Top 10 Footballers With the Most Headed Goals in History

Here’s The List of Top 10 Footballers With the Most Headed Goals in Football History.

Heading the ball into the net is one of the most powerful and visually striking ways to score in football. Over the years, many elite strikers have turned this technique into an art form. A headed goal requires not just physical dominance, but also perfect timing, positional awareness, and incredible accuracy. In this article, we take a deep dive into the ten footballers who have scored the most headed goals in football history, celebrating their aerial prowess and unforgettable contributions to the game.

Let’s break down each of these legendary players and examine how they made their mark with their heads.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 153 Headed Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo stands unmatched when it comes to headed goals. With an extraordinary total of 153 headed goals, he tops the list as the most prolific header scorer in football history. What makes Ronaldo’s achievement even more impressive is the versatility in his playing style. Despite being known for his speed and powerful shots, Ronaldo’s aerial dominance sets him apart from his contemporaries.

Ronaldo’s physicality, vertical leap, and perfect timing have allowed him to rise above defenders and convert crosses into goals time and again. He has scored headers in all major leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and now in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Few forwards can match his consistency or impact in the air.

Total Career Goals: 936
Headed Goals: 153
Percentage of Headed Goals: 17%

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2. Jimmy McGrory (Scotland) – 147 Headed Goals

A legend from the early 20th century, Jimmy McGrory remains a revered figure in Scottish football. Playing almost his entire career with Celtic, McGrory became one of the most lethal goal-scorers in British football. His incredible tally of 147 headed goals stands as a testament to his dominance during a rugged and physical era.

Despite playing at a time when balls were heavier and pitches less forgiving, McGrory’s timing and bravery allowed him to outjump defenders and find the net with ease. His goal-scoring legacy continues to be celebrated in Scottish football lore.

Total Career Goals: 550+
Headed Goals: 147
Percentage of Headed Goals: 27%

3. Gerd Müller (Germany) – 144 Headed Goals

Known as “Der Bomber,” Gerd Müller was a goal machine for both Bayern Munich and the German national team. With 144 headed goals in his record, Müller had an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. His low center of gravity, anticipation, and quick reactions made him nearly unstoppable in the box.

Although he wasn’t the tallest striker, Müller’s technique and understanding of movement helped him dominate aerial battles. His impact remains legendary, especially during the 1974 World Cup and throughout his dominant years in the Bundesliga.

Total Career Goals: 735
Headed Goals: 144
Percentage of Headed Goals: 20%

4. Carlos Alonso González “Santillana” (Spain) – 128 Headed Goals

Standing at just 5’9″, Santillana defied expectations with his aerial capabilities. The Real Madrid icon scored 128 goals with his head, a remarkable feat considering his height. What set him apart was his vertical leap and precise timing, which allowed him to rise above defenders consistently.

Santillana played 17 seasons with Real Madrid and was a key figure in the club’s domestic and European successes. His leaping ability earned him legendary status, and he remains one of the greatest headers of the ball Spain has ever produced.

Total Career Goals: 307
Headed Goals: 128
Percentage of Headed Goals: 41%

5. Dixie Dean (England) – 125 Headed Goals

Dixie Dean is often considered one of England’s greatest ever strikers. Playing in the 1920s and ’30s, Dean recorded an unbelievable 125 headed goals during his career. In the 1927–28 season alone, he scored 60 league goals for Everton—many of which were headers.

Dean’s strength, aerial command, and ability to time his jump perfectly made him nearly impossible to mark. In an era without advanced training and facilities, his record still stands as one of the most impressive achievements in football.

Total Career Goals: 188
Headed Goals: 125
Percentage of Headed Goals: 66%

6. Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 123 Headed Goals

Jared Borgetti was a master in the air, renowned for his ability to convert difficult crosses into goals. With 123 headed goals, the Mexican striker showcased an elite sense of positioning and a knack for scoring under pressure. His most iconic moment came in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when he scored a curling header against Italy—one of the most famous goals in tournament history.

Borgetti enjoyed a prolific club career, particularly with Santos Laguna, and left a lasting legacy as one of Mexico’s greatest forwards.

Total Career Goals: 249
Headed Goals: 123
Percentage of Headed Goals: 49%

7. Telmo Zarra (Spain) – 122 Headed Goals

Telmo Zarra dominated La Liga in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming one of Spain’s most celebrated strikers. Representing Athletic Bilbao for the majority of his career, Zarra’s aerial strength led to 122 headed goals. Despite playing in an era with less sophisticated equipment, he showcased flawless technique and a strong physical presence.

Zarra held the record for most La Liga goals for decades and was known for his consistency, power, and graceful finishing in the air.

Total Career Goals: 339
Headed Goals: 122
Percentage of Headed Goals: 36%

8. Luuk de Jong (Netherlands) – 116 Headed Goals

Often underrated outside the Netherlands, Luuk de Jong is a dominant aerial force. With 116 headed goals and counting, the PSV Eindhoven striker has made a career out of capitalizing on crosses and set pieces. His tall frame, tactical awareness, and timing make him a constant threat in the box.

De Jong’s consistency in the Eredivisie, combined with strong performances in European competitions and a brief stint in La Liga, highlight his value as one of the most efficient header scorers in the modern game.

Total Career Goals: 282
Headed Goals: 116
Percentage of Headed Goals: 37%

9. Hakan Şükür (Turkey) – 115 Headed Goals

Hakan Şükür is Turkey’s all-time leading goal scorer and one of the best aerial threats of his generation. With 115 headed goals to his name, Şükür was known for his sharp instincts and ability to read crosses perfectly. His influence was pivotal during Turkey’s third-place finish in the 2002 World Cup.

Şükür spent most of his career at Galatasaray, where his presence in the box caused constant problems for defenders. His legacy as a target man and clinical finisher remains intact.

Total Career Goals: 327
Headed Goals: 115
Percentage of Headed Goals: 35%

10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 110 Headed Goals

Robert Lewandowski is one of the most complete strikers of his era. Known for his precision finishing, intelligent movement, and tactical awareness, the Polish striker has scored 110 headed goals in his career. Whether in the Bundesliga or now with Barcelona, Lewandowski continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the best forwards in the world.

His aerial strength, combined with sharp anticipation and composure, makes him a lethal finisher. Even as he approaches the twilight of his career, Lewandowski remains a force to be reckoned with in the air.

Total Career Goals: 554
Headed Goals: 110
Percentage of Headed Goals: 19%

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Final Thoughts

These ten footballers have not only etched their names into the history books but have also elevated the art of scoring headers. From powerful finishes to acrobatic leaps, each player brought something unique to the craft. As football evolves, these legends remind us that aerial goals remain one of the most thrilling elements of the game.

Whether it’s Ronaldo soaring above defenders or Dixie Dean battling through heavy defenses, headed goals continue to symbolize both artistry and athleticism in football.