7 top scoring defenders in Premier League in football history

The Premier League has long been famous not only for its appeal and fierce competition but also for its unpredictable surprises. In addition to strikers, defenders are also increasingly playing an important role in scoring goals, especially from set pieces, free kicks or corners. This creates many interesting options for bettors, especially when they want to explore less-noticed types of bets such as “defender to score” or “surprise goal scorer”. Below, Kingsoccertips.com shares the top scoring defenders in Premier League, names that any bettor should remember.

7 top scoring defenders in Premier League

Below are the 7 top scoring defenders Premier League, players who are not only good at defending but also often shine on the scoreboard, becoming unexpected weapons for the team every time they attack.

Top 7: Branislav Ivanović – 22 Goals

Branislav Ivanović is a Serbian defender renowned for his powerful attacking runs and exceptional aerial ability. During his time at Chelsea from 2008 to 2017, he scored a total of 22 goals in the Premier League – an impressive tally for a right-back. His ability to surge forward from deep positions made him a genuine threat in set-piece situations, especially from corners and indirect free kicks.

From a betting perspective, Ivanović was once a prime pick in “defender to score” markets. Experienced bettors consistently paid attention to him in high-stakes matches, where tight gameplay often meant that set pieces became increasingly important. Whenever Chelsea earned a corner, the odds for Ivanović to score would frequently shift upward – a clear indication of his influence not only on the pitch but also in the world of sports betting.

Top 6: Gary Cahill – 28 Goals

Gary Cahill embodied the classic Premier League centre-back – strong, resilient, and particularly dangerous during set-piece plays. With a total of 28 goals in 394 Premier League appearances, Cahill made a lasting impact at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and several domestic honours. He was not only a reliable defensive anchor but also an unexpected attacking asset during dead-ball situations.

Betting on Gary Cahill proved profitable for those who understood Chelsea’s tactical patterns – especially their frequent use of corners and aerial threats like Cahill. In numerous matches, the odds for Cahill to score were typically high (often exceeding 10.00), yet his knack for popping up with a crucial goal led to several successful bets. He serves as a prime example of how studying defenders with offensive tendencies can yield significant returns in football betting.

Top 5: Ian Harte – 28 Goals

Ian Harte matched Cahill’s total with 28 goals but achieved it in only 238 matches, showcasing an impressive scoring rate for a left-back. All of Harte’s Premier League goals came during his time with Leeds United, where he was widely known for his powerful and accurate free kicks. In addition to scoring, Harte contributed 27 assists and earned 65 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 12 goals at the international level.

For bettors, Harte was considered a “hidden gem” in direct free-kick betting markets. When Leeds United were awarded a free kick in a favourable position, odds for Harte to score would spike significantly. Some bookmakers even offered specialised markets such as “first free-kick taker” or “goal scorer from a free kick,” where Harte was consistently among the top contenders. His presence in the lineup opened up a variety of valuable betting options, particularly in evenly matched fixtures.

Top 4: Leighton Baines – 32 Goals

Leighton Baines was one of top scoring Premier League defenders, not only for his defensive skills but also for his attacking contributions. With 32 Premier League goals across a 13-year career at Everton, Baines stood out for his proficiency in free kicks and penalty kicks – a rare trait among full-backs. Beyond his goal-scoring, Baines ranked among the league’s top defenders in terms of assists.

From a betting standpoint, Baines was a “strategic asset” in matches where Everton earned penalties or free kicks around the box. Bookmakers usually set high odds for “anytime goal scorer” bets involving defenders, but in Baines’ case, the average odds were often lower – reflecting the bookies’ awareness of his scoring potential. For those who studied Everton’s tactical tendencies during that period, placing bets on Baines in set-piece scenarios was a smart and calculated move.

Top 3: Steve Bruce – 36 Goals

Before the Premier League top goal scoring defenders, Steve Bruce – the former Manchester United captain – was one of England’s most prolific goal-scoring centre-backs. Throughout his career, he netted 36 Premier League goals, the majority of which came during his time at Old Trafford in the early 1990s. Though he was never called up to the England national team, Bruce left a strong legacy thanks to his intelligent positioning and fearless finishing during corner kicks.

For seasoned punters, Steve Bruce was a familiar name in “team to have a defender score” betting markets – a niche option that became especially relevant in matches involving heavy wing play and frequent crossing. In fixtures where Manchester United faced weaker opposition, the odds for Bruce to score first or score anytime were often among the top dark horse selections. His strength and tenacity proved that centre-backs could provide not just defensive stability, but also considerable betting value.

Top 2: David Unsworth – 38 Goals

David Unsworth was a left-back with a remarkable record of converting penalties. In 364 Premier League appearances, he scored 38 goals – most of them coming from the penalty spot. Notably, 33 of those goals came during his time at Everton, the club most closely associated with his name. In addition to Everton, Unsworth also played for West Ham United, Portsmouth, and several other clubs.

For bettors, David Unsworth became a “golden goose” in matches where Everton were expected to be awarded penalties. His calm and clinical finishing from 12 yards forced bookmakers to carefully adjust the odds accordingly. This clearly demonstrates the importance of knowing which players are designated penalty takers – a key piece of information when betting on “anytime goal scorer” or “first goal scorer” markets.

Top 1: John Terry – 41 Goals

Topping the list is John Terry – Chelsea’s legendary captain, who scored 41 goals in the Premier League. The English centre-back epitomised a fearless playing style, relished physical duels, and was especially dangerous during corner kicks. Of those 41 goals, 40 were scored in Chelsea colours, where he captured five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown, and numerous other domestic trophies.

John Terry was not only a defensive leader but also a top betting option in “defender to score” markets. Big Chelsea matches frequently featured carefully executed set-pieces, and Terry often emerged as the finisher in the box, delivering decisive goals. For experienced bettors, Terry was more than just a defensive legend – he was a “secret weapon” capable of unlocking high returns from markets that seemed low-risk but had strong scoring potential.

In Summary

The names on the list of 7 top scoring defenders in Premier League have not only proven their worth in defence but also shown their great influence in attack. Their appearance on the scoresheet is clear evidence that in modern football, defenders are no longer simply the ones who stop the opponent but also the factors that can change the game, especially in betting on goals or corners, where their ability to explode unexpectedly brings golden opportunities for players.

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