All-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup history
Discover the leading goal scorers in men's World Cup history and how they made their mark.

Discover the leading goal scorers in men's World Cup history and how they made their mark.The FIFA World Cup is the apex of international football, a stage where legends are born and records are etched. Among the many feats achieved at the tournament, scoring goals on the biggest stage is one of the most celebrated. Over the years, a handful of players have engraved their names in history by becoming prolific scorers across multiple World Cups. Here, GOAL takes a deep dive into the top all-time goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history, their legendary status, and what made them unforgettable.
Pele - Brazil
No list of top World Cup goal scorers is complete without mentioning the legendary Pele. The Brazilian icon scored an impressive 12 goals in his World Cup career, winning the tournament three times in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Known for his flair, skill, and ability to perform on the biggest stage, Pele's goal-scoring record is a testament to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Miroslav Klose - Germany
Miroslav Klose holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history, with 16 goals to his name. The German striker achieved this milestone over four World Cup tournaments, showcasing his consistency and predatory instincts in front of goal. Klose's ability to deliver on the grandest stage solidified his reputation as a top-class goal scorer.
Just Fontaine - France
Just Fontaine's remarkable World Cup performance in 1958 earned him a place among the top goal scorers in tournament history. The French striker scored 13 goals in just one World Cup, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single tournament. Fontaine's lethal finishing and goal-scoring prowess remain etched in World Cup folklore to this day.
Gerd Muller - Germany
Gerd Muller's goal-scoring prowess for Germany in the 1970s saw him become one of the leading scorers in World Cup history. With 14 goals to his name, Muller's clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments were instrumental in Germany's success at the tournament. His goal-scoring record cements his legacy as a World Cup great.
Ronaldo - Brazil
Ronaldo's performances for Brazil in the late 1990s and early 2000s established him as one of the most prolific goal scorers in World Cup history. With 15 goals to his name, the Brazilian striker's combination of speed, skill, and finishing ability made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Ronaldo's goal-scoring exploits contributed to Brazil's triumph in the 2002 World Cup.