The English Premier League (EPL) is not only the most fierce arena of world football but also the birthplace of great strikers, legends who have made history with spectacular goals. Over the years, many players have made a strong impression, becoming symbols of the tournament thanks to their top scoring ability and incredible stability. From classic strikers who specialize in taking advantage of opportunities in the penalty area to modern stars with comprehensive techniques, the list of all time top scorer EPL shared by Bestsoccertips.com below is a reflection of the football elite. Who will rise to the top or which records will be broken is always a controversial topic and attracts special attention from fans.
10 all time top scorer EPL
Top 10: Jermain Defoe (162 goals)
Jermain Defoe is one of the most consistent goalscorers in Premier League history, with 162 goals in 496 games. Despite not playing for top clubs, Defoe still made a strong impression thanks to his sharp finishing ability, speed and versatility in the penalty area. He played for many clubs in England such as West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth, becoming a symbol of durability and dedication in English football.
Defoe’s most successful period was associated with Tottenham Hotspur, where he had two playing periods (1999–2008 and 2009–2014) and scored more than 90 Premier League goals for the “Roosters”. The 2009/10 season saw his impressive form when he scored 18 goals, including a poker against Wigan in a 9-1 win. Defoe’s only trophy in his career was the 2008 League Cup with Tottenham. Although he did not win many honors, Defoe was still highly regarded for his consistency during his two decades playing in the Premier League, contributing to his inclusion in the list of top scorers in the history of the tournament.
Top 9: Robbie Fowler (163 goals)
Robbie Fowler is one of the greatest strikers in Liverpool and the Premier League history, with 163 goals in 379 games. Possessing a sharp finishing ability with both feet and a sharpness in the penalty area, Fowler was known as “God” by Liverpool fans. He stood out with his speed, technique and fearsome goal-scoring instinct, especially in one-touch plays and close-range finishes. Fowler’s peak period fell in the 1990s, when he was the leader of Liverpool’s attack, scoring 30 or more goals in two consecutive seasons (1994/95 and 1995/96).
One of the highlights of Fowler’s career was the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in 1994, when he scored three goals against Arsenal in just four minutes and 33 seconds – a record that stood for more than a decade. Although they did not win the Premier League, Fowler remained a Liverpool icon, playing a major role in the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. After leaving Anfield in 2001, he had spells with Leeds United and Manchester City before returning to Liverpool in 2006. Although he is no longer at his peak, Fowler is still remembered as one of the greatest strikers to have ever played in English football.
Top 8: Thierry Henry (175 goals)
Thierry Henry is not only Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, but also one of the best strikers to ever play in the Premier League. With 175 goals in 258 games, Henry had an incredible scoring rate and was a nightmare for defenders. Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, Henry developed from a winger into a complete striker, possessing explosive pace, superb technique and a cool finishing ability. He won four Premier League Golden Boots, including three consecutive seasons from 2003 to 2006, cementing his position as the league’s number one striker during his peak.
The 2003/04 season was the pinnacle of Henry’s career when he scored 30 goals, helping Arsenal win the Premier League without losing a single game – a feat that has never been repeated by any other team. His masterful solo runs, exquisite curling strikes and perfectly timed brilliance made him an immortal legend at the Emirates. He remained at the top of his game after leaving Arsenal in 2007 to join Barcelona, but the image of Henry bursting onto the scene in the Premier League will forever be synonymous with one of the greatest strikers in the history of the competition.
Top 7: Frank Lampard (177 goals)
Frank Lampard is one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, with an incredible goalscoring record despite not playing as a striker. With 177 goals in 609 games, he is the highest scoring midfielder in the history of the competition and Chelsea’s greatest goalscorer. Lampard’s strengths lie in his powerful long-range shooting, clever penetration of the penalty area and the ability to take advantage of opportunities from the second line. It is this consistency in his playing style that has helped him maintain an impressive scoring rate over the years, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s success in the Roman Abramovich era.
Lampard’s peak period is associated with the period when Chelsea dominated English football under Jose Mourinho. He played a key role in three Premier League titles in 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2009/10, especially in the 2009/10 season when he scored 22 goals – a rare number for a midfielder. He also played a major role in Chelsea winning the 2011/12 Champions League, where he captained the team in the historic final against Bayern Munich. After leaving Chelsea, Lampard played for Manchester City and New York City FC before retiring, leaving an irreplaceable legacy in Premier League history.
Top 6: Mohamed Salah (180 goals)
Mohamed Salah is not only one of the Premier League’s greatest strikers but also a symbol of Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp. Since joining the team in 2017 from AS Roma, Salah has become an irreplaceable factor in the “Red Brigade”‘s attacking system. With sharp finishing ability, explosive speed and impressive dribbling skills, he has scored 180 goals in the Premier League and continues to improve his achievements. His first season at Liverpool saw Salah explode with 32 goals in 36 matches, setting a new record for the most goals in a 38-match season. It was his destructive form that helped him win the Premier League Golden Boot and a series of prestigious individual awards.
