Legacy
There are players who break records, then there are other who win hearts of the fans and establish themselves as their favorite.
Top 15 Number 9 in Football History
| Rank | Player Name | Matches | Goals | Nationality |
| 1 | Alfredo Di Stefano | 521 | 376 | Argentina/Spain |
| 2 | Ronaldo Nazario | 518 | 352 | Brazil |
| 3 | Gerd Muller | 793 | 735 | Germany |
| 4 | Fernando Torres | 706 | 260 | Spain |
| 5 | George Weah | 478 | 193 | Liberia |
| 6 | Van Basten | 280 | 218 | Netherlands |
| 7 | Eusebio | 745 | 733 | Portugal |
| 8 | Henry | 792 | 360 | France |
| 9 | Batistuta | 516 | 300 | Argentina |
| 10 | Ibrahimovic | 988 | 573 | Sweden |
| 11 | Inzaghi | 694 | 288 | Italy |
| 12 | Shearer | 734 | 379 | England |
| 13 | Paolo Rossi | 427 | 127 | Italy |
| 14 | Drogba | 679 | 297 | Cote d’ivorie |
| 15 | Raul | 1047 | 427 | Spain |
15. Raul Gonzalez
The Galactico was the pride of Spain and Real Madrid. During his illustrious career, Raul put on the number 9 Jersey with pride.
From tactical brilliance to being a quality finisher, over his career, he made many records for the club. He was the all-time top scorer for Los Blancos till Cristiano broke the record.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Raul Gonzalez | 3-time UEFA Champions League Winner |
14. Didier Drogba
A warrior in the field and a gentleman of the pitch, Didier was just a big example everywhere he went. He came from Marseille to play for Mourinho at Chelsea. The Special one asked Roman Abramovic to just pay for him and not speak.
It turned out to be the best decision the Russian owner made as together they won it all. His physicality on and off the ball and his traits of holding the ball was instrumental in Chelsea’s lone-forward play. Off the pitch, he is famous in his country for stopping a Civil War.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Didier Drogba | Champions League Winner, 4-time Premier League Winner |
Also Read: 12 Forgotten Footballers Still Playing in 2024
13. Paolo Rossi
Another Italian makes this list as he was instrumental in Italy winning the World Cup in 1982.
He won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in that campaign. He was just as important for Juventus. His work ethic and finishing was so dear to the fans.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Paolo Rossi | 1982 World Cup Winner, 197 goals in 427 Club appearances |
12. Alan Shearer
The Englishman have hung his boots a long time ago. However, he is still considered the greatest in the Premier League.
Be it scoring from short-range, headers, or long-range screamers, Shearer did it all. He was the ultimate example of a true number 9. His consistency with both Newcastle and Blackburn is still talked about to this day.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Alan Shearer | 260 Premier League Goals, Premier League Champion with Blackburn Rovers |
11. Filippo Inzaghi
While there are many great Italian Forwards we have seen, Inzaghi was one of the royals when we speak of ideal number 9.
There are hardly any players out there who have the awareness of the game and the ability to be in the right place at the right time like Pippo did. Throughout his career, he have scored from the most unusual situations.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Fillipo Inzaghi | 70 goals in European Competitions, 2006 FIFA World Cup Winner |
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
No matter which football you grew up watching, you have heard the name Zlatan for sure. A true testament to how confident one should be in their abilities. And the best thing is that is not all the Swedish International is all about.
He spoke highly and he backed it up all through his career. From acrobatic goals to long range wonders, he is arguably the most entertaining player in the pitch. His dedication towards his passion and hard work made sure of his longevity in Football.
Among from putting ‘Paris in the map of France,’ and many other achievers, he had accomplished the honor to play under many brilliant coaches.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | League titles in Spain, France, England, and Italy. |
9. Gabriel Batistuta
The South American way is rarely seen these days in football. Speaking of which, the number 9th on our list is one of the iconic strikers in South America.
If we talk about lethal finishes and thunderous shots, Batigol is one of the biggest names in the business. He was Fiorentina’s pride and Argentina’s dearest. It was a delight to see him on the pitch.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Gabriel Batistuta | 56 goals in 78 matches for Argentina, Top scorer for his nation till Messi beat the record |
8. Thierry Henry
While the Frenchman started his career as a Left Winger, he redefined the modern number 9 role in Arsenal under Wenger. The blend of finishing and pace truly made him the deadliest in the Premier League. And his record really speaks for itself.
His vision of the game as a striker played a crucial part in Arsenal’s Invincible run. The Frenchman silenced all the critics week in and out with his performance. As he switched to LA Liga to play for Barcelona, Henry evolved more under Pep, but this time as a different player. While the Frenchmen stayed a true for in the box, he enjoyed the passing game and the pressing of the ball. It is a shame that he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or. But that is a story for another day.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Theirry Henry | 1998 FIFA World Cup Winner, 2000 UEFA Euro Winner |
7. Eusebio
Portugal had a fair share of stars featured in their team. And one of the biggest names in their history is none other than the Benfica legend Eusebio. He was known as the ‘Black Panther’ for his prolific striking abilities.
