The Premier League history books were authored by an array of world-class forwards and the division’s current crop aren’t too bad, either.
Much of the Premier League’s star talent is spread across the traditional ‘Big Six’, but in the forward department—perhaps more than any other—the best of the rest also lay claim to some of the competition’s most lethal attacking players.
From penalty box poachers to electrifying wide players, physical behemoths to dainty tricksters, England’s top flight boasts some of the game’s best.
How We Define the Premier League’s Best Current Forwards
Largely synced up with Sports Illustrated’s best players in the world lists, the order is defined not only by recent form but contributions over a longer period of time, a player’s standing in the game and their overall reputation.
Statistics are often used as the barometer for what goods like, but we take into account the eye test as well. What players say in post-match interviews is also a factor—you know, that classic line of questioning that is often put to a full back when they’ve taken on a pacy winger or when a centre back is asked what it’s like to face a relentless goalscorer.
Honourable Mentions
Omar Marmoush was one of Manchester City’s silver linings during a difficult 2024–25 campaign that ended without major silverware. A tenacious and energetic forward who strikes a ball cleaner than most, the Egyptian has dazzled for City whether playing as a central striker or wide player—the trouble is he can’t often get a run in the team because of a certain Erling Haaland.
Chelsea forward João Pedro is doing well in new surroundings, having made the move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton in the summer of 2025. The Brazilian links play up brilliantly and has proven he’s got a nose for goal. What stops him from getting to the next level is his consistency, or lack of. One game he’s on fire and the next game he’s anonymous—cut that trait out and the Blues have quite the player on their hands.
Best Current Premier League Forwards
20. Pedro Neto
Injuries have prevented Pedro Neto from reaching his full potential, but the Portuguese winger is now delivering on a regular basis for Chelsea.
He has faced stiff competition for places, owing to the Blues’ transfer policy of sign any young player with a heartbeat, but he quickly earned the trust of Enzo Maresca, prior to his January 2026 exit, to become a regular starter in big games.
Neto has a wand of left foot, making him incredibly dangerous when he cuts inside the full back, but also has great dribbling ability and an eye for a defence-splitting pass. It makes him an entirely different proposition from Estêvão, who he at times is battling for minutes but also can complement when the Brazilian is shifted inside.
19. Anthony Gordon
When Newcastle elected to pay £40 million to Everton for Anthony Gordon in January 2023—potentially rising to £45 million if performance related add-ons were met—there were some raised eyebrows.
Gordon had enjoyed less than a season and a half in a struggling Toffees side, where he quickly became the standout player because of his tremendous work ethic. Fortunately, Newcastle’s investment has paid off. Now, the electrifying left winger is feared by Premier League right backs, who know he’s just as effective cutting inside as he is blasting to the byline.
End product could still be worked on, but when Liverpool are rumoured suitors—as well as a regular England gig—you know you’re doing something right.
18. Matheus Cunha
Having struggled to make an impression following his big-money move to Atlético Madrid, it appeared Matheus Cunha may fail to live up to the hype that engulfed him early in his career. However, a loan move to Wolverhampton Wanderers changed his fortunes, with the Brazilian’s classy performances quickly endearing him to the Molineux crowd.
Cunha’s loan was made permanent as he continued to single-handedly drag Wolves through difficult periods, with a deserved move to Manchester United arriving in the summer of 2025. The early signs are encouraging at Old Trafford, with Cunha’s impeccable first touch, creative spark and goalscoring nous making him an immediate hit for the Red Devils.
17. Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has often been overshadowed by his Liverpool teammates in recent seasons, but the unassuming Dutchman continues to rack up goals and assists from the left wing. He scored ten in the Premier League and supplied a further four en route to the title with the Reds in 2024–25, and the departure of Luis Díaz last summer has allowed him to step out from the shadows.
Gakpo has an unconventional frame for a wide player—hence why Jürgen Klopp utilised him as a striker and even midfielder—but his quick feet and ability to cut inside before sending laser-guided shots into the far corner makes him integral to Liverpool’s success.
16. Nick Woltemade
Newcastle’s 2025 summer transfer window ended with the acrimonious departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool. The Magpies’ loyal fans felt betrayed by the Swede and were furious at the manner of his departure.
