The Top 10: Ranking the World's Best Strikers in 2026
The best strikers in the world aren’t just goal scorers—they are game changers. They have the instinct to be in the right place at the right time, the skill to turn chances into goals, and the mindset to perform under pressure. Whether it’s a breathtaking solo effort or a calm finish in a big game, these forwards make football unforgettable and keep fans around the world watching in awe.
Best strikers in the world 2026
1. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland kept proving why he was every defender’s nightmare last season. With 31 goals in 44 games for Manchester City, including 22 in the Premier League and another 8 in the Champions League, he showed his ruthless consistency in front of goal. Haaland’s knack for turning half-chances into goals and his ability to deliver in big matches made him the focal point of Guardiola’s attack, cementing his place among the very best strikers in the world.
2. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid lived up to all the hype. He walked away with the La Liga Golden Boot, scoring 31 league goals and 42 overall, a record for a debut season at the club. From his hat-trick in El Clásico to countless match-winning displays, Mbappé showed his ability to step up when it matters most. Even without La Liga or Champions League glory, his brilliance made him impossible to ignore.
3. Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé had the season of his life with PSG, finally putting everything together to become a true star. He finished as joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, while also adding creativity with 6 assists. His defining moment came in the Champions League final, where he set up two goals in PSG’s historic triumph over Inter. Crowned with the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé proved he’s not just consistent now but one of the very best in the world.
4. Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak’s rise with Newcastle was one of the stories of last season. He scored 23 goals and added 6 assists in the Premier League, often dragging his team forward with moments of individual quality. Beyond just goals, his movement, link-up play, and composure in the box made him stand out. With helping his team win their first trophy in 69 years, Isak showed he’s no longer just a promising talent—he’s now one of Europe’s most complete strikers.
5. Harry Kane
Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has only elevated his reputation as one of the game’s best. Last season he hit 26 Bundesliga goals with 9 assists, winning the top scorer award for the second straight year. His goals powered Bayern to another league title, and his knack for scoring in decisive moments earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, underlining how important he has become to their dominance in Germany.
6. Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres lit up Europe last season with a sensational campaign at Sporting Lisbon. He fired in 39 league goals, the highest across Europe’s top leagues, and added six more in the Champions League, including a hat-trick against Manchester City. His goals drove Sporting to the league title, and his relentless movement, sharp finishing, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage earned him the Best Striker award of the season, sealing his place among the elite.
7. Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez thrived in his first full season at Atlético Madrid, showing why he’s more than just a hard-working forward. He finished with 25 goals and 5 assists in 47 matches, constantly stepping up when his team needed him. From link-up play to pressing, Álvarez offered everything, even scoring a memorable free kick in the Champions League. His all-round game and ability to shine in big moments proved he belongs among the top strikers in football today.
8. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski showed once again that age is just a number with another brilliant season at Barcelona. He scored 27 league goals and passed the 40-goal mark in all competitions, proving he remains one of the most reliable finishers in football. His brace against Dortmund in the Champions League and key strikes in La Liga helped Barça lift both the league and Copa del Rey, reminding everyone why he’s still at the very top.
9. Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy had a phenomenal year with Borussia Dortmund, turning himself into one of Europe’s most dangerous finishers. He scored 38 goals in 48 games, including a stunning 13 in the Champions League, where he often delivered in the biggest moments. His movement inside the box, strength against defenders, and calmness in front of goal made him almost unstoppable. Last season wasn’t just a breakout—it established Guirassy as one of the world’s very best strikers.
10. Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike enjoyed a breakout year at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 15 Bundesliga goals and creating eight assists, becoming the heartbeat of their attack. His ability to both finish chances and set up teammates showed a maturity beyond his years, and he quickly turned into one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe. Those performances earned him a big move to Liverpool, where he’s now seen as one of the game’s brightest emerging strikers.
