Saturday, November 29, 2025

Best Strikers in the world football in 2025/26

As the 2025/26 football season unfolds, the spotlight shines on the game’s most prolific strikers. These athletes are not just goal-scorers; they are game-changers who influence matches with their skill, creativity, and tactical intelligence. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the best strikers in the world bring a unique flair to the pitch, captivating fans with their incredible techniques and instinctive finishing.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top strikers making waves in world football this season, analyzing their styles, stats, and contributions to their teams.

10. Julian Alvarez

  • Full Name: Julián Álvarez
  • Date of Birth: 31 January 2000 (Age 25)
  • Place of Birth: Calchín, Argentina
  • Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
  • Shirt Number: 19

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2018–2022 River Plate
2022–2024 Manchester City
2022 → River Plate (loan)
2024– Atlético Madrid

Born in Calchín, Argentina, Álvarez began his professional career with River Plate in 2018, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s brightest talents. After impressive performances in the Argentine Primera División and Copa Libertadores, he joined Manchester City on January 31, 2023, for a reported fee of around €17 million.

Known for his versatility, work rate, and intelligence in front of goal, Álvarez has been a key figure for both club and the Argentina national team, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022. As of 2025, he plays for Atlético Madrid.

Julian Alvarez 2024/2025 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
LaLiga 37 17 4 5 0 2,519′
UEFA Champions League 10 7 1 0 0 791′
Copa del Rey 7 5 2 1 0 395′
FIFA Club World Cup 3 0 1 0 0 262′
Total 2024/25 57 29 8 6 0 3,967′

 

Full name: Victor James Osimhen
Date of birth: 29 December 1998
Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Number: 45

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2017–2019 VfL Wolfsburg
2018–2019 Charleroi (loan)
2019 Charleroi
2019–2020 Lille
2020– Napoli
2024– Galatasaray

Born in Nigeria, Osimhen began his professional career with VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. He had trials with Belgian clubs Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge before moving to Lille on August 1, 2019, for a reported €12 million plus bonuses.

After impressing in France, he joined Napoli on July 31, 2020, for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive African transfer at the time.

Although heavily linked with moves to Al-Ahli and Chelsea in August 2024, those deals fell through. He ultimately joined Galatasaray on loan for the 2024–25 season.

Victor Osimhen 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Süper Lig 30 26 5 4 0 2,384′
UEFA Europa League 7 6 2 3 0 594′
Türkiye Kupası 4 5 1 1 0 258′
Total 2024/25 41 37 8 8 0 3,236′

 

8. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina)

  • Full name: Lautaro Javier Martínez
  • Date of birth: 22 August 1997
  • Place of birth: Bahía Blanca, Argentina
  • Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
  • Number: 10

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2015–2018 Racing Club
2018– Inter Milan

Martínez started his professional journey with Racing Club in Argentina, debuting in 2015. Over four seasons, he made a strong impact, netting 28 goals in 60 games and featuring in the Copa Libertadores.

In 2018, he moved to Inter for a reported €22.7 million, signing a five-year deal. Martínez played a key role in winning two league titles with Inter, earning Serie A Most Valuable Player honors and finishing as the league’s top scorer in the second championship season.

Lautaro Martinez 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Serie A 31 12 5 1 0 2,580′
UEFA Champions League 14 9 2 2 0 856′
FIFA Club World Cup 4 2 0 1 0 343′
Supercoppa Italiana 2 1 0 0 0 180′
Italy Cup 2 0 0 0 0 117′
Total 2024/25 53 24 7 4 0 4,076′

 

7. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting/Sweden)

  • Full name: Viktor Einar Gyökeres
  • Date of birth: 4 June 1998
  • Place of birth: Stockholm, Sweden
  • Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m)
  • Number: 9

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2015–2017 IF Brommapojkarna
2018–2021 Brighton & Hove Albion
2019–2020 → St. Pauli (loan)
2020–2021 → Swansea City (loan)
2021 → Coventry City (loan)
2021–2023 Coventry City
2023–2025 Sporting CP
2025– Arsenal

Gyökeres began his career at Brommapojkarna after joining from IFK Aspudden-Tellus in 2013, rising through the youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2015. He moved to Brighton on January 1, 2018, initially playing with the under-23 squad. A loan spell at Coventry City followed in January 2021, where he gained valuable experience.

