In the electrifying realm of football, few figures command attention quite like the best strikers in the world right now. These lethal finishers are the ultimate predators, prowling the penalty box with predatory instincts and an insatiable hunger for goals.
The striker's role continues to evolve with modern players expected to be versatile, adaptable, and capable of contributing to all aspects of the game.
From powerful target men like Robert Lewandowski to nimble playmakers like Kylian Mbappé, the landscape of forward is as diverse and exciting as ever.
The striker has always held a special place in the pantheon of football. From the dawn of the sport to the modern era, these masters of the penalty box have redefined the art of scoring, captivating audiences with their skill, power, and unyielding hunger for the net.
As the beautiful football (soccer) game continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the legacy of the great strikers lives on. Their goals, their skill, and their passion for the game inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Each of the players from the following list possesses a unique blend of skills and qualities that make them a joy to watch and a terror to their opponents.
16. Antoine Griezmann - Atletico Madrid
La Liga (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 12
- Appearance: 38
- Shots: 94
- On target: 38
- Off-target: 37
Antoine Griezmann has returned to his Atletico Madrid roots. After a rollercoaster ride at FC Barcelona, the prodigal son is back in the familiar stripes of the Colchoneros, eager to reignite his La Liga flame.
Griezmann knows the DNA of Atletico Madrid FC like the back of his hand. His link-up play, creativity, and opportunistic goalscoring are perfectly suited to the manager Diego Simeone's intense style.
He boasts an impressive career tally of over 300 goals for club and country. His accuracy is equally noteworthy with a 53% shot-on-target rate in La Liga this season. Whether it is a curling free-kick, a deft chip, or a powerful strike, he has a goal in his locker for every occasion.
Not only that but he can score with both left and right feet and his head which makes him a versatile threat in the box. He is also adept at finding space and anticipating defensive lapses which allows him to pounce on scoring opportunities with clinical precision.
15. Alexander Isak - Newcastle United FC
Premier League (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 1
- Appearance: 22
- Shots: 41
- On target: 22
- Off-target: 4
Alexander Isak has thawed the hearts of Newcastle United FC fans with his fiery performances on the pitch. Standing at a towering 6 feet 3 inches of height, he is a force to be reckoned with combining his physical prowess with smooth skills and a lethal finishing touch.
His impact on the game has been immediate. Isak's powerful runs and intelligent movement have terrorized defenses while his clinical finishing has seen him net crucial goals for Newcastle.
Moreover, he is not just a scorer though, his link-up play and ability to hold up the ball bring his teammates into the game. Alexander has become a symbol of hope for Newcastle United fans with his infectious enthusiasm and undeniable talent.
In 2023-24, he has already bagged 7 goals in the Premier League for Newcastle which puts him among the top scorers for the club. His conversion rate of 23.1% is impressive, showcasing his ability to turn chances into goals.
14. Dusan Vlahovic - Juventus FC
Serie A (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 2
- Appearance: 27
- Shots: 62
- On target: 22
- Off-target: 27
Dusan Vlahovic has found his perfect fit in the iconic black and white stripes of Juventus. His arrival in Turin in 2022 was a statement of intent, and his impact has been undeniable.
Furthermore, he has already netted 18 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions for Juventus, proving his worth as a true heir to the club's legendary strikers.
Vlahovic is a powerful and athletic presence who holds the ball up with ease and creates space for his teammates. Juventus are back in the Serie A title race and their sights are set on European glory as well.
He has 18 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions and his predatory instincts remain as sharp as ever, filling the Juventus net with ruthless efficiency.
Not only that but he has 12 goals in 17 Serie A appearances which making waves in Italy's top league, propelling Juventus back into the title race.
13. Randal Kolo Muani - Paris Saint-Germain FC
Bundesliga (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 11
- Appearance: 32
- Shots: 70
- On target: 28
- Off-target: 27
Randal Kolo Muani has embraced his destiny in the iconic Parisian colors of red and blue. His 2023 arrival at Paris Saint-Germain FC marked a homecoming.
Muani terrorizes defenses with his electrifying runs and clinical finishing. He has already netted 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, proving himself a worthy heir to the PSG attacking throne.
He has 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, 7 goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances, and 3 goals in 3 Champions League appearances.
Moreover, he has a 52% shot conversion rate in Ligue 1 with his clinical finishing leaving goalkeepers helpless, turning half chances into pure magic.
12. Olivier Giroud - AC Milan
Serie A (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 5
- Appearance: 33
- Shots: 80
- On target: 32
- Off-target: 33
Olivier Giroud, the towering French frontman whose name echoes through the San Siro with the force of his thunderous headers, has found his perfect playground in the iconic red and black stripes of AC Milan.
