Soccer has always been captivated by the prowess and finesse of strikers, who can make or break a game with their goal-scoring prowess.
But now, the role of strikers has expanded far beyond the conventional task of scoring goals.
The best strikers in the world today are required to do much more than just put the ball in the net. They are expected to engage in pressing opponents, facilitate teamwork, provide assists for goals, and contribute in various other ways.
To alleviate the goal-scoring burden on strikers and to overcome teams that defend deep, other attacking players on the field are also entrusted with the responsibility of finding the back of the net.
Some strikers have consistently excelled in every facet of their game, making them irreplaceable assets for their respective teams.
Today we’ll take a close look at the best strikers in the world in 2023, highlighting their skills, success, and contributions to their respective teams.
1. Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker possesses incredible speed, strength, and a clinical eye for goal.
Erling Haaland is a name that has been reverberating across the footballing world.
Often described as a hybrid of human and machine, he is an unstoppable goal-scoring force and arguably the most lethal number nine in contemporary football.
At just 22 years of age, this Norwegian prodigy has seamlessly adapted to life at Manchester City, following a high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
His scoring record is nothing short of amazing, almost averaging a goal per game.
However, it’s worth noting that there have been some murmurs of discontent regarding certain aspects of his playing style, suggesting that he’s not without his imperfections.
In addition to his success, such as winning the UEFA Men’s Players of the Year 2023, Haaland’s debut season in England has been nothing short of spectacular.
He has solidified his name in soccer history by adding the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup to his list of achievements, solidifying his reputation as a game-changing force on the pitch.
In 2023, Haaland is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after talents.
2. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, the French sensation, is a player of extraordinary talent, and his footballing journey has been nothing short of spectacular.
Initially starting his career as a winger, he has seamlessly transitioned into a versatile forward, comfortable on both the wings and as a center-forward.
However, some will argue he isn’t a natural striker, but Mbappe can play anywhere up front.
While his trophy cabinet has an impressive array of achievements, including domestic titles and individual awards, there is one notable absence—the UEFA Champions League.
However, this omission does little to discredit his incredible talent and impact on the pitch. Standing at a height that isn’t towering, Mbappe defies the odds with his ability to consistently find the back of the net.
Mbappe’s standout quality is his lightning-fast pace, which leaves defenders in his wake.
Mbappe showed these skills from a very young age, with a standout moment being his goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, which helped secure victory for France against Croatia.
Fast forward four years, and he has evolved into a big-game player, as evidenced by his stunning hat-trick in another World Cup final, albeit with a bittersweet outcome as France fell to Argentina in the 2022 edition.
His performance made history, as he became the leading scorer in World Cup finals, and his hat-trick was the first in a men’s final since Geoff Hurst achieved the same for England in 1966.
Despite a tumultuous summer transfer window, Mbappe chose to stay at PSG.
However, the football world remains abuzz with speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid shortly.
Regardless of where his career takes him, Kylian Mbappe’s talent and impact on the sport are undeniable, making him a true footballing sensation.
3. Harry Kane
The peak moment clock was ticking down for the Englishman, and it was now or never if he wanted to make a move in pursuit of the silverware that has eluded him throughout his career.
Having spent the entirety of his professional career at Tottenham, Kane made a big move to Bayern Munich, signaling a new chapter in his football journey. This shift to the Bundesliga was seen as a chance for him to chase his long-cherished dream of lifting major titles.
Kane holds the record as Tottenham’s all-time leading goal scorer and is also the top scorer for the England national team.
Many football enthusiasts believed that he might have remained at North London to pursue another rerecord–breaking Newcastle legend Alan Shearer’s all-time goal-scoring record in the Premier League.
Kane needed just 48 goals more to surpass Shearer’s mark, and some speculated that a return to the Premier League, after potentially winning silverware in the Bundesliga, could present an opportunity to achieve this remarkable feat.
Regardless of his path, he undeniably ranks among the best strikers in the world.