In 2023, Gyökeres signed a five-year deal with Sporting CP for a club-record €20 million, plus potential bonuses.

Viktor Gyokeres 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Serie A 31 12 5 1 0 2,580′
UEFA Champions League 14 9 2 2 0 856′
FIFA Club World Cup 4 2 0 1 0 343′
Supercoppa Italiana 2 1 0 0 0 180′
Italy Cup 2 0 0 0 0 117′
Total 2024/25 53 24 7 4 0 4,076′

 

6. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona/Poland)

  • Full name: Robert Lewandowski
  • Date of birth: 21 August 1988
  • Place of birth: Warsaw, Poland
  • Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
  • Number: 9

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2005 Delta Warsaw
2005–2006 Legia Warsaw II
2006 Znicz Pruszków II
2006–2008 Znicz Pruszków
2008–2010 Lech Poznań
2010–2014 Borussia Dortmund
2014–2022 Bayern Munich
2022– Barcelona

Lewandowski, born in Warsaw and raised in Leszno, began his football journey with Partyzant Leszno before joining MKS Varsovia Warsaw in 1997, where he spent seven years. He later moved to Delta Warsaw, making his first-team debut and scoring four goals by season’s end. In 2006–07, he led Znicz Pruszków to promotion as the third division’s top scorer.

He joined Lech Poznań in 2008, and after two prolific seasons, moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2010 for €4.5 million. In 2014, he made a high-profile switch to rivals Bayern Munich, where he cemented his status as a top player.

In July 2022, he joined Barcelona on a four-year deal worth €45 million, setting records as Poland’s most expensive player.

Robert Lewandowski 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
LaLiga 34 27 2 1 0 2,682′
UEFA Champions League 13 11 0 0 0 985′
Copa del Rey 3 3 0 1 0 100′
Supercopa 2 1 1 1 0 163′
Total 2024/25 52 42 3 3 0 3,930′

 

5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)

  • Full name: Erling Braut Haaland
  • Date of birth: 21 July 2000
  • Place of birth: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
  • Height: 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
  • Number: 9

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2015–2016 Bryne 2
2016–2017 Bryne
2017 Molde 2
2017–2019 Molde
2019–2020 Red Bull Salzburg
2020–2022 Borussia Dortmund
2022– Manchester City

On our Best Strikers in the world football in 2024/25 list, Haaland has secured the 1st Spot.

Haaland began at Bryne’s academy at age five, scoring 18 goals in 14 matches for the reserve team in 2015-2016. After 16 senior appearances, he moved to Molde in February 2017.

In August 2018, he signed with Red Bull Salzburg, joining in January 2019 on a five-year deal.

Borussia Dortmund signed him in December 2019 for around €20 million. In 2022, Manchester City secured his transfer by activating his €60 million release clause.

Erling Haaland 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Premier League 31 22 3 2 0 2,743′
UEFA Champions League 9 8 0 0 0 771′
FIFA Club World Cup 4 3 1 0 0 256′
FA Cup 3 1 1 0 0 182′
Community Shield 1 0 0 0 0 90′
EFL Cup 0 0 0 0 0 0′
Total 2024/25 48 34 5 2 0 4,042′

4. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United/Sweden)

  • Full name: Alexander Isak
  • Date of birth: 21 September 1999
  • Place of birth: Solna, Sweden
  • Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
  • Number: 14

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2016 AIK
2017–2019 Borussia Dortmund II
2017–2019 Borussia Dortmund
2019 Willem II (loan)
2019–2022 Real Sociedad
2022– Newcastle United

Born in Solna, Sweden, Isak began his professional career with AIK in 2016 before moving to Borussia Dortmund and later Willem II on loan.

In June 2019, he signed a five-year contract with Real Sociedad, where he continued to develop his talent.

In 2022, Isak joined Newcastle United, signing a six-year deal reportedly worth over $70 million, setting a club transfer record. His contract runs until June 2028, marking a new chapter in his Premier League journey.

Alexander Isak 2024/25 Season Stats:

Years Team
2016–2017 AIK
2017–2019 Borussia Dortmund II
2017–2019 Borussia Dortmund
2019 → Willem II (loan)
2019–2022 Real Sociedad
2022–2025 Newcastle United
2025– Liverpool

 

3. Ousmane Dembele

  • Full Name: Masour Ousmane Dembélé
  • Date of Birth: 15 May 1997 (Age 28)
  • Place of Birth: Vernon, France
  • Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
  • Shirt Number: 10

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2014–2015 Rennes II
2015–2016 Rennes
2016–2017 Borussia Dortmund
2017–2023 Barcelona
2023– Paris Saint-Germain

Born in Vernon, France, Dembélé began his professional career with Rennes in 2015, quickly attracting attention for his pace and dribbling skills. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a reported €15 million, impressing in the Bundesliga before moving to Barcelona in August 2017 for around €105 million, making him one of the most expensive transfers at the time.

Despite injury setbacks, he has been a key player for both club and the France national team, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

As of 2025, he plays for Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Champions League and is considered a favourite for the Ballon d’Or, making him one of the best strikers in the world.

Ousmane Dembele 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Ligue 1 29 21 8 1 0 1,736′
UEFA Champions League 15 8 6 0 1 1,166′
FIFA Club World Cup 4 2 1 1 0 198′
Coupe de France 4 3 1 0 0 298′
Trophée des Champions 1 1 0 0 0 90′
Total 2024/25 53 35 16 2 1 3,488′

 

2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)

  • Full name: Harry Edward Kane
  • Date of birth: 28 July 1993
  • Place of birth: Walthamstow, London, England
  • Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
  • Number: 9

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2009–2023 Tottenham Hotspur
2011 Leyton Orient (loan)
2012 Millwall (loan)
2012–2013 Norwich City (loan)
2013 Leicester City (loan)
2023– Bayern Munich

Kane began his career at Tottenham Hotspur in 2009, gaining experience with loan spells at various clubs. His role grew under Mauricio Pochettino in 2014, and he earned the PFA Young Player of the Year award in his first full season. Kane led the Premier League in goals in both 2015–16 and 2016–17.

In 2023, he joined Bayern Munich for a record €110 million fee, signing a four-year deal and scoring 36 goals to win his first European Golden Shoe.

Harry Kane 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Bundesliga 31 26 10 5 0 2,391′
UEFA Champions League 13 11 2 1 0 1,119′
FIFA Club World Cup 5 3 1 1 0 376′
DFB-Pokal 2 1 1 0 0 72′
Total 2024/25 51 41 14 7 0 3,958′

 

1. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France)

  • Full name: Kylian Mbappé Lottin
  • Date of birth: December 20, 1998
  • Place of birth: Paris , France
  • Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
  • Number: 9

Clubs Played for:

Years Team
2015–2016 Monaco II
2015–2018 Monaco
2017–2018 Paris Saint-Germain (loan)
2018–2024 Paris Saint-Germain
2024– Real Madrid

Mbappé, born in Paris and raised in Bondy, began his career with Monaco in 2015, winning Ligue 1 in 2016–17.

At 18, he joined PSG on loan in 2017, with a €180 million transfer making him the costliest teenager ever. He’s earned accolades like the 2017 Golden Boy, 2018 Kopa Trophy, and finished third in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

On June 3, 2024, Real Madrid confirmed Mbappé’s move, signing him to a five-year contract.

Kylian Mbappe 2024/25 Season Stats:

Competition Matches Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
LaLiga 34 31 3 3 1 2,917′
UEFA Champions League 14 7 1 1 0 1,133′
Copa del Rey 4 2 0 0 0 235′
FIFA Club World Cup 3 1 0 1 0 135′
Supercopa 2 1 0 0 0 180′
UEFA Super Cup 1 1 0 0 0 83′
FIFA Intercontinental Cup 1 1 1 0 0 62′
Total 2024/25 59 44 5 5 1 4,745′

 

Also Read:

10 Best Right Wingers in the World Football in 2025/26

Best Left Wingers in the World Football in 2025/26

10 Best Right Backs in the World Football in 2025/26

Ajay
Ajayhttps://footballfanstand.com
My name is Ajay Kumbhar, a dedicated football enthusiast. We wanted to develop a platform where football fans could meet and indulge their passion in the sport. Football Fan Stand is the place to go if you're a die-hard team supporter, a football enthusiast, or just someone who likes to remain current on all things football.

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