Scoring goals remains the most valuable currency in football, and in a tactical age that demands more from forwards—pressing, creating, and linking play—the true number nine has evolved. The modern elite striker combines lethal finishing with versatility and intelligence. Here’s a look at the top 10 strikers lighting up world football right now and what sets them apart.

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10. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)

A classic late bloomer, Guirassy’s journey from journeyman to top-tier goal machine is remarkable. After solid spells in France and Germany, his move to Stuttgart in 2022/23 helped them survive relegation. The following season, he exploded into form, prompting Borussia Dortmund to activate his €18m release clause.

The Guinea international has since repaid Dortmund with 30 goals this season, leading the Champions League scoring charts with 13 in 14 games. With 58 goals in 70 games since the start of last season, his strength and instincts make him one of Europe’s most clinical strikers.

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9. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

After playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland at Manchester City, Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in a bold £80 million move—and he hasn’t looked back. With 26 goals this season, he’s flourished as a central figure in attack.

Despite being just 25, Alvarez already boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including a World Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and multiple league titles. His movement, pressing, and finishing make him an ideal modern striker.

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8. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon)

Gyökeres is perhaps the most underrated name on this list. Overlooked by Premier League clubs after an average start in English football, he’s now a revelation at Sporting Lisbon. He led them to a league title last season and has already surpassed 40 goals again this campaign, totaling an incredible 90 goals in 96 appearances.

His combination of power, agility, and ruthless finishing has made him the star of Portuguese football. A big-money move to one of Europe’s top five leagues seems inevitable.

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7. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli)

Osimhen shocked the football world by joining Galatasaray on loan after a rumored mega move didn’t materialize. The 2022/23 Serie A MVP had led Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years, but a breakdown in relations saw him leave temporarily.

Now in Turkey, he’s simply outclassed the Süper Lig, scoring 29 goals already. With his explosive pace, strength, and aerial prowess, he remains one of the world’s most dangerous number nines and is expected to secure a major transfer this summer.

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6. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

Despite being underappreciated outside Italy, Lautaro has quietly become a goal-scoring machine at Inter Milan. Now the club’s top foreign scorer with over 150 goals, he’s been instrumental in their domestic dominance and treble pursuit.

His partnership with Marcus Thuram is one of Europe’s best, and he continues to shine on the international stage with 32 goals for Argentina. Martinez’s blend of work rate, technique, and finishing is elite.

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5. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

Isak has matured into one of the Premier League’s most elegant and effective forwards. Early comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović may have been premature, but Isak now justifies the hype.

The Swedish striker has scored 50 goals faster than almost anyone in Premier League history and helped Newcastle end their 70-year domestic trophy drought. After consecutive 20+ goal seasons in the league, he’s becoming one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe.

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4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Rumors of Lewandowski’s decline have proven premature. At 36, he’s having his best season at Barcelona, leading La Liga in scoring and adding another 15 in cup competitions to surpass 40 goals for the eighth time in his career.

With support from young stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Lewandowski’s role has become more focused—and he’s delivering at an elite level, leading Barca’s pursuit of a treble under Hansi Flick.

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3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland continues to rewrite the record books. Since arriving in England, he’s shattered the Premier League single-season scoring record and netted 120 goals in 138 games for City.

Despite a tougher year for the club, Haaland still scored over 20 goals again. He may not offer the all-round game of others, but his finishing and physical dominance are unmatched. He is the ultimate goal-getter.

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2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has proven he can thrive away from the Premier League spotlight. With more than a goal per game in the Bundesliga, he became only the second Englishman to win the European Golden Shoe last season.

Though silverware has eluded him so far, that drought is expected to end soon. Kane remains one of the world’s most intelligent and clinical forwards, with a scoring rate few can match over the past decade.

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1. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Mbappe’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid finally happened—and while his start was slow, he’s now in full stride. With 33 goals in all competitions, he’s carried the team at times when stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo underperformed.

At just 26, Mbappe already has 500 career goal contributions. Though not a traditional number nine, his pace, movement, and killer instinct make him unplayable on his day. When motivated, there may be no one in football more unstoppable.

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Conclusion

This year’s top strikers showcase the diversity in modern forward play—from traditional finishers like Kane and Lewandowski to explosive forwards like Mbappe and Haaland. While the role has evolved, the goal remains the same: putting the ball in the back of the net. These ten players are the best in the world at doing just that.