Top 5 Strikers Under 23 in World Football (2024/25)

Meet the future stars of football. These top 5 strikers under 23, in no particular order, are redefining the art of goal scoring and playmaking with their unique styles and impressive statistics. From clinical finishers to creative, forward-thinking talents, these players are not just the future of their clubs but are shaping the evolution of the modern striker role. Dive into their style of play, key stats, and what makes them stand out in world football today.

Criteria for Ranking

We analyzed these top 5 strikers under 23 using the following metrics:

• Goals per 90 minutes: How often they score relative to time played.
• Expected Goals (xG): A measure of shot quality and scoring opportunities.
• Shot Creating Actions: Their creativity in setting up chances.
• Other stats: Dribbles, build up play, duels won and shot accuracy.
• Playing style: Whether they’re goal hunters, false nines or complete forwards.

Top 5 Strikers Under 23

Rasmus Højlund, 21 years old (Manchester United)

Style of Play

The 1.91m tall Danish striker is a complete forward who combines pace, physicality and an eye for scoring goals . Højlund excels at running behind defenses and winning physical duels over defenders. His off the ball runs, particularly in behind the defense, are well-timed, exploiting spaces left by opponents and being able to position himself right to receive the ball from his teammates on the wings.

Key Statistics

Rasmus Højlund’s impact on Manchester United goes beyond his goal tally. Despite a slow start in the Premier League, his movement and work rate have been crucial in creating space for teammates. He registered 12 shot-creating actions in just 439 minutes, showing his ability to initiate attacking opportunities. His 57 touches in the final third and willingness to make runs have added dynamism to United’s forward play, even during a difficult season.

In the Europa League, Højlund has made 5 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in 294 minutes. He also registered 5 shots on target, 6 shot-creating actions, and a 1.2 xG, showcasing his finishing ability and link-up play. His 60% aerial duels won highlight his physical presence. Under the new manager, his recent form, with 2 goals in 2 games, signals growing confidence and deserves his spot in our top 5 strikers under 23.

Benjamin Šeško, 21 years old (RB Leipzig)

Style of Play

The 1.94m tall Slovenian striker is a complete forward who combines pace, physicality, and a clinical touch in front of goal. Šeško excels at holding off defenders and making well-timed runs behind defensive lines, searching for depth. His imposing frame allows him to dominate in aerial duels and score headers easily, while, despite his length, his agility and speed, make him a threat in counter-attacking situations. His positioning is very strong, often being able to get a deflected shot in on the rebound. Šeško is a striker who consistently demonstrates his ability to score with both feet and from various distances, showcasing a wide range of finishing techniques.

Key Statistics

Benjamin Šeško’s impact at RB Leipzig extends across both domestic and European competitions. In the Bundesliga, he has played 12 matches (11 starts) and accumulated 793 minutes, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. He received 37 progressive passes, had 11 shot creating actions, and registered 2.6 xG and 2.6 XA, while also completing 14 progressive carries (at least 9.1 meters). His 64% aerial duel success highlights his physicality in the air.

In the Champions League, Šeško has continued to shine, with 3 goals in 5 appearances and 329 minutes played. His 6 shots on target and 5 shot-creating actions demonstrate his efficiency in Europe, while his 63% aerial duel success further emphasizes his aerial strength. As a dynamic forward, Šeško’s contributions are important for both Leipzig’s Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.

Samu Omorodion, 20 years old (FC Porto)

Style of Play

Samu Omorodion is a 1.93m tall Spanish dynamic forward known for his pace and directness. He stands out in exploiting spaces behind defenses with intelligent runs, often crossing in front of defenders utilizing his speed and strength to create goal-scoring opportunities. His dribbling skills, together with his explosive speed, allow him to take on defenders effectively, while his technical ability and physicality make him a versatile player in attacking situations.

Samu’s work rate and positioning in the final third add balance to his play, providing both depth and width to his team’s offensive strategy. Besides his role as a deep centre forward, he often drops deep to create combinations with his wingers, switching the play from one side to the other and continuing forward. His length is a massive advantage that he utilizes when a cross comes in from his wingers, often scoring headers.

Key Statistics

Samu Omorodion has been a standout performer in both the Portuguese league and the Europa League this season. In domestic competition, he has scored 8 goals in 8 starts (568 minutes), exceeding his xG of 4.3, with 30 progressive passes received, 9 shots on target, and 7 shot-creating actions.

In the Europa League, he added 4 goals in 421 minutes from an xG of 1.9, with 26 progressive passes received, 7 shots on target, and 16 shot creating actions While his take-on success (20%-40%) could improve, his aerial duel win rates (48%-52%) and clinical finishing underline his effectiveness.

Jhon Durán, 20 years old (Aston Villa)

Style of Play

Jhon Durán is a 1.85m tall Colombian dynamic forward with a versatile playing style. He is clinical in front of goal, has a powerful strike with a lot of “venom” in it, particularly with his left foot, and possesses a powerful long-range shot. His strong mentality and high work rate make him a relentless presence on the pitch, with smart movements in combination with his explosive speed, he consistently challenges defenses.

In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Durán excels in long passing, effectively switching play to wingers and contributing to his team’s build-up. His aerial prowess is key in maintaining attacks, and his combination of speed, strength, and intelligence makes him difficult to contain, which makes us think he should be in our top 5 strikers under 23.

Key Statistics

Jhon Durán has shown his effectiveness across both the Premier League and Champions League in the 2024/25 season. In the Premier League, despite limited minutes (336 across 13 appearances), he has netted 4 goals from 2.5 xG, with 7 shots on target, 8 shot-creating actions, and a 47% aerial duel success rate.

In the Champions League, he has been equally impactful with 2 goals in just 162 minutes, outperforming his 0.5 xG. His 67% aerial duel success and clinical finishing underline his ability to make the most of his opportunities in both competitions and functioning very well, for now, as a super sub for Ollie Watkins.

Hugo Ekitiké, 22 years old (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Style of Play

The final player in our top 5 strikers under 23 is Hugo Ekitike, he is a dynamic and tall forward, standing at 1.89m. Despite his slender build, he uses his strength effectively to hold off defenders and keep possession, especially in tight spaces. Ekitike is excellent at attracting defensive pressure, which creates chances for his teammates. His ability to delay passes or shots allows him to create extra space, and he has a powerful, accurate shot from both short and medium range. With a keen eye for runs behind the defense, he combines the playmaking abilities of a No. 10 with the finishing technique of a striker.

Key Statistics

Hugo Ekitike has been impressive across both the Bundesliga and Europa League this season. In 11 league matches, he scored 6 goals and assisted 3, with 33 shot-creating actions and 64 progressive passes received, showing his ability to drive offensive play.

In the Europa League, he continued his strong performances, registering 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games, along with 12 shot-creating actions. His defensive contributions are notable as well, with a 100% tackle success rate and 71% aerial duels won. Ekitike’s all-around game has proven valuable for both his club’s attack and defensive stability.