Legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldo has claimed this week that Karim Benzema is the best striker in world football.

It is high praise for the Frenchman coming from one of the game’s most iconic marksman — but is he correct?

Read on to see who makes our list of the game’s most lethal goal machines.

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

While Ronaldo considers Lewandowski a close second to Benzema, many football fans would disagree — with the prolific Pole a leading contender for top spot.

The Bayern Munich talisman, 33, was already a fine forward before leaving former club Borussia Dortmund for Bavaria in the summer of 2014.

Since then however, he has scaled new heights by netting a remarkable 328 goals in 357 appearances for the German champions in all competitions.

From simple tap-ins to scarcely believable finishes, power headers to breathtaking volleys, Lewandowski is a wonderfully rounded forward who would walk into any team on the planet.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

No list of centre-forwards would be fit to discount Benzema, who has reliably spearheaded Real Madrid’s front line through over a decade of glorious success.

Four Champions League crowns, three LaLiga triumphs and countless other domestic accolades means that the 34-year-old boasts quite the trophy cabinet.

And make no mistake, his goals — over 300 of them in all competitions since 2009 — have been a constant in a period that has also witnessed much change for Los Blancos.

While other superstars have been and gone, Benzema’s reliability and commitment to the cause will see him go down as a legend in the Spanish capital.

Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

Lewandowski and Benzema may be approaching the twilight of their careers, but Erling Haaland is just getting going — a truly frightening prospect for defences all around Europe.

Still only 21, Haaland has broken record after record since swapping Salzburg for Borussia Dortmund in January 2020 and has a goal tally to rival any of his fellow marksmen.

The Norwegian has netted 56 goals in his opening 57 Bundesliga appearances and an almighty scramble for his signature is being touted this summer.

One thing for certain is that BVB can safely assume they will be making a profit on the £17million they parted with just two years ago.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Harry Kane may have needed a bit of time to find his feet at the top level but Tottenham’s No10 is now established as one of the game’s most ruthless strikers.

The England skipper, now 28, has 171 Premier League goals to his name and, should he remain in his homeland, must have a chance of usurping the great Alan Shearer’s all-time record tally of 260.

While a move to Manchester City last summer did not materialise, Kane is starting to rediscover some of his best form under Antonio Conte and remains a lethal operator.

His exploits in helping the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final in their last two tournaments have further evidenced his ability on the grandest stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

He may be approaching his 37th birthday but Cristiano Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down.

Having spent much of his early career as a winger, the Portuguese icon’s transition into a central striker has been truly magnificent to watch in recent years.

Still possessing immense pace and strength, Ronaldo’s guile and vision have allowed him to continue terrorising defences in Spain, Italy and England — as well as on the world stage.

His 115 goals for Portugal make him international football’s all-time top scorer, while over 800 career strikes cement his place in the history books as one of the great goalscorers.