Giroud has become an aerial weapon of the AC Milan football club, nodding in goals with the grace of a ballet dancer and the power of a battering ram. He has already netted 26 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions.
His 2022-23 season has been a masterclass in clinical finishing and aerial dominance, proving he is still a force to be reckoned with at 37. In Serie A, he has 13 goals in 33 appearances which helps Milan towards the Serie A title race.
Moreover, he has a 72% passing accuracy, 1.7 aerial duels won per game, and 5 assists which creates chances for teammates, showcasing his vision and passing ability.
11. Lautaro Martinez - Inter Milan
Serie A (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 21
- Assists: 5
- Appearance: 38
- Shots: 122
- On target: 51
- Off-target: 47
Lautaro Martinez has played a total of 318 games, scoring 144 goals and providing 57 assists.
His performance in the recent games has been impressive. In the game against Udinese Calcio on Sunday, 10 December 2023, he had 1 shot on goal, scored 1 goal, and provided 0 assists.
In the game against SSC Napoli on 4 December 2023, he had 0 shots on goal, scored 0 goals, and provided 1 assist. In the game against Juventus Turin on 27 November 2023, he had 2 shots on goal, scored 1 goal, and provided 0 assists.
10. Jonathan David - LOSC Lille
Ligue 1 (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
- Appearance: 14
- Shots: 26
- On target: 18
- Off-target: 8
Jonathan David is a Canadian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Lille OSC and the Canada national team. He has played a total of 154 games, scoring 62 goals and providing 11 assists.
He mentioned that he is a player with a singular focus when it comes to the game, and he has an eye for goal that is matched by his appreciation for style.
9. Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal FC
Premier League (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 5
- Appearance: 26
- Shots: 70
- On target: 28
- Off-target: 23
Gabriel Jesus is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a center-forward for Arsenal FC in the Premier League and the Brazil national team. He joined Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022 for a fee of €75.00 million.
Jesus has scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances for Arsenal so far. He has also scored 19 goals in 64 caps for Brazil.
Moreover, he is currently the top scorer in the Champions League with four goals in four games. He is known for his pace, dribbling, finishing, and work ethic. He wears the number 9 shirt for both club and country.
8. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF
Ligue 1 (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 15
- Appearance: 32
- Shots: 116
- On target: 50
- Off-target: 32
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in June 2023 after spending one season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France. Before that, he played for Barcelona in Spain for 21 years, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and winning numerous trophies.
Messi is regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever and has won the Ballon d’Or award six times. He is also the Argentina national team captain, leading them to victory in the 2022 World Cup.
Not only that but he reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Inter Miami which is worth €25 million per year after tax. He also acquired a 35 percent stake in the club which is worth over $200 million.
His move to Inter Miami football club was influenced by his former teammate David Beckham who is the co-owner of the club. Beckham had previously signed a similar contract with LA Galaxy in 2007 which gave him the option to own an MLS expansion club.
He has scored 778 goals and provided 323 assists in 1040 games, breaking several records along the way.
Moreover, he is also the only football player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year, the FIFA Ballon d’Or, the FIFA The Best, and the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year awards.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo - Al Nassr FC
Premier League (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 0
- Appearance: 10
- Shots: 25
- On target: 6
- Off-target: 13
Cristiano Ronaldo has found a new canvas for his goalscoring artistry in the iconic green and black stripes of the Al-Nassr football club. His 2023 arrival in Saudi Arabia was more than a transfer, it was a cultural exchange, a meeting of footballing legends and passionate fans.
He has already netted 14 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions which is a testament to his unwavering dedication to scoring goals. Furthermore, his link-up play with Talisca and Vincent Aboubakar is a symphony of attacking brilliance.
Adapting to a new league, a different culture and the immense pressure of carrying the expectations of a global icon is no easy task. But Ronaldo thrives under pressure.
Ronaldo has played for Al-Nassr for a relatively short period which makes it hard to draw definitive conclusions about his stats. However, here's a snapshot of his performance so far:
Overall:
- Appearances: 16 (All in Saudi Pro League)
- Minutes Played: 1077
- Goals Scored: 14
- Assists: 2
- Goals per Game: 0.62
- Minutes per Goal: 134.6
6. Karim Benzema - Al Ittihad Club
La Liga (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 3
- Appearance: 24
- Shots: 102
- On target: 39
- Off-target: 32
Karim Benzema has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad football club. While his time at Real Madrid was etched in footballing history, his journey with the Green and Whites is already proving to be a thrilling one.
His current football club is Al-Ittihad and he signed with them in July 2023 after a successful 14-year stint with Real Madrid FC. Moreover, he had composed a symphony of offensive magic in the La Liga 2022-23 season.