Not only is Salah a scoring machine, he is also an important factor in helping Liverpool win major titles. In the 2018/19 season, he contributed greatly to the team winning the Champions League after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham, including an important opening goal from the penalty spot. A year later, Salah continued to be the driving force to help Liverpool win the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, ending a 30-year drought for a domestic title. Salah’s consistency over many seasons has made him one of the greatest players in the history of Liverpool and the Premier League, with the ability to compete for a position in the top 3 scorers of the tournament if he continues to maintain his form.
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Top 5: Sergio Aguero (184 goals)
Sergio Agüero is one of the best strikers in Premier League history, leaving a strong mark for Manchester City. Joining the team in 2011 from Atlético Madrid, Agüero quickly became a symbol of the club with his superb goal-scoring ability. In 275 Premier League matches, he scored 184 goals, becoming the most goalscorer for a single club in the history of the tournament. Agüero’s strengths are not only sharp finishing but also agility, positioning and coolness in decisive moments.
Agüero’s most memorable moment was the goal against QPR in the 93:20 minute in the final match of the 2011/12 season, helping Man City win their first Premier League title in 44 years. It was not only one of the most important goals in the history of the tournament, but it also made Agüero a legend at the Etihad Stadium. During a decade with Man City, he won a total of 5 Premier League titles and many other titles. Although he had to retire early in 2021 due to heart problems, Agüero’s legacy will live on with English football fans.
Top 4: Andrew Cole (187 goals)
Andrew Cole is one of the best strikers in Premier League history, with 187 goals in 414 matches. Although he played for many clubs such as Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, his most successful period was associated with Manchester United. Joining the “Red Devils” in 1995 from Newcastle, Cole quickly asserted himself as the team’s main striker. His sharp finishing ability, speed and agility in the penalty area made him a perfect partner for Dwight Yorke, especially in the 1998/99 season, when MU won a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
One of Cole’s highlights was his ability to score consistently despite not being a specialist in free kicks or penalties. In the 1993/94 season, playing for Newcastle, he scored 34 goals, a record in the 42-game Premier League era. After leaving MU in 2002, Cole continued to play for many other clubs but was no longer at the peak of his form as before. However, with 5 Premier League titles and a series of major and minor titles, he is still considered one of the greatest strikers to have ever played in the most attractive tournament on the planet.
Top 3: Wayne Rooney (208 goals)
Wayne Rooney is not only the third-highest scorer in Premier League history, but also one of the most complete players the league has ever seen. Scoring 208 goals in 491 games, Rooney not only possesses an impressive scoring ability but also a diverse and flexible playing style. He can play as a striker, an attacking midfielder or even drop deep to organize the play. It is this versatility that has helped Rooney become an indispensable factor for Manchester United for more than a decade. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he was an important part of the “Red Devils” golden dynasty, contributing greatly to 5 Premier League titles and the 2007/08 Champions League title.
Rooney’s strengths lie not only in his finishing skills but also in his fiery spirit, pressing ability and explosive moments on the pitch. One of his most memorable Premier League goals was his overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011 – a strike that was later named the Goal of the Tournament. After leaving Manchester United, Rooney continued his career at Everton and then moved to the United States before retiring. With a glittering career, Rooney is not only a legend at United but also one of the best strikers in English football history.
Top 2: Harry Kane (213 goals)
Harry Kane is not only one of the best strikers in Premier League history but also a striker with incredible consistency. Scoring 213 goals in 320 matches in the tournament, Kane has proven his top goalscoring ability with a variety of finishing styles, from long-range shots, headers to skillful handling in the penalty area. The highlight of his career at Tottenham Hotspur is three Golden Boot awards in the 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2020/21 seasons. Although he did not win any major titles with Tottenham, Kane has always been the driving force to help the team compete in domestic and European competitions.
In addition to his scoring ability, Kane also stands out with his tactical vision and ability to create. In the 2020/21 season, he even led both the scoring charts (23 goals) and assists (14 assists) – a rarity for a striker. Leaving the Premier League to join Bayern Munich in 2023 has put a stop to Alan Shearer’s record-breaking dreams, but with his current form, if Kane returns to the league in the future, he could well continue the race to become the greatest scorer in Premier League history.
Top 1: Alan Shearer (260 goals)
Alan Shearer is not only the greatest scorer in Premier League history but also a model of a complete striker. His versatile finishing ability has helped Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers reap many successes. Shearer possesses impressive one-touch finishing skills, impressive headers and powerful long-range shots. His 260 goals were built on perseverance and stability over many seasons. In particular, he is one of the few players to maintain his peak scoring form even after the age of 30, something not many strikers can do.
Before becoming a legend at Newcastle, Shearer helped Blackburn Rovers win the Premier League title in the 1994/95 season with 34 goals – a record for the tournament in the 38-round era. After moving to Newcastle for a then world record fee, he continued to prove his class, becoming the club’s top scorer for more than a decade. Although he did not win any major trophies with Newcastle, Shearer is still revered by the club’s fans as the club’s greatest icon.
Final Thoughts
The above all time top scorer EPL not only brought home decisive goals but also left an indelible legacy in the hearts of fans. Each of their goals is the result of talent, hard work and burning passion for football. No matter how much time passes, no matter how new generations continuously appear, the names that have been imprinted in the golden board of EPL history will still be mentioned as immortal monuments. They not only scored against their opponents but also engraved their names in the hearts of millions of football lovers around the world.
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