Osimhen named alongside Messi, Ronaldo in top international goalscorers of the decade list

Victor Osimhen has earned global recognition after being named among the most prolific international goalscorers of the current decade by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

The Super Eagles striker made the podium for the “Top Scorers of National Teams – 3rd Decade of the 21st Century (2021–2030)” rankings, placing him in elite company alongside Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Osimhen currently sits joint 14th on the list with Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrović, with both players scoring 27 international goals since 2021. The tally underlines his consistency and growing influence for Nigeria on the global stage.

A breakdown of his numbers shows steady production across the decade. He scored five goals in 2021, repeated that total in 2022 and 2023, added three in 2024, and exploded for nine goals in 2025 — his most productive year yet.

Four of those strikes came at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he inspired Nigeria to the semi-finals before they secured a bronze medal finish.

At the top of the rankings is Norway’s Erling Haaland with 49 goals, followed by England captain Harry Kane (46) and Argentina icon Lionel Messi (44). Cristiano Ronaldo has 41, while Kylian Mbappé sits on 39.

Beyond the decade rankings, Osimhen’s overall record for Nigeria continues to impress. Since debuting in 2017, he has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances, making him Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer of all time.

Now serving as vice-captain, he has surpassed legends such as Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Segun Odegbami, Obafemi Martins and Ikechukwu Uche. Only Rashidi Yekini remains ahead of him, by just two goals.

With two AFCON bronze medals and one silver already to his name, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year will be aiming to convert personal milestones into continental glory, especially with the 2027 tournament set for East Africa.