Top scorers at the World Cup since 1990

With the 2026 World Cup finally upon us, fans all across the globe are excited to watch the world's best compete for immortality.

Brazil (1994 and 2002), Germany (1990 as West Germany and 2014) and France (1998 & 2018) all won two World Cups in the period since Italia 90, with Italy (2006), Spain (2010) and Argentina (2022) adding one title to their names.

With the World Cup bringing together football's very best, let's take a look at who the top scorers at the tournament are since 1990.

German striker Miroslav Klose tops the goal scoring list since 1990, having notched 16 goals across his four World Cup tournaments, just pipping Ronaldo Nazario to top spot, with the Brazilian having scored 15.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi finishes the podium, having scored 13 goals, with Kylian Mbappe - who many assume will top this list by the end of the 2026 tournament - fourth on 12.

Jurgen Klinsmann - the second of three Germans on this list - finishes the top five with 11 goals, ahead of Gabriel Batistuta and Thomas Muller - who both have 10.

David Villa, alongside Italian greats Christian Vieri and Roberto Baggio, cap off this list, having scored nine goals at World Cup tournaments since 1990.

Top scorers at the World Cup since 1990

1. Miroslav Klose - 16
2. Ronaldo Nazario - 15
3. Lionel Messi - 13
4. Kylian Mbappe - 12
5. Jurgen Klinsmann - 11
6. Gabriel Batistuta - 10
7. Thomas Muller - 10
8. Christian Vieri - 9
9. David Villa - 9
10. Roberto Baggio - 9