Introduction
Since the Premier League began in 1992, hundreds of strikers have chased goalscoring glory. But only a handful have truly stood the test of time. So who sits at the very top of the all-time list, and how close is anyone to catching them? Let’s run through the leading names.
Premier League All-Time Top Scorers
- Alan Shearer – 260 goals
- Harry Kane – 213 goals
- Wayne Rooney – 208 goals
- Mohamed Salah – 193 goals
- Andrew Cole – 187 goals
- Sergio Agüero – 184 goals
- Frank Lampard – 177 goals
- Thierry Henry – 175 goals
- Robbie Fowler – 163 goals
- Jermain Defoe – 162 goals
Alan Shearer’s Record Looks Safe
Alan Shearer built his 260-goal total across spells at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, between 1992 and 2006. He was also the first player to reach 100 Premier League goals. Even now, decades later, no one has come close to matching his total, which is why many still consider it the most untouchable record in English football.
Harry Kane Locks in Second Place
Harry Kane finished his Premier League career with 213 goals, almost all of them scored for Tottenham Hotspur. After his move away from the competition, his total is now frozen in place. So unless he returns to the Premier League someday, second spot is settled for good.
Wayne Rooney Still Holds Third
Wayne Rooney scored 208 goals across his time with Everton and Manchester United. He remains United’s all-time leading scorer in all competitions, and his versatility, scoring from midfield, as a striker, and everywhere in between, is part of what makes his total so impressive.
Mohamed Salah Keeps Climbing
Mohamed Salah has become the most important active name on this list. With 193 Premier League goals, he’s now the highest-scoring foreign player in the competition’s history. Because he’s still playing at a high level, his position could keep rising, though catching Shearer’s mark would still require a huge run of form.
Why This List Keeps Shifting
Every season, a handful of active players close the gap on the names above them. Erling Haaland, for example, has already broken into the top 25 and is scoring at one of the fastest rates in Premier League history. As a result, this list is far from settled, and it’s worth checking back each season to see how the standings have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the all-time top scorer in Premier League history?
Alan Shearer holds the record with 260 goals, scored across his time at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Who is the highest-scoring foreign player in Premier League history?
Mohamed Salah holds that title, having overtaken previous foreign-born record holders during his time at Liverpool.
Is Alan Shearer’s scoring record likely to be broken?
It’s considered one of the safest records in the competition, since no active player is currently close enough to threaten it in the near future.
