The Premier League has been home to some of the finest attacking talents in football history. From prolific English legends to global icons, these players have consistently delivered at the highest level. In this article, we count down the top 10 highest goal scorers in Premier League history, ranked from 10 to 1 based on total goals scored. These legendary names have left an unforgettable mark on English football.
10. Jermain Defoe
One of the most consistent forwards in Premier League history, Jermain Defoe scored 156 goals over a career spanning two decades. Known for his sharp finishing and quick movement, Defoe was a key asset for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Portsmouth, and Sunderland. His ability to find the net from tight angles and instinctive positioning made him one of the league’s highest goal scorers.
9. Robbie Fowler
Robbie Fowler, affectionately known as “God” by Liverpool fans, sits ninth among the Premier League’s highest goal scorers. With 163 goals, Fowler’s natural finishing, quick reflexes, and deadly left foot made him one of the most feared strikers of the 1990s. He also had stints with Leeds United and Manchester City, but his peak years came at Anfield.
8. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League. The Frenchman scored 175 goals for Arsenal and won four Golden Boots. His pace, creativity, and clinical finishing made him unplayable at his peak. A key figure in Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ season, Henry’s legacy as one of the highest goal scorers remains untouchable among non-English players in the league.
7. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history with 177 goals. Playing mostly for Chelsea, Lampard was a master of late runs into the box, long-range strikes, and penalties. His goal tally places him firmly among the league’s highest goal scorers despite not being a traditional striker. Lampard’s goals were crucial in Chelsea’s dominance during the 2000s and early 2010s.
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6. Sergio Agüero
Manchester City’s greatest-ever striker, Sergio Agüero scored 184 goals in the Premier League. The Argentine became a club legend with his last-minute title-winning goal in 2012 and continued to deliver consistent performances season after season. His quick feet, sharp finishes, and football intelligence helped establish him as one of the all-time highest goal scorers in England’s top flight.
5. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is the only active player in the top five of the Premier League’s highest goal scorers. With 186 goals for Liverpool, the Egyptian winger has combined pace, precision, and relentless consistency since joining the Reds in 2017. Salah has won multiple Golden Boots and remains a key part of Liverpool’s attacking force. If his form continues, he could climb even higher in the rankings.
4. Andrew Cole
Andrew Cole scored 187 goals in the Premier League, starring for clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Blackburn Rovers. Known for his clinical touch and positional awareness, Cole formed a lethal partnership with Dwight Yorke at United. He was instrumental in the club’s treble-winning season in 1998–99. Despite rarely taking penalties, Cole’s incredible tally keeps him high among the league’s highest goal scorers.
3. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney netted 208 goals in the Premier League, primarily for Manchester United and Everton. A complete forward, Rooney could score from anywhere—long-range strikes, headers, volleys—you name it. He remains Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and was a key figure in their Premier League dominance during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. His combination of power, intelligence, and leadership earns him a rightful place among the highest goal scorers.
2. Harry Kane – 213 Goals
Harry Kane climbed to second on the all-time list of highest goal scorers before moving to Bayern Munich in 2023. The Tottenham Hotspur legend scored 213 Premier League goals, showcasing elite-level finishing, passing, and positioning. A three-time Golden Boot winner, Kane’s consistency over the years made him one of the most feared strikers in world football during his time in England.
1. Alan Shearer
Topping the list of the highest goal scorers in Premier League history is Alan Shearer. With 260 goals across his stints with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, Shearer set the benchmark that no one has yet surpassed. He was the first to reach the 100 and 200-goal milestones and won the Golden Boot three times. A classic centre-forward, Shearer’s legacy as the Premier League’s greatest goal machine still stands strong.
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Goals | Main Club(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Shearer | England | 260 | Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle |
| 2 | Harry Kane | England | 213 | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 3 | Wayne Rooney | England | 208 | Manchester United, Everton |
| 4 | Andrew Cole | England | 187 | Newcastle, Manchester United |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 186 | Liverpool |
| 6 | Sergio Agüero | Argentina | 184 | Manchester City |
| 7 | Frank Lampard | England | 177 | Chelsea |
| 8 | Thierry Henry | France | 175 | Arsenal |
| 9 | Robbie Fowler | England | 163 | Liverpool |
| 10 | Jermain Defoe | England | 156 | Tottenham, Sunderland |
These names define the standard for excellence in front of goal. From Alan Shearer’s unmatched record to Salah’s modern-day brilliance, the list of highest goal scorers in Premier League history is filled with footballing legends. As future stars continue to rise, the top 10 may evolve—but these icons will always be remembered for their incredible goal-scoring feats.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the highest goal scorer in Premier League history?
Alan Shearer holds the record with 260 goals scored for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Q2: Who is the highest active Premier League goal scorer?
Mohamed Salah is the highest active scorer with 186 Premier League goals for Liverpool.
Q3: Has any midfielder made it to the top 10 highest Premier League goal scorers?
Yes, Frank Lampard ranks 7th with 177 goals, making him the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history.
Q4: How many goals has Harry Kane scored in the Premier League?
Harry Kane has scored 213 Premier League goals, making him second on the all-time list.
Q5: Are foreign players included in the top 10 highest goal scorers?
Yes, players like Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sergio Agüero (Argentina), and Thierry Henry (France) feature in the top 10.