Top Scorers in the History of the Premier League: In recent years, the Premier League has become the most powerful football competition worldwide. It’s the league where the most money is spent on player transfers, and many football stars aspire to play there. Players like Erling Haaland have chosen the Premier League as their destination after leaving the Bundesliga. The league is known for having the best players, and the gap between the top teams and others seems to be getting bigger every year.
The Premier League was established in 1992 when some clubs broke away from the Football League, which used to organize the English domestic championships under the English Federation. Initially, five teams (Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham) led the split, and eventually, all the other teams joined, creating a new independent championship separate from the old governing body but still part of the English football pyramid.
Top Scorers in the History of the Premier League
Let’s explore the achievements of these exceptional goal-scorers in more detail.
20. Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku has scored a total of 121 goals in the Premier League, placing him as the 20th-highest goalscorer in the league’s history. He played for four different clubs in the Premier League: Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton, and Manchester United. During his time at these clubs, he scored 8 goals for Chelsea, 17 goals for West Bromwich Albion, 68 goals for Everton, and 28 goals for Manchester United.
Lukaku is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and is known for his exciting style of play. He has a remarkable ability to score goals in different ways, whether it’s through powerful shots or well-placed finishes.
Additionally, Lukaku is skilled in passing the ball to his teammates and dribbling past opponents, which helps him create opportunities for others and score goals himself. As Lukaku is still an active player, he will likely continue to climb higher in the Premier League’s all-time top scorers list.
19. Dwight Yorke
Dwight Yorke is ranked as the 19th-highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League. He scored a total of 123 goals in 375 appearances. He played for several clubs in the Premier League, including Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, and Sunderland. However, he is most remembered for his successful stint at Manchester United, where he won the Premier League three times and the Champions League once.
Yorke was known for his ability to score goals in different ways and was considered a prolific goalscorer. He was also skilled in passing the ball to his teammates and dribbling past opponents, which made him a valuable asset in creating opportunities for his team.
Yorke’s talents were not limited to club football, as he also played a significant role for the national team of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1989, he contributed to their victory in the Caribbean Cup. Yorke eventually retired from professional football in 2009.
18. Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka scored a total of 19 goals in 32 appearances while playing for Chelsea. Anelka stands as the 18th-highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League, with 125 goals in 364 appearances.
Anelka’s performance during the 2008-09 season was particularly remarkable, as he scored 15 out of his 19 goals in the first 16 games of the season. This showcased his excellent goalscoring ability and made him a key player for Chelsea.
Anelka’s time at Chelsea was significant in his Premier League career, where he scored 38 goals in 125 appearances for the club. Additionally, he also played for other notable teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bolton Wanderers throughout his career.
17. Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane holds the position of the 17th highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League. Throughout his career, Keane showcased his scoring abilities while playing for six different clubs in the league: Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Coventry City, Liverpool, West Ham United, and Aston Villa.
For Tottenham Hotspur, Keane scored an impressive total of 91 goals. He also contributed 13 goals during his time at Leeds United, 5 goals at Liverpool, 2 goals at West Ham United, and 3 goals at Aston Villa.
Keane is widely regarded as one of the top strikers of his generation and is recognized as an exciting player in the history of the Premier League. In 2018, he retired from professional football, leaving behind a memorable career.
16. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink stands as the 16th-highest goalscorer in the Premier League, having scored 127 goals in 288 appearances. He showcased his scoring skills while representing four different clubs in the league: Leeds United, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Charlton Athletic.
During his time at Leeds United, Hasselbaink scored 34 goals, followed by an impressive tally of 69 goals for Chelsea. He then contributed 22 goals for Middlesbrough and 2 goals for Charlton Athletic.
Hasselbaink has been recognized as a highly accomplished player, winning the FA Charity Shield and Taça de Portugal once each. In the 1998-99 season, he also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot. He is considered one of the outstanding strikers of his generation and is celebrated as one of the most thrilling players in the history of the Premier League.
15. Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy currently holds the 15th position among the highest goalscorers in Premier League history. Throughout his Premier League career, he has exclusively played for Leicester City. He has impressively scored 126 goals in 307 appearances for the club.
Vardy’s achievements extend beyond his goal-scoring skills. He has been part of Leicester City’s memorable successes, including winning the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield. In addition, Vardy’s exceptional performances on the field led to him being named the FWA Footballer of the Year in the 2015-16 season.
Renowned for his abilities, Vardy is considered one of the greatest strikers of his generation and is highly regarded as one of the most thrilling players in Premier League history. As an active player, there is a strong likelihood that Vardy will continue to climb higher in the Premier League’s all-time top scorers list.
