The 20 Best Premier League Strikers of All Time – Ranked

August 8, 2025 Oliver Obel

The Premier League has been blessed with an incredible range of strikers who have lit up the competition with their goals, personalities, and unforgettable moments. From clinical finishers to silky technicians, this list honours the greatest to ever lead the line in England’s top flight. We begin at number 20 and work our way to the undisputed number one.

20. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

Jamie Vardy was the ultimate underdog story turned Premier League icon. With 145 goals, blistering pace, and a knack for big moments, he helped power Leicester to their fairy tale title in 2016 and annoyed countless defenders along the way.

19. Les Ferdinand (QPR, Newcastle United, Spurs, others)

A dominant presence in the box, Les Ferdinand combined strength, aerial ability, and finishing finesse. With nearly 150 goals and a PFA Player of the Year award, he was a Premier League star across multiple clubs.

18. Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea)

Zola was a magician on the pitch, known for his creativity, vision, and jaw-dropping technical ability. While not a prolific scorer, he transformed Chelsea’s attack and inspired a generation of flair players.

17. Michael Owen (Liverpool, others)

Before injuries took their toll, Owen was electric—winning two Golden Boots and a Ballon d’Or by age 22. His raw speed and lethal finishing made him one of the most feared forwards in the early 2000s.

16. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)

Van Nistelrooy was a pure poacher, who thrived on sharp movement and killer instinct. Despite an ACL injury before his move, he became one of the most consistent scorers Old Trafford has seen.

15. Robbie Fowler (Liverpool, others)

Fowler was a natural goalscorer with impeccable timing and technique, earning him the nickname “God” at Anfield. Injuries prevented him from reaching even greater heights, but his 163 goals speak volumes.

14. Robin van Persie (Arsenal, Manchester United)

Van Persie was the complete forward with a sublime left foot and eye for the spectacular. After years of carrying Arsenal, he led Manchester United to a league title in his debut season there.

13. Fernando Torres (Liverpool, Chelsea)

At Liverpool, Torres was unplayable—his blend of speed, movement, and clinical finishing made him world-class. Though his Chelsea spell was inconsistent, his early years secured his legendary status.

12. Ian Wright (Arsenal, West Ham United)

A late bloomer, Wright became one of the Premier League’s earliest superstars with his passion, sharp finishing, and infectious energy. He was Arsenal’s record scorer before a certain Frenchman arrived.

11. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Luis Suárez — Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Suarez was one of the most gifted and controversial players the league has seen. His 31-goal season in 2013/14 was a masterclass in technique, power, and unpredictability.

10. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Haaland has only just begun, but his impact is already historic. With 63 goals in 66 games, the Norwegian phenomenon has redefined what it means to be a modern striker.

9. Andy Cole (Newcastle United, Manchester United, others)

Cole was a lethal finisher who amassed 187 goals without taking penalties. He was a consistent presence during United’s dominance and one of the most underrated greats in PL history.

8. Eric Cantona (Leeds United, Manchester United)

Cantona wasn’t just a goalscorer—he was a cultural force who shaped United’s winning mentality. His charisma and genius made him one of the most influential players in league history.

7. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City)

Kane’s all-round game, goal record, and leadership marked him as one of England’s finest ever. With 213 Premier League goals before moving to Bayern, he came closer to Shearer’s record than anyone else.

6. Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)

Bergkamp brought elegance and imagination to Arsenal’s front line. His technical brilliance and intelligence made him one of the most creative forwards the Premier League has ever seen.

5. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Drogba was a powerhouse who always turned up in the biggest games. A Chelsea legend, he won two Golden Boots and regularly delivered match-winning moments under pressure.

4. Wayne Rooney (Everton, Manchester United)

Rooney burst onto the scene as a teenager and never looked back, racking up 208 goals and 103 assists. His versatility and vision made him a Premier League mainstay for over a decade.

3. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Sergio Agüero — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Aguero scored the most iconic goal in Premier League history and 183 more besides. His agility, precision, and consistency made him the league’s greatest-ever foreign goalscorer.

2. Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United)

Shearer’s record of 260 goals still stands tall, nearly two decades after his retirement. His blend of power, positioning, and relentless drive defined the Premier League’s early era.

1. Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Henry was the perfect striker—elegant, fast, and ruthlessly efficient. With over 175 goals and countless breathtaking moments, he elevated both Arsenal and the Premier League to new heights.