The Top 10 Goal Scorers in FIFA Men's World Cup History

As of December 21, 2025 (post-2022 Qatar World Cup), here are the all-time top 10 leading goal scorers in FIFA World Cup finals tournaments (goals from the final stages only).

1. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals

Across 4 tournaments: 2002 (5 goals), 2006 (5), 2010 (4), 2014 (2). Played 24 matches.
The reliable striker broke Ronaldo's record with his 16th goal in the 2014 semi-final against Brazil (7-1). He won the World Cup in 2014 and is known for his aerial ability and consistency.

2. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 goals

Across 4 tournaments: 1998 (4), 2002 (8), 2006 (3). Played 19 matches (1994 squad member but no games).
"The Phenomenon" won the Golden Boot in 2002, scoring twice in the final to lead Brazil to the title – a redemption after injuries and the 1998 final loss.

3. Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 14 goals

Across 2 tournaments: 1970 (10), 1974 (4). Played 13 matches.
"Der Bomber" holds the record for most goals in fewer matches. He scored 10 in 1970 (Golden Boot) and the winning goal in the 1974 final.

Tied for 4th – 13 goals

4. Just Fontaine (France):

All 13 in one tournament (1958, 6 matches).
The unbreakable single-tournament record, including four in one game against West Germany.

5. Lionel Messi (Argentina):

Across 5 tournaments: 2006 (1), 2010 (0), 2014 (4), 2018 (1), 2022 (7). Played 26 matches.
Scored in the 2022 final and won the Golden Ball as Argentina lifted the trophy.

Tied for 7th – 12 goals

6. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 12 goals

Across 2 tournaments: 2018 (4), 2022 (8). Played 14 matches.
Golden Boot winner in 2018; scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final (the first since 1966), though France lost on penalties.

7. Pelé (Brazil):

Across 4 tournaments: 1958 (6), 1962 (1, injured early), 1966 (1), 1970 (4). Played 14 matches.
The only player to win three World Cups; iconic for his skill and goals in 1958 and 1970 finals.

Tied for 9th – 11 goals

8. Sándor Kocsis (Hungary):

All 11 in one tournament (1954, 5 matches). Known as the "Golden Head" for headers; Hungary lost the final to West Germany.

9. Jürgen Klinsmann (West Germany/Germany):

Across 3 tournaments: 1990 (3), 1994 (5), 1998 (3).

10. Thomas Müller (Germany) – 10 goals (tied with several others including Gabriel Batistuta, Gary Lineker, Teófilo Cubillas, and Grzegorz Lato at 10).
Across 3 tournaments: 2010 (5), 2014 (5), 2022 (0). Played 19 matches.
Known as "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter); won Golden Boot in 2010 and the title in 2014.With the 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams and more matches, young stars like Mbappé could climb rapidly. Klose's record has held since 2014.

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