Top 10 Footballers With Most Header Goals in History

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with an incredible 153 headed goals, showcasing his dominance in aerial battles throughout his career. This ranking highlights legendary figures like Gerd Müller with 144 goals and Jimmy McGrory at 147, alongside current stars such as Robert Lewandowski who has scored 110 headers. Ronaldo's exceptional leap of 1.87 meters sets him apart, but other names like Hakan Şükür (115), Luuk de Jong (116), and Dixie Dean (125) remind us how heading has shaped football across generations.

Ranking of Players by Header Goals

• 10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona) - 110 Headed Goals
• 9. Hakan Şükür (Turkey, Retired Galatasaray) - 115 Headed Goals
• 8. Luuk de Jong (Netherlands, Without Club) - 116 Headed Goals
• 7. Telmo Zarra (Spain, Retired Athletic Bilbao) - 122 Headed Goals
• 6. Jared Borgetti (Mexico, Retired Monterrey) - 123 Headed Goals
• 5. Dixie Dean (England, Retired Everton) - 125 Headed Goals
• 4. Carlos Alonso González “Santillana” (Spain, Retired Real Madrid) - 128 Headed Goals
• 3. Gerd Müller (Germany, Retired Bayern Munich) - 144 Headed Goals
• 2. Jimmy McGrory (Scotland, Retired Celtic) - 147 Headed Goals
• 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Al Nassr) - 153 Headed Goals

Heading is a skill requiring precision, timing, and aerial strength. Many top strikers have blended footwork with aerial prowess to score spectacular goals. The players here have mastered this craft, leaving a lasting impact on football history.

Profiles of Top Header Goal Scorers

Polish striker Lewandowski is known for scoring with every part of his body. His height and positioning make him tough to mark. At 34 years old, he’s still adding to his tally, making him a formidable aerial threat. He has 554 total career goals, with headers accounting for 19%.

The Turkish legend was key in Turkey’s 2002 World Cup run. His 327 career goals include a remarkable 35% headers, reflecting his aerial dominance. His presence in the box was a constant challenge for defenders.

Dutch forward de Jong is often underrated despite scoring 116 headers. His clever movement and jumping ability helped him rack up many goals in the Eredivisie. Headers make up 37% of his 282 career goals.

A Spanish icon, Zarra excelled in the mid-20th century when the game was rougher and balls heavier. His 122 headed goals came from 339 total, about 36%. His skill and anticipation made him a lethal finisher.

Mexican striker Borgetti is famous for his aerial ability, including a memorable 2002 World Cup curling header against Italy. Nearly half (49%) of his 249 career goals are headers, demonstrating his mastery in the air.

Dean dominated English football in the 1920s and ’30s with 125 headed goals out of 188 total—a striking 66%. His leaping power and bravery set a standard still revered nearly a century later.

Despite being only 5’9", Santillana’s timing and technique made him one of Real Madrid’s greatest aerial finishers. His 128 headers represent 41% of his 307 career goals, earned over 17 seasons.

German great Müller combined smart positioning with efficient heading. His 144 headers are 47% of his 307 total goals. Known for scoring anywhere, he was a nightmare in the air despite not being the tallest striker.

Scottish legend McGrory scored 147 headers despite being only 5’6". His fearless jumping made him dominant during the 1920s and ’30s. Headers account for 35% of his 422 career goals at Celtic.

Ronaldo leads with 153 headed goals among 929 total, about 16%. His athleticism and record 1.87-meter jump make him unmatched in the air. A constant threat on set-pieces, he remains the king of headers.

FAQ

• Who holds the record for most header goals? Cristiano Ronaldo, with 153.
• Who is second in header goals? Jimmy McGrory, with 147.
• Most headed goals in the 21st century? Cristiano Ronaldo.
• How many headers has Lewandowski scored? 107.
• Best header in football history? Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered the best.
• How many headers does Messi have? 28.
• Has Messi scored headers? Yes, multiple times.