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#3 Ali Mabkhout (UAE) - 14 goals
The UAE are edging closer towards their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1990. That has been possible, thanks to their prolific striker Ali Mabkhout, who has led their cause with his imperious scoring.
He struck eight times in the qualifying campaign, most of them being match-winners, equalisers or opening goals. The remaining six have come in friendlies, as part of hat-tricks against India and Jordan.
#2 Harry Kane (England) - 16 goals
Speaking of hat-tricks, Harry Kane ended the calendar year with two in consecutive qualifying games for England. His second was a four-goal salvo against San Marino.
Kane ended England's successful FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign as the joint top-scorer with 12 goals. He also bagged four at Euro 2020, helping The Three Lions finish runners-up to Italy on home soil.
#1 Memphis Depay (Netherlands) - 17 goals
Memphis Depay has stormed to fourth on the all-time list of goalscorers for the Netherlands, thanks to his blistering 17-goal haul this year. The Barcelona attacker now has 38 goals for the Oranje.
Depay was in inspired form in 2021 for Netherlands. The Oranje will return to the FIFA World Cup fold after missing out in 2018, thanks to Depay's 12 goals, including a hat-trick against Turkey.
