Check out our list of the forwards to have made the most appearances at the World Cup since 1990.
Born in Opole, Poland, Miroslav Klose would go on to enjoy one of the most successful careers in the storied history of the German national team.
After making his international debut the year prior, Klose was named in Germany's squad for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
In his debut at the tournament the striker netted a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia, and he added a further two goals in his maiden World Cup campaign as Die Mannschaft went all the way to the final before losing to Brazil.
Four years later Klose was again integral for Germany as they reached the semi-finals on home soil before being eliminated by eventual winners Italy.
He went on to feature again in both 2010 and 2014, ultimately capping off his international career as Germany defeated Argentina to claim their fourth World Cup triumph.
In all, Klose made 24 appearances at the finals, and held the record for the most goals in the finals with 16 before it was surpassed by Lionel Messi in 2026.
No centre forward in the modern era has made more appearances than Klose, but who joins him in the top ten?
Read on to find out.
Most World Cup apps - Centre Forwards (Post '90)
- 10. Lukas Podolski (Germany)
- 9. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
- 8. Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
- 7. Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany)
- 6. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
- 5. Thierry Henry (France)
- 4. Olivier Giroud (France)
- 3. Ronaldo (Brazil)
- 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- 1. Miroslav Klose (Germany)
