The Premier League’s Greatest Goal-Scorers
The Premier League has seen some of the most iconic goal-scorers in football history since its formation in 1992. Over the years, players have left an indelible mark on the league, with many reaching remarkable milestones. In total, 34 players have scored at least 100 goals in the competition, while 11 have surpassed the 150-goal threshold. Only three players have managed to score over 200 goals, making this achievement even more extraordinary.
Among current players, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the closest to the all-time record. However, even he faces a long road before challenging the top spot. Let’s take a closer look at the top goal-scorers in Premier League history and how they stack up against the broader history of England’s top division.
Alan Shearer – The All-Time Leading Scorer
Alan Shearer holds the record for the most Premier League goals, with an impressive total of 260 goals in 441 games. He played for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United between 1992 and 2006. Although he scored 283 goals across his career in England’s top league—spreading his time between Newcastle, Blackburn, and Southampton—his first 23 goals were scored before the Premier League was established in 1992.
Shearer’s legacy remains unmatched, but there are still players who could one day challenge his record. One such player is Erling Haaland, who signed a nine-and-a-half-year contract extension with Manchester City in January 2025. If Haaland continues scoring at his current rate, he could potentially reach Shearer’s record. However, it will take a lot of time and consistency to get close.
Top Premier League Goal-Scorers (As of April 2026)
Here is a list of the top goal-scorers in Premier League history, updated as of Sunday, April 19, 2026:
- Bold = active player
- = = tied for position
- * = active player not currently in the Premier League
| Rank | Player | Goals | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Shearer | 260 | 1992–2006 |
| 2 | Harry Kane* | 213 | 2012–2023 |
| 3 | Wayne Rooney | 208 | 2002–2018 |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | 193 | 2017–present |
| 5 | Andy Cole | 187 | 1993–2006 |
| 6 | Sergio Aguero | 184 | 2011–2021 |
| 7 | Frank Lampard | 177 | 1996–2015 |
| 8 | Thierry Henry | 175 | 1999–2012 |
| 9 | Robbie Fowler | 163 | 1993–2008 |
| 10 | Jermain Defoe | 162 | 2001–2018 |
| 11 | Michael Owen | 150 | 1997–2013 |
| 12 | Les Ferdinand | 149 | 1992–2004 |
| 13 | Teddy Sheringham | 146 | 1992–2006 |
| 14 | Jamie Vardy* | 145 | 2014–2025 |
| 15 | Robin van Persie | 144 | 2004–2015 |
| 16 | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | 127 | 1997–2007 |
| 17 | Son Heung-min* | 127 | 2015–2025 |
| 18 | Robbie Keane | 126 | 1999–2012 |
| 19 | Nicolas Anelka | 125 | 1997–2014 |
| 20 | Raheem Sterling* | 123 | 2012–present |
| 21 | Dwight Yorke | 123 | 1992–2009 |
Most Goals in England’s Top Division
When considering the entire history of England’s top league, which includes the old First Division before the Premier League era, the record is held by Jimmy Greaves. He scored 357 goals in 516 games between 1957 and 1971 while playing for Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham. This is the highest goal tally in the history of English football.
Alan Shearer is fifth on this list, with 283 goals in the old First Division. Other legendary scorers include Steve Bloomer, Dixie Dean, and Gordon Hodgson, who also made significant contributions to the game during their careers.
Mohamed Salah’s Potential
Mohamed Salah is currently the closest active player to breaking into the top 20 of the all-time goal-scorers in England’s top division. However, he still has a long way to go to match the records set by legends like Jimmy Greaves or Alan Shearer. His performance with Liverpool has already placed him among the elite, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could one day be mentioned alongside the greats.
Conclusion
The Premier League has produced some of the most iconic goal-scorers in football history. From Alan Shearer to modern-day stars like Mohamed Salah, the league continues to be a stage where legendary performances are written. As new players emerge and old records are challenged, the story of the Premier League remains one of excitement, rivalry, and unforgettable moments.
