10 Youngest Goalscorers in Premier League History (Ranked)

The Premier League is renowned for its fierce competition and is home to some of the most exciting young football talents in the world. Each season, new stars emerge, showcasing skills that leave fans in awe and striving to make their mark in the world's best league.

Among the many ways to stand out, scoring a goal is undoubtedly one of the most impressive feats. In this article, we explore the 10 youngest goalscorers in Premier League history.

11. Raheem Sterling

17 years and 317 days

Turbulent. There may be no better word to capture Raheem Sterling's 2012. Having become the second-youngest player in Liverpool’s history just a few months earlier in March, the English winger was poised for another unforgettable moment seven months later.

On a late October afternoon, Sterling scored the only goal in Liverpool's victory over promoted Reading, securing his place in Premier League history as one of the youngest players ever to score. And what better way to mark the occasion than by doing so in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd? It was the perfect start to a promising career that would see Sterling go on to play for some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

10. Daniel Jebbison

17 years and 309 days

Scoring a goal is one thing; doing so on your first start is something else entirely. Just ask Daniel Jebbison. In May 2021, the young centre-forward experienced exactly that moment. Barely a week after making his debut for Sheffield United, the Oakville, Canada native was about to make Premier League history.

Despite playing for a Blades side already relegated to the Championship, Jebbison secured a prestigious win for them at Everton’s Goodison Park. Remarkably, he hadn’t even signed a professional contract yet — a formality he would complete just a few days later.

1 - Aged 17 years and 309 days, Sheffield United's Daniel Jebbison is the youngest player in Premier League history to score on his first start in the competition. Dream. pic.twitter.com/SE0meUgyS6

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2021

9. Lewis Miley

17 years and 229 days

The 2023/24 season will be remembered by Newcastle fans as the year of Lewis Miley’s rise. At just 17 years old, playing in around 30 games is no small achievement, especially in the fiercely competitive Premier League.

Miley not only featured regularly but also made his mark by scoring in just his sixth top-flight appearance. His goal against Fulham earned him a spot alongside Paul Gascoigne and Lee Clark in the club's history, and he even secured a place in the top five youngest goalscorers for the Magpies.

8. Federico Macheda

17 years and 226 days

On May 5th, 2009, Federico Macheda delivered much more than just an unexpected victory over Aston Villa for Manchester United—he handed them an English championship crown. The young Italian, making his professional debut alongside icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, went from an unknown prospect to the next big thing in world football in a matter of moments.

His injury-time winner not only secured a crucial 3-2 victory but also, and more importantly, kept United at the top of the Premier League with just five games remaining. Few moments in football have epitomized ‘Fergie Time’ quite as dramatically.

6. Andy Turner

17 years and 166 days

Does the name Andy Turner ring a bell? Probably not. Despite becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during his debut season, the Irish winger never quite made his mark in top-flight football. And for good reason. Over a 16-year career, Turner played for no fewer than 19 different clubs, including Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Rotherham, and Kettering.

However, his goal for Tottenham against Everton on September 5th, 1992, earned him a place in English football history. It serves as a reminder that a promising start doesn’t always guarantee long-term success in the game.

5. Michael Owen

17 years and 143 days

Although Turner didn't leave a lasting legacy, he held onto his record for nearly five years before a young English prodigy came along to take it from him: Michael Owen, the striker from Liverpool's Academy who became a household name.

As the 1996/97 season came to a close, Roy Evans handed Owen his professional debut during a match at Wimbledon FC. Despite the team's defeat, Owen marked the occasion with his first career goal—just the beginning of a memorable career that would see him achieve many great milestones, including winning the 2001 Ballon d'Or.

4. Cesc Fabregas

17 years and 113 days

Cesc Fàbregas has undoubtedly etched his name in the history of both the Premier League and British football. Firstly, by establishing himself as one of the finest midfielders to ever play in the top flight. Secondly, by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Arsenal's history. And thirdly, by achieving a historic fourth-place finish in the league, cementing his legacy.

His record was set in August 2004, during a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Trained at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, Fàbregas left an indelible mark on English football, also enjoying a successful spell at Chelsea between 2014 and 2019.

3. Wayne Rooney

16 years and 360 days

Wayne Rooney is a name that needs no introduction. However, for those who may have forgotten, before becoming a legend at Manchester United, he first made his mark in the Premier League with his boyhood club, Everton. It was with the Toffees that Rooney scored his first ever Premier League goal—and what a goal it was.

Wayne Rooney's stunning 25-yard strike into David Seaman's net ended Arsenal's 30-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. The goal immediately captured the attention of the UK's sports media and, at just 16 years old, propelled the young striker into the limelight.

2. James Milner

16 years and 356 days

Just four days. That’s how much time separated James Milner and Wayne Rooney’s first Premier League goals. Milner’s came in December 2002, when he was still a teenager playing for Leeds United, his boyhood club. In that match, he scored against Sunderland, beating goalkeeper Jurgen Macho.

This goal marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see Milner collect every major domestic and international trophy. Now 38 and playing for Brighton, Milner shows no signs of retiring soon. In fact, he’s targeting Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances, with Milner already at 637.

1. James Vaughan

16 years and 270 days

James Vaughan will always remember April 10, 2005. At just 16 years, 8 months, and 27 days old, the young Everton striker made Premier League history by scoring on his debut in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. It was the perfect start to a promising career.

However, Vaughan's career never quite took off, with just 51 more Premier League appearances and six additional goals to his name. Despite retiring a few years ago, Vaughan has had a number of adventures in the lower leagues, most notably winning the League One title with Wigan Athletic in 2018.