As modern football evolves, the importance of strikers who can adapt to any tactical system is paramount. While many struggle to find consistency, few have managed to redefine the art of goal-scoring from the striker position. So, without further delay, let’s take a look at the 10 best strikers in world football currently. A comprehensive list based on several metrics ranking the ten best strikers in the world currently.
Ranking Factors
When it comes to ranking the best strikers of 2024, we have focused on consistency, big-game performance, last season’s form, and contributions to team success. Scoring goals is one thing, but maintaining a steady goal-scoring tally throughout the season is a special quality that only a few players possess.
Performing Under Pressure
One of the marks of an exceptional player is their ability to perform in crucial games when the stakes are high. Scoring against mid-table or relegation-threatened teams is valuable, but it’s the players who deliver in must-win matches, often when under immense pressure, who truly define greatness.
Consistency and Last Season’s Form
Consistency has been fundamental in our assessment, and to refine our list, we’ve also factored in each player’s form from the previous season. Sustaining peak performance across seasons isn’t easy, and we have taken this into account to identify the most reliable and impactful forwards in the game today.
Contributions to Team Success
Goals mean little without team success. Modern strikers are not just expected to score but to contribute to the overall team structure, often playing a crucial role in both attack and defence. Strikers who have translated individual success into team trophies were given added recognition, as team contributions reflect a player’s effectiveness beyond personal statistics.
After evaluating these factors—consistency, clutch performance, previous form, and contributions to team success—we have crafted a definitive list of the Best Strikers in the World for 2024.
Best Football Strikers in the World Right Now
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Age | Club | Goals | xG | x90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viktor Gyökeres | Sweden | 26 | Sporting CP | 26 | 21.0 | 1.08 |
| 2 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | 36 | FC Barcelona | 23 | 20.5 | 1.00 |
| 3 | Harry Kane | England | 31 | Bayern Munich | 20 | 18.7 | 1.05 |
| 4 | Omar Marmoush | Egypt | 25 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 18 | 15.3 | 0.78 |
| 5 | Erling Haaland | Norway | 24 | Manchester City | 18 | 16.5 | 0.78 |
| 6 | Jonathan David | Canada | 24 | LOSC Lille | 17 | 14.0 | 0.68 |
| 7 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 39 | Al-Nassr | 16 | 13.8 | 0.84 |
| 8 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 25 | Real Madrid | 12 | 9.5 | 0.55 |
| 9 | Ollie Watkins | England | 28 | Aston Villa | 7 | 6.8 | 0.32 |
| 10 | Lautaro Martínez | Argentina | 27 | Inter Milan | 6 | 5.9 | 0.32 |
10) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
The Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez has been one of the crucial cogs in Inter Milan’s extremely successful campaign and has carried his last season’s form. His ability to find himself in scoring positions and his finishing abilities. In this current Serie A campaign, the Inter Milan striker has scored an impressive 6 goals and found himself in a tough battle in the list of the best football strikers in the world.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 44 | 19 |
| Goals | 27 | 6 |
| Assists | 7 | 4 |
| Expected Goals | 0.81 | 0.52 |
| Trophies Won | Serie A | – |
9) Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins’ performance for Aston Villa this campaign has completely gone under the radar this season. In this campaign, the English striker has scored an impressive 7 goals and 5 assists, highlighting his prowess in front of goal. Ollie’s fantastic campaign has helped Aston Villa this season as they rank seventh in the league with 22 points. Although, the striker may see a dip in form compared to last season. Still, with his last season’s performance and current stats, he is one of the best soccer strikers in the world.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 53 | 22 |
| Goals | 27 | 7 |
| Assists | 13 | 5 |
| Expected Goals | 0.53 | 0.56 |
| Trophies Won | – | – |
8) Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Despite being hounded by injuries this season, Kylian Mbappe continues to remain one of the best strikers in the world at the moment. He was instrumental in PSG’s dominance in the Ligue 1 last season where he also scored 44 goals & 10 assists for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season. It is important to remember that Kylian Mbappe has scored 12 goals and 2 assists in the league this season after a slow start for Real Madrid after completing his transfer.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 48 | 22 |
| Goals | 44 | 12 |
| Assists | 10 | 2 |
| Expected Goals | 1.13 | 0.70 |
| Trophies Won | Ligue 1, Coupe de France | – |
7) Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Despite being in the twilight of his career, 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo continues to find himself in the list of the top 10 best strikers in the world 2024. His ability to adapt and constantly find himself in goal-scoring positions for Al Nassr has helped the football legend score a whopping 35 goals for his side in the Saudi Pro League last season and continuing with his fine form this season as well with 16 goals and three assists in 19 games so far. While the difficulty of the league may not be at par with European leagues, Cristiano Ronaldo has proven that even at the age of 39, he can easily contest in the toughest of conditions as a striker.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 45 | 19 |
| Goals | 44 | 16 |
| Assists | 13 | 3 |
| Expected Goals | 1.19 | 0.82 |