His consistency, goal-scoring prowess, and determination have solidified his status as a footballing superstar, leaving fans eager to witness the next chapter in his career.
4. Victor Osimhen
His journey to becoming a formidable goal-scorer has been marked by determination and steady progress.
Despite a relatively slow start to his professional career, he has established himself as a consistent scoring machine, showing his talent on the world stage after winning the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
Osimhen’s early career had its share of challenges, notably during his stint at Wolfsburg.
However, he quickly found his footing and displayed his goal-scoring prowess during his time in Belgium. His breakthrough came when he made the move to Lille in the French Ligue 1.
His impact at Napoli, however, was nothing short of sensational.
In Serie A, he was recognized as the Young Player of the Season and won the Golden Boot. His contribution played a significant role in Napoli winning their first league title in decades, marking a historic achievement for the club.
By the end of the 2022/2023 Serie A campaign, Osimhen had amassed an impressive tally of 26 goals in 37 games.
One of his most remarkable achievements was becoming the highest-scoring African player in Serie A, a feat that saw him eclipse the record held by the legendary Samuel Eto’o for the most goals by an African player in a single Italian championship season.
His combination of speed, strength, and clinical finishing has made him a valuable asset to his club. Osimhen’s potential is boundless, and he is undoubtedly a striker to watch in the coming years.
5. Robert Lewandowski
In soccer, where the role of the traditional, clinical striker has somewhat evolved, Lewandowski stands tall as one of the few remaining exemplars of this breed.
Approaching 35, the Polish striker continues to prove his goal-scoring prowess while donning the Barcelona jersey.
In the 2022/23 season, Lewandowski played a big role in helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title, adding another major league title to his impressive collection, having previously dominated the Bundesliga during his tenure with Bayern Munich.
However, the team’s journey in the UEFA Champions League and subsequent participation in the Europa League did not yield the same level of success as their domestic triumph.
Nevertheless, Robert Lewandowski’s brilliance shone through, as he contributed an impressive tally of 23 goals and seven assists in La Liga alone during the season.
What makes Lewandowski a standout figure is his versatility and completeness as a striker. He epitomizes the role of a pure number 9, excelling in various aspects of the game.
His technical skills allow him to link up with his attacking midfielders, seamlessly and his ability to hold up play is a valuable asset to his team.
He also has the agility and vision to take on defenders, make incisive runs in behind the opposition’s defensive line, and capitalize on well-placed balls over the top.
Perhaps most impressively, Lewandowski’s goal-scoring repertoire extends beyond his footwork, as he showcases the capability to score with both feet and his head, making him a multifaceted and formidable striker.
As one of the last of his kind in this generation, Lewandowski’s enduring success and adaptability underscore his status as a true legend of the game.
6. Karim Benzema
His reputation as one of the best strikers in the world remains firmly intact even in 2023, even after his move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
His prominence on the global stage improved during his time at Real Madrid, where he stepped into the spotlight following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
During his tenure at Real Madrid, Benzema achieved remarkable success, including triumphs in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His contributions were so exceptional that he even found himself winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or Award.
What truly sets Karim Benzema apart as the best striker in the world is his scoring prowess and extraordinary playmaking abilities. His link-up play, football IQ, and scoring instincts are unparalleled.
Benzema’s experience and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to any team. The Frenchman is a complete forward, excelling in various facets of the game.
Benzema’s proficiency as a penalty-taker further adds to his goal-scoring arsenal, and his heading ability is equally impressive, allowing him to excel in aerial duels.
His movement off the ball is characterized by intelligence and tactical awareness, which creates space and goal-scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
One of Benzema’s less heralded but equally vital attributes is his relentless work ethic.
He tirelessly pressures opposition goalkeepers and defenders, forcing mistakes and creating turnovers that often lead to scoring opportunities. His commitment to the team’s defensive efforts makes him a well-rounded and invaluable asset
7. Dušan Vlahović
The Serbian striker has been on the ascent since his transfer to Juventus from Fiorentina in 2022.
During this period, he showed his goal-scoring abilities by scoring an impressive 25 goals. His name often appeared in the transfer rumor mill, with speculation about a potential move away from Turin, although no such move materialized.
On the international stage, Vlahovic has been a valuable asset for his country, Serbia, where he has already tallied an impressive 13 goals in 21 appearances. His scoring exploits for the national team have further underlined his potential and promise.
Vlahovic is a well-rounded attacker, known for his diverse skill set.
His physical strength, technical abilities, and innate scoring instincts make him a formidable force in the world of football. One of his key strengths is his ability to collect the ball in central zones or in inside right or left channels and maintain possession.
This skill allows him to link up play effectively, create goal-scoring opportunities, and contribute to his team’s attacking fluidity.
As he continues to develop and refine his skills, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
8. Darwin Nuñez
Nunez is quickly making his presence felt at Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan striker faced a challenging initiation to the Premier League, scoring just nine times in 29 league games during his debut season. However, there’s no doubt about his quality, and he has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
Nunez has a striking skill set that can disrupt even the most organized defenses.
His mobility is dynamic, allowing him to make powerful contributions to counterattacks, execute incisive movements in and around the opponent’s penalty area, and deliver shots with explosive force. These attributes make him a potent offensive force and a constant threat to the opposition.
One particular moment that proved Nunez’s decisiveness and strength was his performance in a crucial Premier League matchday 3 encounter against Newcastle.
Despite Liverpool being reduced to ten men, Nunez stepped up and played a pivotal role in securing a 2-1 victory. This display not only highlighted his brilliance but also his ability to make a major impact on important matches.
As he continues to adapt and thrive in the Premier League, it’s evident that he is on the rise to becoming one of the most formidable strikers in the world.
His blend of skill, mobility, and sheer determination is a valuable asset for Liverpool and a source of excitement for football fans worldwide.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
The living legend continues to defy age with his incredible goal-scoring exploits.
Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford may have ended amidst controversy, followed by a surprising free transfer to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but it doesn’t diminish the legendary status he holds in football.
As a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game.
Even during his return to Manchester United in the tumultuous 2021/22 season, Ronaldo displayed his scoring prowess with a commendable return of 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
He achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to score at five different FIFA World Cup tournaments when he found the net for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Since his move to Al Nassr, Ronaldo has continued to shine.
In his debut season, he made 16 appearances, scoring an impressive 14 goals and providing 6 assists. As of the latest statistics on 04 Sept 2023, he has already scored 6 goals in just 4 appearances, undeniable evidence of his goal-scoring ability.
His legacy is not just defined by his prolific goal-scoring records but also by his extensive trophy collection, which includes several domestic league titles, Champions League triumphs, and individual awards.
10. Jonathan David
David is undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers in today’s football, and the reasons for this oversight may, in part, be linked to his nationality, or perhaps not.
The 23-year-old, who was born in the United States but represents Canada, has consistently displayed his exceptional goal-scoring abilities.
He first showcased his goal-scoring instincts while playing for Gent in the highly competitive Belgium Pro League.
Subsequently, he made a move to the French side Lille, where he has continued to impress. His performances at Lille have firmly established him as one of the world’s best strikers.
What sets him apart is his remarkable consistency. In each of his three seasons at Lille, he has managed to achieve double-digit goal tallies.
However, his standout season came in 2022/2023 when he recorded a sweet 24 goals in the league alone. This feat is a shred of evidence of his incredible goal-scoring ability and his invaluable contribution to his team.
Despite being somewhat under the radar, David’s prolific performances on the pitch leave no doubt about his status as one of the best strikers in the world.
His ability to consistently find the back of the net is a valuable asset for any team, and his future in the world of football looks exceedingly bright
Other Notable Best Strikers In 2023
- Gonçalo Ramos
- Marcus Rashford
- Lautaro Martínez
- Gabriel Jesus
- Niclas Füllkrug
- Randal Kolo Muani
- Pedro
- Ivan Toney
- Ciro Immobile
- Christopher Nkunku