For a time, the legendary number 9 jersey seemed to fade from elite football. Creative forwards and versatile attackers preferred the flair of numbers 10 or 7. But in recent seasons, the traditional center-forward role has made a powerful comeback. From goal machines to complete forwards, today’s top number 9s are leading the lines at Europe’s biggest clubs.
Below, we rank the best number 9 strikers in world football right now based on goals, overall impact, and silverware.
🥇 1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Stats (2024/25): 30 goals, 8 assists
England’s all-time top scorer has seamlessly adapted to life in Germany. Kane is not only scoring at an elite rate but also contributing creatively in a Bayern side that continues to chase European glory.
🥈 2. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & Poland)
Stats (2024/25): 24 goals, 6 assists
At 36, Lewandowski shows no signs of slowing down. The Polish striker has found a new gear under Hansi Flick, proving age is just a number for this clinical veteran.
🥉 3. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP & Sweden)
Stats (2024/25): 53 goals, 11 assists (all comps)
The Swedish powerhouse has exploded in Portugal, becoming one of Europe’s most feared forwards. His strength, movement, and finishing are the full package.
4. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)
Stats (2024/25): 30 goals, 4 assists
Despite injuries, Haaland remains one of the most lethal finishers in the game. His shot-to-touch ratio is unmatched, and his presence alone reshapes defenses.
5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)
Stats (2024/25): 40 goals, 4 assists
Mbappé may prefer the number 7, but he’s wearing 9 in Madrid and doing it justice. He’s a nightmare for defenders, combining pace, dribbling, and deadly finishing.
6. Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan & France)
Stats (2024/25): 18 goals, 9 assists
Thuram’s versatility and physicality have made him key to Inter’s success. A league title and consistent Champions League form mark his rise to elite status.
7. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea)
Stats (2024/25): 34 goals, 9 assists
The Bundesliga star has transitioned from Stuttgart to Dortmund, maintaining his goal-scoring prowess and co-winning the Champions League Golden Boot.
8. Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid & Norway)
Stats (2024/25): 21 goals, 2 assists
The Norwegian striker is proving his worth in La Liga after a stellar season at Villarreal. His strength and composure in front of goal make him a constant threat.
9. Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club & Spain)
Stats (2024/25): 11 goals, 9 assists
More than just a scorer, Williams brings relentless energy and creativity to Bilbao. His loyalty and leadership make him a club legend in the making.
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10. Jonathan David (LOSC Lille & Canada)
Stats (2024/25): 25 goals, 10 assists
David continues to thrive in France, with his clinical performances drawing interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. His Champions League impact cannot be ignored.
11. Dušan Vlahović (Juventus & Serbia)
Stats (2024/25): 15 goals, 5 assists
While Juve’s defensive style hasn’t always suited Vlahović, he continues to deliver with limited service. His talent is undeniable, and a better setup could unleash even more.
⚽ The Resurgence of the Number 9
From Haaland to Gyökeres, the resurgence of traditional strikers is reshaping modern football. These players combine old-school instincts with new-school skills, proving that the number 9 is once again the heartbeat of elite attacking play.
Whether it’s goal-scoring consistency, match-winning instincts, or leadership on the field, the number 9 shirt has returned to glory—and these 11 stars are leading the way.
