Ge Gerd Muller has been named the greatest finisher of all-time. Muller narrowly pips Pele to top spot, with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in third. Other greats such as Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry also make the top 10.
As former England international Michael Owen once poetically said, 'whichever team scores more goals usually wins.' As obvious as that statement is, it's also true and emphasises the importance of having a potent striker leading the line who can sniff out a chance at any given moment. A good finisher encompasses all of what is needed to be a number nine.
They are deadly from anywhere between the 18-yard-box, both in the air and with their feet. They can convert high xG chances as well as opportunities that may not be in their favour. The question remains though, who is the very best at this very specific skill? With that in mind, here are 10 of the greatest finishers to ever grace the beautiful game, with the ranking factors below.
Goals scored (club and country) Goals per game ratio Conversion rate Era in which players featured The most expensive players in football history ranked by their combined transfer fees. 10 Thierry Henry Starting things off with one of the most legendary names in the Premier League era . Thierry Henry was a goal machine, particularly in his prime at Arsenal , which is made all the more impressive as the Frenchman enjoyed operating inside the left-hand channel.
The former Barcelona and Monaco star is the Gunners' all-time record goalsco.