Back in 1962, Benfica was a Club to be reckoned with. Props to Eusobio’s leadership, the Portuguese Club won the European Cup that year. From pace and power to precision, his abilities on and off the ball together made him one of the deadliest strikers in the World.
| Name of the Player | Achievements |
| Eusebio | 733 goals in 745 matches (club and country) and 1966 World Cup Golden Boot Winner |
6. Marco Van Basten
Great things come for a short period, and this is exactly what Van Basten’s career is. His goal-scoring ability is something that is off the charts.
Although the Dutch player hung his boots early, he won three Ballon D’ors in that short career, summing up his excellence.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Marco Van Basten | Ballon d’Ors (1988, 1989, 1992), 218 goals in 280 games for AC Milan and Ajax combined |
Also Read: Top 20 Young Football Players 2024 | Ranked
5. George Weah
There is something special in you if you win Ballon d’Or as an African player due to the system’s dubious decision so far.
Weah actually was special every time he stepped into the pitch. A technically gifted forward, he had all the right skills and in-field traits that allowed him to win 3 Serie A titles and the Ballon d’Or in 1995.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| George Weah | 3 Serie A Titles and Ballon d’Or 1995 |
4. Fernando Torres
The Spaniard is in this list for various reasons. Blistering pace and explosive finish from the Early age allowed him to be a regular since he was 19 years old.
From Atletico to Liverpool, El Nino had one of the scariest primes. He had stepped up on big matches and have been the difference maker. In Spanish history, he is the second top goalscorer after his teammate David Villa. Although consistency was an issue with Torres, he have sacrificed his career for World Cup when he traveled for the 2010 World Cup despite his injury. And in his words, it was worth it.
Over the years, El Nino won a lot of team trophies and individual ones as well. Nowadays, you will see him managing the B squad of his boyhood club Atletico Madrid.
| Name of the Player | Achievements |
| Fernando Torres | UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012 Winner, World Cup 2010 Winner, UEFA Champions League Winner with Chelsea and Europa League Winner with Atletico Madrid, 81 goals in 142 games for Liverpool |
3. Gerd Muller
His goal-scoring record and ability is a discussion of the century. He was nicknamed as the bomber. Known for his awareness and being at the right position at the right time, it is no wonder why the German has an amazing goal tally.
However, his excellence was not limited in club competitions. His health-scoring ability had led the German National Team to win the 1974 World Cup.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Gerd Muller | 1974 World Cup, Most Goals in a Calendar year (85) which was broken by Leo Messi |
2. Ronaldo Nazario
If there is one thing that all footballers and the fans agree on, it is that Ronaldo Nazario is the epitome of a true number 9. Be it the dribbles or off the ball runs, the Brazilian had it all.
He was the royalty of number 9s. He also considered the scale in which the number 9s is measured. Be it for the country or club, he was the man when the team needed consistency all season and someone to step up on big occasions. He was nicknamed as the phenomenon. And he truly was! The explosive pace and exquisite finishing made up a biggest threat for the defense line. His excellence earned him two World Cups and two Ballon d’Ors.
| Name of the player | Achievements |
| Ronaldo Nazario | 1994 and 2002 World Cup, 47 goals in 49 matches during his peak for the National Team. |
1. Alfredo Di Stefano
The first one in the list calls for one of the greats to do it. Di Stefano is one of the biggest names in Santiago Bernabeu. Among his many capabilities, his flexibility is one of the biggest assets.
In Real Madrid’s domination in the 1950s, Di Stefano was the golden key. Creativity and intelligence were the two elements you could see in his play anytime he graced the pitch. The revolutionary number 9 had given the club 5 back-to-back European Glory. While the Real Madrid forward started his National career in Argentina, he changed his Nationality and started playing for Spain.
| Player Name | Achievements |
| Di Stefano | 308 goals for Real Madrid and 5-time European Cup Winner |
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FAQs
Q. Who scored the most goals among the top 15 number 9s in football history?
Gerd Müller holds the record for the highest number of goals among the players listed, scoring an impressive 735 goals in 793 matches for club and country.
Q. How many Ballon d’Or awards did Marco van Basten win?
Marco van Basten won three Ballon d’Or awards in his illustrious yet brief career, in the years 1988, 1989, and 1992.
Q. Who has the highest number of league goals in the Premier League among the listed players?
Alan Shearer holds the record with 260 Premier League goals, a feat unmatched to this day.
Q. Which player won the most European Cups (UEFA Champions League titles)?
Alfredo Di Stéfano won five consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid during the club’s golden era in the 1950s.
Q. Which player scored the fastest World Cup hat-trick?
Gabriel Batistuta scored a remarkable World Cup hat-trick in under 10 minutes for Argentina against Jamaica in 1998, setting a record for his nation.