A Record That Defined an Era

With just five months remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several historic records are once again under scrutiny. One of the most iconic belongs to Miroslav Klose, the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, a mark that has stood for more than a decade.

However, the modern game — and the presence of two generational superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé — has placed that record firmly under threat. Both arrive at the next World Cup within striking distance of Klose’s tally, making the debate more relevant than ever.

Klose’s Most Honest Admission

Rather than defending his legacy, Klose chose transparency. Speaking to German newspaper Bild, the former striker openly acknowledged that his record is unlikely to last much longer.

“I’m sure my World Cup goalscoring record will be broken soon. Either Lionel Messi does it at this World Cup, or at the latest, Kylian Mbappé at the next one.”

The words of the 2014 World Cup winner reflect a realistic view of modern football, where longevity, attacking volume, and penalty responsibilities often tip the balance in favor of today’s stars.

Messi and Mbappé Closing In

At present, Messi has scored 13 goals in World Cups, while Mbappé sits on 12, narrowing the gap considerably. Also trailing Klose are legends such as Ronaldo Nazário with 15 goals and Gerd Müller with 14.

Klose also highlighted a key difference between eras: during his international career, he was not Germany’s designated penalty taker — a factor that now benefits both Messi and Mbappé and could ultimately prove decisive.

A Legacy Beyond Goals

Beyond the goalscoring record, Klose pointed to other remarkable World Cup achievements. He remains the player with the most wins in World Cup history and is the only footballer to have played in four World Cup semifinals, milestones that further cement his legacy.

Now retired from playing, Klose works as a head coach at Nürnberg in Germany’s second division, while closely monitoring the future of the national team ahead of 2026.

What Comes Next in the Race for History

Looking ahead, Klose identified Nick Woltemade as one of Germany’s main attacking options for the next World Cup cycle, while also noting the setback caused by Niclas Füllkrug’s recent injury.

Meanwhile, Messi and Mbappé continue their quiet pursuit of history. The Argentine could be preparing for his final World Cup with Argentina, while the French forward — already a champion in 2018 — is set to once again lead France under Didier Deschamps.

The record still belongs to Klose. But for the first time, even he seems to accept that its days may be numbered.

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