Before a quarter of an hour had been played in France‘s game against Iraq in Philadelphia, the French star unleashed a rocket of a shot to open the scoring and raise his all-time goal tally in World Cups. During Mbappe’s 100th cap for France, the French star reached 16 goals in FIFA World Cups, moving past Ronaldo Nazario with a brace and tying Klose’s numbers, who has 16 and recently saw Messi surpass him and break his record.

The message sent is clear: if Messi rests on his laurels, Mbappe will move past him. The race for the all-time record is on, and both Messi and Mbappe are fully engaged in an arms race for which Argentina and France can only be grateful.

All-time World Cup goals leaders

As things stand, Messi is the all-time leader, while Mbappe is tied for second all-time and ranks the same among active players. If counting retired players, Messi is first with 18 goals, Klose and Mbappe second with 16, and Ronaldo Nazario sits at third with 15.

Among current players, Messi still holds the lead, while Mbappe is second and Harry Kane sits third with 10 World Cup goals. Messi may have little time to settle into his throne, as the Frenchman is mounting a serious challenge with every goal he scores.

Messi and Mbappe stay red hot

Perhaps the heat across the United States, Mexico, and Canada is helping them out, but Messi and Mbappe are in red-hot form to start the 2026 World Cup. Messi leads the race for the Golden Boot with five goals in two games, scoring at an impossible to match rate. However, Mbappe isn’t staying too far behind. With four goals—and counting—he is right on Messi’s tail.

Mbappe is the defending Golden Boot winner, thanks to his eight-goal total in the 2022 World Cup, which left Messi as runner-up with seven goals. Four years later, the two are right back at it. This time, it’s Messi who holds the lead, but it could very well go down to the wire.

In fact, in 2022, Mbappe won the Golden Boot thanks to his hat trick in the final, in which Messi scored a brace. Messi and Argentina ended up winning the World Cup, though, so they had the last laugh.

The Golden Boot “curse”

Perhaps missing out on the Golden Boot is the price to pay to win the most coveted team trophy in international soccer. In fact, only three times in FIFA World Cup history has the leading goalscorer belonged to the nation that hoisted the trophy (Garrincha and Vava for Brazil in 1962, Paolo Rossi for Italy in 1982, and Ronaldo Nazario for Brazil in 2002).

There is an asterisk to that rule, as David Villa finished tied for the most goals in 2010 when Spain were crowned champions, but he lost the Golden Boot to Thomas Muller because assists served as the tiebreaker.

“If someone deserves to pass that goals record and hold the title of all-time top scorer in World Cups, I think Messi is the perfect guy to be there,” Ronaldo Nazario said. “I’ve answered this several times because when… what is the German called? Klose. When Klose passed me, I said these are numbers or statistics and records are made to be broken. There is no record that will stay forever.”

Messi currently sits at 16 World Cup goals, tied with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring chart. His tally has been built across five editions of the tournament, from his debut in 2006 through to the ongoing 2026 World Cup, where Messi has added three goals to his record.

Why Ronaldo Nazario believes Messi fits the record

Nazario’s comments underline a broader respect for longevity and consistency at the highest level. Having previously held the World Cup scoring record himself, the Brazilian accepted the evolution of the milestone when Klose surpassed him, framing it as a natural progression of the sport.

How the World Cup all-time scoring race stands

Beyond individual milestones, the all‑time FIFA World Cup scoring list offers a snapshot of soccer’s most prolific finishers.

With the 2026 World Cup still in progress, the standings remain fluid, and further goals could reshape the hierarchy before the tournament concludes, especially with Lionel Messi still actively leading Argentina’s campaign and continuing to add to his historic scoring record in the competition.

The World Cup has served as a showcase for the most prolific stars, like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Yet when it comes to the tournament’s all-time scoring chart, only a select few players have managed to climb into the record books.

Every four years, new contenders emerge hoping to add their names to one of the sport’s most prestigious lists. Over the decades, some of the game’s greatest forwards have lit up the FIFA‘s biggest stage, producing unforgettable moments.

Who is the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history?

Miroslav Klose was the solo all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, but Lionel Messi tied him with a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup debut. The Germany striker set the record across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014, surpassing Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario during the 2014 World Cup.

He broke the record in Germany’s historic 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 semifinal. His goal in Belo Horizonte moved him past Ronaldo’s previous mark of 15 World Cup goals and cemented his place at the top of the scoring chart.

