Cristiano Ronaldo misses top 5 in best strikers list of past 30 years

By Hoang An September 21, 2025 | 07:42 pm PT

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Sept. 20, 2025. Photo by Reuters

According to a ranking of the 21 best strikers of the past three decades by Daily Mail, Cristiano Ronaldo placed sixth, while Lionel Messi came in second.

The list was compiled by Oliver Holt, a 59-year-old sports journalist with over 30 years of experience covering football, including seven World Cups, eight Euros and 22 Champions League finals.

Holt selected strikers based on the strongest impressions they left on him personally, rather than pure statistics.

As a result, players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski and Hernan Crespo were left off the list due to limited opportunities for him to watch them live.

Holt described Messi as "a player everyone feels lucky to see live," highlighting his dominance in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals against Manchester United and his leadership in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph.

However, Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil ranks first on Holt's list, praised for his explosiveness, pace, technique and the unforgettable moments he created for fans. From his 2003 hat-trick at Old Trafford to his two goals in the 2002 World Cup final, R9 embodies the quintessential unplayable striker.

Ronaldo Nazario tops the list for many of his iconic moments, including lifting the 2002 World Cup. Photo by Reuters

Ronaldo Nazario lifts the 2002 World Cup. Photo by Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite holding the all-time career goal record with 945, is described as "an astonishing athlete, a striker obsessed with goals," but is placed outside the top 5. Holt cites the "breathtaking moments" found more in other players as the reason for CR7’s lower ranking.

The list also emphasizes influence over the number of goals scored. Lewandowski (677 goals) and Ibrahimovic (561 goals) were not chosen, while Eric Cantona, with 185 goals, is included for his "style and attitude." Didier Drogba is honored for his decisive goals, including a header in the 2012 Champions League final for Chelsea. Given Holt's Manchester roots, 62% of the listed players have featured in the Premier League.

Kylian Mbappe is at fourth, ahead of Ronaldo, thanks to his 2018 World Cup victory and hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final. Kenny Dalglish, a Liverpool legend who has retired for 35 years, ranks third.

Oliver Holt's list of the 21 best strikers of the past 30 years for Daily Mail:

1. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

3. Kenny Dalglish (Scotland)

4. Kylian Mbappe (France)

5. Alessandro Del Piero (Italy)

6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

7. Raul (Spain)

8. Thierry Henry (France)

9. Neymar (Brazil)

10. Wayne Rooney (England)

11. Henrik Larsson (Sweden)