10 Players with the Most Own Goals in Premier League History

The goal of football is simple: to score and secure victory for your team. The joy of finding the back of the net, especially in high-stakes moments like the Premier League or European competitions, is unmatched. Whether it's a last-minute winner or a strike that ignites a comeback, these moments define the beauty of the sport.

But for some players, the elation of scoring turns into despair when the ball ends up in their own net. An own goal not only gifts the opposition but also leaves an unforgettable mark on a player’s career. While many aspire to make history for their achievements, no one wants the dubious honor of being remembered for scoring the most own goals.

Unfortunately for the 10 players listed below, they hold this unwanted distinction in Premier League history. Among them, three are still active and will undoubtedly hope to avoid adding to their tally on this dreaded list.

10. Frank Sinclair - 6

Notable Clubs - Chelsea, Leicester City

Frank Sinclair made 288 Premier League appearances, starting in the competition's inaugural season in 1992/93 with Chelsea and concluding his top-flight journey in 2003/04 with Leicester City. During his career, Sinclair contributed six assists and was part of 70 clean sheets. However, his knack for finding the net wasn't always positive—he scored six own goals, nearly matching his tally of eight goals at the correct end, six of which were for Chelsea.

While Sinclair never claimed a Premier League title, his 25-year career was far from trophyless. He lifted three significant pieces of silverware: the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

9. Ryan Shawcross - 6

Notable Club - Stoke City

Ryan Shawcross began his career at Manchester United, having risen through their academy, but made just two appearances for the club, both in the League Cup. Seeking more playing time, he moved to Stoke City, where he would truly make his mark in the Premier League. After a six-month loan in 2007, when the team was still battling for promotion from the Championship, Shawcross signed permanently in January 2008. He played a pivotal role in helping Stoke achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League, making 316 appearances over 10 seasons.

Although Shawcross earned 84 clean sheets, scored 14 goals, and provided nine assists, his career at Stoke also saw him net six own goals. His time with the club ended after their relegation following the 2017/18 season.

8. Jonny Evans - 6

Notable Clubs - Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City

Jonny Evans, one of three active players on this list, has so far scored six own goals, and could potentially add to that tally if unfortunate circumstances arise. Currently back at Manchester United and still getting game time, the Northern Irish defender is regarded as one of his country's finest. Over his 18-year career, Evans has made 385 Premier League appearances and helped keep 97 clean sheets.

Although he spent time at Sunderland (on loan), West Bromwich Albion, and Leicester, where he contributed 27 goal involvements throughout his career, his most successful period came during his first spell at Old Trafford. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Evans won three Premier League titles, cementing his legacy at the club.

7. Lewis Dunk - 6

Notable Club - Brighton & Hove Albion

Like Jonny Evans, Lewis Dunk could eventually surpass the first six names on this list, as the 33-year-old remains a key figure in a competitive Brighton & Hove Albion side vying for European football next season. Since the 2017/18 campaign, Dunk has made 256 Premier League appearances, scoring at least once in every season (excluding the 2024/25 season), with a total of 16 goals.

The Brighton captain, who was part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the 2024 European Championship, has also provided six assists and helped his team keep 66 clean sheets. However, he has also found the back of his own net six times, benefiting three "big six" clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

6. Seamus Coleman - 6

Notable Club - Everton

Seamus Coleman proved to be an absolute bargain for Everton when they signed him for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in January 2009. The Irish right-back has since made 367 league appearances and counting, scoring 22 goals, providing 24 assists, and keeping 96 clean sheets. As of now, he is the longest-serving player at the Merseyside club.

Over his career, Coleman has scored six own goals, with the most recent coming in stoppage time during Everton's away match at Bournemouth in March 2024, which led to a 2-1 defeat. However, his contributions to the club have far outweighed his occasional misfortune, making him an integral figure whose achievements continue to shine brightly in Everton's history.

5. Wes Brown - 6

Notable Clubs - Manchester United, Sunderland

Wes Brown, a five-time Premier League champion between 1997/98 and 2007/08, was part of one of Manchester United's most formidable defensive units during the early-to-mid 2000s. Over the course of his Premier League career, Brown made 308 appearances, spending 15 seasons at his hometown club, the Red Devils, before moving to Sunderland, where he spent another five years. In total, he kept 98 clean sheets.

Despite his success, Brown is one of only two players on this list who scored more own goals than actual goals, with just four goals compared to six own goals. Additionally, he made three errors that led directly to goals. One of his own goals came while playing for Sunderland in a 1-0 loss to his former club at Old Trafford, a match that also marked Sir Alex Ferguson's 25th anniversary as manager.

4. Martin Skrtel - 7

Notable Club - Liverpool

Martin Skrtel set a Premier League record for the most own goals in a single season, scoring four in the 2013/14 campaign under Brendan Rodgers. It took him just five seasons to reach seven own goals, a tally that was eventually matched by Lewis Dunk in the 2017-18 season.

Skrtel spent nine seasons at Liverpool, making 242 Premier League appearances, keeping 79 clean sheets, assisting five goals, and scoring 16. While he left the club before they achieved major success, he didn’t leave empty-handed, securing a League Cup medal in 2012.

3. Phil Jagielka - 7

Notable Clubs - Sheffield United, Everton

Phil Jagielka spent one season in the Premier League with Sheffield United before joining Everton for 12 seasons, then returning to the Blades for the 2019/20 campaign. He is one of just three players to score seven own goals in his Premier League career.

Unlike Skrtel, Jagielka’s own goals were spread over a 14-year period, with his most recent coming in 2021 against Leeds United. That goal made him the second-oldest outfield player to score an own goal in Premier League history, just behind Stuart Pearce, who was 23 days older. Additionally, Jagielka earned a clean sheet after stepping in as goalkeeper when Paddy Kenny was injured during a match against Arsenal in 2006.

2. Jamie Carragher - 7

Notable Club - Liverpool

Phil Jagielka spent one season in the Premier League with Sheffield United before joining Everton for 12 seasons, then returning to the Blades for the 2019/20 campaign. He is one of just three players to score seven own goals in his Premier League career.

Unlike Skrtel, Jagielka’s own goals were spread over a 14-year period, with his most recent coming in 2021 against Leeds United. That goal made him the second-oldest outfield player to score an own goal in Premier League history, just behind Stuart Pearce, who was 23 days older. Additionally, Jagielka earned a clean sheet after stepping in as goalkeeper when Paddy Kenny was injured during a match against Arsenal in 2006.

1. Richard Dunne - 10

Notable Clubs - Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers

Richard Dunne holds the unenviable record for the most own goals scored in Premier League history, with a total of 10. He also shares another unwanted record, having received eight red cards during his career, tied with Duncan Ferguson and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

A journeyman who played for four Premier League clubs over 17 seasons, Dunne went his first 60 top-flight games without scoring an own goal. However, his move to Manchester City in 2000 marked a turning point, and not for the better. Five of his own goals came in the final 15 minutes of matches, and when he found the back of his own net, his teams never managed to win.

Despite these setbacks, Dunne achieved something that eluded other defenders like Jamie Carragher and Wes Brown—he scored more goals than own goals, netting 11 times and providing five assists across 431 league appearances before retiring at the end of the 2014/15 season with Queens Park Rangers.