Top five goalscorers in Newcastle United's history

One of the oldest football clubs in the history of English Football, Newcastle United have rediscovered its old form with the new owners. The St James Park-based outfit have continued to grow leaps and bounds in recent years. Some of their best form was discovered when they had the continuous goal-scoring strikers. In this article, we shall look at the prolific strikers of Newcastle United, who have left an indelible mark in the club’s history. From carrying the hopes of the side’s title-winning chances to taking the side to keep them in the Premier League, these strikers have seen it all to be in the folklore of Newcastle United.

Here are the top five goalscorers in Newcastle United’s history:

1) Alan Shearer - 206 goals 

A true and true Geordie, who returned to home in 1996 for a world record of £15 million, Shearer made his boyhood dream come true by becoming Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer. The complete central forward combined brutal power with clinical precision as he continuously released thunderous strikes from a distance alongside his best finishes. 

While he turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United, major titles eluded him for the longest time. He led his side closer to titles in 1998 and 1999 where he took his side to FA Cup finals. His most memorable goal came against Everton in 2002, a stunning 25-yard volley on the turn that showcased his technical ability. Shearer averaged 17 goals per season before hanging his boots in 2006.

2) Jackie Milburn - 201 goals 

Hailing from Ashington, Northumberland, “Wor Jackie” did not come from a privileged background. He rose from the coal mines to become Newcastle United’s talisman during their successful period. A lightning-quick striker spearheaded the Magpies to three FA Cup titles in five years (1951, 1952, and 1955) scoring goals in two finals. 

Jackie Milburn had a different proposition in him. The blend of pace, powerful shooting, and ability to score via headers made him a difficult player to deal with on the pitch. In the 1951 FA Cup semi-finals against Wolves, he scored a 30-yard thunderous shot that almost broke the net. He stayed with the club for 17 long years until 1957, before parting ways. He also has a statue outside St James Park, to commemorate his greatness and contribution. 

3) Len White - 153 goals 

Arriving from Rotherham United in 1953, Len White initially played in Milburn's shadow before establishing himself as Newcastle's premier marksman following "Wor Jackie's" departure. The versatile forward possessed exceptional movement and finishing abilities, enabling him to score seven hat-tricks for the club. White's finest moment came against Anderlecht in the 1957 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, netting a brilliant hat-trick in a 4-0 victory. 

Despite Newcastle's relegation in 1961, White continued his prolific form across both divisions, maintaining an impressive strike rate throughout his nine-year stint on Tyneside. Though often overshadowed by Milburn in Newcastle folklore, White's consistency during a transitional period for the club showcased remarkable professionalism and technical quality that endeared him to the St. James' faithful.

4) Hughie Gallacher - 143 goals

Standing at just 5'5", Scottish dynamo Hughie Gallacher arrived from Airdrieonians in 1925 and transformed Newcastle's fortunes. The diminutive striker combined explosive acceleration with remarkable strength and finishing, leading Newcastle to their last league championship in 1926-27 while scoring 39 goals in 41 games. His most memorable goal came against Arsenal at Highbury, a mazy dribble past four defenders before lobbing the goalkeeper. 

Gallacher's astonishing ratio of 143 goals in 174 appearances (0.82 per game) remains unmatched among Newcastle's elite scorers. Despite his brilliance on the pitch, his fiery temperament led to his controversial departure in 1930. Tragically, Gallacher's life ended in suicide in 1957, but his legacy as Newcastle's most naturally gifted center-forward endures among generations of supporters.

5) Malcolm Macdonald - 121 goals

“Supermac” burst onto the side in 1971, scoring a hat-trick on their debut against Liverpool. The striker carried a flair with blistering pace with powerful finishing which led to him winning the First Division Golden Boot during his five seasons at Newcastle United. Malcolm Macdonald’s swagger matched the Magpies’ philosophy under manager Joe Harvey. 

While silverware eluded him, he reached the 1974 FA Cup final which was the closest he got to the title. His best goal came in 1975 against the Foxes when he scored a 40-yard goal after outpacing the entire defense. He added one more badge when he scored five goals for his national side against Cyprus. While his controversial £300K move to Arsenal affected his fame a bit in 1976, “Supermac” remained adored by the Geordie faithful.