Who are the Premier League players with the most goals in FA Cup all history?

The FA Cup, renowned for its rich history and thrilling matches, has witnessed some of football's most prolific goal scorers. From the tournament's inception in 1871 to the present day, numerous players have etched their names into FA Cup lore through their remarkable goal-scoring feats. This article delves into the top goal scorers in FA Cup history, highlighting their contributions and the records they've set.

All-Time Leading FA Cup Goal Scorers

Harry Cursham: The Pinnacle of FA Cup Scoring

Harry Cursham stands as the FA Cup's all-time top scorer, amassing 49 goals in 44 appearances for Notts County between 1877 and 1891. His record has remained unchallenged for over a century, underscoring his exceptional talent during the competition's early years.

Ian Rush: A Modern-Day FA Cup Legend

Ian Rush, primarily representing Liverpool, netted 44 goals in 75 FA Cup matches from 1979 to 1998. His goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in Liverpool's successes during this period, cementing his legacy as one of the competition's greats.

Denis Law: The Scottish Sensation

Denis Law, a key figure for Manchester United, scored 43 goals in 63 FA Cup appearances. His contributions were pivotal in United's domestic and European triumphs in the 1960s. Law's recent passing in January 2025 marked the end of an era for one of football's most celebrated forwards.

Jimmy Greaves: A Prolific Marksman

Jimmy Greaves, known for his time with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, tallied 42 goals in 55 FA Cup matches. His natural goal-scoring ability made him one of England's most feared strikers during his career.

Steve Bloomer: Derby's Goal Machine

Steve Bloomer scored 39 goals in 55 FA Cup appearances for Derby County and Middlesbrough. His consistent scoring record highlights his importance to his teams during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Notable Single-Season and Match Performances

Jimmy Ross: A Record-Breaking Season

In the 1887-88 FA Cup season, Jimmy Ross of Preston North End set a record by scoring 19 goals, the most by any player in a single FA Cup campaign. This remarkable feat remains unmatched to this day.

Ted MacDougall: A Historic Single-Match Haul

Ted MacDougall made history by scoring nine goals for AFC Bournemouth in an 11-0 victory over Margate during the first round proper on November 20, 1971. This achievement stands as the most goals scored by a player in a single FA Cup match.

Recent FA Cup Top Scorers

2022–23 Season: Paul Mullin's Remarkable Run

Paul Mullin of Wrexham emerged as the top scorer in the 2022–23 FA Cup season, netting eight goals. His impressive performance was instrumental in Wrexham's notable cup run that year.

2023–24 Season: Jonathan 'JJ' Lacey's Golden Boot

Biggleswade Town's Jonathan 'JJ' Lacey was awarded the FA Cup Golden Ball Award for the 2023–24 season, recognizing him as the top scorer with ten goals. His contributions were pivotal in Biggleswade Town's memorable cup journey.

The Evolution of FA Cup Goal Scoring

Over the decades, the FA Cup has seen a diverse array of goal scorers, from early pioneers like Harry Cursham to modern-day talents such as Paul Mullin. The competition's rich history is adorned with individual feats that have captivated fans and left an indelible mark on English football.

What You Should Know About FA Cup Top Scorers

• Harry Cursham holds the record for the most FA Cup goals, with 49 scored between 1877 and 1891.
• Ian Rush is the second-highest scorer in FA Cup history, with 44 goals.
• Denis Law, who passed away in January 2025, scored 43 FA Cup goals during his illustrious career.
• Jimmy Ross's 19-goal haul in the 1887-88 season remains the highest for a single FA Cup campaign.
• Ted MacDougall's nine goals in a single match in 1971 is a record in FA Cup history.
• Recent top scorers include Paul Mullin (2022–23) and Jonathan 'JJ' Lacey (2023–24), highlighting the ongoing tradition of goal-scoring excellence in the FA Cup.