The 20 Best Header Goalscorers of the 21st Century – Ranked

July 20, 2025 Oliver Obel

Heading is a specialist art in football — one that requires timing, bravery, and technique. Since the turn of the century, a handful of players have made the aerial game their trademark, scoring goal after goal with their heads. Here are the top 20 players with the most headed goals in club football since 2000, starting from number 20 to number 1.

20. Didier Drogba – 50 Headed Goals

Didier Drogba was a true menace in the box, using his power and timing to dominate defenders. The Chelsea legend scored 50 headed goals during his club career, many of which came in crucial moments on the biggest stages.

19. Olivier Giroud – 50 Headed Goals

Olivier Giroud, still active with AC Milan, has always been a reliable aerial threat. Known for his ability to win duels and score with finesse, Giroud has also reached the 50-headed-goal milestone.

18. Guillaume Hoarau – 51 Headed Goals

French striker Guillaume Hoarau, most prolific at Sion and PSG, made heading a central part of his attacking arsenal. His 51 headed goals highlight his consistency in the air throughout his career.

17. Islam Slimani – 51 Headed Goals

Islam Slimani carved out a reputation as a powerful forward with excellent heading ability. While his career has spanned clubs like Sporting CP and Lyon, his aerial contributions have always stood out.

16. Raul – 51 Headed Goals

Raúl — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Real Madrid legend Raul wasn't the tallest striker, but his positional sense made him lethal in the air. With 51 headed goals, he proved that intelligence and movement can beat defenders more often than height.

15. Sergio Ramos – 51 Headed Goals

Sergio Ramos is the only defender on this list, and that speaks volumes. Renowned for his clutch goals in high-pressure moments, Ramos’s 51 headed goals underline his set-piece mastery and fearless approach.

14. Karim Benzema – 54 Headed Goals

Karim Benzema, one of Real Madrid’s greatest-ever forwards, combined elegance and precision in the air. His 54 headed goals are a testament to his complete striker profile and ability to score in every way.

13. Peter Crouch – 56 Headed Goals

Standing at 6'7", Peter Crouch was naturally dominant in aerial battles. His 56 headed goals came from a mix of towering leaps and clever flick-ons, making him a unique figure in Premier League history.

12. Edinson Cavani – 57 Headed Goals

Cavani’s work rate and movement made him an ideal poacher, and his headed goals reflect that. From Napoli to PSG to Manchester United, the Uruguayan has punished defenders with 57 goals from above.

11. Miroslav Klose – 58 Headed Goals

Germany’s all-time top scorer Miroslav Klose was a master of headers. His 58 goals with the head were often products of sharp instincts and flawless timing inside the penalty area.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 58 Headed Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought flair and finesse to aerial duels, scoring 58 headers with stunning variety. Even in his later years at AC Milan, his physical dominance remained evident.

9. Edin Dzeko – 59 Headed Goals

Edin Dzeko has consistently used his size and positioning to terrorize defenses across Europe. With 59 headed goals, the Bosnian striker has made an aerial impact in every league he’s played in.

8. Mario Mandzukic – 60 Headed Goals

Mandzukic, the Croatian warrior, was renowned for his combative style and aerial threat. Scoring 60 headed goals, he played pivotal roles for clubs like Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus.

7. Aritz Aduriz – 63 Headed Goals

Aritz Aduriz was a late bloomer who became a La Liga cult hero with Athletic Bilbao. His 63 headed goals came through impeccable timing and a hunger to win every cross that came his way.

6. Bas Dost – 64 Headed Goals

Bas Dost’s career has been defined by his aerial prowess, especially during his time at Sporting CP. With 64 headed goals, the Dutch striker often served as the ideal target man.

5. Radamel Falcao – 71 Headed Goals

Ramadel Falcao — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Despite not being the tallest striker, Radamel Falcao’s heading ability was exceptional. His 71 headed goals highlight his athleticism and keen sense of positioning in the box.

4. Fernando Llorente – 75 Headed Goals

Nicknamed “El Rey León,” Llorente’s dominance in the air was unmatched at times. With 75 headed goals, the Spanish striker made a name for himself in Spain, Italy, and England.

3. Robert Lewandowski – 77 Headed Goals

Robert Lewandowski has been one of the most complete forwards of the modern era. Among his vast skill set, his heading ability has yielded 77 goals, many of them decisive for Bayern Munich.

2. Luuk de Jong – 78 Headed Goals

Luuk de Jong is perhaps the most underrated aerial threat on this list. His 78 headed goals, accumulated largely in the Dutch league and La Liga, show his elite finishing ability with his head.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 110 Headed Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with a staggering 110 headed goals, the most in club football since 2000. His leap, strength, and accuracy in the air have made him arguably the greatest header of the ball in football history.