Looking back at the illustrious history of the FIFA World Cup, one cannot overlook the remarkable achievements of the all-time top goal scorers in World Cup history.
The FIFA World Cup has witnessed some of the greatest footballers in history showcase their talents on the grandest stage. When it comes to goal-scoring prowess, certain players have left an indelible mark on the tournament's history. Here are the all-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup history:
Miroslav Klose (Germany)
With a staggering 16 goals, Klose sits atop the list. He surpassed Ronaldo's record during the 2014 World Cup, solidifying his place as the tournament's most prolific scorer.
Ronaldo (Brazil)
The legendary Brazilian forward, known for his mesmerizing skills, amassed a total of 15 World Cup goals throughout his illustrious career. His clinical finishing and remarkable agility made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Gerd Müller (Germany)
Müller's predatory instincts in front of goal earned him 14 World Cup goals. His ability to find the back of the net with ease made him a key figure in Germany's success during the 1970s.
Fontaine (France)
Fontaine's exceptional performance in the 1958 World Cup saw him score a remarkable 13 goals in just six matches, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single tournament.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals in 26 matches at the football World Cup. He scored seven goals at Qatar 2022.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe scored 12 goals in the FIFA World Cup, equalizing Pelé's total. He scored four goals in the 2018 World Cup in seven games after being crowned world Champion with France and eight goals in the 2022 World Cup.
Pelé (Brazil)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé netted an impressive 12 World Cup goals. His skill, vision, and creativity mesmerized audiences, and he played a crucial role in Brazil's multiple World Cup victories.
These players have etched their names in World Cup history through their extraordinary goal-scoring exploits. Their contributions on the world's biggest stage will forever be remembered as they continue to inspire generations of footballers to strive for greatness.
All Time Top Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History
| Rank | Player (Team) | Goals scored | Matches | Editions scored in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miroslav Klose (Germany) | 16 | 24 | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 |
| 2 | Ronaldo (Brazil) | 15 | 19 | 1998, 2002, 2006 |
| 3 | Gerd Muller (Germany) | 14 | 13 | 1970, 1974 |
| 4 | Just Fontaine (France) | 13 | 6 | 1958 |
| 4 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 13 | 26 | 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappe | 12 | 14 | 2018, 2022 |
| 6 | Pele (Brazil) | 12 | 14 | 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 |
| 8 | Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) | 11 | 5 | 1954 |
| 8 | Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) | 11 | 17 | 1990, 1994, 1998 |
| 10 | Helmut Rahn (Germany) | 10 | 10 | 1954, 1958 |
| 10 | Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) | 10 | 12 | 1994, 1998, 2002 |
| 10 | Gary Lineker (England) | 10 | 12 | 1986, 1990 |
| 10 | Teofilo Cubillas (Peru) | 10 | 13 | 1970, 1978 |
| 10 | Thomas Muller (Germany) | 10 | 16 | 2010, 2014 |
| 10 | Grzegorz Lato (Poland) | 10 | 20 | 1974, 1978, 1982 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
