Nigerian strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface have recently been recognized by SPORTbible as two of the top 10 best strikers in the world. In a list that focuses solely on center-forwards playing in the number nine role, Osimhen and Boniface stand out among their peers. The only other compatriots on the list are Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Osimhen, in particular, has been in the spotlight, having recently claimed the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award for his exceptional goal-scoring performance for Napoli in the 2022/23 season. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 best center forwards as ranked by SPORTbible:
10. Robert Lewandowski
The Poland captain has consistently been one of the best strikers in the world. While he showcased his best form at Bayern Munich, the 35-year-old has continued to demonstrate his class at Barcelona. Last season, Lewandowski won the Pichichi award by scoring 23 goals, securing the LaLiga top scorer title and helping Barcelona win the league. This season, he has already scored 15 goals across all competitions for the defending champions.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
Although some may argue that the Saudi Pro League is not as competitive, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself. In 2023, he bagged 54 goals for club and country, making him the world’s top scorer. Currently playing for Al Nassr, the Portuguese legend has already netted 21 goals in 19 league games this season, along with four goals in six AFC Champions League games.
8. Julian Alvarez
The World Cup winner has occasionally played in a deeper role this season but remains a number nine at heart. Alvarez has excelled in that position, playing a crucial part in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign last season and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory. He has already scored 14 goals this season across all competitions for City.
7. Victor Boniface
At just 23 years old, Boniface has developed into one of the most lethal frontmen in the game. He has contributed 16 goals and eight assists for table-topping Bayer Leverkusen. Despite missing over two months of action due to injury, Boniface is still Leverkusen’s top scorer and has been instrumental in their pursuit of a first Bundesliga title. Currently, they sit at the top of the table with 58 points after 22 matches.
6. Heung-Min Son
After the departure of Harry Kane, Ange Postecoglou moved Son centrally and appointed him as the captain. The South Korea international has embraced both responsibilities and has made significant contributions in front of goal and creatively. Son has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists for Tottenham this season.
5. Lautaro Martinez
Martinez is a highly underrated striker and the second Argentine on this list. He currently leads the Serie A top scorer chart with 20 goals, just eight behind the second-placed striker. Martinez’s form this season could potentially lead Inter to the Scudetto and has attracted interest from top clubs in the Premier League and Europe. He also played a crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup win.
4. Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is one of the most sought-after strikers in the world. As the African Footballer of the Year, he was unstoppable last season, helping Napoli win the league for the first time since 1990. With 26 goals, he finished as the league’s top scorer. Although he hasn’t reached the same heights this season, Osimhen is still highly regarded and is expected to make a big move in the summer. Chelsea is among the interested clubs, reportedly ready to pay his €130m release clause.
3. Kylian Mbappe
The World Cup winner possesses incredible pace and finishing ability, making him a truly devastating forward. A potential move to Real Madrid could position Mbappe for a Ballon d’Or, as he finished third in the last ranking, just behind Haaland and Lionel Messi. Mbappe scored 53 goals last season, making him the second-highest goal scorer, just one goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo. This season, he has already scored 31 goals across all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain.
2. Harry Kane
Kane has been one of the best strikers in world football for several years. Since his summer move to Bayern Munich, he has scored an impressive 28 goals in 29 games.
1. Erling Haaland
Haaland’s debut season in England was nothing short of remarkable, as he scored a record-breaking 52 goals for Manchester City, helping them secure the treble. Although he has faced injury setbacks this season, Haaland has returned to form and is already on 21 goals in 26 games. His performance against Everton included a brace, solidifying his position as one of the best strikers in the world.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
