In the world of football, defenders are often known for their defensive duties and protecting the goal. However, there is a small group of names that have broken all the traditional mold – defenders who are not only solid in defense but also possess incredible goalscoring ability. With thunderous long-range shots, tricky headers or accurate penalty kicks, they become a powerful attacking weapon for their team and a notable choice for bettors, especially in “goal scorer”, “free kick”, or “penalty” bets. Join Bestsoccertips to discover the top 10 scored by a defender of all time, names that can make a difference not only on the pitch but also on the betting board.
10 best goals of all time scored by a defender
Which defender has scored the most goals? Here is a list of the top 10 highest scoring defenders in football history, who have not only been excellent in defense but also made a strong mark in attack.
Top 10: Roberto Carlos (113 goals)
Roberto Carlos, the Brazilian legend, is an indispensable name when it comes to defenders who have scored the most goals in football history. With explosive speed, exceptional physical strength, and iconic long-range shots, Carlos scored a remarkable 113 goals throughout his career an astonishing figure for a player primarily operating on the left flank. His famous free-kick against France in 1997, with its “physics-defying” curve, became a symbol of his mastery in free-kick taking as an attacking full-back.
From a betting perspective, Roberto Carlos serves as a prime example that goal-scoring roles are not just for strikers or attacking midfielders. For bettors, monitoring defenders who frequently push forward and participate in set-piece situations is a smart strategy. Carlos was often a go-to choice for first goalscorer or scoring from free kicks markets where bettors can take advantage of attractive odds. With his incredible goal tally, Roberto Carlos proves that attacking full-backs are a “gold mine” in unconventional goal-scoring bets.
Top 9: Paul Breitner (113 goals)
Paul Breitner is a model of a modern-day defender in the classic era of football. Not only was he solid defensively, but Breitner also possessed a sharp attacking ability and played a significant role in high-stakes matches. He scored in two FIFA World Cup finals (1974 and 1982), helping West Germany clinch the title. With 113 goals in his career, Breitner demonstrated a rare versatility as a defender. He played for top clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, where he was regularly trusted to take penalties and execute set pieces.
In sports betting, attacking defenders like Paul Breitner are highly valuable when bettors seek prop bets such as “anytime goalscorer,” “penalty scorer,” or “scorer from outside the box.” Despite playing as a defender, Breitner frequently found himself in goal-scoring positions thanks to his proactive attacking runs. Bettors should pay particular attention to defenders who are key playmakers or frequently assigned to set-piece duties, as they have the potential to provide high returns in lesser-known betting markets.
Top 8: Steve Bruce (114 goals)
Steve Bruce was not only renowned for his solid defensive capabilities, but he also astounded fans with his remarkable goal-scoring ability. Over the course of his career, Bruce scored a total of 114 goals, including 52 goals for Manchester United an astonishing tally for a central defender. The 1990-91 season is the clearest demonstration of his goal-scoring form, as Bruce became United’s top scorer with 19 goals. Interestingly, despite such an impressive record, he never earned a cap for the England national team.
From a betting standpoint, central defenders who frequently score goals, like Steve Bruce, are particularly useful for bets related to “first goalscorer” in high-profile matches, where they can capitalize on set-piece opportunities. Furthermore, Bruce exemplifies an important trend: defenders who play a crucial role in set-piece situations can be game-changers in high-stakes matches. Bettors can apply a strategy of focusing on central defenders with ideal height and a history of scoring from aerial duels particularly in leagues like the Premier League.
Top 7: Graham Alexander (130 goals)
Graham Alexander stands out on this list because nearly all of his goals came from penalty kicks. With a total of 130 goals, including 77 from 85 penalty kicks, Alexander is hailed as one of the best penalty specialists in football history. The Scottish defender boasted a conversion rate of 90% from the spot a figure that is highly reliable for any betting strategy. However, he never scored a penalty for the Scotland national team, despite earning 40 caps.
For bettors, Alexander serves as a prime example of the strategy “look for penalty takers in the team.” In betting markets such as “anytime goalscorer,” defenders like Alexander can be highly valued due to the low expectations surrounding them. However, once it is known that he is the designated penalty taker, the opportunities for profitable betting increase significantly. This is a clear example of how understanding a player’s specific role in the team can help bettors capitalize on niche betting markets in sports betting.
Top 6: James Tavernier (131 goals)
James Tavernier is one of the most attack-minded full-backs in modern football. Although he primarily plays as a right-back, the Rangers FC captain has scored 131 goals in his career. His ability to score from long range, take free kicks, and convert penalties has seen him frequently rank among the club’s top scorers, a rarity for a defender. Notably, Tavernier once scored 19 goals in a single season a number that even some strikers would envy. Although he is 32 years old, he has yet to be called up to the England national team.
In the betting world, Tavernier is a “gift” for those who enjoy placing bets such as “anytime goalscorer” or “scorer from the penalty spot.” As both the captain and set-piece specialist, he is often involved in match-deciding situations. Professional bettors will recognize that teams with penalty-taking defenders like Tavernier can create surprise value in prop markets. Tracking the form and fixtures of teams like Rangers is a great way for bettors to target profitable bets involving goal-scoring defenders like him.
