Newcastle United made their grand entrance into the Premier League in the 1993-94 season and, much to everyone’s surprise, soared to a third-place finish right after their promotion.
The club itself has some rich history, being founded in 1892, exactly a century before the Premier League even existed.
The Premier League era is often the strong point of any club’s history, and Newcastle is no different. During these PL years, the Magpies have been graced by a parade of talented goalscorers who knew their way around the goalposts.
Newcastle United’s Best Goalscorer
A club where passion flows as freely as the pints on matchday has been home to some of the most iconic strikers in Premier League history.
St. James’ Park, with its roaring Toon Army, has witnessed moments of sheer brilliance, elation, and heartbreak, often catalyzed by the goalscoring abilities of its heroes.
Having a prolific striker in your squad is like having the ace up your sleeve. They’re the ones who turn the tide in big matches and, more often than not, are the secret sauce to winning trophies.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the top 10 Newcastle United goalscorers in Premier League history, exploring not just their stats but their impact.
1. Alan Shearer
- Appearances: 303
- Goals: 148
Alan Shearer: the man, the myth, the local legend whose right foot was insured for more than most of our houses.
When he returned to Newcastle in 1996 for a then-world record fee of £15 million, he wasn’t just coming home; he was coming to rewrite the history books.
With 148 Premier League goals for Newcastle, Shearer’s powerful shot, aerial ability, and unerring accuracy made him the footballing equivalent of a guided missile.
His leadership on the pitch embodied everything Newcastle fans hold dear, and while silverware eluded him, he was showered with honours, including an OBE and the title of Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer with 206 goals in 404 appearances, and one of the best Magpies players in history.
His Premier League record is as strong as the Tyne Bridge, and about as likely to be surpassed.
2. Callum Wilson
- Appearances: 88
- Goals: 47
Wilson’s arrival from Bournemouth in 2020 marked a significant turning point for Newcastle.
Signed on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee – though BBC Sport, with all the subtlety of a tabloid whisper, pegged it around £20 million – Wilson became the third-highest fee paid by Newcastle for a player.
With 47 goals and counting, Wilson’s predatory instincts and clinical finishing have made him a cornerstone of Newcastle‘s attack.
He’s the type of striker who could find the back of the net in a blackout. His ability to score from various positions and his knack for finding the net in crucial moments have endeared him to the Toon Army.
Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury from December 2021 to the following May.
Yet, by the time of his return, he was still the team’s top scorer with six goals for the season. It’s like being the top chef in a kitchen while only cooking half the meals – impressive, to say the least.
He finished the 2022–23 season as Newcastle’s top scorer with 18 goals, and fifth overall in the Premier League. Not content with merely being a fleeting hero, he then extended his contract to 2025.
3. Peter Beardsley
- Appearances: 129
- Goals: 47
Peter Beardsley is a name that evokes fond memories for Newcastle fans, and a few traumatic flashbacks for opposing defenders. A magician with the ball at his feet, Beardsley combined creativity with a lethal touch in front of goal.
Versatile enough to be deployed as both a midfielder and a striker, Beardsley first dazzled in the ranks of The Magpies from 1983-87.
This was back before the Premier League was even a twinkle in Rupert Murdoch’s eye, and footballers were known more for their abilities on the pitch than their social media followings.
Before returning in 1993, “Little Gem” as former England national football team manager Bobby Robson called him, did the unthinkable and played for both sides of the Merseyside Derby – Liverpool and Everton. That’s somewhat playing for both Batman and the Joker, and yet Beardsley managed it without turning into a supervillain.
Beardsley’s partnership with Andy Cole during the early Premier League years was instrumental in Newcastle’s attacking success. Watching them play together was like watching a finely choreographed dance – if the tango involved a lot more kicking and less ballroom attire.
His football intelligence and flair made him a joy to watch and a nightmare for defenders, who likely still have nightmares about those quick turns and incisive passes.
4. Andrew Cole
- Appearances: 58
- Goals: 43
It’s as a rockstar’s cameo at a local gig – short, loud, and unforgettable.
