The number 9 is the most iconic position in football. For decades, the world’s greatest teams have been built around prolific centre-forwards—strikers who thrive on pressure, deliver when it matters most, and carry their teams with their goal-scoring exploits. In modern football, the role of the number 9 has evolved, with some strikers offering more than just goals by dropping deep to link play, pressing defenders, or creating space for teammates. However, one thing remains unchanged—goals win games, and elite strikers are judged by their ability to find the back of the net.
In the 2024/25 season, several number 9s have stood above the rest, dominating the biggest leagues and delivering on the biggest stages. Some have maintained their world-class standards, while others have emerged as new forces in European football. This ranking is based on their goal-scoring records, the quality of opposition they have faced, and their overall impact on their teams. Goals against weaker opposition may pad statistics, but scoring consistently against top clubs in domestic leagues and European competitions separates the very best from the rest.
As the season nears its climax, these 12 strikers have proven themselves as the most lethal finishers in world football. Whether through their incredible consistency, ability to deliver in decisive moments, or sheer dominance in front of goal, each of them has left an undeniable mark on the 2024/25 campaign. Here are the 12 best number 9s in football this season.
12. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)🇦🇷 
Lautaro Martínez has grown into one of the world’s most complete strikers since joining Inter Milan from Racing Club in 2018. The Argentine forward has played a crucial role in Inter’s success, including their 2020/21 Serie A title win and their 2022/23 Champions League final appearance.
This season, Martínez has been Inter’s main goal-scoring threat, recording 15 goals and six assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His ability to press from the front, link up with midfielders, and finish in a variety of ways makes him a valuable asset in Simone Inzaghi’s system.
As Inter Milan continues its push for Serie A and Champions League glory, Lautaro’s form will be crucial. His leadership and consistency make him one of the most reliable strikers in the game today.
11. Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen, Czech Republic)🇨🇿 
Patrik Schick has had an up-and-down few years at Bayer Leverkusen due to injuries, but when fit, he remains a lethal goal-scorer. After missing much of 2022 due to a long-term injury, Leverkusen signed Victor Boniface as his replacement, but Schick has fought his way back into the team.
In a recent DFB-Pokal quarter-final against Köln, manager Xabi Alonso started Schick as the lone striker. With Leverkusen trailing 2-1, Boniface was subbed on in the 76th minute, and both forwards ended up scoring in a dramatic 3-2 win. While Alonso typically prefers to play with one striker, he has acknowledged the possibility of using both players together, stating:
“If we think they can link up and understand what the team needs, it’s an option.”
Schick remains a key part of Leverkusen’s title push and, when fit, is one of the most complete centre-forwards in the Bundesliga.
10. Jonathan David (Lille, Canada)🇨🇦 
One of the most consistent goal-scorers in Ligue 1 over the past few years, Jonathan David remains a sought-after striker as his contract with Lille runs out this summer. With 104 goals for Lille across all competitions, the Canadian forward has hit double figures in all five of his Ligue 1 seasons.
This season, David has already scored 20 goals, making him one of Europe’s top-scoring strikers once again. His ability to time runs, link up with teammates, and finish with both feet has made him a prime target for Europe’s biggest clubs.
Barcelona is reportedly leading the race for his signature, with negotiations at an advanced stage. David himself has spoken about his admiration for the club, saying:
“When you grow up supporting a team, it’s a dream to play for them.”
Whether or not he secures a move to Camp Nou, his performances have firmly established him among the best strikers in the world right now.
9. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, New Zealand)🇳🇿
Few players have exceeded expectations this season quite like Chris Wood. At 33 years old, the New Zealand international has been in sensational form for Nottingham Forest, scoring 14 goals in 22 Premier League appearances and helping the club maintain an unlikely top-four challenge.
Wood originally joined Forest on loan from Newcastle United in January 2023 before making the move permanent. Despite being at the club for just over two years, he has already become their all-time Premier League top scorer, surpassing Bryan Roy’s previous record.
His impact has been even greater under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who took charge in December 2023. 25 of Wood’s 29 goals for Nottingham Forest have come since Nuno’s arrival, proving just how effective the tactical system has been for the experienced forward.
8. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, Argentina)🇦🇷 
After spending much of his time at Manchester City as a backup to Erling Haaland, Julián Álvarez made a move to Atlético Madrid, where he has finally been given the chance to shine as a first-choice striker. The Argentine forward has made the most of his increased playing time, delivering 16 goals this season and playing a vital role in Atlético’s attack.
Now second in the La Liga table, Atlético Madrid has benefitted from Álvarez’s sharp movement, pressing ability, and lethal finishing. His partnership with Antoine Griezmann has been particularly effective, with the two forwards linking up seamlessly in Diego Simeone’s system.
7. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea)🇬🇳 
One of the most underrated strikers in world football, Serhou Guirassy has been a revelation this season. Playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, he does not receive the same attention as stars from bigger clubs, but his performances speak for themselves.
The Guinea international has been remarkably consistent, scoring 18 goals in 26 appearances while also providing three assists. His ability to find space in the box and finish clinically has made him one of the most dangerous strikers in Germany.
Guirassy has proven his quality against top opposition, scoring against elite teams, including Barcelona in the Champions League group stage. ThoughBorussia Dortmund struggled in that match, Guirassy showed he belongs among Europe’s best.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)🇫🇷 
Kylian Mbappé has been widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world for several years, and his performances this season have only strengthened that claim. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently called him:
“The best striker in the world,”
emphasizing his ability to lose defenders and thrive in central areas.
Mbappé has often been deployed as a left winger throughout his career, but this season, he has operated more centrally, where he has flourished. His pace, dribbling, and lethal finishing make him a nightmare for defenders.
So far this season, the France captain has scored 15 goals in 20 games, putting him among the top scorers in La Liga, just behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. As Real Madrid chases silverware domestically and in Europe, Mbappé will be crucial to their success.
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5. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)🏴 
Harry Kane has long been regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, and his move to Bayern Munich has only solidified that status. The England captain wasted no time adapting to life in the Bundesliga, scoring 31 goals in his debut season.
Kane’s ability to score from anywhere—inside the box, long-range efforts, and even free kicks—makes him one of the most versatile strikers in world football. However, the one criticism that has followed him throughout his career is his lack of silverware. Bayern Munich shockingly finished third in the Bundesliga last season, meaning Kane’s wait for a major club trophy continued.
This season, things are looking brighter, as Bayern sit 10 points clear at the top of the table, and Kane is once again leading the scoring charts. If Bayern go on to win the Bundesliga and make a deep Champions League run, Kane could finally silence the doubters who judge him by his trophy cabinet.
4. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP, Sweden)🇸🇪
Viktor Gyökeres has taken the European football scene by storm. After moving from Coventry City to Sporting CP, he quickly adapted to the Portuguese league and became one of its standout players. His physical presence, coupled with his ability to finish clinically, has made him one of the top goal-scorers in Europe.
Gyökeres currently sits among the leaders in the European Golden Boot race, with 22 goals and 3 assists in 18 Liga Portugal matches this season—along with 6 in the Champions League and 6 in domestic cup competitions. His performances in European competitions have been particularly eye-catching, including a hat-trick against Manchester City that announced him on the biggest stage. If he continues at this rate, a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues seems inevitable.
3. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United, Sweden)🇸🇪
Since his move to Newcastle United, Alexander Isak has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry—and for good reason. The Swedish forward possesses a unique blend of speed, skill, and composure in front of goal. His tall frame allows him to glide past defenders effortlessly, and his ability to open up his body for precise finishes is reminiscent of the Arsenal legend.
Isak has repaid Newcastle’s faith in him, scoring 19 goals so far this season. His confidence and self-assurance on the pitch make him a constant threat, whether leading the line or playing off a fellow attacker. If he continues on this trajectory, he could establish himself as one of the most complete forwards in the game.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)🇳🇴 
Few players in football history have combined raw athleticism with goal-scoring instincts quite like Erling Haaland. Standing at 1.94m (6’5”) and blessed with blistering pace, the Norwegian forward is a terrifying presence in the penalty area.
Haaland has continued his remarkable form in the Premier League, racing to 25 goals this season, despite Manchester City’s occasional struggles. While some argue he lacks the all-round playmaking ability of other elite strikers, his finishing is second to none. At just 23 years old, he remains the most prolific striker in world football, with a goal-per-game ratio that rivals the greats of the game.
1. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland)🇵🇱 
After dominating the Bundesliga for a decade, Robert Lewandowski made the bold switch to La Liga, and despite Barcelona’s inconsistent form, he has remained one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen. The Polish striker blends the finest attributes of a modern centre-forward—intelligent movement, aerial dominance, and ruthless finishing.
Although he is not as explosive as Kylian Mbappé or as physically imposing as Erling Haaland, Lewandowski’s efficiency in front of goal is unparalleled. He finished the 2023/24 season with 26 goals in all competitions and has already netted 30 goals this season. His ability to find space in tight areas and finish with both feet makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Many believe Lewandowski was unfairly denied a Ballon d’Or in 2020 due to the award’s cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Had it not been for that, he would likely have added football’s most prestigious individual honor to his trophy-laden career.
