Premier League Forward Rankings: Top 5 Forward Players in 2025/26

Throughout its history, the Premier League has been packed with some of the very best forward players in world football. From out-and-out goalscoring centre-forwards such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Alan Shearer to devastating wide forwards like Thierry Henry and Mo Salah, fans of the league have long been spoiled for choice.

The 2025/26 season appears to be no different, so we have compiled a list of the very best in-form forwards in England’s top flight. For obvious reasons—given his form—Mo Salah does not make this list, but his place among the league’s immortals is already secure. So, if there is no Salah, who does make our list?

Read on as we take a look at our Top 5.

Ranking Our Top 5 Forwards

Erling Haaland

Without doubt the most devastating forward in English football today, Erling Haaland, continues to rewrite the record books for Manchester City.

His goal against Fulham brought him into the Premier League’s 100 Club, making him the fastest player ever to reach the landmark. His astonishing 100 goals in just 111 appearances smashed Alan Shearer’s long-standing record of 100 in 124 matches.

Haaland’s form for Norway has also helped his nation qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, while the 2025/26 campaign may well turn out to be his best yet—a frightening prospect for defenders everywhere.

Igor Thiago

What a surprise Premier League hit Brazilian centre-forward Igor Thiago has been for Brentford this season. Initially signed to replace Ivan Toney ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Thiago ended up missing most of that season, scoring his first goal only in the 2025/26 opener against Nottingham Forest.

Since that opening day, however, he has been sensational—hitting 11 Premier League goals in just 13 appearances. Only one Norwegian striker (who we’ll get to later) has scored more. If rookie manager Keith Andrews continues to impress in the Brentford dugout, his talismanic 24-year-old looks set to be the major driving force.

Antoine Semenyo

After a slow start following his move from Bristol City in 2023, Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has become a revelation for Bournemouth over the last 18 months. Thanks to his consistent performances and growing goal contributions, Semenyo now stands out as one of the most sought-after players in English football. Last season, he recorded 11 goals and 5 assists; at the time of writing, he has already notched 6 goals and 3 assists this campaign.

Whether he remains at the club long-term is uncertain, especially with interest from Champions League sides like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Spurs. His future is also complicated by a £65 million release clause in his contract.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Like our first two inclusions, Jean-Philippe Mateta has had a slow-burn rise to the top. Across his first three seasons at Crystal Palace, he scored just eight league goals and struggled to secure a regular starting spot. Enter Oliver Glasner—since his arrival, Mateta has become one of the most feared strikers in English football. He hit 16 league goals during the 2023/24 campaign and followed up with another 14 last season.

This season, he has 7 in 13 Premier League matches, and he has also scored in the Europa Conference League as Palace embark on their debut European adventure. Given his improved form and growing influence, it would be no surprise to see a major club move for the 28-year-old over the next few transfer windows.

Bukayo Saka

Many consider Arsenal strong favourites to lift their first league title in 22 years, and one of the major reasons is the consistency and quality of star wide player Bukayo Saka. The England international is not only expected to lead Arsenal’s title charge but will also be a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England at next summer’s World Cup.

Although Saka endured an injury-affected 2024/25 season, he contributed 25 goal involvements across the two seasons prior as Arsenal re-established themselves as genuine title contenders. His goal numbers this season may not yet be where he wants them to be, but the fear he injects into defenders with his pace and dribbling remains a vital part of Arsenal’s title push—arguably their strongest in years.

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