At over 16 million viewers, the 2022 World Cup made history amongst English-language men’s telecasts as the most watched as we see with Europa League predictions.
The competition pits the world’s best players against one another for the sport’s most famous trophies. Over the years, many outstanding players have set a World Cup standard for upcoming players.
This post looks at the astonishing records of the World Cup’s top goal scorers.
Highest Scorers World Cup
From Messi to Ronaldo, Benzema, and more, these champions prove excellent during regular seasons and with their home teams. Here are players with at least 11 World Cup goals.
Miroslav Klose
Germany’s Miroslav Klose tops the list of World Cup goals with an incredible 16 goals. Klose has played in 24 World Cup matches, leading his country to one World Cup title in 2014.
Klose is lauded for his ability to score box goals and exceptional aerial prowess.
Cristiano Ronaldo
With an incredible 15 goals in World Cup history, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo comes in second. Ronaldo has played in 22 World Cup matches since his debut at the 2006 tournament.
During missing World Cup titles, many regard Ronaldo as one of the all-time best footballers. He claims many other accolades, including the scoring record (!41) in the Champions League and his contribution to Europa League predictions today.
Gerd Muller
Germany’s Gerd Muller is third with 14 goals in 13 World Cup matches. Muller led his nation to the 1974 World Cup title, where he delivered the deciding goal in the final game against the Netherlands.
Muller is considered one of the greatest strikers in football history, with an impressive goals-to-games ratio.
Lionel Messi
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is at the forefront of the World Cup’s top goal scorers.
Messi has scored 13 goals in 24 World Cup matches. That includes seven in the 2022 World Cup, where his team took the title.
Messi is widely recognized as one of the greatest footballers in history. He boasts the most goals (494) in La Liga and won the Ballon d’Or eight times.
Just Fontaine
France’s Just Fontaine commands the title for most goals in a World Cup tournament. In the 1958 tournament, Fontaine netted 13 goals in just six matches, helping his team to the semi-finals.
Fontaine’s noteworthy performance earned him the top marksman title in the 1958 World Cup. With a goal-to-match ratio of 2.17, he’s one of the only two players with over 2.00 per World Cup appearance.
Pele
Brazil’s Pele is next with 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches. Pele won three World Cup titles starting in 1958.
Many regard him as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his impact on the sport is immeasurable. He was named Player of the Century in 1999, and his career included over 1,000 goals in competitive matches.
Kylian Mbappé
France’s Kylian Mbappé tied with Pele at 12 goals and played 14 World Cup matches. The star helped lead his nation to the 2018 World Cup title. He was the best goal scorer at the 2022 World Cup, with eight goals.
The 24-year-old shows much promise, being one of the only four players with over ten goals in under three World Cups. His speed, skill, and exceptional finishing make him a dangerous opponent.
Sandor Kocsis
Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis comes next with 11 goals in five World Cup matches. Kocsis was a part of the 1954 World Cup squad.
He was famous for his exceptional goal-game ratio, with an impressive 2.20. That makes him top of the only two to have more than 2.00 in the World Cup.
Jürgen Klinsmann
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Germany’s Jürgen Klinsmann rounds out the top nine with 11 goals in 17 World Cup matches. Klinsmann has played in three World Cups since his debut in 1990. His other tournament appearances were in 1994 and 1998.
Klinsmann is known for his prolific goal-scoring and all-around attacking play.
Conclusion
From Miroslav Klose to Lionel Messi, the list of players with the most goals in World Cup history has some of the greatest footballers who also have impacted Europa League picks. These players have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
