Scoring 100 goals in the Premier League is an extraordinary achievement that only a select few footballers manage to accomplish in their careers. However, the pace at which some of these players reach the milestone elevates them into a category of their own, showcasing their lethal finishing and relentless consistency. In this article, we explore the Premier League footballers who have scored 100 goals in the quickest time and highlight what makes these strikers truly special.
1. Alan Shearer – 124 Appearances
It comes as no surprise that Alan Shearer tops this list. Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in English football history, Shearer was an absolute force in front of goal. He reached 100 Premier League goals in just 124 appearances, a record that remains unmatched. The majority of these goals came during his time at Blackburn Rovers, where he led them to the Premier League title in 1995. His clinical finishing, strength, and ability to score from anywhere made him a nightmare for defenders. Shearer’s overall tally of 260 Premier League goals remains the highest in the league’s history.
2. Harry Kane – 141 Appearances
Next up is Harry Kane, the modern-day goal machine for Tottenham Hotspur. Kane’s rise to stardom was somewhat unconventional, having spent several years on loan before breaking into Spurs’ first team. However, once he found his form, there was no looking back. Kane reached 100 goals in just 141 appearances, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Known for his versatility, he scores from long range, headers, and instinctive finishes inside the box. Kane continues to chase Shearer’s all-time record, with over 200 goals already under his belt.
3. Sergio Agüero – 147 Appearances
Sergio Agüero etched his name into Premier League history not only with his goals but with his iconic last-minute strike to win Manchester City the title in 2012. Agüero took 147 appearances to reach his century of goals, displaying his lethal touch throughout his time at City. Blessed with blistering pace, superb positioning, and an ability to finish with either foot, Agüero consistently tormented Premier League defenses. His total of 184 Premier League goals is the most by any overseas player, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest strikers to grace the English top flight.
4. Thierry Henry – 160 Appearances
No list of prolific scorers would be complete without Thierry Henry. The Arsenal legend, known for his graceful style of play and incredible technical ability, reached 100 goals in 160 appearances. Henry brought elegance to the art of finishing. He was capable of dribbling past multiple players or simply stroking the ball into the net with surgical precision. His impact at Arsenal saw him lead the club through its most successful period, including the “Invincibles” season of 2003-04, where Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign. Henry finished his Premier League career with 175 goals, a figure that many believed he would have extended if he hadn’t left for Barcelona in 2007.
5. Mohamed Salah – 162 Appearances
Mohamed Salah may have started his Premier League career slowly during his time at Chelsea, but his return to English football with Liverpool has been nothing short of sensational. Salah reached 100 goals in 162 games, a remarkable feat given that he plays as a wide forward rather than a traditional striker. His speed, dribbling, and finishing have made him one of the deadliest attackers in world football. Salah’s goal-scoring exploits helped Liverpool capture both the Champions League and their first Premier League title in 30 years. With more time in his prime, Salah is well-positioned to climb higher in the all-time goal-scoring ranks.
6. Ian Wright – 173 Appearances
Ian Wright was a late bloomer in the footballing world, yet he wasted no time making his mark in the Premier League after joining Arsenal in 1991. Wright reached the 100-goal milestone in 173 appearances, blending a striker’s instinct with flair and creativity. His relentless work rate and passionate playing style endeared him to fans, while his ability to score crucial goals ensured he remained one of the most feared forwards of his generation. Wright eventually retired with 113 Premier League goals, cementing his place in Arsenal’s history.
7. Robbie Fowler – 175 Appearances
Nicknamed “God” by Liverpool fans, Robbie Fowler was a natural-born finisher. He reached 100 Premier League goals in 175 appearances, and his penchant for scoring from unlikely positions made him one of the most entertaining strikers to watch. Fowler was a Liverpool legend in the 1990s, terrorizing defenders with his sharp instincts and clinical left foot. Though injuries hampered the latter part of his career, Fowler’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest goal-scorers remains intact.
8. Les Ferdinand – 178 Appearances
Les Ferdinand may not get as much recognition as some of the other names on this list, but his record speaks for itself. Ferdinand reached 100 Premier League goals in 178 appearances, with many of those coming during his time at Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United. Known for his aerial prowess and powerful finishing, Ferdinand was a dominant physical presence in the box. His ability to bully defenders and finish crosses made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the 1990s.
9. Michael Owen – 185 Appearances
One of England’s finest young talents, Michael Owen burst onto the scene with Liverpool, quickly establishing himself as a world-class striker. Owen reached 100 Premier League goals in 185 appearances with a blend of blistering pace and deadly finishing. His early career was defined by his ability to race past defenders and slot the ball home with composure. Despite battling injuries in his later years, Owen remains one of the most gifted finishers to have played in the Premier League, ending his career with 150 Premier League goals.
10. Andy Cole – 185 Appearances
Completing the list is Andy Cole, a prolific scorer for both Newcastle United and Manchester United. Cole reached 100 goals in 185 appearances, making him one of the most reliable forwards in the league’s early years. His ability to score all types of goals—from poacher’s finishes to long-range strikes—made him indispensable to Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, where he formed a lethal partnership with Dwight Yorke. Cole finished his Premier League career with 187 goals, the fourth-highest total in the league’s history.
Conclusion
The strikers on this list represent the very best in Premier League history. Each brought their unique style to the game, whether it was Alan Shearer’s brute force, Thierry Henry’s grace, or Harry Kane’s all-round play. Achieving 100 goals in such a short space of time requires a blend of natural talent, hard work, and consistency—traits that these players have in abundance. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of goal scorers.