Discover the defenders who have defied expectations, excelling not only in defensive solidity but also in their impressive goal-scoring ability over the last decade. This list celebrates the backline players who regularly find the back of the net, becoming crucial offensive assets for their teams. From free-kick specialists to formidable headers, these players have redefined the role of the modern defender. Explore their achievements and vote for those you consider the most prolific in contemporary football.
Top goal scorer
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Sergio Ramos has demonstrated a prolific goal-scoring ability for a defender, accumulating 132 career goals, including 77 in LaLiga. He is renowned for his decisive goals, such as those scored in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals, and against Barcelona.
Highest-scoring defender in Premier League history for Liverpool
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Virgil van Dijk has demonstrated a remarkable goal-scoring ability for a central defender, accumulating 31 Premier League goals throughout his career. In the 2025/2026 season, he recorded 6 goals, highlighting his offensive contribution in addition to his defensive solidity. His knack for scoring in crucial moments makes him a defender with a significant impact on the scoreboard.
Scored 35 goals in 328 top 5 league appearances
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Marcos Alonso has demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring ability for a defender over the last decade, particularly during his time at Chelsea. He has scored 25 goals in 154 Premier League appearances for the London club, including significant direct free-kick goals. His capacity to contribute offensively from a defensive position sets him apart in modern football.
Scored 8 goals in 28 matches in 2025/2026 Bundesliga season
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Alejandro Grimaldo has demonstrated an exceptional goal-scoring ability for a defender, tallying 8 goals in the Bundesliga and 4 in the Champions League during the 2025/2026 season. His offensive output, which includes 10 goals and 11 assists overall this season as a left wing-back, positions him as a defender with a significant impact on the score sheet.
Tallied 20 goals for Arsenal in the Premier League
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Gabriel Magalhães has scored 18 Premier League goals for Arsenal, more than any other defender from 2020 to May 2026. His ability to find the net makes him a defender with remarkable offensive contribution, standing out in his position. Furthermore, he is the highest-scoring Brazilian defender in Premier League history, with 20 goals.
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Second highest scoring defender in FPL history
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Trent Alexander-Arnold stands out for his remarkable goal-scoring ability from a defensive position, particularly through his mastery of free-kicks. His striking technique, which combines power, dip, and accuracy, allows him to score spectacular and crucial goals, such as his recent one against Fulham. His offensive contribution, with 18 goals and 77 assists in 293 games, redefines the role of the modern full-back.
Scored 61 career goals
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Achraf Hakimi has demonstrated a remarkable goal-scoring ability for a defender, accumulating 19 Ligue 1 goals for PSG throughout his career. His offensive contribution from the right-back position sets him apart, adding a crucial attacking dimension to his teams. Furthermore, he has scored 11 goals for the Morocco national team, solidifying his reputation as a defender with an exceptional goal-scoring instinct.
Scored 5 goals in 27 matches in the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season
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Nico Schlotterbeck has demonstrated a remarkable goal-scoring ability for a defender, setting a personal record of five goals in the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season. His offensive performance this campaign makes him the defender with the most goals in the league, highlighting his impact on the team's attack.
Scored 20 career goals
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Josko Gvardiol has demonstrated an impressive goal-scoring ability for a defender, accumulating 14 goals in 141 top 5 league appearances. His offensive contribution, including important goals for Manchester City, sets him apart in his position. Beyond his defensive solidity, his knack for finding the net makes him a valuable asset and a defender with a notable goal-scoring profile.