Osimhen ranked ninth as Kane tops ESPN's global striker list

Victor Osimhen has been placed ninth in ESPN’s ranking of the world’s best strikers, with Harry Kane taking first place. Chelsea forward João Pedro is seventh, two positions above the Nigerian, while Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike is 10th.

The ranking recognises Osimhen’s recent output for Galatasaray and Nigeria. The 27-year-old has helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Super Lig in consecutive seasons and claimed the league’s Golden Boot in his first campaign at the club. He scored 15 league goals last season despite making only 19 starts because of injury problems.

Osimhen’s strongest case came in the 2025-26 Champions League, where he scored seven goals, his best return in a single campaign in the competition. He also played a key role in Galatasaray’s victories over Liverpool and Juventus, performances that strengthened the argument that his scoring ability extends beyond the Turkish league.

The Nigerian has recorded at least four shots per 90 minutes in each of the past five seasons. He has also reached a combined league total of at least 1.05 goals and assists per 90 minutes in three of the previous four campaigns. His pace, movement and physical strength remain central to the way he creates chances and attacks defences.

Kane leads the list after producing 61 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland occupy the next two places, while Ousmane Dembélé and Julián Álvarez are among the other high-profile forwards included. Lautaro Martínez and Kai Havertz also feature in the top 10.

Osimhen’s position comes as clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United continue to be linked with interest in him, although no move has materialised. His current standing reflects both his domestic success and his European performances, while a return to one of Europe’s major leagues would provide a further test against elite defenders.