Top World Cup Goalscorers as Messi Joins Klose at No. 1

The FIFA World Cup has produced some of football’s most iconic goal scorers since the tournament began in 1930. From Pelé and Gerd Müller to Ronaldo Nazário, Miroslav Klose, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, the competition has remained the ultimate stage for players who define football history with goals.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has now moved level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City.

The three goals took Messi’s World Cup tally to 16, the same number Klose scored across four tournaments for Germany between 2002 and 2014.

France captain Kylian Mbappé also climbed higher on the list after scoring twice in France’s win over Senegal. His brace moved him to 14 World Cup goals, placing him alongside West Germany great Gerd Müller.

Below is the updated list of the leading goal scorers in men’s FIFA World Cup history.

1. Miroslav Klose — Germany

Miroslav Klose remains joint-top of the World Cup scoring chart with 16 goals. The German striker achieved the record across four tournaments: 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.

He scored his 16 goals in 24 matches and helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Klose’s consistency across multiple tournaments made him one of the most reliable finishers in World Cup history.

2. Lionel Messi — Argentina

Lionel Messi is now level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals. The Argentina captain reached the mark after scoring three times against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi has featured in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026. His goals have come across 27 matches, underlining his longevity at the highest level of international football.

3. Ronaldo Nazário — Brazil

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário sits third with 15 World Cup goals. He played in four tournaments: 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006.

Ronaldo was central to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Germany. His finishing, pace and movement made him one of the most feared forwards of his generation.

4. Gerd Müller — West Germany

Gerd Müller scored 14 goals for West Germany in just two World Cups, in 1970 and 1974.

His record is even more impressive because he reached that tally in only 13 matches. Müller was known for his sharp positioning and ability to finish chances inside the box.

5. Kylian Mbappé — France

Kylian Mbappé has also reached 14 World Cup goals after scoring twice for France against Senegal.

The French forward has played in three World Cups: 2018, 2022 and 2026. Still in his prime, Mbappé is one of the strongest candidates to eventually break the all-time World Cup scoring record.

6. Just Fontaine — France

Just Fontaine scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup, a record for a single tournament that still stands.

Remarkably, Fontaine reached that total in only six matches. Although he played in just one World Cup, his scoring record remains one of the greatest individual achievements in tournament history.

7. Pelé — Brazil

Pelé scored 12 World Cup goals across four tournaments: 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970.

The Brazilian icon won three World Cups and remains one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. His goals, creativity and influence helped Brazil become a dominant force in world football.

8. Jürgen Klinsmann — Germany

Jürgen Klinsmann scored 11 World Cup goals for West Germany and Germany.

He played in three tournaments: 1990, 1994 and 1998. Klinsmann was part of the West Germany team that won the 1990 World Cup and remained a major attacking figure for Germany through the 1990s.

9. Sándor Kocsis — Hungary

Sándor Kocsis also scored 11 World Cup goals, all at the 1954 tournament.

The Hungarian forward reached that figure in only five matches, making him one of the most efficient goalscorers in World Cup history. He was a key figure in Hungary’s famous team of the 1950s.

10. Players With 10 Goals

Several players are tied on 10 World Cup goals. They include Gabriel Batistuta of Argentina, Teófilo Cubillas of Peru, Grzegorz Lato of Poland, Gary Lineker of England, Thomas Müller of Germany and Helmut Rahn of West Germany.

Each of them left a major mark on the tournament, either through decisive goals, Golden Boot-winning performances or memorable contributions for their countries.

Updated All-Time World Cup Goalscorers

Rank	Player	Country	Goals
1	Miroslav Klose	Germany	16
2	Lionel Messi	Argentina	16
3	Ronaldo Nazário	Brazil	15
4	Gerd Müller	West Germany	14
5	Kylian Mbappé	France	14
6	Just Fontaine	France	13
7	Pelé	Brazil	12
8	Jürgen Klinsmann	Germany	11
9	Sándor Kocsis	Hungary	11
10	Gabriel Batistuta	Argentina	10
10	Teófilo Cubillas	Peru	10
10	Grzegorz Lato	Poland	10
10	Gary Lineker	England	10
10	Thomas Müller	Germany	10
10	Helmut Rahn	West Germany	10

Messi’s rise to the top has added another historic chapter to his already extraordinary career. But with Mbappé also closing in fast, the race to become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history may still have more drama ahead.