Messi surpassed Ronaldo in one game

Ronaldo Nazario held the FIFA World Cup scoring record before Miroslav Klose broke it in 2014. The Brazilian superstar finished his World Cup career with 15 goals in 19 matches across the 1998, 2002 and 2006 tournaments.

He took the record from West Germany legend Gerd Muller, whose 14 goals between the 1970 and 1974 World Cups stood as the all-time mark for more than three decades.

His most memorable World Cup came in 2002. After recovering from serious knee injuries, he scored eight goals and led Brazil to its fifth world title. He capped the tournament with two goals in the final against Germany.

In the 2026 World Cup, Messi debuted with a hat-trick against Algeria, reaching 16 goals in history of the tournaments and sharing now the first place with Klose and surpassing Ronaldo’s milestone in just one game.

Active players close to breaking the World Cup goals record

Kylian Mbappe is now the closest active player to Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi’s record of 16 World Cup goals. Mbappe surpassed Pele after scoring twice against Senegal.

Messi climbed the all-time rankings during Argentina‘s title-winning campaign at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored seven goals. He currently sits top alongside Klose and he could become the solo all-time scorer if he scores again this tournament..

Mbappe is a strong threat to the record. The France forward already has 14 World Cup goals and scored a hat trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. His last two goals came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Senegal on June 16, sitting two goals behind Messi and Klose.

Which player scored the most goals in a single World Cup?

Just Fontaine holds the record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA World Cup with 13. The France striker achieved the feat during the 1958 tournament in Sweden, a record that still stands today.

His accomplishment remains one of the most remarkable achievements in soccer history. He scored 13 goals in only six matches, averaging more than two goals per game throughout the tournament.

Many legendary players have come close over the decades, including Gerd Muller, Ronaldo, Pele, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but none have managed to surpass his total in a single edition of the World Cup.

The record is even more impressive considering that modern World Cups feature more matches, giving players additional opportunities to score. Yet Fontaine’s mark has survived for nearly 70 years.

Messi’s goals at World Cups

Lionel Messi has scored 16 goals at the FIFA World Cup. The Argentina captain surpassed Ronaldo Nazario for the second-highest total in tournament history and is now tied with Miroslav Klose on top. His goals have come across five different World Cups.

• 2006 (Germany): 1 goal
• 2014 (Brazil): 4 goals
• 2018 (Russia): 1 goal
• 2022 (Qatar): 7 goals
• 2026 (Mexico, United States, and Canada): 3 goals

His best tournament arrived in Qatar, where he scored seven times and led Argentina to its first World Cup title since 1986. Beyond the goals, he owns several World Cup records involving appearances and matches played.

How many World Cup goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored?

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has scored eight goals in FIFA World Cup matches. The star found the net in five different tournaments: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

• 2006 Germany: 1 goal
• 2010 South Africa: 1 goal
• 2014 Brazil: 1 goal
• 2018 Russia: 4 goals (including a hat-trick against Spain)
• 2022 Qatar: 1 goal (against Ghana)

He became the first men’s player to score in five different World Cups when he converted a penalty against Ghana during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. His most productive World Cup came in 2018, when he scored four goals.

All-time FIFA World Cup top scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo once again stirred global debate after declaring that he considers himself the greatest player in history, even ahead of Lionel Messi. The former Real Madrid star continues to find the net regularly for Al Nassr, but Ronaldo Nazario responded to those remarks and offered a more nuanced take, giving credit to the Portuguese forward but reserving greater praise for the Inter Miami and Argentina captain.

Nazario, a two-time World Cup champion and one of the most respected voices in the sport, shared his thoughts during an interview with ESPN. “Honestly, I don’t like to get into those discussions… I think some people have very high self-esteem,” Nazario said. “I prefer when people talk about my performances, what I did, what I was, instead of me talking about myself. But Cristiano Ronaldo has a fantastic story, he has conquered great things.”

The Brazilian icon went on to praise Ronaldo’s achievements while making his stance clear. “He scored goals in every way possible, even after changing positions,” Nazario added. “That’s not easy to do — he’s definitely among the best players in history. But the best? I don’t agree. I respect his opinion, but I’d place him in the top 10.” Nazario’s comments added fuel to an already fiery debate, though for many around the world, Lionel Messi remains the definitive answer.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about the World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo recently spoke with one of the journalists closest to him, Piers Morgan, in another headline-grabbing interview. As expected, the Portuguese star sparked controversy with his comments about the World Cup’s significance in determining the greatest player of all time.

