Top scorers in World Cup history
Scoring at a World Cup means writing your name into history. These are the players who have scored the most goals in World Cup history, a list that mixes legends of the past with stars who are still active today.
All-time top scorers ranking
| # | Player | National team | Goals | World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 | 2002–2014 |
| 2 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 15 | 1998–2006 |
| 3 | Gerd Müller | Germany | 14 | 1970–1974 |
| 4 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 | 1958 |
| 4 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 13 | 2006–2022 |
| 6 | Pelé | Brazil | 12 | 1958–1970 |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 12 | 2018–2022 |
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Ver App GratisRecords worth knowing
- Most goals overall: Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals across four World Cups, overtook Ronaldo in 2014.
- Most goals in a single edition: Just Fontaine scored 13 goals at Sweden 1958, a mark that still stands.
- Active scorers: Kylian Mbappé (12) arrives at the 2026 World Cup within reach of the top spots and could climb several places.
- Consistency: Klose scored at four different World Cups, something very few have achieved.
Why is it so hard to climb this list?
A World Cup is played every four years, and a player, at best, takes part in four or five editions. That is why reaching more than ten goals demands longevity, a sustained level and, almost always, going deep into the tournament several times.
Frequently asked questions
Do penalty goals count? Yes. Every valid goal in regular or extra time counts. Goals in penalty shootouts are not counted as goals.
What about own goals? No. An own goal does not count for the scorer.
Who scored the most goals in a single World Cup? Just Fontaine, with 13 goals in 1958.
Can Klose be overtaken in 2026? It is very hard in a single edition, but players like Mbappé can get closer over the course of their careers.
Want to master football and the 2026 World Cup? Test your knowledge with Football One Quiz, the official app for iOS and Android.