14. Robin Van Persie
Robin van Persie is widely recognized as a highly skilled football player who left a lasting impact on the Premier League. He played for two renowned teams, Arsenal and Manchester United, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities. In total, Van Persie impressively scored 144 goals in 280 matches. Among these, 96 goals were scored during his time at Arsenal, while 48 goals were scored during his tenure at Manchester United.
Van Persie’s career was filled with remarkable achievements. He secured the Premier League title twice, the FA Cup once, the League Cup once, and the UEFA Champions League once. In 2012, he earned two esteemed accolades: the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year.
Regarded by many as one of the top strikers of his era and as one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, Van Persie’s impact was substantial. He retired from professional football in 2018, leaving behind a memorable legacy.
13. Teddy Sheringham
Teddy Sheringham, the twelfth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive record of 146 goals in 418 appearances. Throughout his career, Sheringham showcased his goal-scoring abilities while representing five clubs in the Premier League: Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Portsmouth, and West Ham United. He scored 1 goal for Nottingham Forest, 97 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, 31 goals for Manchester United, 9 goals for Portsmouth, and 8 goals for West Ham United.
Sheringham’s achievements include winning the Premier League title three times, the FA Cup once, and the UEFA Champions League once. In recognition of his exceptional performances, he was honored as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2000-01.
Not only was Sheringham known for his goal-scoring skills, but he also possessed skills as a passer and dribbler, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
12. Les Ferdinand
Les Ferdinand, the eleventh-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive record of 149 goals in 351 appearances. During his career, Ferdinand displayed his goal-scoring skills while representing six clubs in the Premier League: Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Leicester City, and Bolton Wanderers. He scored 60 goals for Queens Park Rangers, 33 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, 41 goals for Newcastle United, 2 goals for West Ham United, 12 goals for Leicester City, and 1 goal for Bolton Wanderers.
Ferdinand’s achievements include winning the Football League Cup title and being recognized as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1995-96.
Regarded as one of the most prolific goal-scorers of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, Ferdinand left an indelible mark on the sport. He retired from professional football in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional goal-scoring ability and a place among the esteemed players of the Premier League.
11. Michael Owen
Michael Owen, the tenth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, boasts a notable tally of 150 goals in 297 appearances. Throughout his career, Owen demonstrated his goal-scoring skills while representing four clubs in the Premier League: Liverpool, Stoke City, Newcastle United, and Manchester United. He scored 118 goals for Liverpool, 26 goals for Newcastle United, and 5 goals for Manchester United.
Owen’s achievements in football include winning the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup. His remarkable performances were recognized with awards such as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1998 and the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
Renowned as a prolific goalscorer, Owen showcased versatility in his ability to score goals in various ways. Additionally, his skills as a passer and dribbler allowed him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Owen bid farewell to professional football in 2013, leaving a lasting impact as one of the Premier League’s most celebrated players, revered for his goal-scoring abilities and contributions to the game.
10. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is a highly skilled football player who has made a significant impact in the Premier League. He has played for two clubs, namely Liverpool and Chelsea. Throughout his career, Salah has showcased his goal-scoring abilities, tallying an impressive 156 goals in 256 matches. The majority of his goals, were scored during his time at Liverpool, while he scored 2 goals during his stint at Chelsea.
Salah’s success extends beyond his goal-scoring achievements. He has triumphed in notable competitions, including winning the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, Salah has received individual awards such as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year, which he earned in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 seasons.
Recognized for his versatility, Salah possesses exceptional skills in scoring goals through various means. He is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and his adeptness in providing assists through precise passing and skilled dribbling. As an active player, Salah is likely to continue ascending the ranks of the Premier League’s all-time top scorers.
9. Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe, the ninth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive record of 162 goals in 496 appearances. Throughout his career, Defoe displayed his goal-scoring prowess while representing six clubs in the Premier League: West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Sunderland, and Bournemouth. He scored 18 goals for West Ham United, 91 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, 15 goals for Portsmouth, 34 goals for Sunderland, and 4 goals for Bournemouth.
Defoe is widely regarded as one of the most prolific goal-scorers of his generation and a prominent figure in the history of the Premier League. Known for his clinical finishing, he possesses the ability to score goals in various ways. Additionally, his skills as a passer and dribbler allow him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Having retired from professional football in 2022, Defoe leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in the Premier League, revered for his goal-scoring abilities and contribution to the sport.
8. Robbie Fowler
Robbie Fowler, the eighth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, boasts an impressive record of 163 goals in 379 appearances. During his career, Fowler showcased his goal-scoring abilities while representing three clubs in the Premier League: Liverpool, Leeds United, and Manchester City. He scored 128 goals for Liverpool, 14 goals for Leeds United, and 21 goals for Manchester City.
Fowler’s achievements in football include winning the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Cup. In recognition of his outstanding performances, he was honored as the PFA Young Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1996.
He retired from professional football in 2012, having left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest players in the Premier League and a beloved figure among Liverpool fans.
7. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry, the seventh-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, achieved an impressive record of 175 goals in 258 appearances. He scored all 175 goals for Arsenal.
Henry’s achievements in football are remarkable. He secured the Premier League title twice, the FA Cup twice, and the FA Community Shield twice during his time at Arsenal. In recognition of his exceptional performances, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2002-03 and 2003-04, as well as the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2005-06.
Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, Henry was not only a talented striker but also an adept passer and dribbler. His skills enabled him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates while also finding the back of the net himself. Henry retired from professional football in 2014, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most lethal and versatile forwards in the history of the sport.
6. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, the sixth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive record of 177 goals in 609 appearances. Throughout his career, Lampard showcased his goal-scoring abilities while playing for three clubs in the Premier League: West Ham United, Chelsea, and Manchester City. He scored 24 goals for West Ham United, 147 goals for Chelsea, and 6 goals for Manchester City.
He has won the Premier League title three times, the FA Cup four times, the FA Community Shield twice, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League once. In recognition of his exceptional performances, Lampard was named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2005.
Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and one of the finest players in the history of the Premier League, Lampard retired from professional football in 2017. His contributions to the sport have solidified his status as a legendary figure in the world of football.
5. Sergio Agüero
Sergio Agüero, the fifth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive record of 184 goals in 275 appearances. He achieved this feat while playing solely for Manchester City in the Premier League.
Agüero’s career is adorned with many honors and achievements. He has won the Premier League title four times, the FA Cup once, and the League Cup a remarkable six times during his time at Manchester City.
Considered one of the greatest strikers of his generation and a legendary player in Premier League history, Agüero’s goal-scoring skills is highly regarded. He possesses the ability to score goals in various ways and is known for his prolific scoring ability. Agüero retired from professional football in 2021, leaving behind an impressive legacy.
4. Andy Cole
Andy Cole, the fourth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, has an impressive tally of 187 goals in 414 appearances. He showcased his goal-scoring abilities while representing six clubs in the Premier League: Newcastle United, Manchester United, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, and Blackburn Rovers. During his time at these clubs, Cole scored 43 goals for Newcastle United, 93 goals for Manchester United, 12 goals for Fulham, 9 goals for Manchester City, 3 goals for Portsmouth, and 27 goals for Blackburn Rovers.
Cole’s career is marked by significant achievements and honors. He has won the Premier League title five times, the FA Cup twice, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League once. In recognition of his outstanding performances, Cole was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1994 and received the Premier League Golden Boot award in 1993-94.
Regarded as one of the finest strikers of his era and one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, Cole retired from professional football in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy behind.
3. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is the third-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, with a total of 208 goals in 491 appearances. He showcased his goal-scoring abilities while playing for two Premier League clubs, Everton and Manchester United. During his time at Everton, he scored 25 goals, while at Manchester United, he scored an impressive 183 goals.
Rooney’s career is adorned with many awards and achievements. He has won the Premier League title five times, the FA Cup once, the League Cup three times, and the UEFA Champions League once. In recognition of his exceptional performances, Rooney was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2004 and received the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2009-10.
Regarded as one of the finest strikers of his era and one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, Rooney retired from professional football in 2022. He has since taken on the role of head coach for D.C. United.
2. Harry Kane
Harry Kane holds the second-highest goal-scoring record in the Premier League. He has scored an impressive 213 goals in 320 appearances. He is currently 47 goals behind Alan Shearer, who has a record of 260 goals.
Kane has consistently shown his ability to score goals throughout his career. In his first season in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2012-13, he scored 21 goals. Since then, he has achieved the milestone of scoring 20 or more goals in each of the following eight seasons. He has also been recognized as the Premier League’s top goal scorer, winning the Golden Boot award three times: in the seasons 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2020-21.
At just 29 years old, Kane is considered one of the best strikers in the world.
1. Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer is the top goal scorer in the history of the Premier League. He scored a remarkable 260 goals while playing for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. It took him 441 matches to achieve this feat.
He is highly regarded as one of the best strikers of his time and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League. He holds the record for being the quickest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League, achieving this in just 124 appearances.
In 1996, Shearer finished third in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. This is a big deal because those awards recognize the best football players in the world. Additionally, in 2004, Pelé included Shearer in his FIFA 100 list, which honors the top living players.
