When the defense attacks. Which defenders have the most goals in history?

Scoring goals is mainly a job for strikers, but often defenders get involved in this activity as well. Which defensive footballers have scored the most goals in football history?

10. Franz Beckenbauer – 109 goals

One of the best players to ever play football. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he was the greatest representative of the libero as an attacking stopper. In total, he scored 109 goals.

9. Steve Bruce – 113 goals

Bruce was even Manchester United’s top scorer in the 1990/91 season, scoring 19 goals. He played for Gillingham, Norwich, Manchester United, Birmingham and Sheffield.

8. Paul Breitner – 113 goals

With the German national team, he was World Champion in 1974 and European Champion in 1972. He scored in both the 1974 and 1982 World Cup finals.

7. Roberto Carlos – 113 goals

One of the best left backs in history. His cannonball was relentless, excelling especially in direct kicks, often defying the laws of physics.

5. Graham Alexander – 130 goals

One of the best penalty takers in football. He scored 77 goals from the penalty spot in his career and had a success rate of over 90%.

5. Sergio Ramos – 131 goals

The only active player in the Top 10. Ramos is one of the best attacking headers in history, he also has a patent for important goals in the final minutes. He also scored a few goals from direct kicks and penalties.

4. Laurent Blanc – 153 goals

Legendary French all-rounder. Blanc scored a total of 153 goals, scoring over 10 goals in six different seasons.

3. Fernando Hierro – 163 goals

One of Real Madrid’s best stoppers in its rich history. He scored 53 goals in a Los Blancos jersey and added 29 goals for Spain. In total, he scored 163 goals in his career.

2. Daniel Passarella – 175 goals

Passarella captained Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1978. He has scored 94 goals for River Plate, 175 in total.

1. Ronald Koeman – 253 goals

A record that probably no defender will ever break. Dutchman Koeman has netted 253 goals, over 10 goals scored in ten consecutive seasons.

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