Top Goal-Scoring Premier League Defenders – Ranked

October 1, 2025 Oliver Obel

Scoring goals is usually the job of strikers and midfielders, but throughout Premier League history, several defenders have broken that mold. They have not only been rock-solid at the back but have also found ways to make decisive contributions at the other end of the pitch. From towering headers to unstoppable free-kicks, these players have shown that defenders can be match-winners too. Many of them were leaders on the pitch, inspiring their teammates with crucial goals in tight moments. Starting from the bottom, here is a countdown of the most prolific goal-scoring defenders in Premier League history.

25. Gabriel Magalhães – 18 Goals

Gabriel Magalhaes — Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Gabriel has become a vital figure for Arsenal since joining from Lille, establishing himself as a defensive powerhouse. His greatest strength offensively is his aerial dominance, as he often rises highest during corners and set-pieces to power home headers. Gabriel’s consistency in front of goal has made him one of the most reliable goal-scoring centre-backs in the modern Premier League era.

24. Ugo Ehiogu – 19 Goals

Ehiogu was a commanding centre-back who enjoyed long spells at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Known for his physical strength and aerial ability, he frequently troubled defenders during set-pieces. His goals often came at crucial times, showing that he was not just a defensive stalwart but also a player who could swing games in his team’s favour.

23. Stuart Pearce – 19 Goals

Nicknamed “Psycho,” Pearce was one of the toughest defenders English football has ever seen. Alongside his fearless defending, he had a thunderous left foot that produced memorable free-kicks and penalties. His goalscoring record was impressive for a full-back, and his leadership qualities made him an inspirational figure both at club level and for England.

22. Sol Campbell – 20 Goals

Campbell was a defensive rock for Tottenham, Arsenal, and Portsmouth, winning titles and cup finals along the way. Despite being renowned for his defensive qualities, he was also capable of contributing in attack, particularly with towering headers. His ability to rise to the occasion in big games cemented his status as one of England’s greatest defenders.

21. Robert Huth – 21 Goals

Huth’s no-nonsense approach made him a fan favourite wherever he played, especially at Stoke City and Leicester. His presence in the box during corners and set-pieces was a constant problem for opponents, as he regularly got on the scoresheet. During Leicester’s incredible 2015/16 title-winning campaign, his goals were just as vital as his defending.

20. John Arne Riise – 21 Goals

Riise is remembered for having one of the most powerful left feet in Premier League history. His thunderbolts from distance were iconic, with long-range strikes that remain highlights to this day. More than just spectacular goals, Riise was a constant attacking outlet from left-back, contributing to Liverpool’s attack as much as their defence.

19. Craig Dawson – 21 Goals

Dawson has built his reputation as a dependable Premier League defender, but he is also a consistent threat at the other end. His excellent timing when attacking corners and free-kicks has seen him notch up a significant goal tally. Whether at West Brom, Watford, or Wolves, Dawson has remained a defender with a real knack for scoring important goals.

18. Matt Elliott – 22 Goals

Elliott was a leader at Leicester City during the 1990s, known for his robust defending and aerial dominance. He was equally effective in the opponent’s box, often popping up with crucial headers. His ability to combine solid defensive play with valuable goalscoring made him one of Leicester’s most influential players of the Premier League era.

17. Sami Hyypiä – 22 Goals

The Finnish international was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence for nearly a decade. Calm and composed at the back, Hyypiä also provided goals, particularly from set-pieces, where his height and strength gave him an edge. His knack for scoring in big games added to his reputation as a complete defender who could be relied upon at both ends of the pitch.

16. Branislav Ivanović – 22 Goals

Branislav Ivanovic — mooinblack / Shutterstock.com

Ivanović was one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers, offering strength, versatility, and determination. In addition to his defensive contributions, he was a constant danger from corners and often scored decisive goals. His late winner against Napoli in the Champions League remains iconic, but his Premier League tally shows he regularly stepped up domestically as well.

15. Séamus Coleman – 22 Goals

Seamus Coleman — Joel Orme / Shutterstock.com

Coleman established himself as one of Everton’s most consistent and loyal performers. His lung-bursting runs from right-back often resulted in goals, as he had the ability to finish like a winger. Coleman’s attacking instincts and reliability at the back made him one of the most balanced full-backs of his generation.

