Mbappé Becomes FIFA World Cup’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer

France captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after ending the 2026 tournament with 22 goals.

The updated all-time scoring rankings released by FIFA following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in the United States place Mbappé at the top of the chart, ahead of Argentina legend Lionel Messi, who finished his World Cup career with 21 goals.

Mbappé achieved the record in just 22 World Cup appearances, while Messi scored his 21 goals across 34 matches over six editions of the tournament. Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who held the record for more than a decade with 16 goals, now ranks third on the all-time list.

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Brazil legend Ronaldo is fourth with 15 goals in 19 matches, while Germany’s Gerd Müller and England captain Harry Kane share fifth place with 14 goals each. Müller reached the milestone in just 13 appearances, compared to Kane’s 18.

France’s Just Fontaine remains one of the tournament’s most prolific scorers, netting 13 goals in only six matches at the 1958 World Cup.
Brazil icon Pelé sits eighth with 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances.

Germany’s Jürgen Klinsmann, Hungary’s Sándor Kocsis and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo are tied on 11 goals. Klinsmann scored in 17 matches, Kocsis in just five, while Ronaldo finished his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 appearances.

Top Four FIFA World Cup All-Time Goalscorers

1. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 22 goals in 22 matches
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 21 goals in 34 matches
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches
4. Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches