The English Premier League (EPL) has been home to many of the world’s greatest goalscorers. These legends have set records and delivered unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the list of the top all-time goalscorers in EPL history.
1. Alan Shearer – 260 Goals
Alan Shearer stands proudly at the top of the list. The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker scored an astonishing 260 goals in 441 appearances. Shearer had a powerful shot and was deadly in the air. He led Blackburn to their famous EPL title win in 1995 and was consistent throughout his career. People regard him as one of the greatest goalscorers the EPL has seen, and his record still stands today. It’s hard to imagine anyone surpassing him anytime soon.
2. Wayne Rooney – 208 Goals
Next on the list is Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. Known for his fierce determination and versatility, Rooney scored 208 goals in 491 games. Starting his EPL career at Everton before moving to United, Rooney became one of the most recognizable faces in world football. He played in various attacking positions, but no one could match his instinct for finding the back of the net. Rooney also played a key role in several Manchester United title-winning campaigns, leading the way with his goalscorer’s instinct.
3. Harry Kane – 213* Goals
Harry Kane is the only active player on this list, still climbing. With 213 goals (and counting), Kane is well on breaking Shearer’s record. The former Tottenham Hotspur & current Bayern Munich striker demonstrates clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and strong leadership. Kane has won multiple Golden Boot awards and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. Many believe Kane will take the top spot if he returns to the EPL before his career ends.
4. Andrew Cole – 187 Goals
Andrew Cole, a five-time EPL champion, is fourth with 187 goals in 414 games. Cole played for several clubs but gained the most fame at Manchester United, where he formed a lethal partnership with Dwight Yorke. Together, they helped the Red Devils win the historic treble in 1999. Cole’s pace and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders.
5. Sergio Agüero – 184 Goals
The Argentine maestro Sergio Agüero is fifth, with 184 goals in 275 matches. Agüero played most of his EPL career for Manchester City, where he became their all-time leading goalscorer. His most iconic moment came in 2012 when he scored the last-minute goal, which, in turn, dramatically gave City their first EPL title. Agüero’s combination of skill, precision, and intelligence made him one of the most feared goalscorers in EPL history.
6. Frank Lampard – 177 Goals
Frank Lampard is one of the best midfielders the EPL has ever seen, and he ranks sixth on the list with 177 goals. What’s impressive is that Lampard achieved this feat as a midfielder, not a striker. He played most of his career at Chelsea, winning multiple EPL titles. Lampard’s late runs into the box and ability to score from a distance defined his playing style. He remains Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer.
7. Thierry Henry – 175 Goals
Thierry Henry, one of the most elegant players to grace the EPL, scored 175 goals for Arsenal. Henry was known for his pace, technique, and ability to score from almost any position on the field. He helped Arsenal to two EPL titles and was a key player in the 2003-04 “Invincibles” season, where Arsenal went unbeaten. Henry’s brilliance had a lasting impact on the EPL, and he’s still regarded as one of the best players ever in the league.
8. Robbie Fowler – 163 Goals
Liverpool’s Robbie Fowler was a natural goal scorer. With 163 goals, Fowler ranks eighth on the all-time list. He had two spells with Liverpool and played for Leeds United and Manchester City in the EPL. Fowler’s instinctive finishing and sharp movement made him a fan favourite. Particularly at Anfield, where supporters still fondly remember him as “God,” his impact was especially significant.
9. Jermain Defoe – 162 Goals
Jermain Defoe was a consistent goal scorer throughout his EPL career, netting 162 goals in 496 appearances. Defoe played for several EPL clubs, including West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland. Known for his speed and agility, Defoe was a constant threat in the box and had a knack for scoring crucial goals. Even late into his career, he maintained his sharpness and ability to score.
10. Michael Owen – 150 Goals
Rounding out the top 10 is Michael Owen, who scored 150 goals. Owen burst onto the scene as a teenager at Liverpool, where his pace and finishing ability made him one of the most exciting young talents in world football. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2001, a rare feat for an EPL player. Owen later played for Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City, but his early career at Liverpool remains his most memorable.
11. Les Ferdinand – 149 Goals
Les Ferdinand, a powerful forward, scored 149 goals in 351 appearances. Ferdinand played for several clubs, including QPR, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. His best years came at Newcastle, where he formed a lethal partnership with Alan Shearer. Ferdinand’s strength, aerial ability, and finishing made him one of the most feared strikers of his time.
12. Teddy Sheringham – 146 Goals
Teddy Sheringham’s intelligence and technique earned him 146 goals in 418 EPL matches. Sheringham played for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and West Ham United. He was known for his ability to link play and his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Sheringham was also a key figure in Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning team.
13. Robin van Persie – 144 Goals
Robin van Persie scored 144 goals in the EPL during his time with Arsenal and Manchester United. The Dutch striker was known for his elegant style of play, incredible left foot, and ability to score stunning goals. Van Persie won the Golden Boot twice and was instrumental in Manchester United’s 2012-13 title-winning campaign.
14. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 127 Goals
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a powerful striker who scored 127 goals during his EPL career. He played for Leeds United, Chelsea, and Charlton Athletic. Hasselbaink was known for his long-range shooting and strength, which made him a handful for defenders. He won the Golden Boot twice during his time in the EPL.
15. Steven Gerrard – 120 Goals
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard closes out the list with 120 goals. Much like Frank Lampard, Gerrard was a midfielder who contributed heavily in attack. He spent his entire EPL career at Liverpool, where he became one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Gerrard was known for his leadership, powerful shots, and ability to score in big moments.
Conclusion
The EPL has seen many incredible goal-scorers over the years. From Shearer’s consistency to Kane’s ongoing chase for the top spot, these players have left a mark on football history. Keep an eye on the current stars as they aim to break records and join this elite list of EPL all-time top goalscorers.
