Tottenham Hotspur is one of the top clubs in English football. While their trophy cabinet hasn’t seen much action since their 2008 League Cup win, their legacy is built on moments of brilliance. With two league titles, eight FA Cups, and four League Cups to their name, Spurs’ history is full of highs.
Their European triumphs in 1972 and 1984 are proof of their pedigree on the continent, but what truly stands out is the steady stream of world-class strikers who’ve led their attack.
From sharp-shooting poachers to creative forwards who could do it all, Spurs’ strikers have lit up White Hart Lane with their skill, precision, and style.
Reflecting on Tottenham’s proud history, it’s time to celebrate the ten greatest strikers who left a solid footprint on the club and carried the team’s weight on their shoulders.
1. Harry Kane
It’s impossible to talk about Tottenham’s strikers without beginning with Harry Kane. For years Kane was the heart and soul of Spurs scoring 278 goals in 430 appearances, a club record.
His departure to Bayern Munich in 2023 might have left a hole in Spurs fans’ hearts, but his legacy is undeniable.
His ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch, his incredible vision, and his calmness under pressure made him an unstoppable force in the Premier League.
Despite his prolific record, there will always be that question: What if Kane had won a trophy with Spurs? While his time at the club may have been without silverware, he carried Tottenham to multiple top-four finishes, consistently being their shining light in the hardest of times.
His 64 assists highlight his all-around play, showing he was more than just a finisher—he was a creator, a leader, and, for the fans, “one of their own.”
2. Jimmy Greaves
Before Kane, there was Jimmy Greaves. A goal-scoring machine who held the record as Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer for decades, netting 266 goals in 379 appearances.
He was an old-school striker in every sense—no-nonsense, always ready to take his chances, and his ability to find space in the box was unrivaled.
He joined the club in 1961 and quickly became a vital part of their FA Cup-winning sides in 1962 and 1967. His 15 hat-tricks remain a club record, which speaks to his relentless nature in front of goal.
For many of Tottenham’s older fans, Greaves is still the best striker the club has ever seen. He was a true master of the art of finishing, and his influence on Tottenham’s early successes can’t be overstated.
3. Bobby Smith
It’s hard to talk about Tottenham’s success in the 1960s without mentioning Bobby Smith.
A powerful striker with a knack for scoring in big games, he was the leading man in Bill Nicholson’s iconic double-winning side of 1960-61. That year, he scored 33 goals in 43 games, including a crucial goal in the FA Cup final.
He wasn’t just a poacher—he could hold the ball up, bring others into play, and have a fierce shot on him. His 208 goals in 317 appearances put him among the greats.
Season after season, Smith delivered. He also helped Spurs win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963, solidifying his legendary status.
4. Martin Chivers
When Tottenham needed a striker to take them to new heights in the 1970s, Chivers was the man. Joining from Southampton in 1968, he quickly made an impact, helping the club to two League Cups and the UEFA Cup.
His 44 goals in the 1971-72 season, including eight in the UEFA Cup, made him a Spurs hero as they lifted the European trophy.
He was a complete forward—tall, strong, fast, and with an eye for goal. His ability to score crucial goals in big games, particularly in Europe made him a fan favorite.
His 174 goals in 367 appearances might not seem as high as others on this list, but his impact on Tottenham’s success during the 1970s remains undeniable.
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5. Heung-min Son
Son may not be an out-and-out striker, but his contributions to Tottenham’s attack have been monumental. Since joining in 2015, he has developed into one of the most versatile forwards in the world.
With 164 goals in 402 appearances as of September 2024, he is the highest-scoring non-British player in Tottenham’s history.
His electric pace, dribbling, and finishing ability make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. He has scored crucial goals in big matches, including Tottenham’s first-ever goal at their new stadium.
His chemistry with Harry Kane formed one of the most potent attacking duos in Premier League history. Son’s legacy at Tottenham is still being written, but he’s already cemented his place as one of their best-ever forwards.
6. Jermain Defoe
Defoe was Tottenham’s sharp shooter for the better part of a decade. Known for his lightning-quick feet and lethal finishing, he could score from seemingly impossible positions.
He netted 143 goals in 363 appearances for the club and was a key part of Tottenham’s 2008 League Cup-winning side.
His career at Spurs was marked by incredible consistency. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he always posed a threat. His ability to score out of nowhere made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards during his time.
He may have never won a league title, but his influence and goal-scoring ability left a lasting impression.
7. Teddy Sheringham
Sheringham had two memorable spells at Tottenham, and in both, he proved himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
In his first stint from 1992 to 1997, he became one of the league’s top forwards, earning Player of the Season honors for Spurs in 1995.
His intelligence, vision, and ability to hold up play made him a striker who could do it all.
After moving to Manchester United and winning the treble, Sheringham returned to Spurs in 2001, bringing his experience and leadership to a young squad.
Across both spells, he netted 124 goals and provided 40 assists in 277 appearances. He was more than just a scorer—he was a playmaker and a leader, qualities that endeared him to Spurs fans.
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8. Robbie Keane
Keane brought excitement, flair, and plenty of goals to Tottenham.
With 122 goals in 306 appearances, he was a fan favorite at White Hart Lane for nearly a decade. His partnership with Jermain Defoe was one of the most exciting in the Premier League, and his signature cartwheel celebration became iconic.
Keane’s ability to create chances out of nothing and his knack for scoring in big moments made him one of the most entertaining strikers to watch.
Bigger names may have overshadowed his time at Tottenham, but for the fans who watched him, he will always be remembered as one of the club’s most talented forwards.
9. Gary Lineker
He might be more associated with his time at Leicester City, Everton, and Barcelona, but his three-year stint at Tottenham was nothing short of brilliant.
Joining in 1989, Lineker scored 74 goals in 122 appearances and helped Tottenham to their FA Cup triumph in 1991.
Lineker’s sharp movement, clinical finishing, and ability to pop up in the right place at the right time made him one of the most dangerous strikers of his generation.
Although his time at Spurs was brief, it was incredibly impactful. He was the second-highest scorer in the 1991-92 season, and his contributions to Tottenham’s attack during that period can’t be overlooked.
10. Mark Falco
Falco isn’t a name that’s often mentioned when discussing Tottenham legends, but he deserves his spot on this list. Coming through the club’s academy, Falco scored 87 goals in 214 appearances and played a vital role in Tottenham’s 1984 UEFA Cup victory.
His penalty in the final shootout against Anderlecht helped Spurs lift the trophy, solidifying his importance to the team.
He may not have been the flashiest or most technically gifted striker, but he was reliable. Whenever Tottenham needed a goal, Falco was there to deliver. His loyalty to the club and contributions during a successful period in Spurs’ history should never be underestimated.
