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Top 10 Footballers with the Most Header Goals in History

Heading the ball is one of football’s key scoring methods, and some players have mastered it like an art form. This list ranks the top 10 players who have scored the highest number of goals using their heads, blending legends from different eras with current stars.

  • 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

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 153 Headed Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo stands apart with 153 headed goals, thanks to his incredible athleticism and timing. Known for his record jump of 1.87 meters, he has become a nightmare for defenders on set-pieces. Throughout a career spanning multiple clubs including Manchester United and currently Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s heading ability remains a key weapon.

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

2. Jimmy McGrory (Scotland) – 147 Headed Goals

Jimmy McGrory made his mark at Celtic between 1921 and 1937, scoring 147 goals with his head despite standing just 5’6". His fearless aerial ability made him one of the deadliest finishers of his time, with 395 goals in 378 appearances for the club.

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

3. Gerd Müller (Germany) – 144 Headed Goals

Gerd Müller, the 1970 Ballon d’Or winner, was known for his sharp instincts and aerial prowess. Standing nearly 6 feet tall, he netted 144 header goals during a prolific career mostly with Bayern Munich.

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

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

Santillana was a Real Madrid legend, scoring 128 goals with his head despite being only 5’9". His timing and leap made him exceptional in the air over 17 years with the club.

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

5. Dixie Dean (England) – 125 Headed Goals

Dixie Dean dominated English football during the 1920s and ’30s. His 125 headed goals came in an era of heavy leather balls and tough conditions, highlighting his extraordinary jumping power and accuracy.

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

6. Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 123 Headed Goals

Jared Borgetti was famous for his aerial skills, scoring 123 headers during his career. His iconic curling header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup remains memorable.

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

7. Telmo Zarra (Spain) – 122 Headed Goals

Telmo Zarra was a dominant striker for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and ’50s, scoring 122 headed goals despite the era’s physical style and heavy balls. He remains a celebrated figure in Spanish football history.

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

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

Luuk de Jong is an underrated aerial specialist, having scored 116 headed goals mostly in the Eredivisie. His clever movement and jumping skills keep him among the best headers of the ball today.

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

9. Hakan Şükür (Turkey) – 115 Headed Goals

Hakan Şükür, Turkey’s all-time leading scorer, amassed 115 headed goals. His aerial presence was vital for club and country, notably helping Turkey achieve third place in the 2002 World Cup.

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

10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 110 Headed Goals

Robert Lewandowski is a modern goal-scoring machine with 110 headed goals to date. His physical presence and skill helped him succeed at clubs like Barcelona, making him one of the top strikers of his generation.

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

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