But it hasn’t taken long for Isak to be a thing of the past—thanks to the towering Nick Woltemade. Standing 6’6” tall, you might expect the German to be the second coming of Peter Crouch—gangly, able to pull off the spectacular, but largely operating in slow motion.
Instead, Woltemade is graceful on his feet and is deceptively mobile, brilliantly links play with his teammates and has an appetite for goal that shows his impressive spell at VfB Stuttgart was no fluke.
15. Estevao
Having watched how Chelsea operate under their current ownership, nothing is taken for granted in west London. But one guarantee is that Estêvão is going to be one of the game’s great wingers.
Ridiculously talented, his dribbling ability and searing pace frightens defenders to death, and the fact he’s already cultivated a regular end product is what’s made everybody sit up and take notice. Not only is Estêvão strutting his stuff in the Premier League, he’s making a splash in the Champions League too—more of that and there will be inevitable transfer speculation involving Barcelona and Real Madrid.
14. Jeremy Doku
Few footballers on the planet can stifle Jérémy Doku at full tilt. The turbo-charged Belgian is devastatingly quick when charging down the touchline and possesses unrivalled acceleration over ten yards, attributes which make him nigh on impossible for full backs to thwart.
The only criticism of Doku since his blockbuster move to Manchester City has been levelled at his, at times, underwhelming end product, but there are encouraging signs that he’s starting to remedy his inconsistency in the final third.
When Doku’s on song, there are few players more joyous to watch.
13. Jarrod Bowen
Even during West Ham’s darker days of recent years, Jarrod Bowen has been a shining light. A modern day Hammers icon, the indefatigable winger has dazzled with his consistency and finishing ability since joining the Irons in 2020.
The England international’s crowning achievement arrived in the Conference League final, but he’s delivered ever so frequently on the domestic front. Whether it be through thunderous strikes from his wicked left boot or his expert playmaking abilities from the flank, Bowen has stood out at London Stadium.
12. Igor Thiago
With Ivan Toney heading off to the riches of the Saudi Pro League, Brentford spent big to get their hands on the largely unproven Igor Thiago. That deal was agreed in February 2024, but it wasn’t until May 2025 that the Brazilian was able to make his debut because of a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season.
Luckily, Thiago’s not only rememebered how to find the back of the net, he’s single-handedly taken on the mantle of carrying Brentford forward. A first Premier League hat-trick in January 2026 built on the foundations of tremendous early season form, helping the club’s supporters quickly forget about the departed duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
11. Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus tormented the division’s defenders during his debut season with West Ham United in 2023–24, lighting up the competition with 14 goal contributions across an array of different positions. Comfortable on either flank and in central spaces, the forward’s versatility was one of his greatest strengths.
Second-season syndrome took its toll on the Ghana international, but he’s been reinvigorated since moving across London to join Tottenham Hotspur. The Ghanaian’s bravery in possession and powerful stride make him a challenging proposition for full backs, and he also boasts a remarkable repertoire of skill moves.
10. Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyökeres produced freakish goalscoring numbers in Portugal. The former Brighton & Hove Albion striker astonished audiences in Lisbon with 97 goals across 2023–24 and 2024–25 with Sporting CP, helping the club restore their position as the dominant force in the Primeira Liga.
Unsurprisingly, Gyökeres’ goalscoring achievements convinced Arsenal of his merit and they swiftly brought him to north London in the summer of 2025. Replicating the same eye-watering numbers managed in Portugal’s capital is practically impossible, but he’s already shown his class for the title-seeking Gunners.
A battering ram of a centre forward with a venomous strike in his locker, Gyökeres is tough to halt.
9. Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace supporters have been in dreamland for the majority of Oliver Glasner’s tenure. They lifted their first-ever major trophy in May 2025, beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and have witnessed some tremendous football in south London.
Eberechi Eze was responsible for a lot of that, prior to his move to Arsenal, but the other regular provider of brilliance has been Jean-Philippe Mateta. Goal after goal after goal has flowed from the boots and head of the Frenchman, who is now regarded as one of the hardest strikers to keep quiet in the entire Premier League.
8. Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has a job on his hands to maintain the standards he’s set over the past few years, but the Aston Villa striker’s ability to impact the game remains top tier. The prolific Englishman has been one of the catalysts behind Villa’s recent rise, scoring 15 or more league goals across the 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 campaigns.
