Mbappé tops all-time World Cup scoring list, surpassing Messi

Kylian Mbappé has etched his name in football history, emerging as the all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup. Following the 2026 tournament, the French striker's extraordinary goal tally reached 22, achieved across just three World Cup appearances.

Mbappé's remarkable feat places him ahead of Argentine legend Lionel Messi, who concluded his World Cup career as the second-highest scorer with 21 goals. Messi achieved this milestone over six tournament participations, notably surpassing the previous record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Klose, a consistent performer across four World Cups, amassed 16 goals. The list of elite World Cup scorers also features Brazil's Ronaldo Nazário with 15 goals, and a tie between Germany's Gerd Müller and England's Harry Kane, both with 14 goals. Just Fontaine of France holds the record for the most goals in a single tournament, scoring 13 in 1958.

Other distinguished players on the all-time list include Brazil's Pelé with 12 goals. Further down, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Germany's Jürgen Klinsmann have each scored 11 goals, with Sándor Kocsis of Hungary also noted among the top scorers.