Strikers remain the heartbeat of football. They are the players who define matches, break records, and turn half-chances into moments of brilliance.
In 2025, the competition among elite forwards is as fierce as ever, with established superstars sharing the spotlight with emerging names who are shaping the next era of the game.
Here’s our ranking of the 15 best strikers in world football right now, based on form, consistency, and overall influence on their teams.
15. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United)
Nick Woltemade’s move to Newcastle United in the summer of 2025 marked a bold step in his career. The 23-year-old German striker, known for his towering frame and intelligent link-up play, brings a new dimension to the Magpies’ attack. Comfortable dropping deep to create space or leading the line with physical presence, Woltemade is a forward still on the rise. Newcastle see him as a long-term project, and the Premier League stage will provide the perfect platform for him to develop into a top-class striker.
14. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalscorers. Since Unai Emery’s arrival at Aston Villa, his career trajectory has soared.
Watkins not only finds the net with consistency but also thrives as the focal point of Villa’s attack, linking up play and pressing defenders relentlessly. His goals were crucial in securing Villa’s first Champions League qualification in more than four decades, proving his value goes well beyond raw numbers.
13. Mateo Retegui (Al-Qasidah)
After shining at Atalanta, where he scored 28 goals in the 2023/24 season, Mateo Retegui opted for a new challenge in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qasidah.
The Italy international hit the ground running, scoring twice on his league debut. While fans may regret that his talent is no longer on European pitches, Retegui remains one of the sharpest finishers of his generation, boasting a natural instinct inside the penalty area and an ability to adapt to different footballing environments.
12. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Inter’s captain has transformed into one of the most clinical strikers in Europe. Lautaro Martínez claimed the Serie A Golden Boot in 2023/24 and led his team to a Champions League final the following season.
Known for his relentless energy, sharp movement, and refined finishing, Martínez has become the ultimate modern Argentine striker. Even Lionel Messi has tipped him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner — a testament to the esteem in which he’s held.
11. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After firing Napoli to a historic Serie A title in 2023 with 26 goals, he took his talents to Turkey with Galatasaray, where he continues to dominate defences.
Blessed with pace, power, and aerial strength, Osimhen has every attribute of a complete No. 9. At just 26, he still has his prime years ahead of him and remains one of the most feared forwards worldwide.
10. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
Hugo Ekitike’s career has accelerated rapidly. After a breakout spell at Paris Saint-Germain, he became a marquee signing for Liverpool in 2025.
The French forward offers more than just goals; his ability to stretch defences, link up with teammates, and exploit space makes him a nightmare for defenders. With Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak around him, Ekitike looks set to thrive in England’s top flight.
9. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Few players have had a rise as rapid as Serhou Guirassy. After spearheading Stuttgart’s surprise run to Europe in 2023/24, he moved to Borussia Dortmund and immediately delivered.
Guirassy racked up an astonishing 47 goal contributions in 50 games and even finished as the Champions League’s top scorer with 13 goals. At 29, he has finally earned recognition as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
8. João Pedro (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s move for João Pedro raised eyebrows, but it may prove to be a masterstroke. The Brazilian excelled at Brighton and quickly adapted to the demands of Stamford Bridge.
Capable of leading the line, dropping deep, or drifting wide, Pedro has become a complete forward under Enzo Maresca. Still just 23, he has plenty of room to grow and could be one of the Premier League’s most important strikers in the years to come.
7. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Even in the twilight of his career, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age. The Polish icon scored 27 goals in 34 La Liga appearances during the 2024/25 season, including decisive strikes in El Clásico.
His positioning, movement, and predatory instincts remain unmatched. With Champions League hat-tricks for three different clubs, Lewandowski has etched his name into history as one of the greatest finishers football has ever seen.
6. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
Viktor Gyökeres has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his move from Coventry to Sporting Lisbon, and now to Arsenal. After finishing second in the Golden Shoe race, the Swedish international secured a blockbuster transfer to the Premier League.
Known for his relentless work rate, powerful runs, and clinical finishing, Gyökeres has all the tools to become a superstar in England. The only question now is whether he can replicate his prolific form on the biggest stage.
5. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Julián Álvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid gave him the platform to step out of Erling Haaland’s shadow — and he has seized it brilliantly.
The Argentine forward is now the main man under Diego Simeone, blending tireless pressing with an eye for spectacular goals. His versatility and knack for finding space make him a nightmare for defenders. At just 25, he’s already in world-class territory.
4. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)
When Newcastle splashed £63m on Alexander Isak, many doubted the investment. Fast-forward, and the Swede has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards.
His £130m move to Liverpool only underlines his meteoric rise. Elegant on the ball, clinical in front of goal, and capable of creating for others, Isak is ready to lead Liverpool’s attack into a new era.
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Few strikers embody the word “goal machine” like Erling Haaland. The Norwegian shattered the Premier League’s single-season scoring record with 36 goals in his debut campaign.
Though he hasn’t matched that tally in his following seasons, Haaland remains the most feared poacher in the game. His size, speed, and predatory instincts ensure he’s always a step away from finding the net.
Even when critics question his all-round play, his goals speak louder than words.
2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane is the definition of a modern striker. Beyond his incredible finishing, the England captain is equally adept at creating chances, dropping deep, and dictating play.
With over 210 Premier League goals for Tottenham and now a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, Kane’s consistency at the highest level is remarkable.
He remains both a prolific scorer and one of the most intelligent forwards in the game.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Is Kylian Mbappé a striker or a winger? The truth is, he can do it all. The French superstar blends explosive pace with ruthless finishing, making him one of the most unstoppable forces in world football.
His hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final will live forever, and now at Real Madrid, he has quickly overcome his slow start to establish himself as Los Blancos’ main man. At just 26, he is on course to become one of the greatest ever.
