Who is the greatest goal-scorer the world has ever seen? Think about those moments when a single player changed the entire game with one incredible shot. For soccer fans, debating the best strikers of all time is one of the most exciting—and toughest—arguments to win. Every era brings new legends, and every fan has their personal favorite.
Choosing the ultimate lineup of all-time great strikers is tricky because the game constantly changes. Do you value pure goal counts, or the impact a player had on their team’s success? Maybe it’s about the sheer magic they brought to the pitch. These debates often lead to heated discussions because there is no single right answer.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the legends who defined their positions, looking closely at their skills, records, and unforgettable moments. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of the elite few who truly belong in the pantheon of soccer history.
Get ready to revisit the careers of giants and settle some long-standing debates as we count down the most dominant soccer strikers of all time.
Top Soccer Strikers Of All Time Recommendations
- Edwards, Larry (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 36 Pages - 10/18/2014 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
- Lowe, Alexander (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 01/01/2022 (Publication Date) - Lerner Publications ™ (Publisher)
- Wagner, Zelda (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages - 08/01/2026 (Publication Date) - Lerner Publications ™ (Publisher)
- Lowe, Alexander (Author)
- Spanish (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 01/01/2025 (Publication Date) - ediciones Lerner (Publisher)
- Masannek, Joachim (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 151 Pages - 05/20/2010 (Publication Date) - Sole Books (Publisher)
- Press, Lunar (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 129 Pages - 08/04/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Wilson, Jonathan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 08/06/2024 (Publication Date) - Bold Type Books (Publisher)
- Huang, Ana (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 592 Pages - 10/22/2024 (Publication Date) - Bloom Books (Publisher)
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your ‘Soccer Strikers Of All Time’ Collection
Collecting memorabilia about the greatest soccer players is exciting! If you are looking to buy a set or individual pieces celebrating the ‘Soccer Strikers Of All Time,’ this guide helps you make the best choice. We look at what makes a great collectible.
Key Features to Look For
Authenticity and Licensing
The most important feature is authenticity. Real collectibles carry official licenses. Look for official logos from leagues, teams, or player associations. Unlicensed items often look cheap and lose value quickly.
Detail and Accuracy
The quality of the sculpt or print matters a lot. Good striker figures or cards show accurate uniforms, facial features, and famous goal poses. Poorly painted details or blurry images reduce the item’s appeal.
Rarity and Edition Size
Many high-end collectibles are numbered editions. Lower numbers usually mean higher value. Check if the item is a limited edition. Rare items become more sought-after over time.
Important Materials for Quality
The materials used directly impact how long your item lasts and how it feels.
- For Figures/Statues: High-quality resin or durable PVC plastic is best. These materials hold fine details well. Avoid very soft, cheap plastic that bends easily.
- For Trading Cards: Thick, high-gloss card stock is preferred. Some premium cards use metal or acrylic overlays for a premium feel. Always check the card’s thickness (often measured in points).
- For Framed Displays: Look for UV-protected glass or acrylic. This stops sunlight from fading the colors of photos or jerseys.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
Excellent presentation boosts quality. Items that come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) score higher. Professional framing or display cases significantly improve long-term quality. Signatures authenticated by reputable third parties also add great value.
Factors That Reduce Quality
Damage immediately lowers quality. Scratches, dents, fading, or missing pieces reduce the item’s worth significantly. Even minor wear on the packaging, especially for mint-condition items, can lower the quality score.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your strikers collection affects what you should buy.
Display Enthusiasts
If you want to show off your heroes, focus on large, detailed statues or professionally framed jerseys. Good lighting enhances the user experience for display pieces. You need sturdy materials that can stand on a shelf or hang securely on a wall.
Long-Term Investors
Investors prioritize condition above all else. They look for items kept in original, sealed packaging (Mint Condition). The user experience here is about careful storage in climate-controlled environments. Authenticity documentation is non-negotiable for investors.
Casual Fans
Casual fans might enjoy affordable, fun items like high-quality trading cards or smaller, stylized figures. The user experience is about enjoyment and connecting with their favorite player, not necessarily maximizing resale value.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ‘Soccer Strikers Of All Time’ Collectibles
Q: How do I know if a signature on a figure is real?
A: Look for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a well-known authentication company. If the seller cannot provide one, the signature is likely not verifiable.
Q: Are older collectibles always better than newer ones?
A: Not always. Newer items might use better technology for detail, but older items might be rarer because fewer were made or survived. Rarity often beats age.
Q: What is “Grade 10” on a trading card?
A: Grade 10 means the card is in perfect, gem-mint condition. Every corner, surface, and centering must be flawless. This is the highest possible grade.
Q: Should I take figures out of their original boxes?
A: If you plan to sell it later, never take it out. Collectors call this “Mint in Box” (MIB). Once removed, its value usually drops unless it is signed.
Q: What material is best for figures that might be handled often?
A: Durable PVC or ABS plastic handles minor bumps better than delicate resin statues.
Q: How should I clean dust off a framed photo?
A: Gently wipe the glass or acrylic cover with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the frame.
Q: What is the difference between a limited edition and an exclusive?
A: A limited edition has a set total number (e.g., 500 made). An exclusive might only be sold at one specific store or event, making it hard to find, even if many were produced.
Q: Can I display signed items in direct sunlight?
A: Absolutely not. Sunlight fades ink and yellows paper or plastic very quickly. Always use UV-protected display cases.
Q: Which strikers are usually the most valuable in these collections?
A: Generally, global icons like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo usually command the highest prices across all collectible types.
Q: If I buy a used item, what damage is acceptable?
A: For serious collecting, no damage is acceptable. For casual display, minor box wear is okay, but the item itself should be free of chips or deep scratches.