The history of world football is filled with top-class forwards and prolific goal-scorers. For these players, scoring goals is the most important task, especially when those goals are spectacular and scored consistently. Of course, every era produces exceptional forwards, just as we see today with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. However, for most long-time football fans, these two names alone may not be enough to convince them. In the article below, let's join admin Wintips to review best "number 9 soccer players" in world football.
The best number 9 soccer players in world football
1. Samuel Eto’o
From 2004 to 2009, Eto'o, alongside Ronaldinho and Messi, formed a magical trio at Barcelona, dominating European football with numerous trophies. Despite his relatively modest height, Eto'o possessed tremendous speed. When he reached full speed, few defenders of that era could match his pace, which earned him the nickname "The Black Panther" (Báo Đen Eto'o).
Throughout his career, Eto'o played 759 matches and scored 370 goals for 13 different clubs, including 108 for Barcelona. Across Africa, he is regarded as one of the greatest strikers the continent has ever produced.
2. Ronaldo De Lima - One of the best number 9 soccer players
Ronaldo Nazário, known as "O Fenômeno," is undoubtedly a legendary figure in world football. The Brazilian number 9 is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards of all time, and his nickname, "The Phenomenon," perfectly reflects his greatness. Despite his career being plagued by injuries, Ronaldo continues to receive immense admiration and love from football fans worldwide.
In the eyes of fans around the globe, Ronaldo represents the epitome of pure, explosive, and emotional football artistry. There is nothing about Ronaldo that suggests that he has ever grown weary of the beautiful game. If age were just a number and injuries were merely temporary setbacks, perhaps Ronaldo's career would achieve even greater heights.
3. Patrick Kluivert - One of the best number 9 soccer players
Kluivert developed his talent at the youth academy of Ajax Amsterdam, joining the club while he was still in school. At the age of 19, he became a key player for both Ajax Amsterdam and the Netherlands' national team. He played one season for AC Milan in 1997-1998 before moving to Barcelona.
For Barcelona, Kluivert played 255 matches and scored 120 goals. At the Nou Camp, he formed a formidable striking partnership with Rivaldo that struck fear into opponents. However, Kluivert won only one trophy during his tenure at the Catalan club—the La Liga title in the 1998/99 season—before joining Newcastle in the summer of 2004.
4. Gabriel Batistuta
Nicknamed "The Lion King," Batistuta is one of the greatest strikers in Argentina’s football history. He holds the record as the second-highest goal scorer in Argentine football history, with 56 goals. Batigol was most revered by fans during his time at Fiorentina, as he proved his loyalty to the club. Fiorentina was relegated to Serie B in 1993, but Batistuta decided to stay and help the team return to the top flight, despite receiving numerous offers from top clubs.
Purple is often likened to a symbol of loyalty. There is no better example in football than Batistuta wearing the purple jersey of "Viola," as he dedicated himself to the team during its peak years. Batistuta's value to Fiorentina lies not only in his 207 goals in 333 appearances but also in his unwavering loyalty and dedication.
5. Filippo Inzaghi - Among the best number 9 soccer players
Football fans surely remember Pippo Inzaghi, the unique "King of Offside," like no other in football history. This player not only brought joy to the pitch but also had a philosophy of life. He once said, "If you don't have innate talents like Ronaldo or Kaka, you can still become a great player through hard work, perseverance, and love for the ball."
Filippo Inzaghi is one of the greatest strikers in world football, having achieved remarkable success, including three Serie A titles, three Champions League titles, three Italian Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and a World Cup title in 2006 with the Italian national team. He is also the fourth-highest scorer in the history of the Champions League. Throughout his career, Inzaghi played for seven Italian clubs, scoring 197 goals in 466 appearances.
6. Luis Suárez - One of the best number 9 soccer players
The majority of Suarez's goals were scored during his time with Barcelona, where he found the net 198 times, helping the Catalan club secure four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and a prestigious Champions League trophy. Suarez rose to prominence with Nacional in his native Uruguay before moving to Europe in 2007 at the age of 19, starting with Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Even when he moved to England to play for Liverpool in 2011, Suarez quickly proved his ability by becoming the top scorer in the Premier League in the 2013-2014 season, with 31 goals in 33 matches. During that time, he also shared the European Golden Shoe with Ronaldo. Moving to Barcelona for a transfer fee of 81 million euros in 2014, Suarez, alongside Messi and Neymar, formed a formidable attacking trio across Europe.
7. Alan Shearer
The next name on this list is the legendary Alan Shearer. He scored a total of 422 goals for his club and national team, averaging about 25 goals per season over the 17 seasons he played. Shearer set a Premier League scoring record with 260 goals.
In 1992, Sir Alex Ferguson reached out to Shearer when he was just a young talent in a Southampton shirt. Shearer turned down a £3.6m offer. Four years later, Sir Alex returned when Shearer had gained some fame. His price was raised four times, but this stubborn man still coldly rejected Fergie and joined Newcastle for £15 million.
8. Marco van Basten - One of the best number 9 soccer players
Considered the originator of the legendary Dutch "Total Football" style, he is a prolific striker ranked among the top 100 greatest players of the 20th century. His talent was deemed a genius at the time, as he was a ruthless assassin in the penalty area with the ability to move and position himself cleverly. Coupled with pinpoint accuracy in his shots, he struck with such precision that every attempt seemed destined for the back of the net.
The opposing goalkeeper faced the greatest challenge of his career. He was the first player in the world to win three Ballon d'Or titles in 1988, 1989, and 1992, and if not for the injuries that forced him to retire prematurely, his Ballon d'Or tally might have equaled those of Ronaldo and Messi today.
9. Fernando Torres - Among the best number 9 soccer players
His time at Chelsea was perhaps a low point in Fernando Torres's career. However, his time with Atlético Madrid, Liverpool, and the Spanish national team helped Torres secure his place as one of the greatest number 9s in the history of world football.
Torres is a product of Atlético Madrid's youth academy, and over seven years, he made remarkable progress with his impressive goal-scoring skills, netting 91 goals for the club. As a result, in 2007, Liverpool signed him for £20.2 million and brought him to Anfield. At Liverpool, Torres reached the peak of his career, scoring 65 goals in 102 matches over four seasons.
10. Robert Lewandowski
Finally, Lewandowski embodies the classic center-forward style, a rarity in today's game. With his keen eye and precise finishing ability inside the box, Lewandowski ensures that every shot he takes is directed accurately at the opponent's goal. After parting ways with Bayern, Lewandowski joined Barcelona and immediately made a significant impact. The Polish star consistently delivered brilliant performances, showcasing his prolific goal-scoring record.
Lewandowski scored 395 goals in 592 club matches and was named the best player in Europe in 2021. If it hadn't been for the COVID-19 pandemic, he would have won the Ballon d'Or in 2021. For the Polish national team, Lewandowski has scored 61 goals in 112 matches, making him the greatest goalscorer in the team's history.
Conclusion
The greatest number 9 soccer players in history are not simply goal-scoring forwards. These forwards can also link up and combine with teammates around them. Their ability to create space and finish chances is undoubtedly top-notch. Therefore, our bookmaker in betting website is entirely confident in listing the best number 9s. There may be some differing opinions, but that's understandable. If you find it interesting, try creating your list.
See also: Top 10 the best right back in Premier League - Who are they?
