Strikers are the driving force of a football team!
Having the most technically skilled inverted full-back, the most robust box-to-box midfielder, and the most effortlessly skilled playmaker may seem impressive, but their contributions become inconsequential without a player adept at consistently finding the back of the net. The evolution of the sport has broadened the scope of goalscoring, and modern strikers are no longer confined to merely hitting the target. Nevertheless, their primary objective remains to put the ball in the back of the net. When evaluating the top strikers globally, scoring frequency is significant but not the sole determining factor. The evolving role demands consideration of various factors beyond just goal-scoring efficiency.
Erling Haaland may not possess the innate talent or marketability of Kylian Mbappe. Still, he currently excels as the best in the world at the primary task of a striker: scoring goals. Haaland is an extraordinary talent, a true phenomenon. Standing tall at 6'5" and endowed with incredible speed, the Norwegian superstar is football's equivalent of Ivan Drago.
His goalscoring prowess has led him to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, proving anyone sceptical about his ability to maintain his impressive form in the challenging Premier League wrong. There's a straightforwardness to Haaland's style of play that is almost uncanny. His impact on the game feels inevitable.
Robert Lewandowski has often been overlooked for the credit he truly deserves. Had it not been for the cancellation of the Ballon d'Or during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, he would undoubtedly boast one of the coveted golden balls. Having dominated the Bundesliga for a decade, Lewandowski made a noteworthy move to Barcelona in the summer, continuing his impressive scoring streak.
The Polish international embodies the finest qualities of his elite counterparts, creating a nearly complete centre-forward profile. While he may not match Kylian Mbappe's speed or Erling Haaland's physical prowess, and he may lack Karim Benzema's distinctive beard or Harry Kane's ability to deliver 80-yard diagonals, Lewandowski stands as an efficient force in his own right.
Karim Benzema found himself in the spotlight after Cristiano Ronaldo departed from Real Madrid in 2018, and he has certainly lived up to the challenge. After a less-than-stellar 2017/18 season in scoring, Benzema rebounded with impressive La Liga campaigns, notching 21, 21, 23, and 27 goals in consecutive seasons, solidifying his status as one of the premier strikers globally.
The Frenchman leads by example on the field, with his goalscoring contributions crucial to Real Madrid's league title victories in 2019/20 and 2021/22, as well as their Champions League triumph in the latter. Benzema's play displays a subtle genius, regularly outsmarting opposition defences, and his form over the past 18 months has been truly remarkable. As the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, it's challenging to exclude him from the top five now!
There have been numerous instances where the England captain appeared to be the premier playmaker globally. Kane possesses exceptional passing ability and can score goals with unparalleled proficiency.
While the long-awaited trophy has yet to materialise, Kane's brilliance remains undeniable. His upcoming transfer to Bayern this summer suggests that silverware is on the horizon for him.
Victor Osimhen's performance in Serie A has substantiated the substantial transfer fee Napoli invested in acquiring him from Lille in 2020. He has burst onto the scene as a crucial component of Napoli's dynamic attack, striking fear into opposing defences with his exceptional athleticism and relentless runs behind the backline. The Nigerian international stands out as one of the most valuable assets globally, playing a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their first Scudetto since the era of Diego Maradona.
This list comprises veterans and players currently taking the world by storm. As football breathes again, these players will cement their position among the game's greats!
