Newcastle United’s top 10 strikers of all time: Shearer, Isak, and more

9 – Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson’s time at Newcastle fizzled out, with injuries hampering his final year before he left at the end of his contract.

But over five years, he provided a rare bit of quality during some tough stretches and later found success under Eddie Howe.

Wilson scored 18 goals in the 2022-23 season and became the club’s second-highest Premier League scorer (now third) with a tally of 47.

8 – Malcolm McDonald

In 1971, Newcastle broke their transfer record to bring in Malcolm McDonald for £180,000, despite him having no experience in the First Division at the time.

Despite the pressure that came with such a price tag, he quickly silenced any doubters by scoring a hat-trick against Liverpool on his debut.

McDonald went on to score both goals in an FA Cup semi-final that sent Newcastle to Wembley in 1974, though they would go on to lose to Liverpool. Even so, he finished his time at St James’ Park with 121 goals in 227 matches before his move to Arsenal upset many supporters.

7 – Les Ferdinand

After Andy Cole left the club, Newcastle took a chance by spending £6m on Les Ferdinand, but that decision proved to be a masterstroke.

During the iconic 1995-96 campaign, Ferdinand netted 25 Premier League goals and came incredibly close to delivering Newcastle their first title. The Magpies were famously 12 points clear before a painful collapse saw Man Utd steal the trophy.

Despite Alan Shearer’s arrival the following season, Ferdinand didn’t fade into the background. He instead formed a lethal partnership with him. Sir Les scored 50 goals in just 83 matches before he was sold in 1997.

6 – Len White

Len White may not be the most widely known striker on this list, but his impact at Newcastle United was significant.

Stepping into the number nine shirt after Jackie Milburn, he was far from a direct replacement. However, White established his own legacy with consistent scoring over more than a decade at the club.

He finished with 153 goals in 269 matches, becoming another legend in the eyes of supporters at St. James’ Park.

5 – Alexander Isak

It might be difficult for fans to say it given how things ended, but Alexander Isak deserves his place among Newcastle’s best-ever strikers.

The Swede scored 54 goals in the Premier League over three seasons, becoming the club’s second-highest scorer in the competition. He also netted some memorable strikes and delivered the winner that ended Newcastle’s long wait for silverware.

However, Isak’s time at the club didn’t end well. He damaged his standing with supporters by refusing to play and pushing through a £125m move to Liverpool in 2025.

4 – Hughie Gallacher

With a remarkable 143 goals in just 174 appearances, Hughie Gallacher still holds the best strike rate in Newcastle’s history for anyone with more than 11 games under their belt, boasting an average of 0.82 goals per game.

The Scotsman was instrumental during the 1926-27 season, netting 39 times to help Newcastle secure their fourth Division One title.

Gallacher went on to play for Chelsea, Derby County, and several other clubs, finishing his career with an incredible total of 411 goals from just 565 matches.

3 – Andy Cole

Andy Cole broke plenty of hearts before Alexander Isak, racking up 64 goals in just 84 games for the Entertainers.

He left for Manchester United after only two years, where he became a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning side. Over his career, Cole scored 264 goals in 599 appearances and is now a member of the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Cole would move to Manchester United after just two years, going on to be the star striker as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won the treble. He scored 264 goals across 599 career appearances and is in the Premier League Hall of Fame.

2 – Jackie Milburn

Another famous footballing son from Ashington, Jackie Milburn is one of only two players to have ever reached the 200-goal mark for Newcastle.

Milburn was originally a winger, but after the Second World War, he moved into a more central role and spent over a decade as one of the game’s top forwards.

He scored in all three of Newcastle’s FA Cup final wins in the 1950s, helping cement his status as a club legend. His impact on Tyneside has lasted far beyond his playing days—every supporter knows his story.

Although he left St. James’ Park in 1957 and passed away in 1988, Milburn’s legacy lives on across generations.

1 – Alan Shearer

There’s no real debate over who tops this list.

Alan Shearer, a local hero, didn’t join Newcastle until he was already an established Premier League champion and recognised as the country’s best forward. Even then, his return home only added to his legacy.

Shearer went on to become Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer with 206 goals, and his 260 Premier League strikes remain unmatched. Across his career, he found the net 404 times.

He isn’t just Newcastle’s greatest striker – he’s one of the game’s best ever.