Ranking the Best Forwards Playing at the 2022 World Cup
The World Cup is the biggest football event that gathers the best 32 national teams around the globe. It’s the biggest stage for world-class players to show their skills and bring glory to their countries. The crowd is always keen on watching exciting matches with many goals, and naturally, forwards are at the center of their attention. Many big names participate in this tournament, and you can always find the latest stats and info on each player. Therefore, we have ranked the best forwards at the World Cup 2022 in this article.
Harry Kane, England
Perhaps England’s best forward of this decade deserves to start this list. Harry Kane headed to this World Cup after scoring 12 goals in 15 appearances in the Premier League 2022/23 season. Having scored 51 times for the Three Lions, this 29-year-old Tottenham Hotspur player could become England’s all-time top scorer if he finds the net three more times. Besides being prolific in front of the opponent’s net, Harry Kane is also an excellent assister, which he has already shown in the World Cup 2022 with two scoring chances created. Can he lead England to the latter stages of the tournament? We’ll see after the match against Wales.
Neymar Jr., Brazil
Brazil wants to return home with the trophy after 20 years, and Neymar Jr. should be one of Selecao’s greatest contributors on that road. The Brazilian star has had a good season in PSG so far, scoring 15 goals and having 12 assists in 20 appearances in club competitions. He’s been producing a goal every 99 minutes, on average, and the public expects him to pick up where he left off. Neymar Jr. joined PSG from Barcelona in the most expensive transfer of all time, and he is only two goals behind Pelé on the list of Brazillian all-time scorers. Ney failed to score against Serbia, and he’ll likely miss the rest of the group stage. Nevertheless, as Brazil is on a good track to entering the knockout stage, Neymar Jr. could contribute greatly in the most important battles.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil
Brazil’s squad is full of talented forward players, and Vinicius Jr. should lead this team in years to come. The 22-year-old Real Madrid forward has enjoyed a very good 2022/23 campaign on the club scene. Vinicius Jr. has already scored ten goals and produced five assists in 21 appearances for Los Blancos this season. He can be content with his start in the World Cup 2022, as he had an assist in a 2-0 win over Serbia. Since his teammate Neymar Jr. will be ruled out for the next two matches, Vini should be a major threat to the opposition’s goal.
Robert Lewandowski, Poland
Robert Lewandowski left Bayern Munich this summer after eight tears and numerous trophies, but he didn’t stop scoring goals. The 34-year-old Polish forward has managed to find the net 18 times for Barcelona this season, followed by four assists. Despite missing the penalty in the game against Mexico in the World Cup 2022, Lewa scored his first-ever WC goal against Saudi Arabia. He also provided an assist for an important 2-0 win for his national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Many recent controversies have been around one of the best football players of all time. CR7 has left Manchester United, where he made only ten appearances and scored once this season. Portugal needed to go through the playoffs in the European Qualifiers, but Os Navigadores are close to clinching a place in the knockout round. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 3-2 win over Ghana, and the nation expects him to lead the team to glory despite not being in the narrowest circle of favorites.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Although his first season in PSG hasn’t been too successful, one of the GOATs is back on track. Messi has scored 11 goals, followed by 14 assists in 18 appearances for PSG this season. Despite a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia in the first match of the World Cup 2022, Leo Messi scored two goals in two games for the Argentine national football team. Many football fans see him as the strongest candidate for the tournament’s best player, and he only needs the WC title to complete a rich list of trophies won. Can he lead Argentina to the most important title in football?
Kylian Mbappe, France
Although he’s only 23, Kylian Mbappe has been a highly reputable forward for a long time. This season, his name appeared on the scoresheet 19 times in 20 appearances for PSG. He’s also the leading Champions League scorer this season, with seven goals after the group stage. The World Cup 2022 started well for Kylian and his team, as they have already secured a place in the knockout round. Mbappe produced a goal and an assist against Australia before leading his team to success against Denmark with a brace. Can he continue in the same fashion and win the Golden Boot?
The best thing? We are still not halfway through the 2022 World Cup, and there should be more excitement in the next weeks!