Cole’s explosive pace and finishing ability made him one of the most feared strikers in the league. Defenders probably woke up in cold sweats after facing him, questioning their life choices.
His 1993-94 season, where he netted 34 goals, remains one of the highest-scoring seasons in Premier League history.
That season, he also bagged the PFA Young Player of the Year award, which is basically the football equivalent of winning the Best New Artist at the Grammys, but with fewer acceptance speeches and more slide tackles.
Cole followed this up with 9 goals in the opening 18 games of the following season, leaving his league record for the club at a jaw-dropping 43 goals in 58 appearances.
His departure to Manchester United left a lasting legacy of what could have been.
Newcastle fans could only watch as he continued his goal-scoring exploits elsewhere, with a mix of admiration and a touch of “what if” wistfulness. It’s a bit like seeing your ex doing well on social media – you’re happy for them, but a part of you wonders what might have been if they’d stayed.
5. Shola Ameobi
- Appearances: 312
- Goals: 43
Popularly known as the “Mackem Slayer” for his knack of scoring against Sunderland, Shola Ameobi is a cult hero at Newcastle United. It’s a title that comes with an extra badge of honour in Newcastle.
His Premier League goals might not tell the whole story, as Ameobi’s contributions went beyond just finding the net.
From a prolific scorer over a short period to the complete opposite, Ameobi never hit double figures for Newcastle in the 13 seasons he played Premier League football for them, his highest tally being nine in the 2005/06 season.
That’s right, he was the footballing equivalent of that steady, reliable friend who might not always stand out but is always there when you need him.
His physical presence, ability to hold up play, and scoring vital goals in key matches, especially in European competitions, made him a fan favourite.
Ameobi’s loyalty to the club and his status as a homegrown talent further cemented his place in the hearts of Newcastle supporters.
In a world where players switch clubs more often than they change hairstyles, Shola’s commitment to the Magpies was a comforting constant.
Whether he was scoring against Sunderland or just being a solid presence on the pitch, Ameobi’s legacy at Newcastle is like a well-worn jersey – full of history, cherished by fans, and a reminder that some heroes don’t need to shine the brightest to be the most beloved.
10 Biggest Football Clubs To Have Never Won A Major Trophy | 2024
6. Les Ferdinand
- Appearances: 68
- Goals: 41
After a highly productive spell at QPR, Sir Les pitched up on Tyneside in the summer of 1995/96, serving as a replacement for Andy Cole, who had departed midway through the previous season.
Ferdinand’s aerial dominance and powerful strikes made him a formidable forward. Defenders probably still have nightmares about his ability to soar above them like a majestic eagle – if eagles wore football boots and scored with frightening regularity.
His partnership with Alan Shearer was legendary, and together they spearheaded Newcastle’s title challenge in the mid-90s. It was the footballing equivalent of Batman and Superman teaming up, minus the capes and questionable fashion choices.
Ferdinand’s ability to score with his head, feet, and from a distance showcased his versatility – he was a Swiss Army knife in a black-and-white jersey.
In his first campaign, he banged in 25 league goals, which earned him the PFA Player of the Year, as well as a spot in the team of the season. Despite this, Newcastle just missed out on the title to Manchester United in a run-in made famous by Kevin Keegan’s “I would love it” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson.
That moment remains iconic, showing that even Premier League managers can have meltdowns that would make reality TV stars proud.
7. Nolberto Solano
- Appearances: 230
- Goals: 37
Nobby was more than just a goalscorer; he was a creator and a maestro on the pitch, the Mozart of St James’ Park but with better hair and a penchant for set pieces.
Solano’s precise crosses, free-kick prowess, and overall playmaking ability made him a key figure in Newcastle’s midfield. If you ever needed a ball perfectly delivered to a teammate’s head from 40 yards out, Nobby was your man.
His flair and creativity added a South American touch to the team’s play, transforming those rainy afternoons in Newcastle into mini-carnivals, if only for a few moments.
His ability to score crucial goals made him indispensable.
