The Premier League’s Top 20 Non-Penalty Goal Scorers

August 19, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

When looking at the all-time Premier League top scorers, penalties can often make a big difference in the rankings. Some legends built their numbers with a significant share of goals from the spot, while others relied almost entirely on open play. To see who truly dominated in regular play, we’ve removed penalties from the equation – and the results shake up the all-time standings in surprising ways.

20. Romelu Lukaku – 114 goals

Romelu Lukaku has played for several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, West Brom, Everton, and Manchester United. Known for his physical presence and finishing ability, he consistently produced goals in open play. While he scored 9 penalties, his 114 non-penalty goals show he was far more than just a striker who relied on set pieces.

19. Dwight Yorke – 117 goals

Dwight Yorke is remembered best for his role in Manchester United’s treble-winning 1999 season. A striker with superb movement and clinical finishing, he built his reputation on goals from open play. With only 4 penalties in his Premier League career, his 117 non-penalty strikes underline his natural instincts as a forward.

18. Nicolas Anelka – 118 goals

Nicolas Anelka was a true journeyman, playing for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Bolton. His ability to adapt to different systems and still find the net made him a unique figure in the league. He scored 10 penalties, but his 118 non-penalty goals highlight his sharp positioning and composure.

17. Jamie Vardy – 118 goals

Jamie Vardy’s rise from non-league football to Premier League champion with Leicester City is one of the great stories in English football. Known for his pace and relentless pressing, most of his goals came from open play rather than the spot. Even with 22 penalties in his tally, his 118 non-penalty goals prove his ruthlessness in transition and finishing ability.

16. Raheem Sterling – 120 goals

Raheem Sterling made his name at Liverpool before becoming a star at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. His movement in the box and ability to score from close range have brought him consistent success. With only 8 penalties scored, his 120 non-penalty goals highlight his strength in open-play situations.

15. Son Heung-min – 123 goals

Heung-min Son — IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Son Heung-min has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers, forming a lethal partnership with Harry Kane. Renowned for his two-footed shooting and long-range strikes, Son has rarely been a penalty taker. With just 3 penalties in his career, his 123 non-penalty strikes show how much he has contributed through open play.

14. Teddy Sheringham – 125 goals

Teddy Sheringham enjoyed a long career with Tottenham and Manchester United, remembered for his intelligence and link-up play. He was never the quickest, but his footballing brain made him a reliable scorer. With 14 penalties in his career, his 125 non-penalty goals reflect his sharpness and game-reading ability.

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13. Robin van Persie – 129 goals

Robin van Persie’s time in the Premier League with Arsenal and Manchester United was filled with spectacular goals. Famous for his volleys and left-footed strikes, he could turn games on his own. He scored 15 penalties, but his 129 non-penalty goals confirm his status as one of the league’s most complete strikers.

12. Frank Lampard – 134 goals

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was a midfielder who scored like a striker. He remains the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history, thanks to his late runs into the box and accurate shooting. With 43 penalties across his career, his 134 non-penalty goals show he was far from just a set-piece scorer.

11. Michael Owen – 136 goals

Michael Owen burst onto the scene as a teenager at Liverpool, becoming one of England’s brightest talents. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, he regularly terrorized defenses with runs in behind. He netted 11 penalties, but his 136 non-penalty goals make up the majority of his scoring record.

10. Robbie Fowler – 146 goals

Robbie Fowler was Liverpool’s “God,” loved by fans for his natural goal-scoring instinct. Fowler was at his peak in the mid-1990s, scoring consistently in open play. With 17 penalties included in his tally, his 146 non-penalty goals emphasize how effective he was without relying on set pieces.

9. Jermain Defoe – 148 goals

Jermain Defoe played for multiple clubs but is most associated with Tottenham, where he was a reliable finisher. He had lightning-fast reactions and could score from almost any position inside the box. With 14 penalties across his career, his 148 non-penalty goals underline his reputation as one of the most clinical poachers in Premier League history.

8. Les Ferdinand – 149 goals

Les Ferdinand is unique on this list because he never scored a single Premier League penalty. Playing for QPR, Newcastle, and Tottenham, he earned a reputation as one of the best aerial strikers of his era. His 149 non-penalty goals prove how effective he was in open play, relying solely on instinct and power.

7. Thierry Henry – 152 goals

Thierry Henry is widely considered the greatest foreign player in Premier League history. Arsenal’s all-time top scorer, Henry dazzled fans with pace, technique, and breathtaking goals. He scored 23 penalties in his career, but his 152 non-penalty goals remain the heart of his incredible legacy.

6. Mohamed Salah – 153 goals

Mohamed Salah has become Liverpool’s greatest scorer of the modern era, consistently delivering since arriving in 2017. Known for his dribbling and deadly left foot, he has carried the Reds’ attack for years. He has scored 34 penalties, but his 153 non-penalty goals prove his dominance from open play.

5. Sergio Agüero – 157 goals

Sergio Agüero is Manchester City’s greatest-ever striker, remembered most for his iconic title-winning goal in 2012. His sharp finishing and ability to deliver in big moments made him a Premier League legend. With 27 penalties scored, his 157 non-penalty goals showcase his unmatched impact in regular play.

4. Harry Kane – 180 goals

Harry Kane is one of the most complete strikers the league has ever seen, combining playmaking ability with elite finishing. Most of his 213 Premier League goals came from open play, with 33 penalties included. His 180 non-penalty goals highlight why he is still chasing Shearer’s overall record.

3. Wayne Rooney – 185 goals

Wayne Rooney is Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and one of the most versatile forwards in league history. While he wasn’t the most reliable from the penalty spot, his 185 non-penalty goals reflect his overall talent. He scored 23 penalties, but his legacy rests firmly on his open play contributions.

2. Andy Cole – 186 goals

Andy Cole’s record is remarkable because he scored nearly all of his goals from open play. A prolific striker for Newcastle and Manchester United, Cole only converted a single penalty in his Premier League career. His 186 non-penalty goals highlight his natural instincts and consistency at the top level.

1. Alan Shearer – 205 goals

Alan Shearer with his wife — Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Alan Shearer remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer and the ultimate benchmark for strikers. While he scored 55 penalties, his 205 non-penalty goals show just how dominant he was from open play. His legacy with Blackburn and Newcastle will likely stand untouched for years to come, even with Kane chasing him.