| Trophies Won | Arab Club Champions | – |
Also Read: The Best Midfielders in the World Currently (Ranked)
6) Jonathan David (LOSC Lille)
Jonathan David has slowly grown into one of the best strikers in the world for LOSC Lille. His ability to connect with the midfield while making space for teammates to exploit makes him the perfect modern striker who could thrive in any tactical system. Last season in the Ligue 1, David bagged an impressive 26 goals while also providing 9 assists to his teammates. For context, with his 35 G/A in the league last season, Jonathan David has contributed to nearly 45% of all goals scored by Lille in the Ligue 1. He is still going strong this season with 17 goals and four assists in 25 games, although these stats might be lacking in comparison with his last season performance.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 47 | 25 |
| Goals | 26 | 17 |
| Assists | 9 | 4 |
| Expected Goals | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| Trophies Won | – | – |
5) Erling Haaland (Man City)
It is hard to speak of the world’s best forward without mentioning Erling Haaland in the conversation. The big Norwegian continues to dominate the English Premier League as he dons the Manchester City jersey. His 18 goals have helped Man City stay in the top 5 and continue their chase to retain the Premier League title as well. While Erling Haaland has certainly not enjoyed as strong a season as last campaign, it is important to remember his time on the sidelines due to injuries. Despite that, he continues to remain the best football striker in the EPL and he will look to emulate his previous performances as the end of the season approaches.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 45 | 23 |
| Goals | 38 | 18 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
| Expected Goals | 0.95 | 0.96 |
| Trophies Won | Premier League, UEFA Super Cup | – |
4) Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)
The Egyptian youngster has caught everybody’s attention with his impressive scoring and creativity on the field for his club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Omar Marmoush scored 17 goals for Frankfurt last season. His ability to hold the play and score from all positions across the pitch makes him one of the best strikers in the world at the moment. It remains to be seen if he can sustain his clinical performance, but for now, he has shown no signs of slowing down. Omar has come all gun blazing this season as well for his club with 18 goals and 12 assists in 23 games so far.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 41 | 23 |
| Goals | 17 | 18 |
| Assists | 6 | 12 |
| Expected Goals | 0.47 | 0.99 |
| Trophies Won | – |
3) Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
It obviously had to be the goal machine to top the best strikers list, Harry Kane. The English striker made the move to Germany in the summer transfer window last season and has been simply sensational for Bayern Munich since then. His 31 goals in his first season away from home have truly rocked everyone. Unfortunately for him, trophies continue to elude him as Bayern finished 3rd in the Bundesliga. But this didn’t stop Harry Kane from losing his concentration and continuing his fine form from last season. Maybe that’s the price you pay for being the best striker in the world!
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 45 | 19 |
| Goals | 44 | 20 |
| Assists | 12 | 9 |
| Expected Goals | 1.14 | 1.13 |
| Trophies Won | – | – |
2) Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)
The 36-year-old Poland striker came all gun blazing this season for FC Barcelona after a disappointing season for him, he managed to score 26 goals and nine assists across all competitions for his club. Considered one of the best strikers in the world, Robert Lewandowski has regained his form and has scored an impressive 23 goals and two assists in 23 games for Barcelona this season. His ability to convert half chances and goal-scoring skills has put him on the list so high.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 49 | 23 |
| Goals | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 9 | 2 |
| Expected Goals | 0.62 | 0.90 |
| Trophies Won | – | – |
1) Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
The Swedish centre-forward has been in fantastic form since 2023 and has been influential for the Portuguese club, Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga. This campaign, he has already displayed his prowess in front of goal as he is currently the top goal scorer in the League with 26 goals so far. His consistent performances certainly rank him as one of the best strikers in the world.
| Stats | Season 2023/24 | Season 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 50 | 24 |
| Goals | 43 | 26 |
| Assists | 15 | 5 |
| Expected Goals | 0.90 | 1.12 |
| Trophies Won | Primeira Liga | – |
Also Read: Ranking Top 10 Best Defenders in the World 2024
Honourable mention strikers in the World 2024
Some of these players had a terrific last season for their respected clubs but lost their touch and didn’t look that good in the new season.
- Alexander Isak
- Marcus Thuram
- Dusan Vlahovic
- Darwin Nunez
FAQs
Q. Why is Haaland the best striker?
A. Erling Haaland is one of the best strikers because of his finishing abilities and work rate.
Q. Who is the best striker in PL history?
A. Thierry Henry is the best striker in PL history.
Q. Who is the best striker ever in Manchester United?
A. Wayne Rooney is the best striker ever in Manchester United.
Q. Is CR7 the best striker?
A. Yes, CR7 is considered as one of the best strikers ever.
Q. How to be the best striker?
A. To be the best striker, the player must be strong, fast, and have aerial dominance, finishing ability, and composure.
Q. Who is the best icon striker in the world?
A. Ronaldo is the best icon striker in the world.
Q. Who is the best striker to ever play?
A. Pele is considered the best striker to ever play.