Solano’s charismatic personality and dedication to the club endeared him to the Toon Army. He was as comfortable belting out tunes on his trumpet as he was threading a perfect through ball.
8. Papiss Cissé
- Appearances: 117
- Goals: 37
Cissé’s arrival at Newcastle in January 2012 on a five-and-a-half-year deal for an estimated fee in the region of £9.3 million was like a late Christmas present that kept on giving.
Teaming up with fellow Senegal striker Demba Ba, he brought a dash of Senegalese flair to Tyneside that made fans’ hearts race faster than a Geordie spotting a sunny day.
Handed the number 9 shirt, formerly worn by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, Cissé had some mighty big boots to fill. But if there was any pressure, he didn’t show it.
Scoring 13 goals in his first 14 games, Cissé’s Premier League goals were often spectacular, including his famous volley against Chelsea, which is regarded as one of the greatest goals in Premier League history.
It was a strike so outrageous it should have come with its health warning for the Chelsea defence.
His ability to score from improbable angles and distances made him a thrilling player to watch. You never knew what he might do next.
Despite a career that had its ups and downs, Cissé’s moments of brilliance and his infectious enthusiasm left a lasting impression on Newcastle fans.
9. Rob Lee
- Appearances: 303
- Goals: 34
Lee, who also has ancestral ties to the North East – having relatives who marched in the Jarrow March – signed for Newcastle in 1992.
Despite his North East connections, Lee noted it was his childhood footballing hero Kevin Keegan who influenced him to move to Newcastle United. Keegan, with his persuasive charm, promised Lee that if he moved to Newcastle United, he would play for England.
Lee was the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield during the 1990s.
His late runs into the box and powerful shots were a vital goal threat, causing defenders and goalkeepers alike to break into a sweat. His leadership, versatility, and work rate made him a vital player for the Magpies. He was the kind of player who seemed to be everywhere on the pitch at once, much to the dismay of the opposition.
His energy and determination often lifted the team, and his ability to control the midfield was key to Newcastle’s successes during that era. He was the unsung hero, the guy who might not always make the headlines but without whom the team would have been lost.
10. Ayoze Pérez – 33 Goals
- Appearances: 179
- Goals: 33
In 2014, Pérez gave a cheeky wave to Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Porto, deciding instead to bring his talents to Premier League club Newcastle United for €3 million.
He didn’t waste any time making his mark, scoring his first goal in his first league start on October 26th in a 2-1 away win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Just six days later, as a halftime substitute for Papiss Cissé, he netted the only goal of the game to secure a victory over Liverpool, giving Newcastle their fourth consecutive win.
When Newcastle took an unplanned detour into the Championship, Pérez stuck around, helping the club bounce back to the Premiership after just one season.
He wrapped up the season with 9 goals in 25 appearances, with 11 of those being starts, scoring major goals against title rivals Brighton and Barnsley to win the Championship title on the final day.
During his five-year stint at Newcastle, Pérez became a fan favourite.
11. Alexander Isak – 31 Goals
- Appearances: 47
- Goals: 31
The young Swedish striker represents the future of Newcastle United.
With 31 Premier League goals already and counting, Isak’s blend of speed, skill, and composure in front of goal has quickly endeared him to the Newcastle faithful.
His potential for further growth and his ability to score from various positions make him a key player for Newcastle’s ambitions.
Isak’s dynamic style of play and natural goal-scoring instinct suggests that he could climb even higher on this list in the coming years, making him an exciting prospect for the future.
Notable Newcastle Goalscorer In the Premier League
- Obafemi Martins: 28
- Craig Bellamy: 27
- Micheal Owen: 26
- Kieron Dyer: 23
- Miguel Almiron: 23
- Laurent Robert: 22
You Might Also Want To Read This
- Top 10 Best Strikers (Centre-Forward) In The World 2024
- Top 10 Goalkeepers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Right Wingers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Left Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Right Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Attacking Midfielders In The World 2024
- Top 10 Defensive Midfielders In The World 2024
- Leeds United’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
