The 12 greatest goal scorers in Premier League history – Ranked from fewest to most goals

December 27, 2024 Editorial team

Below, we present the 12 highest goal scorers in Premier League history, ranked from the fewest to the most goals. Over the years, the Premier League has been home to some of the world’s best strikers.

From legendary figures like Alan Shearer to modern stars such as Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah, these players have not only broken records but also thrilled fans worldwide with their exceptional goal-scoring prowess and technical skills.

Les Ferdinand – 149 Goals

Les Ferdinand was a physically strong forward with a powerful aerial presence, particularly notable during his time with Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, and Tottenham. In the 1990s, he was one of the most feared strikers, known for his strength and ability to be in the right place at the right time in the box.

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Michael Owen – 150 Goals

Michael Owen burst onto the scene as a teenager at Liverpool and later played for Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Manchester United. Despite an injury-plagued career, Owen reached an impressive 150 Premier League goals, thanks to his blistering pace and natural finishing ability.

Jermain Defoe – 162 Goals

Jermain Defoe was a reliable goal scorer wherever he played—from West Ham and Tottenham to Sunderland and Bournemouth. His sharp finishing and quick acceleration made him a constant threat to defenders, resulting in 162 Premier League goals.

Robbie Fowler – 163 Goals

Known as “God” among Liverpool fans, Robbie Fowler was one of the most instinctive finishers in Premier League history. Scoring prolifically throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Fowler had a unique ability to pop up in the right place at the right time.

Mohamed Salah – 173 Goals

Mohamed Salah’s Premier League journey began with a tough spell at Chelsea, but he found his stride at Liverpool. With blistering speed, exceptional ball control, and clinical finishing, Salah has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent and feared forwards.

Thierry Henry – 175 Goals

Thierry Henry revolutionised the role of a striker with his speed, skill, and flair for scoring elegant goals. As a key player for Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, Henry was multiple times the league’s top scorer and remains one of its most iconic attacking talents.

Frank Lampard – 177 Goals

Despite being a midfielder, Frank Lampard scored an incredible 177 Premier League goals. The Chelsea legend was a master of timing his runs into the box, and his long-range shooting was among the most lethal in the league’s history. He remains the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history.

Sergio Agüero – 184 Goals

In addition to delivering one of the most dramatic title-winning goals ever (against QPR in 2012), Sergio Agüero scored 184 goals during his time at Manchester City. With an uncanny ability to find himself in the right position, Agüero secured his place as one of the Premier League’s greatest modern strikers.

Andy Cole – 187 Goals

Andrew Cole — Foto: D. Ribeiro / Shutterstock.com

Andy Cole was a lightning-fast and clinical finisher, particularly during his spells with Newcastle and Manchester United. At United, he formed a successful partnership with Dwight Yorke, and his knack for converting even the smallest chances led to 187 Premier League goals.

Wayne Rooney – 208 Goals

Wayne Rooney showcased his talent at Everton as a 16-year-old and went on to become one of England’s and Manchester United’s biggest stars. With 208 goals, Rooney combined physical strength, technical brilliance, and a fearless attitude. He later returned to Everton to round off his Premier League career.

Harry Kane – 213 Goals

Harry Kane made his mark at Tottenham, where he established himself as one of the world’s most reliable goal scorers. Kane notched 213 Premier League goals before moving to Bayern Munich in 2023. His clinical finishing, ball control, and ability to score in every conceivable situation have defined nearly a decade of dominance.

Alan Shearer – 260 Goals

At the top of the list is Alan Shearer, who remains the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer with 260 goals. His career with Blackburn and Newcastle was marked by a combination of raw power, clever positioning, and a thunderous right foot. Shearer’s record has stood for years—and may remain unbroken for many more.