Benzema has quickly adapted to the Saudi Pro League where he proves his predatory instincts remain as sharp as ever. As of today, 13 December 2023, he has already bagged 9 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, a testament to his unwavering dedication and scoring prowess.
5. Victor Osimhen - Napoli
Serie A (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 26
- Assists: 4
- Appearance: 32
- Shots: 135
- On target: 55
- Off-target: 50
Victor Osimhen has found his perfect hunting ground in the iconic azure blue stripes of SSC Napoli. His 2020 arrival in Naples was a statement of intent and his impact has been nothing short of electrifying.
Moreover, his link-up play with footballers like Lorenzo Insigne and Piotr Zieliński is a kaleidoscope of attacking brilliance, creating chances for his teammates with pinpoint passes.
In Serie A, he has 26 goals in 30 appearances which helps Napoli towards the Serie A title race. His shooting accuracy and efficiency are terrifying for defenders with a record of 55 shots on target from a total of 105.
He is not just the best striker in the world but his vision and passing create opportunities for teammates. In the 2022-2023 season, he made 4 assists and this advanced metric highlights how often Osimhen creates and finishes high-quality chances.
4. Harry Kane - Bayern Munich
Premier League (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 30
- Assists: 3
- Appearance: 38
- Shots: 123
- On target: 55
- Off-target: 35
Harry Kane had found his perfect canvas in the iconic white and navy stripes of Tottenham Hotspur. His journey with the club began in the academy as a young boy with a dream and his 2009 debut was not just the start of a career, it was the beginning of a love story.
England captain Kane was a target for the Premier League side before he eventually joined Bayern this summer.
In the recent match against Manchester United, he produced a deft touch to release Kingsley Coman who gave goalkeeper Andre Onana no chance in front of the Stretford End at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
As a result, Man United ended up losing 1-0 and crashed out of the competition at the group stage whereas Bayern topped the group stage.
In the Premier League, he has 30 goals in 38 appearances with a 48% shot-conversion rate and he has 2.4 key passes per game with a 76% passing accuracy.
3. Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain FC
(2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 29
- Assists: 4
- Appearance: 34
- Shots: 138
- On target: 73
- Off-target: 30
Kylian Mbappe has found his perfect canvas in the iconic blue and red stripes of Paris Saint-Germain. His Parisian roots run deep and his 2017 arrival at the PSG was not just a signing, it was a homecoming.
Mbappe is not just a young footballer but a statistical phenomenon rewriting the record books at a dizzying pace. He has already netted 219 goals in 253 appearances across all competitions, a staggering testament to his phenomenal talent.
Furthermore, his link-up play with great footballers like Neymar and Messi is a symphony of attacking brilliance, leaving opponents bewildered and fans spellbound.
He has 147 goals in 178 appearances across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, 5 Ligue 1 titles, and 4 Ligue 1 Golden Boots. He is not just a good goal scorer but claiming the top scorer award on an astonishing four occasions.
2. Robert Lewandowski - FC Barcelona
La Liga (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 23
- Assists: 6
- Appearance: 34
- Shots: 120
- On target: 53
- Off-target: 45
Robert Lewandowski has traded Bavarian red for Catalan blue and his arrival at FC Barcelona in 2022 marked a new chapter in the legendary striker's career.
In his first season at FC Barcelona, he has already netted 23 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, a testament to his unwavering hunger and clinical finishing.
He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the young Barcelona squad, guiding them with his on-field presence and vocal instructions.
Moreover, he has a 52% shot conversion rate in La Liga which is a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers. Not only that but he has a 100% penalty conversion rate to date which adds another dimension to his offensive arsenal.
1. Erling Haaland - Manchester City FC
Premier League (2022-23 Season):
- Goals: 36
- Assists: 7
- Appearance: 35
- Shots: 114
- On target: 58
- Off-target: 40
Erling Haaland's arrival at the Etihad in 2022 was a seismic event. His hunger for trophies mirrors the clubs' ambition and with Haaland leading the charge, Manchester City's reign at the top seems far from over.
His impact has been immediate and devastating. In his debut season, he shattered records, becoming the first player to score 20 goals in his first 20 Premier League games. His combination of raw power, precision finishing, and intelligent movement makes him a nightmare to contain.
With Haaland leading the charge, Manchester City has become a force to be reckoned with. They are not just beautiful to watch, they are ruthless and unstoppable.
A staggering 50 goals in just 50 appearances for Manchester City, averaging a goal per game and 84 shots on target which showcases his clinical finishing ability.
His statistics are a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. He is a generational talent, redefining the striker role with his blend of power, precision, and intelligence.
