FIFA World Cup Highest Goal Scorers: Top 13 Players With Most Goals in Tournament History
The FIFA World Cup has always been the biggest stage for football’s greatest goal scorers. Over the years, legends from different generations have created unforgettable moments with their goals, from record-breaking performances to match-winning strikes on the world stage.
From Miroslav Klose’s historic record to Lionel Messi’s incredible rise and Kylian Mbappé’s explosive performances, several superstars have written their names into World Cup history.
Here is the updated list of the top 13 highest goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history as of June 2026.
Top 13 FIFA World Cup Highest Goal Scorers List
13. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 10 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to remain among football’s biggest names as he enters the elite list of World Cup goal scorers. The Portuguese superstar reached 10 World Cup goals after scoring a brace against Uzbekistan during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. His achievement further strengthens his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
12. Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) – 10 Goals
Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta was one of the most feared strikers of his generation. He scored 10 goals across three FIFA World Cup editions, featuring in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 tournaments. His powerful finishing made him one of Argentina’s greatest World Cup forwards.
11. Gary Lineker (England) – 10 Goals
Gary Lineker remains one of England’s most iconic World Cup players. Despite playing in only two editions, the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, Lineker scored 10 goals in 12 matches and won the Golden Boot in the 1986 tournament.
10. Helmut Rahn (West Germany) – 10 Goals
Helmut Rahn played a crucial role in West Germany’s 1954 World Cup triumph. He scored 10 goals across the 1954 and 1958 tournaments and became one of the heroes of Germany’s first World Cup title.
9. Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 Goals
Jürgen Klinsmann represented both West Germany and Germany during his World Cup career. The striker scored 11 goals across three tournaments and was known for his movement, finishing and attacking intelligence.
8. Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 Goals
Sándor Kocsis produced one of the greatest individual World Cup campaigns in 1954. He scored 11 goals in just five matches, helping Hungary reach the final. His incredible goal-per-game record remains one of the best in tournament history.
7. Pelé (Brazil) – 12 Goals
Pelé is regarded as one of football’s greatest-ever players. The Brazilian legend scored 12 World Cup goals and played a key role in Brazil winning three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
6. Just Fontaine (France) – 13 Goals
Just Fontaine created one of the most remarkable World Cup records in history. He scored 13 goals in only six matches during the 1958 World Cup, a record for goals in a single tournament that still stands.
5. Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 14 Goals
Known as one of the most clinical finishers ever, Gerd Müller scored 14 goals in 13 World Cup appearances. He helped West Germany win the 1974 FIFA World Cup and remains one of the greatest strikers the sport has produced.
4. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 Goals
Ronaldo Nazário, popularly known as “The Phenomenon,” dominated World Cup football with his pace and finishing ability. He scored 15 goals across four tournaments and played a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory.
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 Goals
Miroslav Klose held the FIFA World Cup scoring record for years. The German striker scored 16 goals in 24 matches across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014. He also lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014.
2. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 16 Goals
Kylian Mbappé has quickly climbed the World Cup scoring charts with his outstanding performances. The France captain reached 16 goals after another impressive World Cup campaign and is now level with Miroslav Klose. At his age, Mbappé has a strong chance of breaking the all-time record.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 19 Goals
Lionel Messi leads the FIFA World Cup highest goal scorers list with 19 goals. The Argentine superstar, a 2022 World Cup winner and Golden Ball recipient, has continued his historic journey in the 2026 tournament.
Messi’s incredible consistency, playmaking ability and finishing have made him one of the greatest World Cup players ever. His record-breaking performances have placed him above legendary names and created another historic chapter in football history.
Statistics sourced from FIFA official records and World Cup match data. Updated on June 28, 2026.
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