From Just Fontaine’s astonishing performance in 1958 to the lasting talents of Ronaldo, Gerd Muller, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe, the…
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Since the inception of the FIFA World Cup in 1930, it has showcased some of the sport’s most legendary goal scorers. During the FIFA World Cup 2026, the all-time scoring rankings saw significant changes, as both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe surpassed Miroslav Klose’s longstanding record. Messi temporarily held the title of the tournament’s top scorer, but Mbappe eventually claimed the lead after an outstanding performance. Here’s a rundown of the top scorers in FIFA World Cup history, as recognized by FIFA. (Reuters)
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Kylian Mbappe – France
Goals: 22
World Cups participated: Three – 2018 (four goals), 2022 (eight goals), 2026 (ten goals)
Matches played: 22
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Lionel Messi – Argentina
Goals: 21
World Cups participated: Six – 2006 (one goal), 2010 (none), 2014 (four goals), 2018 (one goal), 2022 (seven goals), 2026 (eight goals so far)
Matches played: 33
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Miroslav Klose – Germany
Goals: 16
World Cups participated: Four – 2002 (five goals), 2006 (five goals), 2010 (four goals), 2014 (two goals)
Matches played: 24
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Ronaldo – Brazil
Goals: 15
World Cups participated: Four – 1994 (none), 1998 (four goals), 2002 (eight goals), 2006 (three goals)
Matches played: 19
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Harry Kane – England
Goals: 14
World Cups participated: Three – 2018 (six goals), 2022 (two goals), 2026 (six goals)
Matches played: 18
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Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Goals: 11
World Cups participated: Six – 2006 (one goal), 2010 (one goal), 2014 (one goal), 2018 (four goals), 2022 (one goal), 2026 (three goals)
Matches played: 27
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Neymar – Brazil
Goals: 9
World Cups participated: Four – 2014 (four goals), 2018 (two goals), 2022 (two goals), 2026 (one goal)
Matches played: 15
