Top 5 Forwards of the Century So Far

Football fans of a certain age often talk fondly about the goal-scoring heroics of the likes of Gerd Muller, Jimmy Greaves, Pele, and Maradona.

In this era, we're lucky to have so many world-class forwards competing against each other in Europe's top leagues. In a few decades' time, we'll all be filled with nostalgia for these same forwards.

So, who are the best 5 forwards of the century so far? Who are the players we'll be talking to our grandchildren about?

Don't agree with me? Let me know your opinion in the comments below!

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#5 Didier Drogba

Manchester United v Chelsea - Premier League

Didier Drogba was the very definition of a target-man in the prime of his outstanding career.

The former Chelsea man, who is seeing out the end of his career at American club Phoenix Rising, scored 157 goals in 341 matches whilst playing for the Blues, winning three League Cups, 4 FA Cups, and 4 Premier League titles in a talismanic decade in England. By scoring the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final, he cemented his place as a Chelsea legend.

In an era dominated by countless world-class defenders, Drogba was a true champion forward.

#4 Ronaldo (Brazilian)

Ronaldo of Brazil celebrates scoring the winning goal

Brazil warrior Ronaldo was an unstoppable number 9 in the last years of the 20th century, and continued to be one of the world's best well into the noughties.

Winning the 2002 Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo carried Brazil to their fifth World Cup victory in South Korea. With 15 goals across 3 tournaments, only Miroslav Klose of Germany has more goals in World Cup competitions than Ronaldo (16).

Aside from his success with the national side, Ronaldo was unplayable at times during his club career, scoring 247 in 343 appearances, playing for several giants of the game such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Overshadowed in the modern era by his Portuguese namesake, El Fenomeno ("The Phenomenon") is nonetheless a true legend of the modern game.

#3 Thierry Henry

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

Despite never winning the Ballon d'Or, Thierry Henry was astonishing whilst playing for Arsenal in his prime.

Henry is the highest non-English goalscorer in the Premier League, with 175 goals in 258 games in an unstoppable career for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007. After his time at Arsenal, Henry moved to Barcelona, scoring 49 goals in 121 games.

Winning the World Cup in 1998 for France, the European Championship in 2000, and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009, Henry ticked off all the major tournaments possible for a player to win to cap off a remarkable career.

#2 Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v Juventus - UEFA Champions League

Arguably the best goal-scoring forward of all time, Lionel Messi is one of the most dominating and unbelievable footballers ever to grace the sport.

With 387 goals in 421 games for Barcelona, Messi has an average of nearly 58 goals per season for the Catalans. In the 2011-12 season, Messi bagged a record-shattering 73 goals in 60 games.

The numbers look impossible out of context, a testament to Messi's supreme quality. At age 31, Messi is reaching the end of his career, but with his class he'll score plenty more goals between now and his retirement.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal v Spain: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Choosing between Messi and Ronaldo was difficult, but the Portugal international has kicked on in recent years, winning the European Championship in 2016 and achieving the extraordinary feat of 3 Champions League titles in a row with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo equalled Messi's record of 5 Ballon d'Or wins in 2017, and looks set to win another this year if he can stave off competition from Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.

With 120 goals in 153 games, Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the Champions League, followed by his eternal nemesis Messi in second place with 100 goals in 124 games. Not only that, but Ronaldo has proved his quality both in the Premier League and La Liga, adapting well to the greatly different styles of play and cultures.

Whilst at Real Madrid, he scored 292 goals in 311 games to cement his place as the club's all-time record goal scorer, a frighteningly good statistic.

Now at Juventus, Ronaldo is looking to round off his amazing career by achieving the astronomical feat of winning the Champions League with 3 clubs from 3 different countries.