The Championship, often hailed as one of the most competitive leagues in world football, has showcased exceptional talents over the past two decades. Known for its relentless pace, unpredictability, and high stakes, the league has served as a proving ground for some of the finest strikers in the game.
We’ve curated a list of the 10 most prolific forwards to have made their mark in this fiercely contested league. These players have delivered unforgettable moments and embodied the essence of what it takes to thrive in one of football’s toughest environments.
| 11 Top Scorers in Championship History | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Player | Goals | Appearances |
| 1. | Billy Sharp | 130 | 397 |
| 2. | Jordan Rhodes | 123 | 379 |
| 3. | David Nugent | 121 | 415 |
| 4. | Ross McCormack | 120 | 331 |
| 5. | Chris Martin | 114 | 444 |
| 6. | Lewis Grabban | 112 | 281 |
| 7. | Nahki Wells | 106 | 401 |
| 8. | Lukas Jutkiewicz | 98 | 465 |
| 9. | Troy Deeney | 95 | 278 |
| 10. | Tom Ince | 94 | 386 |
10. Tom Ince
- Goals: 94
- Appearances: 386
- Clubs: Blackpool, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Stoke City, Luton Town, Reading, Watford
A versatile winger with a knack for scoring, Ince remains active in the Championship with Watford. His consistency over the years has made him one of the league’s standout attackers.
9. Troy Deeney
- Goals: 95
- Appearances: 278
- Clubs: Watford, Birmingham City
Deeney is remembered for his leadership and memorable moments, including his famous playoff-winning goal for Watford. A true icon in the Championship, he remains a beloved figure.
8. Lukas Jutkiewicz
- Goals: 98
- Appearances: 465
- Clubs: Plymouth Argyle, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Birmingham City
Jutkiewicz has been a consistent force, particularly for Birmingham City. Despite never breaking the 15-goal mark in a single season, his longevity has cemented his place among the top scorers.
7. Nahki Wells
- Goals: 106
- Appearances: 401
- Clubs: Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City
The Bermudian striker has delivered double-digit goal tallies across multiple seasons, showcasing his reliability over the years.
6. Lewis Grabban
- Goals: 112
- Appearances: 281
- Clubs: Crystal Palace, Millwall, Bournemouth, Norwich City, Reading, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
Grabban was pivotal for Nottingham Forest during their promotion campaign, contributing 12 goals in his final Championship season.
5. Chris Martin
- Goals: 114
- Appearances: 444
- Clubs: Norwich City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Fulham, Reading, Hull City, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers
A reliable goal-scorer and playmaker, Martin’s combination of goals and assists makes him one of the Championship’s most complete forwards.
4. Ross McCormack
- Goals: 120
- Appearances: 331
- Clubs: Cardiff City, Leeds United, Fulham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
McCormack’s best season came in 2013/14, where he scored over 20 goals to claim the Golden Boot. A true Championship legend.
3. David Nugent
- Goals: 121
- Appearances: 415
- Clubs: Preston, Portsmouth, Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Derby County
Nugent was instrumental in Leicester City’s promotion, scoring 20 goals in the 2013/14 season. His consistency across multiple clubs defines his legacy.
2. Jordan Rhodes
- Goals: 123
- Appearances: 379
- Clubs: Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City
Rhodes has been a prolific finisher throughout his Championship career, delivering countless match-winning performances.
1. Billy Sharp
- Goals: 130
- Appearances: 397
- Clubs: Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Leeds United, Hull City
Sharp is the Championship’s all-time top scorer, a title he claimed in 2022. Known for his clinical finishing, his most memorable season came in 2017/18 when he scored 23 goals for Sheffield United.
These players have defined the Championship’s reputation as a league of immense competition and talent. Which of these strikers do you think had the biggest impact on the league?
