The FIFA World Cup has seen some of the greatest footballers etch their names into history with extraordinary goal-scoring feats. Since its inception in 1930, the tournament has provided a global stage for players to showcase their talents, and a select few have risen above the rest to become all-time leading goal scorers.
Topping this list are legends who have defined eras and brought glory to their nations. Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo, Gerd Müller, Just Fontaine, and Lionel Messi are five players who have made their mark in the World Cup with exceptional scoring records.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five all-time FIFA World Cup goal scorers and the impact they’ve had on the tournament’s rich history.
Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 Goals
Miroslav Klose stands atop the list of FIFA World Cup all-time scorers with 16 goals, accumulated over four tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). Klose’s World Cup debut in 2002 saw him score 5 goals, helping Germany reach the final. He added 5 more in 2006 and 4 in 2010 before scoring his record-breaking 16th in the 2014 semifinal against Brazil. Klose’s crowning achievement came when he won the World Cup with Germany in 2014.
Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 Goals
Brazilian forward Ronaldo scored 15 World Cup goals across three tournaments (1998, 2002, 2006). He scored 4 goals in 1998, where Brazil finished as runners-up, and was the top scorer in 2002 with 8 goals, including a decisive brace in the final against Germany, as Brazil secured their fifth World Cup title. Despite injuries, Ronaldo added 3 more goals in 2006, taking his total to 15, a record that stood until 2014.
Gerd Mueller (West Germany) – 14 Goals
Gerd Mueller was a prolific scorer for West Germany, netting 14 goals in just two World Cups (1970, 1974). His 10-goal haul in the 1970 edition led Germany to a semifinal finish. In 1974, he added 4 more goals to his tally, including the match-winner in the final against the Netherlands, as West Germany lifted the trophy on home soil.
Just Fontaine (France) – 13 Goals
Just Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in a single World Cup, set in 1958, remains unmatched. The French striker’s remarkable goal-scoring run in Sweden included a four-goal performance in the third-place match against West Germany. Despite playing in only one World Cup, Fontaine’s sharp finishing and ability to score from various positions made him a standout figure. He led France to a third-place finish, their best performance at the time.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 13 Goals
Lionel Messi scored 13 goals across five FIFA World Cups. He made his World Cup debut in 2006, scoring once as a teenager. Despite not scoring in 2010, Messi provided key assists and led Argentina’s attack. In 2014, he netted 4 goals and was named the tournament’s best player, guiding Argentina to the final. In 2018, Messi added one goal but faced an early exit. His crowning achievement came in 2022, scoring 7 goals, including two in the final, as he led Argentina to World Cup glory and won the Golden Ball.
