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10 Dragon Ball Characters Who Officially Overpowered Goku (With Quotes & Facts)
December 29, 2025Across Dragon Ball’s decades-long run, Goku has been outclassed by at least ten characters, each officially shown as stronger than the series’ legendary Saiyan, even if only briefly. These decisive moments, from early mentors like Master Roshi to antagonists like Black Frieza, shifted the power hierarchy, highlighting Goku’s ever-present need to evolve.
Goku may be the protagonist and central powerhouse of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise, but the canon repeatedly records periods when he was overtaken by both heroes and villains. Screen Rant’s reporting confirms a full list of characters who have, on screen or in manga panels, demonstrated greater power, skill, or strategic superiority than Goku at specific points in the saga.
Every Character Who Has Officially Surpassed Goku
1. Master Roshi: Master Roshi, known as the Turtle Hermit, was “the world’s greatest martial artist” when Goku began training. He disguised himself as Jackie Chun in the early World Martial Arts Tournaments and defeated Goku directly to motivate future growth. Roshi taught Goku not just martial arts but “discipline and humility.”
Key quote: “He’s not only credited with teaching Goku martial arts, but also with instilling in him discipline and humility.”
2. Tien Shinhan: Tien was introduced as a skilled Crane School warrior and Goku’s first peer rival. During the 22nd Martial Arts Tournament, Tien “ultimately triumphed,” with the final round described as close but decisive.
Key quote: “While the fight was close, Tien ultimately triumphed, proving himself to be Goku’s equal early on in the series.”
3. Mr. Popo: Serving as Kami’s attendant, Mr. Popo “quickly proved himself fast, strong, and agile,” significantly stronger than Goku after King Piccolo’s defeat. He schooled Goku in advanced techniques and battle tactics, a phase in which even Goku’s raw fighting ability was outmatched.
Key quote: “His demonstrations of power were enough to prove that he was stronger than Goku during their initial meeting.”
4. Raditz: Raditz, Goku’s brother and the first major Dragon Ball Z antagonist, “effortlessly overpowers Goku and kidnaps Gohan.” Even with Piccolo’s help, Goku had to sacrifice himself to win, highlighting the level gap.
Key quote: “Defeating Raditz required the combined effort of Goku and Piccolo; even then, Raditz remained a formidable challenge.”
5. Vegeta: The rivalry with Vegeta spans decades. In their first encounter, Vegeta “initially outclassed Goku,” and, according to the source, “without the intervention of Goku’s allies, it’s likely that Vegeta would have killed him.” Their competition has seen them repeatedly surpassing and challenging one another.
Key quote: “There have been moments throughout the series when Vegeta proves himself to be Goku’s equal.”
6. Androids 17 & 18: These androids “made it clear that their power is overwhelming.” Although Goku never directly battles them in the main timeline, their threatened dominance pushed the heroes to constantly upgrade. In the alternate timeline, they kill Goku and devastate the Z Fighters.
Key quote: “Despite never facing Goku, the threat the Androids posed was proof that continuous training was necessary and never a waste of energy, time, or effort.”
7. Gohan: As Goku’s own son, Gohan famously “unlocked Super Saiyan 2 and defeated Perfect Cell” during the Cell Games, showing a surge beyond Goku’s power. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan achieves the new Gohan Beast transformation, again hinting at his potential to eclipse Goku.
Key quote: “Goku himself believes Gohan’s potential would someday overshadow his own power.”
8. Jiren: During the Tournament of Power, Jiren was officially “the strongest mortal in the multiverse.” Jiren could defeat Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta until Goku tapped into Ultra Instinct mid-battle.
Key quote: “Jiren remained the superior fighter, effectively forcing Goku to push past his limits mid-battle.”
9. Granolah: Following an explicit wish for ultimate power, Granolah “eclipsed Goku’s power,” outmatching both Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Vegeta’s Ultra Ego. This dominance was only temporary, but it was clear and undeniable.
Key quote: “Granolah’s newfound strength pushed the Saiyans to their limits and proved to the heroes that the power hierarchy could shift at any given moment.”
10. Black Frieza: Black Frieza made an abrupt but explosive debut in Dragon Ball Super, instantly “defeating Goku and Vegeta in a single blow” and demonstrating a colossal new tier of villain power.
Key quote: “Black Frieza…showcases his power by defeating Goku and Vegeta in a single blow.”
Canon Power Shifts & Timelines
- Dragon Ball Created By Akira Toriyama
- Franchise Debut: April 26, 1989 (Anime First Episode)
- First Film: Curse of the Blood Rubies
- Latest Film: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Major Power Surpass Events:
- Master Roshi defeats Goku as Jackie Chun (early Dragon Ball)
- Tien Shinhan wins at the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament
- Mr. Popo’s training after King Piccolo
- Raditz’s arrival in Dragon Ball Z
- Vegeta battles Goku with near-mortal results
- Androids’ dominance in the Future Trunks timeline
- Gohan’s defeat of Cell (Super Saiyan 2)
- Jiren’s superiority in the Tournament of Power
- Granolah’s wish-empowered surge (Dragon Ball Super manga)
- Black Frieza’s instant defeat of Goku and Vegeta
Each of these moments, drawn from official anime and manga canon, demonstrates that Dragon Ball’s central theme, there’s always someone stronger, holds true even for Goku. For comprehensive Dragon Ball lore, character development, or power ranking research, this list is definitive and direct from the source.
