IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerome Miron
In the age of chaotic corners, xG, and tiki-taka football, the tactical approach to the beautiful game has diversified over the last decade. But one measure will always stand above every statistic: scoring goals.
Every team that favours a low block or loves to play on the counter knows that goals win games, and that it only takes one opportunity to turn a game on its head. But when it comes to forwards that can consistently change the destiny of a game with a half-chance or two, they are in very short supply.
Football purists love a Rolls-Royce of a centre back or a midfield maestro that slows time down to match his metronome, but there's nothing quite like a prolific forward who takes each game by the scruff of the neck.
But who has topped the goalscoring charts since the turn of the decade? Popfoot has put together a list of the top 10 goalscorers since 2020, with rank, clubs played for in that time, goals scored, games played, and goals per game considered.
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Nathan Ray Seebeck | Imagn Images
Victor Osimhen props up the list, but his inclusion is quite impressive considering he has been playing in the Turkish Süper Lig for the past three years.
Just ahead of the Nigerian star is Lautaro Martinez, who has cemented himself as an all-time great at Inter Milan during his eight-year tenure at the club. As well as scoring regularly for Internazionale, the striker has been integral to Argentina's success, helping them to World Cup glory in 2022.
Eighth spot is occupied by former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. The 2022 Ballon d'Or was often the unsung hero of Los Blancos' attack. But that didn't stop the Frenchman from hitting double figures in all but one of his 14 seasons at the Bernabeu. Lately, he has plied his trade in the Saudi Pro League as he approaches retirement. But Benzema is still posting impressive numbers now, even in the twilight of his career.
It's a testament to Mo Salah's consistency that he lands in seventh place on the list. The Liverpool legend is just shy of 200 goals this decade, having shown incredible longevity on the right wing at Anfield. Through various iterations of Liverpool's front three, the Egyptian King has remained a constant, putting himself among the all-time greats to pull on the famous red shirt.
Despite transitioning into a deeper lying role in recent years, Lionel Messi has proved again and again that he still knows where the net is. Arguably La Liga's greatest ever player, fans have gotten used to seeing him in the pink of Inter Miami as of late. His Barcelona years are long behind him, but 234 goals in 326 games since 2020 are incredible numbers for any player, let alone one now playing in midfield.
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The 10 players that have scored the most goals this decade (10-6)
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A custom image of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane
A custom image of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane
REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Cristiano Ronaldo may already be thinking about life after football, but he is still keeping up with the world's best strikers. But his return is even more impressive considering he hasn't played for Real Madrid this decade. Yes, his scoring rate has dropped off slightly, but it's incredible to witness his longevity.
Just a few goals ahead is Robert Lewandowski. The imposing striker was an absolute menace in the Bundesliga, but age has caught up with the former Bayern man. He was still a threat at Barcelona, grabbing 120 goals during his La Liga tenure, but it seems that age is catching up with the prolific Pole. Regardless, he remains one of the greatest strikers of his generation.
In third place is Lewandowski's Bayern successor, England captain Harry Kane. The former Spurs man is the toast of Bavaria, with 146 goals in 147 games for the German giants. Well into his thirties, the London-born attacker continues to perform at a ridiculous level for club and country.
In second place is one Bundesliga striker who resisted the temptations of the Allianz Arena. The marauding Erling Haaland headed to the Etihad in 2022, and he has already built a legacy that many strikers would kill for. With a 0.91 average covering both his City and Dortmund tenures, Haaland has the best goals per game ratio on this list.
That leaves Real Madrid's star man, the inimitable Kylian Mbappé, atop the list. Only the Frenchman and Haaland have passed the 300 mark this decade, proving beyond doubt that he has the elite mentality required to thrive at the Bernabeu. Mbappé has been ever-reliable for Los Blancos since swapping Paris for Madrid in 2024, establishing himself as the club's talisman.
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The 10 players that have scored the most goals this decade (5-1)
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Harry Kane in action at the 2026 World Cup
Harry Kane in action at the 2026 World Cup