World’s elite marksmen: ranking the top 20 strikers

The new list ranks the 20 best strikers in world football, highlighting why prolific forwards remain the most coveted assets in the sport. It shows how clubs seeking a reliable number nine must look beyond fleeting form to find rare, consistent goal‑scorers.

This makes strikers the most valuable assets in the sport, as finding a number nine that can regularly find a way to score goals is a rare commodity.

Ronaldo and Lewandowski have entered the twilight years of their careers, meaning they are no longer among the very best frontmen in world football.

By Calum Ritchie, Callum Altimas & Daniel Hepburn compiled the list, Updated Aug 13, 2026, 10:03 PM GMT+1, Sign in to your GiveMeSport account, Add Us, Like, Follow, Followed, Thread, Log in Here, Try, Show, Explain, I’m, Give, La, AS, Best Strikers Football Updated.

Emerging talents in Europe

Georges Mikautadze, after moving from Lyon to Villarreal, scored 13 league goals in his debut season, including strikes against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Folarin Balogun, formerly of Arsenal and now at AS Monaco, recorded 19 goals last season and added three goals in four games for the United States at the World Cup.

Established Premier League forwards

Kai Havertz silenced critics at Arsenal after joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, having already scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final and again against Paris Saint‑Germain.

Ollie Watkins has been a reliable source of goals for Aston Villa, helping the club finish in the top four, qualify for the Champions League in 2025/26 and win the Europa League.

Premier League goal machines

Igor Thiago delivered a 22‑goal haul in 38 Premier League outings for Brentford, highlighted by a ten‑minute brace against Burnley in November.

Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool after a career‑best season of 22 goals and 12 assists, having previously contributed 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 outings for his former club.

Benjamin Sesko, signed by Manchester United for a hefty fee, finished his debut season with 12 goals, many coming as a super‑sub.

Eli Junior Kroupi impressed with 13 goals last season for Bournemouth but will miss the start of the upcoming campaign due to a foot injury.

Ferran Torres moved from Barcelona to PSG after scoring the winning goal in Spain’s World Cup final and registering 16 La Liga goals as Barcelona claimed the title.

Viktor Gyokeres, after a strong season in Portugal, helped Arsenal become English champions for the first time since 2004, finishing second in the Golden Shoe race.