Top 20 Youngest Premier League Goalscorers ever – Ranked

September 28, 2025 Oliver Obel

Breaking into the Premier League is a dream for countless young footballers, but finding the net at such an early age is something only a select few ever achieve. These players didn’t just make their debuts as teenagers — they stepped up and scored on the biggest stage in English football before even turning 19.

From academy prodigies to future superstars, this list highlights those rare moments when youthful talent met composure under pressure. Some of these players went on to have legendary careers and lift trophies, while others had brief but unforgettable flashes of brilliance. What they all share is a place in Premier League history as record-breakers who proved that age is just a number.

20. Alan Smith (Leeds United – 18 years, 17 days)

Alan Smith made an instant impact at Leeds United, scoring on his debut against Liverpool. Known for his fiery style and relentless work rate, he went on to become a key figure for Leeds before later moving to Manchester United.

19. Victor Anichebe (Everton – 18 years, 14 days)

Anichebe came through Everton’s academy and wasted no time getting on the scoresheet. His physical presence and strength made him a difficult forward to handle throughout his Premier League career.

18. Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough – 18 years, 12 days)

Lee Cattermole was known for his tough tackling and leadership in midfield. Scoring so young was a glimpse of his potential, as he went on to captain Sunderland and become a Premier League mainstay.

17. Mark Cullen (Hull City – 18 years, 12 days)

Cullen’s strike for Hull City was a rare bright spot in a difficult season. Though he never became a top-flight star, his early goal remains a proud moment in his career.

16. Michael Ball (Everton – 17 years, 360 days)

Michael Ball broke through at Everton as a talented left-back with a powerful shot. His goal against Arsenal showcased his confidence and ability to perform against top teams.

15. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United – 17 years, 355 days)

Welbeck scored a stunning debut goal for Manchester United, immediately winning fans over. He went on to have a successful career with United, Arsenal, and Brighton, as well as with England.

14. Danny Cadamarteri (Everton – 17 years, 343 days)

Cadamarteri was tipped for greatness after scoring as a teenager for Everton. While injuries limited his top-flight impact, his early performances remain memorable for fans.

13. Mikael Forssell (Chelsea – 17 years, 342 days)

Forssell arrived at Chelsea as a teenage prodigy and scored quickly to make his mark. He later enjoyed productive spells at Birmingham City, becoming a fan favorite.

12. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool – 17 years, 317 days)

Sterling’s first Premier League goal was a sign of what was to come. He has since developed into one of the league’s most consistent wingers, winning multiple titles with Manchester City and continuing to shine at Chelsea.

11. Daniel Jebbison (Sheffield United – 17 years, 309 days)

Jebbison scored the winner against Everton, making history as one of the youngest scorers. The goal boosted his profile and marked him as one of Sheffield United’s most exciting prospects.

10. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal – 17 years, 247 days)

Nwaneri followed up his record-breaking debut as the youngest Premier League player by finding the net the following season. Arsenal fans are excited to see how far his talent can take him in the years ahead.

9. Lewis Miley (Newcastle United – 17 years, 229 days)

Miley’s first goal for Newcastle highlighted his technical quality and composure. He is viewed as one of the club’s brightest academy graduates in recent memory.

8. Federico Macheda (Manchester United – 17 years, 226 days)

Macheda scored a dramatic late winner against Aston Villa, a moment that became iconic for United fans. Although his career didn’t fully take off, that strike was crucial in their 2008–09 title run.

7. Andy Turner (Tottenham Hotspur – 17 years, 166 days)

Turner became Tottenham’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer with his goal against Everton. Though his career didn’t hit the heights expected, he remains part of Spurs’ history books.

6. Michael Owen (Liverpool – 17 years, 143 days)

Owen burst onto the scene with electric pace and clinical finishing. His teenage goal was the first of many, as he went on to win the Ballon d’Or and score over 150 career goals.

5. Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal – 17 years, 113 days)

Cesc Fabregas — Rui Alexandre Araujo / Shutterstock.com

Fàbregas quickly became the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield after scoring his first goal. His vision and passing ability made him one of the best playmakers of his generation.

4. Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool – 16 years, 361 days)

Ngumoha became one of the latest wonderkids to score in the Premier League. Liverpool fans see him as a star of the future and a key part of the club’s next generation.

3. Wayne Rooney (Everton – 16 years, 360 days)

Rooney announced himself to the world with a spectacular goal against Arsenal. He became one of the greatest English forwards ever, eventually breaking Manchester United’s all-time scoring record.

2. James Milner (Leeds United – 16 years, 356 days)

Milner scored as a teenager for Leeds and went on to enjoy a remarkable career of consistency. Known for his professionalism, he became one of the league’s most reliable players for nearly two decades.

1. James Vaughan (Everton – 16 years, 270 days)

Vaughan remains the youngest Premier League goalscorer in history. His poacher’s finish against Crystal Palace secured his place in the record books forever.