Miroslav Klose, the footballer whom Messi equaled in World Cup history
The 2026 World Cup is one more scenario in which Miroslav Klose could be dethroned as the top scorer in history. Lionel Messi has already equaled it
In each World Cup, records that seemed difficult to overcome continue to be broken. The new format of the World Cup delivers one more match on the way to the title. One of the records they are looking to break is that of the top scorer in the history of the World Cups. This line belongs to Miroslav Klose and, after one day of the World Cup, to Lionel Messi.
The former German striker became a great legend of the World Cups in 2014. Miroslav Klose finished his career with 16 goals scored in this tournament. In Brazil 2014, Klose dethroned Ronaldo Nazario who had 15 goals.
The legend of Miroslav Klose began in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. In this World Cup Klose scored five goals (all with a header). The German attacker scored three goals against Saudi Arabia, one goal against Ireland and another against Cameroon.
At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Miroslav Klose would again score five goals (he was the tournament's top scorer). Klose scored doubles against Costa Rica and Ecuador in the first phase. In the quarterfinals he scored the same, but this time Argentina was his victim.
In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa the goals would continue. Miroslav Klose scored another four goals. Klose scored a goal against Australia, another against England and scored a double against Argentina.
In the last World Cup, where they lifted the trophy, Miroslav Klose scored two more goals. The German striker scored a goal against Ghana and turned Brazil into a historic 7-1 victory. With this goal Klose surpassed Ronaldo Nazario in his own home and against his national team.
Top scorers in World Cup history
Miroslav Klose (16 goals for Germany)
Lionel Messi (16 goals with Argentina)*
Ronaldo Nazário (15 goals against Brazil)
Gerd Müller (14 goals for West Germany)
Kylian Mbappé (14 goals with France)*