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Top 5: Sergio Ramos (140 goals)
Sergio Ramos is not only one of the best central defenders in the history of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, but he is also among the most prolific goal-scoring defenders in modern football, with 140 goals. Known for his high-level mental strength, Ramos frequently appeared in high-pressure matches and scored crucial goals most notably with a header to equalize in the 2014 Champions League final. He is also a penalty specialist, scoring from the spot for both his club and national team.
From a sports betting perspective, Sergio Ramos is a prime example of how defenders can be high-value picks in goal-scoring markets. In big matches, where the odds for defenders are often much higher, Ramos is a strong candidate for bettors who enjoy taking risks and understanding the tactical role of players. His regular penalty duties also make markets like “scorer from the penalty spot” more realistic. This is clear evidence that combining football knowledge with betting strategy can yield great results.
Top 4: Laurent Blanc (153 goals)
Laurent Blanc is a classic central defender with an impressive goal-scoring instinct, having scored 153 goals throughout his career. He played for top clubs such as Napoli, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. Blanc’s greatest strength was his intelligent movement in the box and his calmness from the penalty spot attributes that made him a consistent goal-scorer from his early days at Montpellier to his international success with France, winning the 1998 World Cup. Additionally, Blanc was the first player in World Cup history to score a “golden goal” (against Paraguay in 1998).
In sports betting, Blanc is an ideal example of the “periodic goal-scoring defender” strategy. Bettors can look for defenders who habitually push forward in set-piece situations or are trusted with penalties. Betting on “anytime goalscorer” when a team has a central defender like Blanc can be a highly profitable approach, especially in games predicted to have fewer goals where a single goal can significantly impact the odds.
Top 3: Fernando Hierro (163 goals)
Fernando Hierro is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid, not only due to his exceptional defensive ability but also for his immense goal-scoring record as a central defender an impressive 163 goals. Hierro scored over 20 goals in several seasons for Real Madrid, which is almost unthinkable for a defender. With powerful long-range shots, accurate headers, and composure from the penalty spot, he was a key factor in Real’s success in the 1990s and a cornerstone of Spain’s national team during multiple Euro and World Cup campaigns.
From a betting perspective, Hierro represents defenders with abnormally high goal-scoring rates, offering exciting opportunities for investment. Bettors should pay attention to defenders with penalty-taking rights or those deployed higher up the pitch as defensive midfielders in specific matches. These players not only increase the chances of winning “anytime goalscorer” bets but also offer significant value in “first goalscorer” markets, where the odds are typically high.
Top 2: Daniel Passarella (175 goals)
Daniel Passarella is an Argentine football legend, not only known for his defensive skills and leadership qualities but also for his incredible goal-scoring ability, with 175 goals making him the highest-scoring central defender in South America. Passarella was the captain of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning team and continued to play an important role in the 1982 World Cup. He was famous for his heading ability, long-range shots, and relentless competitive spirit. Passarella played a versatile role, often acting as a central defender or defensive midfielder, which frequently placed him in attacking situations.
For sports bettors, Passarella offers a valuable strategic lesson: closely monitor the actual playing roles of defenders particularly those who are often pushed forward to play as midfielders in flexible tactical systems. When a defender has an attacking inclination or is assigned to take free kicks and penalties, the goal-scoring rate will be surprisingly high presenting a fantastic opportunity to exploit niche betting markets that many bettors may overlook.
Top 1: Ronald Koeman (253 goals)
Ronald Koeman is the highest-scoring defender in football history, with a staggering 253 goals. He became a symbol at both Barcelona and the Netherlands during the 1980s and early 1990s. Koeman was a master of free kicks, penalties, and powerful long-range shots most notably his decisive goal that helped Barcelona win the 1992 European Cup. In fact, during one season at PSV Eindhoven, Koeman scored as many as 26 goals an unbelievable tally for a defender.
For football betting, Koeman serves as a classic example of a “high-return defender.” Players like him are often found in lesser-known markets that offer substantial profits, such as “goal scorer from outside the box,” “first goal scorer from a free kick,” or “defender to score.” In modern football, players with a playing style similar to Koeman’s are a target for professional bettors, as they offer high odds but have a realistic chance of scoring if the team’s tactics are well understood. Koeman is a clear example of how football knowledge combined with betting strategy can lead to significant advantages in sports betting.
To Wrap It Up
From Ronald Koeman with his iconic free-kicks, to Sergio Ramos with his ability to score in big games, the list of defenders scored by a defender shows that modern football is no longer limited to position. For sports bettors, keeping an eye on defenders who can score goals not only increases your chances of winning, but also opens up a range of creative, high-value betting options. They are proof that sometimes, valuable goals come from the most unexpected places in the defence.
See also: Statistics of the 6 top scoring defenders in La Liga