14. Patrick van Aanholt – 22 Goals

Van Aanholt’s pace and attacking instincts made him a standout full-back in the Premier League. He scored numerous important goals for Sunderland and Crystal Palace, often joining the attack at the perfect moment. His ability to contribute in the final third made him more than just a defender, as he frequently played a decisive role in matches.

13. Laurent Koscielny – 22 Goals

Koscielny was a defensive leader at Arsenal, combining athleticism with intelligence. In attack, he was a danger from corners, regularly finding the net with headers. His knack for scoring in high-pressure games made him a vital figure for the Gunners during his Premier League career.

12. Dan Petrescu – 23 Goals

Petrescu was a stylish right-back who became a fan favourite at Chelsea during the 1990s. Known for his overlapping runs and technical quality, he often found himself in advanced positions. His ability to finish chances made him a rare type of defender who could play like an extra forward when needed.

11. Julian Dicks – 24 Goals

By Egghead06 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41525878

Dicks was as tough as they came defensively, but he also possessed a thunderous shot. His goals, many of which came from penalties and long-range strikes, were vital for West Ham. His fearless approach, both in defence and attack, made him one of the most memorable characters in the Premier League.

10. Antonio Valencia – 24 Goals

Valencia began his career in England as a winger but was converted into a right-back at Manchester United. Even after moving into defence, he maintained his attacking instincts, contributing goals as well as assists. His speed, power, and direct play ensured he remained a constant threat down the flank.

9. William Gallas – 25 Goals

Gallas enjoyed a successful Premier League career with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, where his versatility allowed him to play across the defence. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, he frequently made an impact during set-pieces. His goals often came in high-stakes matches, underlining his ability to step up when his team needed him most.

8. Joleon Lescott – 25 Goals

Lescott was a commanding central defender who played a key role at clubs like Everton and Manchester City. His strength and positioning made him solid at the back, but he was also a consistent scorer from corners and free-kicks. Lescott’s goals helped City during their rise to becoming title challengers, proving his value as a complete defender.

7. Virgil van Dijk – 25 Goals

Van Dijk has become one of the most dominant defenders in Premier League history since joining Liverpool. Aside from his flawless defending and leadership, he is also a huge aerial threat, scoring regularly from set-pieces. His ability to combine defensive calmness with decisive goals has made him one of the most complete centre-backs in the modern era.

6. Marcos Alonso – 26 Goals

Alonso’s career in the Premier League, most notably with Chelsea, was defined by his attacking instincts from left wing-back. His sweet left foot produced spectacular free-kicks and composed finishes inside the box. Alonso’s knack for timing his runs made him a constant danger, and his goals often came in crucial games.

5. Ian Harte – 28 Goals

Harte’s reputation was built not only on his solid defending but on his world-class free-kicks. The Leeds United left-back was one of the most feared set-piece specialists of his time, scoring from distance with pinpoint accuracy. His goalscoring ability gave Leeds an added dimension in attack, making him one of the deadliest defenders in front of goal.

4. Gary Cahill – 28 Goals

Cahill was a reliable and consistent performer who enjoyed great success with Chelsea. Strong in the air and well-positioned in the box, he scored many important headers over the years. His ability to combine defensive solidity with a knack for goals made him one of the Premier League’s most dependable defenders.

3. Leighton Baines – 32 Goals

Baines was one of the most complete full-backs the Premier League has ever seen. His ability from dead-ball situations, particularly penalties and free-kicks, made him a consistent source of goals for Everton. Beyond his defensive duties, Baines’ goalscoring added an extra weapon to his team’s attacking arsenal, cementing his reputation as a modern great.

2. David Unsworth – 38 Goals

Unsworth was a steady, hard-working defender who became Everton’s reliable penalty taker. His ability to step up under pressure meant he converted numerous spot-kicks, driving up his goal tally. While he was known for his defensive resilience, his accuracy from the spot gave him one of the highest scoring records among Premier League defenders.

1. John Terry – 41 Goals

Chelsea’s legendary captain leads the way with an outstanding 41 goals in the Premier League. Terry was not just a defensive warrior but also a major aerial threat, scoring countless headers from corners and free-kicks. His ability to inspire his team with both defensive heroics and vital goals makes him the greatest goal-scoring defender in the competition’s history.