Crystal Palace have often possessed a target man who knows where the back of the net is. Take, for example, Andy Johnson, who could score all types of goals, including impressive headers, despite his five-foot-seven-inch frame.
Johnson doesn’t make the list, and that speaks volumes about just how prolific some Palace stars from yesteryear and in the modern era have been. Many of their goals have come when the stakes are high, such as in a cup final or during a relegation battle.
The Eagles will be hoping that Jorgen Strand Larsen ends up on their list of all-time top goalscorers once he eventually calls time on his career. But who are the top 10 most prolific players to have represented the South Londoners?
10 – Wilfried Zaha (Winger)
Thankfully, Manchester United didn’t know how to get the best out of Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian attacker was given a chance at Old Trafford, but that wasn’t the case during his two spells at Selhurst Park.
Zaha was handed the main man role in the Crystal Palace team throughout his career. A talisman during the 2010s, he is the club’s all-time Premier League top goalscorer, with 68 goals in 291 games.
It’s a shame the former Eagles attacker wasn’t part of the club’s 2025 FA Cup triumph. He deserved to get his hands on the silverware on the basis of his contributions in the red and blue of Palace.
9 – Albert Dawes (Striker)
One of the very best pre-war strikers in Crystal Palace history was Albert Dawes. Born in Frimley, Surrey, he arrived at the club from Northampton Town in 1933.
Dawes spent two spells with the South Londoners, and in that time couldn’t stop scoring. Particularly in the 1930s, when he scored 29 goals in 38 Third Division South outings.
If it weren’t for World War II, he may well have finished further up this list. He was prevented from adding to his tally when the 1939-40 season was abandoned.
8 – Johnny Byrne (Striker)
Famously nicknamed ‘Budgie’, Johnny Byrne was an unbelievable talent who wowed Crystal Palace fans during his time at Selhurst Park. His natural ability was a sight to behold and he certainly knew where the back of the net was.
Byrne joined the 100 club and his best season came in 1960-61 when he bagged 31 goals in the Eagles’ promotion to the Fourth Division. Despite being born in Cape Town, South Africa, he earned 11 caps for England scoring an impressive eight goals.
Former West Ham United manager Ron Greenwood dubbed him ‘the English Di Stefano’. This drew comparisons between the striker and Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano.
7 – George Clarke (Winger)
A proper playmaker who not only created for his teammates but also found the goal himself. George Clarke was a hero who starred for Crystal Palace in the 1920s and 30s alongside Peter Simpson.
Clarke and Simpson struck up a formidable partnership. The Bolsover-born outside left was key in helping his striker reach 46 league goals in the 1930-31 season.
The Englishman’s availability was remarkable, as he very rarely sat out a game. That, alongside his goalscoring contributions, helped him become a legend in front of the Holmesdale end.
6 – Dougie Freedman (Striker)
A true Crystal Palace icon, Dougie Freedman was a breath of fresh air during a turbulent period in the club’s history. The Scot knew when to make the right run and how to find the back of the net throughout his two spells with the Eagles.
Freedman ensured the South London outfit remained in the Championship with an 87th-minute winner against Stockport County on the final day of the 2000-01 season. He was so intelligent, and perhaps his footballing IQ was why he decided a 3-2 win over Brighton was the perfect occasion to net his 100th goal.
Palace have benefited not just from his goalscoring prowess but also from his knack for finding talent. He took charge of the club as manager in 2011-12, then served as sporting director for eight years until 2025.
5 – Clinton Morrison (Striker)
Clinton Morrison was unbelievably consistent when given an opportunity in front of goal. He relished leading the line and as such produced some of the most important moments and goals in club history.
The Irishman’s two spells at Palace saw him reach 112 goals in 316 appearances. He was just as potent during a second stint as he reached the latter stages of his career.
Morrison’s loyalty to the club is undeniable, sticking with the Eagles through financial difficulties. He exceeded expectations during his time with the South Londoners, and he is criminally underrated, even as Premier League fans often snub him in debates over the best frontmen in the league’s history.
4 – Mark Bright (Forward)
Consistency is key for a forward to thrive in the top-flight, and Mark Bright very rarely put in a performance below 7/10. A fox-in-the-box with a predatory instinct, he was a nightmare for the opposition defence.
Bright’s connection with Wright undoubtedly made for the club’s best forward duo in history. They were almost telepathic as they broke forward in tandem.
A PFA Team of the Year member, he finished as the top scorer in the 1987-88 Second Division campaign. When the current crop struggles in front of the goal, broadcasters often cut to Bright watching on from the stands, almost in appreciation for his legendary exploits.
3 – Ian Wright (Forward)
Most English football fans remember Ian Wright for his time at Arsenal, but he will forever be cherished by Crystal Palace supporters. The iconic English forward forged a formidable partnership with Mark Bright between 1986 and 1991.
Wright fired over 100 goals in five seasons before making the move to the Gunners in September 1991. He returned from a broken leg for the 1990 FA Cup final and scored a brace in a 3-3 draw against Manchester United before losing the replay 1-0.
Crowned Palace’s Player of the Century, he was an exciting attacker who lit up Selhurst Park with his pace and direct approach. He started out late but worked out great.
2 – Edwin Smith (Striker)
You wouldn’t want to be between the sticks against Edwin Smith, who possessed a lethal right-footed strike. The iconic frontman burst the net throughout his time at Crystal Palace and did so at an astonishing rate.
Smith arrived from Sheffield United in 1911, and his career was affected by World War II. This ultimately denied him the chance to reach 200 goals, as statistics suggest he could have accomplished.
The Birmingham-born target man still came to the fore in the dying embers of his footballing career. He helped put Palace on the map.
1 – Peter Simpson (Striker)
The King of Selhurst lived up to that nickname every time he surged towards goal with the ball at his feet. There was a sense of inevitability that came with Peter Simpson and a goalscoring opportunity.
No Crystal Palace player has scored more than Simpson, and his record doesn’t look likely to be broken anytime soon. His freakish numbers are ridiculous, including scoring nine hat-tricks in one single campaign.
There hasn’t been a more dominant goalscorer in Eagles history, and the Scotsman even scored a hat-trick on his debut against Norwich City. The cream of the crop.
| Rank: | Player | Years | Goals | Apps |
| 1. | Peter Simpson | 1929–1935 | 165 | 195 |
| 2. | Edwin Smith | 1911–1920 | 124 | 192 |
| 3. | Ian Wright | 1985–1991 | 118 | 277 |
| 4. | Mark Bright | 1986–1992 | 114 | 286 |
| 5. | Clinton Morrison | 1998–02 / 05–08 | 112 | 316 |
| 6. | Dougie Freedman | 1995–97 / 00–08 | 108 | 368 |
| 7. | George Clarke | 1925–1933 | 106 | 299 |
| 8. | Johnny Byrne | 1956–62 / 67–68 | 101 | 259 |
| 9. | Albert Dawes | 1933–36 / 38–39 | 92 | 156 |
| 10. | Wilfried Zaha | 2010–13 / 14–23 | 90 | 458 |