“If you ask me if it’s a dream to win the World Cup — no, it’s not a dream,” Ronaldo told Morgan. “Define what? Define if I’m one of the best in history just because of a tournament of six or seven games? Do you think that’s fair? It’s not. How many World Cups did Argentina win before Messi? Two? It’s normal — countries used to winning big tournaments. I’m honest — for me, it doesn’t change how I see things or how I see soccer.”

Cristiano on being better than Messi

“Is Messi better than me? I don’t agree. I don’t want to be humble,” Ronaldo said in the same interview with Morgan. His statement echoed comments he had made months earlier to Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre.

“I think I’m the most complete player ever. That’s my opinion. Everyone has their preferences, but I do everything — I’m strong, fast, good with both feet, I head the ball well, I take free kicks, I can play anywhere. Some prefer Messi, Pele, or Maradona, and I respect that, but saying Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t complete is false. I’m the most complete. I’ve never seen a player like me.”

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic explained why he chose those three names, backing his choices with thoughtful arguments. “In my opinion, Ronaldo ‘The Phenomenon’ Nazario — he was soccer. He’s the kind of player you want to imitate,” said Zlatan, referring to the Brazilian icon as his biggest inspiration.

“I’ll give the second position to Maradona. For me, he was a real one — he did everything with his heart, with his emotions,” Ibrahimovic added, placing the Argentine legend second while emphasizing the qualities he admires most.

“For the third, I’m going to say Messi. He’s won… I’m not sure there’s anything left for him to win,” Zlatan said, putting his former Barcelona teammate in third place. It’s a list that makes sense in the world of Zlatan — full of respect for the game’s greats but still surprising for its omission of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ibrahimovic’s long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

One reason behind Ronaldo’s absence could be Ibrahimovic’s long-running rivalry with him. The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was defined less by on-field clashes and more by a war of words — fueled by both players’ immense egos and unshakable self-belief.

Zlatan, famous for his bold statements, has often tried to downplay Ronaldo’s greatness, suggesting that while he succeeded in multiple leagues, Ronaldo’s achievements at Real Madrid and Juventus were made easier by the world-class players surrounding him.

Despite their rivalry, the two shared memorable on-field duels — especially in Serie A and international competitions. The most iconic came during the 2014 World Cup playoffs, when Ronaldo’s hat trick in the second leg eliminated Zlatan’s Sweden. Even then, Ibrahimovic showed respect for his rival, acknowledging the Portuguese star’s brilliance with a simple but meaningful gesture.

The mix of traits that define Zlatan’s idols

Looking at his selections, it’s easy to see why these three legends resonate with Ibrahimovic. He has often called Ronaldo Nazario his biggest role model, and despite his towering frame, Zlatan has shown flashes of the Brazilian’s flair and creativity inside the box. Maradona’s passion, grit, and touch of arrogance mirror Zlatan’s own mentality, while Messi represents the ultimate example of excellence and consistency — the kind of success every player dreams of achieving.

The Spanish prodigy dazzled in the 2024-25 season, helping Barcelona dominate domestically and making waves in Europe. He played 13 Champions League matches, scored five goals, and provided four assists, proving himself a decisive force on the field.

Yamal also led the Spanish national team to the Euro 2024 title, adding international success to his resume. Fans had expected that such achievements could put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or, yet the award ultimately went to a more seasoned candidate.

Who’s the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or?

The youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or is Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, who captured the award in 1997 at 21 years and 3 months old. At the time, Ronaldo’s incredible season with FC Barcelona and Inter Milan established him as a generational talent.

Ronaldo’s dominance on the field that year was extraordinary. He combined blistering pace, impeccable dribbling, and lethal finishing to leave defenders and goalkeepers helpless. The award recognized his ability to change games single-handedly and solidified his status as one of soccer’s all-time greats.

Even Lionel Messi, who would go on to win the Ballon d’Or seven times, was older than Ronaldo when he claimed his first trophy at 22. That makes Ronaldo’s record the benchmark for every aspiring young player, including Yamal, who continues to chase this milestone.

What’s next for Yamal

While the Ballon d’Or has eluded him for now, Yamal’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. At just 18, he has already proven capable of influencing games at the highest levels, combining skill, vision, and maturity beyond his years.

Soccer fans around the world are eagerly watching, knowing it’s only a matter of time before Lamine Yamal has a shot at becoming the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history—a record that has stood for more than two decades.

Brazilian forward Marta, one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game, shared her opinion on the matter. Speaking to FIFA’s official website in 2017, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year revealed that her pick is Ronaldo Nazario — also known as “O Fenômeno.”

