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Top 10 Footballers with the Most Header Goals in History

Heading is often the second most effective way to score in football, and several players have mastered it to an art form. This list ranks the top 10 footballers with the highest number of headed goals, featuring legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gerd Müller, and Robert Lewandowski. Some are retired icons while others continue to add to their tallies. These players demonstrate aerial skill and precision across eras.

Top 10 Players with Most Header Goals

  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 153 headed goals
  • Jimmy McGrory (Scotland) – 147 headed goals
  • Gerd Müller (Germany) – 144 headed goals
  • Carlos Alonso González “Santillana” (Spain) – 128 headed goals
  • Dixie Dean (England) – 125 headed goals
  • Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 123 headed goals
  • Telmo Zarra (Spain) – 122 headed goals
  • Luuk de Jong (Netherlands) – 116 headed goals
  • Hakan Şükür (Turkey) – 115 headed goals
  • Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 110 headed goals

Details on Each Player

10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 110 Headed Goals

The striker currently at Barcelona is known for his versatility in scoring with any part of his body. Standing tall and strong, Lewandowski has 110 headed goals out of 554 total, making up about 19% of his career goals. At 34, he’s expected to climb even higher on this list.

  • Total Goals: 554
  • Headed Goals: 110
  • Percentage from Headers: 19%

9. Hakan Şükür (Turkey) – 115 Headed Goals

Şükür was a towering presence in the box, known for sharp instincts and clinical finishing. The former Galatasaray star scored 115 headers in 327 total goals, about 35%. He was crucial in Turkey’s 2002 World Cup success.

  • Total Goals: 327
  • Headed Goals: 115
  • Percentage from Headers: 35%

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

Often underrated, the Dutch striker has relied heavily on his cleverness and jumping skills to score 116 headers out of 282 goals, a striking 37%.

  • Total Goals: 282
  • Headed Goals: 116
  • Percentage from Headers: 37%

7. Telmo Zarra (Spain) – 122 Headed Goals

A legend of Spanish football in the 1940s and ’50s, Zarra scored 122 headed goals in 339 total. Despite heavier balls and tougher play back then, his positioning and technique made him lethal in the air.

  • Total Goals: 339
  • Headed Goals: 122
  • Percentage from Headers: 36%

6. Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 123 Headed Goals

Borgetti remains one of Mexico’s finest forwards, with 123 headed goals among his 249 total. His memorable curling header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup highlights his aerial prowess.

  • Total Goals: 249
  • Headed Goals: 123
  • Percentage from Headers: 49%

5. Dixie Dean (England) – 125 Headed Goals

Dean dominated English football in the 1920s and ’30s, scoring 125 headers in just 188 total goals—an incredible 66%. His leap and power were legendary during an era of heavy leather balls.

  • Total Goals: 188
  • Headed Goals: 125
  • Percentage from Headers: 66%

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

Despite being only 5’9", Santillana became one of Real Madrid's best aerial finishers. His 128 headed goals account for 41% of his 307 total goals, achieved with perfect timing and technique over 17 years.

  • Total Goals: 307
  • Headed Goals: 128
  • Percentage from Headers: 41%

3. Gerd Müller (Germany) – 144 Headed Goals

Müller, a Ballon d’Or winner in 1970, scored 144 headers out of 307 goals, about 47%. Standing nearly 6 feet tall, he was a complete player who often outsmarted defenders in the air despite not being the tallest striker.

  • Total Goals: 307
  • Headed Goals: 144
  • Percentage from Headers: 47%

2. Jimmy McGrory (Scotland) – 147 Headed Goals

McGrory, a Celtic legend, tallied 147 headed goals in a career total of 422 goals, around 35%. Though only 5’6", his fearless aerial ability and leap made him dominant in a rough era.

  • Total Goals: 422
  • Headed Goals: 147
  • Percentage from Headers: 35%

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 153 Headed Goals

Ronaldo leads with 153 headed goals out of more than 900 career goals. Known for his athleticism and a record jump of 1.87 meters, he remains unmatched as a header scorer in modern football.

  • Total Goals: 929
  • Headed Goals: 153
  • Percentage from Headers: 16%

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who has the most headed goals in history? Cristiano Ronaldo with 153 goals.
  • Who ranks second for headed goals? Jimmy McGrory with 147 headed goals.
  • Who scored the most headers in the 21st century? Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • How many headers has Robert Lewandowski scored? 110.
  • Who is considered the best header in football? Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • How many headed goals does Lionel Messi have? 28.

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