The list was compiled by 59-year-old sports journalist Oliver Holt, who has over 30 years of experience, for the British newspaper the Daily Mail. He selected the strikers who left the strongest impression on him during his 30-year career, covering 7 World Cups, 8 European Championships, and 22 Champions League finals, rather than relying on statistics. Therefore, he omitted Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, and Hernan Crespo, as he didn't have many opportunities to watch them play.

Ronaldo Nazario lifts the 2002 World Cup trophy at Yokohama Stadium, Japan on 30/6/2002. Photo: *Reuters*

According to Holt, Messi is a player "anyone would feel fortunate to witness live". The 38-year-old superstar demolished Man Utd in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals and then led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.

However, Holt still ranked Ronaldo Nazario higher due to his explosiveness, speed, technique, and unique ability to evoke emotion in viewers. "R9" is the model of an unstoppable striker, from his hat-trick at Old Trafford in 2003 to his two goals in the 2002 World Cup final.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for most career goals with 945, is praised by Holt as "an extraordinary athlete, a perfect goal-scoring machine". However, Holt still placed CR7 outside the top 5, behind Ronaldo Nazario, Messi, Kenny Dalglish, Kylian Mbappe, and Alessandro Del Piero. The reason is the element of magic and breathtaking moments, which he found more prevalent in the other players.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores with a bicycle kick in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Real and Juventus at Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy on the evening of 3/4/2018. Photo: *Reuters*

Despite omitting Lewandowski (677 goals) and Ibrahimovic (561 goals), Holt included Eric Cantona (185 goals) in the list because of his "arrogance and influence". Striker Didier Drogba was honored for his header and the penalty that secured the 2012 Champions League title for Chelsea. As a Manchester native, Holt's list predominantly features players who have played in the Premier League, accounting for 62%.

Mbappe's inclusion at fourth place, above Cristiano Ronaldo, is noteworthy due to his 2018 World Cup victory and hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final. Kenny Dalglish ranked third, despite retiring 35 years ago.

Harry Kane, with over 465 goals for club and country, is ranked 13th, higher than Alan Shearer. Wayne Rooney made it into the top 10, while Mohamed Salah, Michael Owen, and Gabriel Batistuta are ranked 16th, 17th, and 18th, respectively.

Oliver Holt's list of the 21 best strikers of the past 30 years: 1. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil), 2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 3. Kenny Dalglish (Scotland), 4. Kylian Mbappe (France), 5. Alessandro Del Piero (Italy), 6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), 7. Raul (Spain), 8. Thierry Henry (France), 9. Neymar (Brazil), 10. Wayne Rooney (England), 11. Henrik Larsson (Sweden), 12. Eric Cantona (France), 13. Harry Kane (England), 14. Alan Shearer (England), 15. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), 16. Mohamed Salah (Egypt), 17. Michael Owen (England), 18. Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina), 19. Sergio Aguero (Argentina), 20. Erling Haaland (Norway), and 21. Thomas Muller (Germany).

Hoang An (*Daily Mail*)