At first, she simply said “Ronaldo,” but clarified her answer given the existence of the Portuguese star with the same name: “Since the question is about ‘all time,’ the answer is Ronaldo O Fenômeno”. Despite choosing the Brazilian legend, Marta also praised the Al Nassr forward.

“My favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo because he’s a goalscorer. I have to learn from him. I like to watch great players like Cristiano and then try to replicate them on the field,” she explained.

Messi also praised Ronaldo Nazario

Lionel Messi has also praised Ronaldo Nazario in the past. In a 2020 interview with TyC Sports, the Inter Miami star didn’t hesitate when naming the best striker he has ever seen. “Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenon,” Messi said. “Of all the strikers I have seen, for me, he was the best. An impressive player from every aspect”.

Even after sharing the field with or against top forwards like Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa, and Didier Drogba, Messi has remained firm in his belief that the Brazilian legend stands above the rest.

All of Ronaldo Nazario’s trophies

Cruzeiro

• Copa do Brasil: 1993
• Campeonato Mineiro: 1994

Corinthians

• Campeonato Paulista: 2009
• Copa do Brasil: 2009

PSV Eindhoven

• KNVB Cup: 1995–96
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 1996

Barcelona

• Copa del Rey: 1996–97
• Supercopa de España: 1996
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97

Inter Milan

• UEFA Cup: 1997–98

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2002–03, 2006–07
• Supercopa de España: 2003
• Intercontinental Cup: 2002

Brazil National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 1996
• Copa América: 1997, 1999
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997

In a recent interview with DSports, Ronaldo was asked about his expectations for Argentina at the upcoming World Cup. “Having Leo is a huge advantage over the rest of us normal people in the world,” said the former Real Madrid star with his trademark smile.

“I see him in great shape, and I think he’ll arrive at the World Cup in good form too,” Ronaldo said when asked about Messi. That comment is particularly noteworthy, considering the Argentine star just turned 38 and will turn 39 during the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

“I was watching Messi’s games at the Club World Cup, and he’s still got it,” Nazario added. “Every time he touches the ball, something interesting happens. He always reads the game well, understands the play that needs to be made. If he loses the ball, he tries to get it back. He sprints 30 or 40 meters.”

Ronaldo also sees Argentina in good shape

In the same interview, Ronaldo spoke not only about Messi individually, but also about the broader context of the Argentina squad. “I think the Argentina national team has a lot of quality,” he said in reference to the talent of players like Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister.

He also praised the work of the head coach. “(Lionel) Scaloni has built a team that plays soccer with a lot of drive and commitment. A team that supports each other all the time. A very smart team that also knows how to suffer,” the former striker explained.

Ronaldo on Brazil’s current struggles

During his playing career in the 1990s and 2000s, Ronaldo Nazario enjoyed a golden era with the Brazil national team, winning two World Cups (1994 and 2002) and two Copa America titles (1997 and 1999). At the time, Brazil dominated South America and had a clear edge over Argentina. But that dynamic has now shifted.

In another recent appearance on the podcast Mano a Mano, Ronaldo discussed one of his biggest concerns: the development of Brazilian coaches and players. “In Serie A we have ten foreign coaches. They’re more prepared than the Brazilians,” he said bluntly. “For many years, the talents who left did so simply because they were talented—and in many cases, raw.”

To illustrate his point, the two-time world champion cited an example: “A very clear case is Vinicius Jr… He wasn’t developed the right way, because they didn’t improve his left foot, didn’t improve his technical fundamentals, his sense of time and space on the field. He only improved after leaving.”

In a recent interview with Globo Esporte, Ancelotti was asked about the best Brazilian player he has coached in his 30-year career. “Technically, Ronaldo was spectacular and one of the funniest people in the world,” the Italian coach said without hesitation.

Ancelotti was referring, of course, to Ronaldo Nazario—the center forward born in Rio de Janeiro who starred for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, and won the 2002 World Cup. Carlo briefly worked with him at AC Milan between 2007 and 2008, though the forward played just 20 matches and scored 9 goals due to recurring injury problems.

In the same interview, the coach also highlighted other Brazilian players he’s worked with throughout his career. “I can tell you that the most professional is Cafu,” he said, referencing the right-back he also coached at AC Milan. “And the funniest… There are many. (Eder) Militao makes me laugh a lot, Vini too.”