Watkins loves to play on the shoulder of opposition centre backs, with his darting runs in behind a regular route to success for Villa. When he finds himself in goalscoring positions, he seldom disappoints with his knack for producing powerful yet pinpoint strikes.
7. Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak took time to find his feet following his bumper move from Real Sociedad to Newcastle United, but he was unashamedly exceptional in his two final seasons with the Magpies. He managed 44 goals for the Tynesiders across 2023–24 and 2024–25 in the league alone, drawing comparisons with Thierry Henry thanks to the levels of his performance.
It was hardly surprising that Liverpool decided to splash a Premier League record fee on the Swedish sharpshooter last summer, a protracted transfer saga eventually ending with Isak clinching his dream Anfield move.
The towering centre forward is still adapting to life on Merseyside following an interrupted pre-season, but there is little doubt that the all-conquering striker will find his feet sooner rather than later.
6. Bryan Mbeumo
It was only a matter of time before one of Europe’s behemoths signed Bryan Mbeumo, who has tore the Premier League to pieces in recent seasons while donning the red and white of Brentford. The 2024–25 campaign was particularly prosperous for the Cameroon international, with a combined 27 goals and assists in the English top flight.
Man Utd took the plunge on Mbeumo alongside Cunha and Benjamin Šeško as they sought to reinvent their forward line, and its paid dividends. Mbeumo has made a lively start at Old Trafford and has provided the same level of consistency and quality that he delivered at the Gtech Community Stadium.
5. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is arguably the greatest right winger in Premier League history. Sure, there are more skilful players, or those with better technical ability, but none of his positional peers can match his goalscoring ability and consistency in the opposition half.
The Egyptian continues to defy logic despite coming towards the end of his career, scooping the 2024–25 Premier League Player of the Season following his astonishing 29 goals and 18 assists in the competition as the Reds sauntered to the title.
There are signs that Salah is slowing down, but few can argue against the Egyptian still standing tall among the world’s most devastating forward players.
4. Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitiké’s Premier League career is in its infancy, but there already signs that Liverpool have recruited one of the world’s most exciting young forwards. The Frenchman arrived at Anfield last summer and has wasted little time adjusting to new surroundings, exhibiting the confidence and quality required of an elite centre forward.
Ekitiké was tipped for greatness at a tender age and a failed move to Paris Saint-Germain has not prevented him from rising to stardom. The lanky yet graceful striker re-established his potential at Eintracht Frankfurt, and has already offered plenty of glimpses of his incredible ability since transferring to Liverpool.
3. Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo’s ascent has flown under the radar. The versatile winger took time to initially adjust at Bournemouth following a move from the Championship, with tame returns in his first 18 months on England’s south coast. But since the start of the 2024–25 campaign, he’s been on fire.
Semenyo delivered 16 goal contributions in the Premier League across 2024–25 and has kept up that devastating form. Blending his imposing physique with raw speed and the ability to ride challenges, Semenyo is a masterful dribbler and creator for the Cherries.
He sure knows how to find the back of the net, too.
2. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka already ranks among the world’s best wingers and has done for some time despite his tender age. Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’ has been pivotal to their rise under Mikel Arteta, earning renown for his speed, agility and precise left boot.
The England international is one of the most feared wide men in world football among full backs, tormenting his opponents with a change of direction and immediate burst of pace. Whether hugging the flank or jinking left and right inside the penalty area, Saka is often unstoppable.
Saka has long been both Arsenal’s chief creative and goalscoring force, showcasing the maturity and consistency of someone five years his senior. He’s a sight to behold darting down the right wing.
1. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland appears destined to obliterate every goalscoring record in existence. The term generational talent doesn’t do the Norwegian justice, with Haaland continually posting ludicrous numbers each and every season with Manchester City.
Even during the Cityzens’ struggles in 2024–25, Haaland scored 22 Premier League goals, a tally most of the division’s forwards can only dream of reaching. Through brute force and electrifying speed, he will always deliver. It’s just a matter of how many.
Haaland might just be in his best form yet in 2025–26 as he continues his journey towards toppling longstanding records. He¹s a goalscoring machine, pure and simple.
READ MORE ON THE BEST CURRENT PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS
- The Best Current Premier League Goalkeepers—Ranked
- The Best Current Premier League Defenders—Ranked
- The Best Current Premier League Midfielders—Ranked
This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 20 Best Current Premier League Forwards—Ranked.
