Top five goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history

The quadrennial tournament in the history of football, the World Cup has seen countless strikers from different parts of the globe. But there exists select players, who mastered the art of scoring goals, frequently. From the last gasp winners to bicycle kicks, these players scored when it mattered for the team. While modern-day football has evolved, the goal-scoring standards in the World Cup are different. 

The pure striking ability, mental resilience, and playing to the gallery; these players know it all. The list not only contains the strikers but also the midfielders who knew to pop up at the right time and right place in the most crucial moments of the game. Here are the top 5 goalscorers in World Cup history, who have etched the records over the last century. 

1. Miroslav Klose - Germany - 16 goals 

The Polish-born German international is not known for his elegance on the pitch but for his aerial prowess and positional play. He was lethal in the box due to his aforementioned abilities. Miroslav Klose played over four tournaments (2002-2014), representing Germany. He started as a promising header specialist to evolve himself into the most reliable aerial threat for the Germans. 

The most memorable goal for Miroslav Klose came in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil in 2014. He broke Ronaldo's record with a poacher-esque finish after the Brazilian shot-stopper saved the goal, finishing the rebound. The ability to remain consistent, scoring three to four goals in multiple World Cups made the player special. He is the only player in the history of the game, who has appeared in four consecutive World Cup semi-finals, lifting the trophy in 2014.

2. Ronaldo Nazario- Brazil - 15 goals

Given the title, “O Fenomeno”, he terrorized defenses across multiple World Cups despite the career-threatening knee injuries during his career. The finest FIFA World Cup for the Brazilian came in 2002, where he mustered eight goals, including two goals against Germany in the finals. He removed demons of the mysterious illness he had before the 1998 final. 

Ronaldo Nazario scored the most spectacular goal against Turkey in the semifinals. He received a pass from Gilberto Silva and executed a trademark step-over, confusing the keeper before finding the back of the net. In the 2006 World Cup, despite his age and fading supremacy, he managed to break Gerd Muller’s long-standing record and climb up to first place.  

3. Gerd Müller - West Germany - 14 goals

The undisputed German legend, Der Bomber played only two World Cups and amassed a humongous number of goals, that kept him at the top of the tally for a very long time. He had the uncanny ability to score from any angle, making the goalkeeper's life hell. The defining moment of the German striker came in the 1974 final, where against the Netherlands, he swiveled in the box, which was crowded, and scored the winner to allow West Germany to win the title. 

Muller’s spectacular goal against Peru cannot be forgotten. The acrobatic volley in the game displayed Muller’s athleticism which shocked fans, who thought the stocky player could not find the goal that way. Ten of 14 goals in the tournament came in the knockout game. He also holds the incredible strike rate of 2.47 goals per 90- the best amongst the players with at least 10 World Cup goals. 

4. Just Fontaine - France - 13 goals

Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single tournament (1958) remains one of football's unbreakable records. All the more remarkable considering this was his only World Cup appearance. His masterpiece came against defending champions West Germany in the third-place playoff - a hat-trick in a 6-3 win, including a magnificent chip over the keeper after beating three defenders.

What makes Fontaine's achievement even more extraordinary is that he wasn't even France's first-choice striker before the tournament. He scored in every game he played, including four against defending champions West Germany, displaying a complete striking repertoire - headers, volleys, and clinical one-on-ones

5. Lionel Messi - Argentina - 13 goals 

The modern-day great, the Argentine legend, Lionel Messi finally was able to land the FIFA World Cup in 2022 when Argentina defeated France in the thrilling finale. The prodigious footballer has featured over five World Cups, the fifth tournament being the most fruitful one. The player capped the tournament with seven goals and three assists. Over the five tournaments, he has bagged 13 goals, tying with France’s Fontaine. In case he happens to play in the next World Cup, Messi might retire as the player with the highest goals in the World Cup story. 

The memorable goal for Lionel Messi has to be the one against Mexico, where he had a low, precise strike from outside the box, sparking a resurgence of the La Albiceleste after their early defeat in the campaign.