Last update 28 November, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Who are the best strikers in football history? Surely this question has been asked by many fans of the beautiful sport.. The goal is soccer sauce and so, we propose to those who are at our discretion, some of the best center forwards in history.
in football, The forwards are the ones in charge of doing what everyone expects: the goal. This article is dedicated to those “9 classics”, the center forwards who marked an era for their ability to define, lead attacks and be the terror of rival defenses. Next, We present an enriched and expanded list of those that, in our opinion, son The best center forwards in the history of football.
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi They are indisputably two of the top scorers in the history of football., We have not included them in this list because we do not consider them pure center forwards. Both have played more versatile roles throughout their careers, standing out as extremes, midfielders or even false “9”, but they do not fit the classic profile of the center forward, that which lives and breathes within the area. His greatness is beyond doubt, but this list focuses on those “9” traditional ones whose main mission was to finish the plays.
The best forwards in the history of football
Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario He should be on the list of the best forwards in history. His impact on football was monumental, and his ability to score goals and dazzle with his skill makes him one of the greatest in the history of the position.. Throughout his career, Ronaldo showed unmatched skill in scoring goals, and despite serious injuries, He left an indelible mark on clubs like Barcelona, he Real Madrid, he Inter de Milan and the Brazil national team.
Considered by many as the “Phenomenon”, Ronaldo was not only a prolific goalscorer, but also an extremely technical striker, with explosive speed and a dribble that made rival defenses tremble. He was the winner of two Golden Balls and of 2 World Cups with Brazil.
Therefore, Ronaldo Nazario He occupies an undisputed place among the best forwards of all time.
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Gabriel Omar Batistuta
“Batigol” He is considered the best striker that Argentina has ever produced.. His ability to score in any situation, His relentless finishing and leadership made him a legend at Fiorentina and Roma, in addition to shining with the albiceleste. He is the Argentine top scorer in the World Cup and left an indelible mark on football..
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Gerd “Torpedo” Müller
The German was a goal scoring machine. He is one of the top scorers in history, standing out both in Bayern Munich and in the German national team, with which he won the Euro Cup 1972 and the World Cup 1974. Their 68 goals in 62 international matches make him one of the most lethal strikers ever seen.
Eusebius
The “Black Panther” He marked an era in Benfica and in the Portuguese team. Eusébio led Portugal to third place in the World Cup 1966, where he was the top scorer of the tournament. His technical ability and power made him one of the best strikers of all time..
Mario Alberto Kempes
He “Matador” He will always be remembered for his performance in the World Cup. 1978, where he led Argentina to the title, being the top scorer of the tournament. Kempes was a complete forward, with speed, technique and a great scoring nose that made him an icon both in his country and in Spain, where he shone in Valencia.
Marco Van Basten
The Dutchman was an elegant and lethal striker. He shone at Ajax and AC Milan, and won the Ballon d'Or three times. (1988, 1989, 1992). His goal in the Euro Cup final 1988 It is one of the masterpieces of football. A premature injury retired him early, but his legacy remains intact.
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Hugo Sanchez
The best Mexican player of all time and one of the most spectacular forwards. His ability to score Chilean goals and his nose for goals made him a legend at Real Madrid., where he won five consecutive Pichichi trophies. With the Mexican team, also left an indelible mark.
Romário
One of the most technical and lethal forwards that Brazil has produced. Romário led his country to win the World Cup 1994, being the great figure of the tournament. With its unique style, combined dribbles, speed and definition to become one of the most complete forwards in history.
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George Weah
The only African to win a Ballon d'Or (1995). Weah stood out in teams like AC Milan, PSG and Monaco. His physical power, His ability to drive the ball and his scoring ability made him a unique striker in his generation..
Alan Shearer
Shearer is synonymous with goals in England. He is the Premier League's all-time top scorer with 260 many. His career developed mainly at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.. His powerful shot and his presence in the area made him an unstoppable forward..
Christian Vieri
The Italian was a true predator in the area. Christian Vieri He stood out in teams like Inter Milan and Lazio, and was a key figure in the Italian team during the years 90 and principles of 2000. His physical strength and precision made him one of the best strikers of his generation..
Other of the best forwards in history
Didier drogba
The Ivorian striker shone at Chelsea, where he won multiple titles. His physical power and his ability to appear in key moments make him one of the best forwards of the 21st century..
Raul Gonzalez
The eternal captain of Real Madrid is one of the top scorers in the history of the Champions League. His intelligence on the field and his ability to finish made him a legend.
Robert Lewandowski
Although it is still active, The Pole has proven to be one of the best strikers of all time. His scoring ability and consistency place him among the greatest. He is also one of the players with the most goals in the history of the Champions League..
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
With a career full of titles and spectacular goals, Zlatan has been a unique striker, combining technique, strength and charisma.
Fernando Peyroteo
The Portuguese striker has one of the highest goal averages in history, marking 332 goals in 197 matches with Sporting Lisbon.
Henrik Larsson
The Swede was a versatile forward who shone for Celtic, Barcelona and Manchester United. His ability to adapt to different playing styles made him special.
Jürgen Klinsmann
Although he is not always mentioned among the “bigger” in forward debates, Jürgen Klinsmann He was a consistent scorer., with more than 300 goals in his professional career and a great legacy in international football. Definitely, He is a player who has left his mark in the history of forwards.
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