By By Elizabeth Ugbo
France captain Kylian Mbappé became the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the United States on Sunday. FIFA released the updated rankings, confirming that Mbappé scored 22 goals in 22 matches, surpassing Lionel Messi’s 21 goals. The achievement came through his outstanding performances across multiple World Cup campaigns.
Mbappé Breaks Historic World Cup Record
Mbappé now sits alone at the top of the World Cup scoring chart. His 22 goals came in just 22 appearances, highlighting his remarkable consistency on football’s biggest stage.
The French forward overtook Argentina legend Lionel Messi, who finished his World Cup career with 21 goals in 34 matches across six tournaments.
Messi’s retirement from the World Cup opened the door for Mbappé to rewrite football history during the 2026 edition.
Klose Drops to Third Place
Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who held the record for more than a decade, now ranks third.
Klose scored 16 goals in 24 World Cup matches before Mbappé surpassed his tally.
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário occupies fourth place with 15 goals in 19 appearances.
Gerd Müller and Harry Kane Share Fifth Spot
Germany’s Gerd Müller and England captain Harry Kane share fifth place with 14 World Cup goals each.
However, Müller reached the mark in only 13 matches, while Kane required 18 appearances.
France’s Just Fontaine remains one of the tournament’s greatest goalscoring stories. He scored 13 goals in only six matches during the 1958 World Cup.
Brazil icon Pelé follows with 12 goals in 14 appearances.
Ronaldo, Klinsmann and Kocsis Complete Top Scorers
Germany’s Jürgen Klinsmann, Hungary’s Sándor Kocsis, and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo each finished with 11 World Cup goals.
Klinsmann scored in 17 matches, while Kocsis produced his tally in only five games. Cristiano Ronaldo reached 11 goals in 27 World Cup appearances.
FIFA World Cup All-Time Leading Goalscorers
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 22 goals in 22 matches
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 21 goals in 34 matches
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches
- Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches
- Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals in 13 matches
- Harry Kane (England) – 14 goals in 18 matches
- Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals in six matches
- Pelé (Brazil) – 12 goals in 14 matches
- Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 goals in 17 matches
- Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 goals in five matches
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 11 goals in 27 matches
