2025 FC 100: Haaland among best center forwards in men’s soccer

2025 FC 100: Haaland among best center forwards in men's soccer

Center forwards are a potent blend of close-range finisher, playmaker and space creator for teammates around the box. They’re talented enough to handle the free role and graceful enough under pressure to constantly deliver. They’ll score in any game, against any team, from any position. Fleet of foot and quick of mind, their ability to read the play and anticipate where the ball will be three passes before it gets there is what sets them apart.

It’s not just the tap-ins they’ll score, either. The best can improvise with any part of the body (except the hands, of course) to get the job done. Clever flicks, nifty tricks, brash backheels and calm set pieces are their best weapons.

All stats provided by ESPN Research, all ages and teams correct as of June 1.

The 2024-25 FC 100, position by position

Go to: Goalkeeper | Fullbacks | Center backs | Defensive/central midfielders | Attacking midfielders | Wingers | Center forwards