Top 15 Best Strikers in World Football (2025 Ranked)

Strikers continue to be the heartbeat of football. They are the players who define games, smash records, and turn missed opportunities into moments of genius.

In 2025, the battle among elite forwards is as fierce as ever, with established superstars sharing the spotlight with rising players who are moulding the game’s future.

Here is our list of the 15 top attackers in world football right now, based on form, consistency, and overall impact on their clubs.

15. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

Ollie Watkins has quietly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalscorers. Since Unai Emery’s arrival at Aston Villa, his career has taken off.

Watkins not only consistently scores goals, but he also flourishes as the focal point of Villa’s attack, connecting up play and fiercely pressuring defenders. His goals were critical in ensuring Villa’s first Champions League qualifying in almost four decades, demonstrating that his worth extends far beyond simple stats.

14. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Mateta’s loan move to the Premier League in January 2021 felt like a gamble as he sought to find his feet in the fast-paced and physically demanding world of football. Initially, he had little involvement, frequently coming off the bench or being rotated in as a starter under prior management.

But all changed when Oliver Glasner took over in February 2024. Mateta’s role changed dramatically; he became the primary attacking threat, starting on a regular basis, and began to have a significant impact on the game.

13. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

When Newcastle spent £63 million on Alexander Isak, many questioned the decision. Fast forward, and the Swede has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards.

His £130 million move to Liverpool only highlights his stratospheric rise. Isak is poised to lead Liverpool’s assault into a new age, with his elegance on the ball, clinical in front of goal, and ability to create for teammates.

12. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

Inter’s captain has developed into one of the most clinical strikers in Europe. Lautaro Martínez won the Serie A Golden Boot in 2023/24 and guided his team to the Champions League final the next season.

Martínez is regarded as the best modern Argentine attacker because to his high energy, fast movement, and precise finishing. Even Lionel Messi has tipped him to win the Ballon d’Or, demonstrating his high regard.

11. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen’s ascension has been nothing short of impressive. After scoring 26 goals to help Napoli win the Serie A title in 2023, he moved to Turkey to play for Galatasaray, where he continues to demolish defenders.

Osimhen possesses all of the characteristics of a complete No. 9, including speed, power, and aerial strength. At only 26, he is still in his prime years and is one of the world’s most feared forwards.

10. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)

Hugo Ekitike’s career has progressed quickly. Following a breakout season at Paris Saint-Germain, he became a headline signing for Liverpool in 2025.

The French attacker provides more than just goals; his ability to stretch defences, connect with teammates, and exploit space makes him a terror for opponents. With Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak around him, Ekitike looks poised to prosper in England’s top league.

9. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)

Few players have risen as quickly as Serhou Guirassy. After guiding Stuttgart’s surprising European run in 2023/24, he joined Borussia Dortmund and instantly delivered.

Guirassy scored an incredible 47 goals in 50 games, finishing as the Champions League’s top scorer with 13 goals. At 29, he has finally established himself as one of Europe’s most deadly forwards.

8. João Pedro (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s signing of João Pedro was a surprise, but it could be a wise decision. The Brazilian excelled at Brighton before rapidly adjusting to the challenges of Stamford Bridge.

Pedro, who is capable of leading the line, dropping deep, or drifting wide, has developed into a complete forward under Enzo Maresca. Still only 23, he has plenty of potential to develop and might become one of the Premier League’s most prominent strikers in the coming years.