Top 10 Players Unveiled
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun! In just nine months, the largest edition of the world’s most-watched sports tournament will kick off in Mexico. This grand celebration of football will also span the United States and Canada, with 48 teams vying for the sport’s most prestigious title. While most dedicated football fans know that Miroslav Klose holds the record for the most World Cup goals after surpassing Brazilian Ronaldo in 2014, many may be less familiar with the top 10 players who have made the most goal contributions (goals + assists) in World Cup history. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered here at Transfermarkt. Let’s take a closer look.
All-Time Goal Contributions in World Cup History
Players with the same number of goal contributions are ranked by the fewest World Cup matches played. Leading the pack is the legendary Brazilian Pelé, who won the tournament three times and amassed 21 goal contributions in just 14 appearances. Close behind is the magnificent Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion, who has also recorded 21 contributions but in 26 matches. If he participates in next summer’s tournament, he could potentially take the top spot.
In third place is the renowned German striker Gerd Müller, with 20 goal contributions in just 13 games. Fourth is Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who also achieved 20 contributions but in 19 matches. Klose ranks fifth with 20 contributions in 24 games. Additionally, German forward Thomas Müller is eighth with 16 contributions, and the iconic Diego Maradona is ninth with the same score. Kylian Mbappé is currently 11th with 15 contributions in 14 matches and has the potential to rise in the rankings next summer.
