In the skillful game of football, the art of heading is an
aspect that separates the excellent from the good. One
would initially think players’ heights have a competitive
edge over defenders. However, when delving into this
article, tallness is not always crucial.
There are many honorable moments when it comes down to the
history of football. Players using their heads at the right time, in the
right way, have raised the bar – these top 5 players prove
just that:
Javier Hernandez’s Headed Triumphs
Going head first is Javier Hernandez. Despite having a
relatively modest height of 5-foot 7-inches (compared to
other players on the pitch), Hernandez, better known as
Chichartio, has an iconic approach when heading a football
into the goal.
In 2010, the Mexican’s risky
backward header against Stoke City
was one to remember, as were all of his 53 goals in the
box during Premier League matches. Only one player has
beaten him regarding the number of goals scored from the
box, and that person goes by the famous name of Tim
Cahill.
Chichartio has served terms with some of the world’s most
famous football clubs, including West Ham United,
Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, LA Galaxy, and Real
Madrid, partaking in 540 career games, shooting a whopping
205 goals in total.
Nevertheless, the footballers goal-scoring for Mexico
alone are worth mentioning, racking up 52 goals during 109
jaw-dropping international experiences, making him the
country’s leading football scorer, therefore, a legend.
John Charles’ Unmatched Transition
John Charles, aka ‘The Gentle Giant,’ stands tall not only
at 6-foot 2-inches but in his football career, presenting
continuous attacking prowess, speed, and strength, with a
formidable force at headers worth mentioning.
Charles’ career soared once switching from defense to the
front for Leeds United, tallying 11 goals in six matches
while aged 17 alone. Throughout his time at Leeds, he has
partaken in 327 games and achieved 154 goals, guiding the
club to victory — into the First Division.
Other career highlights include eras with AS Roma,
Juventus, Hereford Town, Cardiff City, and Merthyr Tydfil,
scoring around 400 goals in more than 700 games.
Christian Vieri’s Series A Heading History
Christian Vieri is worth mentioning as the footballer with
the highest record for the most number of headed goals in
Serie A history.
Regardless of having to slow down due to injuries and age,
Vieri’s mastery hasn’t faded. With a career in football
excellence, he has played for Inter Milan, Atletico
Madrid, Juventus, and Lazio. He scored 123 goals during
190 matches at Inter alone and is known as one of Italy’s
greatest strikers and the best of his generation.
The Record-Breaking Giant, Peter Crouch
What would an article about the best football headers in
time without mentioning Peter Crouch? Making it into the
Guinness World Records 2018 book due to scoring the most
headed goals in the Premier League, Crouch topped even the
likes of Alan Shearer with 51 iconic goals.
Throughout his 21 long football career, Crouch has scored
more than 200 goals, making a lasting impression on
British football fans as a consequence. Regardless of his
lack of strength and pace compared to other players, his
head and height of 6-foot-7 inches have led him to
victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Header Mastery
Last but not least, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s
best players in football history, has remarkable heading
prowess.
The Portuguese football champion holds a mammoth 831 goals
to his name since kick-starting his football career in
2002 – positioning himself as the top goalscorer of all
time. Interestingly, 112 of these goals were scored with
his head, earning him a spot among the greatest headers in
football.
Unforgettable Football Icons
This selectively curated list of elite five headmasters in
football history presents the skill, strength, and
determination of all players mentioned.
All of these footballers’ talent in heading a ball to
attain victory has left a mark on the enticing game,
setting the bar for generations to come.
As football continues to be spurred on by fandom, with the
best global soccer betting sites increasing the sport’s presence, it’s worth mentioning
these state-of-the-art contributions and talents that such
players have brought to the pitch, championing the sport
head first.