Who is the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history?

Miroslav Klose is the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with 16 goals.

The Germany striker scored across four tournaments: five goals in 2002, five in 2006, four in 2010 and two in 2014. His consistency over more than a decade allowed him to surpass Brazil’s Ronaldo, who had scored 15 World Cup goals.

Klose broke Ronaldo’s record during Germany’s 7–1 semifinal victory over Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. He scored Germany’s second goal in that match, moving to 16. Germany went on to defeat Argentina 1–0 in the final, with Mario Götze scoring in extra time.

Klose’s record concerns goals in World Cup final tournaments, not all international matches. He also finished as Germany’s leading international scorer with 71 goals, while Gerd Müller scored 68 for West Germany. Pelé, despite winning three World Cups, scored 12 goals in the competition.