Specifically on Vinicius, whom he knows well from their time together at Real Madrid, Carlo explained: “Vini, for example, to me, is very humble. A very, very humble kid.” That strong relationship between the two will now be key as their paths cross again with the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti reflects on his experience with Brazilian players

Over the course of his three-decade coaching career, Carlo Ancelotti has worked with stars from all over the world, giving him rare perspective when it comes to comparing styles and personalities. “The Brazilian player has a higher technical level than others,” he stated.

Speaking about the typical demeanor of Brazilian players, he added: “They manage themselves quite well and have a fairly calm and humble character.” Based on that, Carlo explained that he’s rarely had issues in the past. “I’ve coached 34 Brazilian players and if I think about whether I’ve had any problems with any of them—maybe one, but I won’t tell you who,” he said.

Ancelotti’s first challenge

Carlo Ancelotti won’t have much time to adjust or fully implement his ideas with the squad. His debut comes Thursday, June 5, on Matchday 15 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil will face Ecuador—one of their direct rivals in the standings—at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.

Five days later, they’ll return home to face Paraguay in another crucial match in the race to secure a spot in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For now, Brazil sit in fourth place in the standings with 21 points—the same as Paraguay and Uruguay—and hold a six-point advantage over Venezuela, who are currently in the playoff position.

The Brazilian icon won two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 2002) with the national team and shined at every club he represented. Beyond his titles, Ronaldo’s legacy is cemented by his extraordinary skill, earning admiration from elite players for his ability to dribble past defenders and score in every way imaginable.

In a recent interview with Romario on the Brazilian star’s YouTube channel, Ronaldo revealed who he considers his greatest teammate. Without hesitation, Ronaldo confidently named his pick: “Zinedine Zidane.”

The two superstars played together for four seasons at Real Madrid during the iconic “Galácticos” era of the early 2000s. Ronaldo was full of praise for Zidane, stating: “He played at a completely different level—so technical, with incredible ease on the ball… My God, what class!”

Together, Ronaldo and Zidane captured three trophies during their time with Los Blancos: a La Liga title, a Spanish Super Cup, and the 2002 Intercontinental Cup. However, Ronaldo joined the club after their 2002 UEFA Champions League triumph, meaning he narrowly missed out on lifting Europe’s most coveted trophy with Zidane and the team.

At the time, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez assembled a team of global stars. From stealing Luis Figo away from Barcelona to signing David Beckham, Perez paired them with existing talents like Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas. Zidane and Ronaldo were the ultimate finishing touches to a squad destined for greatness.

Ronaldo on his worst teammate

While he was full of praise for Zidane, Ronaldo didn’t shy away from naming the worst teammate he ever had. Without hesitation, he pointed to Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen. “A really funny guy, but as a footballer, he was a disaster,” Ronaldo remarked. “His only skill was hitting the ball really hard—nothing else”.

In a 2023 appearance on fellow Brazilian Romário’s podcast, Ronaldo unveiled a lineup heavily dominated by Brazilian greats, walking through his selections from back to front.

“Goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon. Right-back, Cafu. Center-backs, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini. Left-back, Roberto Carlos. Midfielders, Zico and Diego Maradona. In attack, Lionel Messi on the right, myself as center forward, Pelé as a second striker, and Ronaldinho on the left,” Ronaldo explained.

It’s a lineup packed with flair, legacy, and attacking brilliance. His decision to deploy just two midfielders in Zico and Maradona allowed him to field an ultra-offensive front four — including himself — that would strike fear into any defense. Notably absent were names like Zinedine Zidane or Cristiano Ronaldo, further emphasizing his preference for creativity and Brazilian influence.

Ronaldo revisits all-time XI, this time includes Cristiano Ronaldo

A year later, in a 2024 interview with Diario AS, Ronaldo was once again asked to name his all-time XI — and this time, he made some notable changes, including the long-awaited addition of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, this adjustment came at the expense of his former Brazil teammate Ronaldinho.

“Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon. Defenders: Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, and Roberto Carlos. Midfielders: Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Pelé. Forwards: Messi on the right, me in the middle, and Cristiano Ronaldo on the left,” Ronaldo told AS.

The new lineup saw Cannavaro replacing Beckenbauer in central defense, Zidane stepping in for Zico in midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo slotting into the attack in place of Ronaldinho. While the core remained largely intact, the tweaks reflected a different tactical balance — and perhaps a response to fan reactions from his earlier choices.

Regardless of the variations, both of Ronaldo’s lineups are filled with icons who shaped the modern game — a who’s who of soccer greatness.