Top scorers Australian league: Domestic stars dominate the charts

The A-League Men is currently one of the most vibrant and rapidly evolving football competitions in the Asian region. Although it does not possess a century-old heritage like European leagues, it has built a unique identity since its inception. The league was officially established in 2004 by Football Federation Australia as a successor to the National Soccer League. 

The inaugural season kicked off in 2005, making it one of the youngest professional leagues in the world. Currently, the competition features 13 clubs, including 11 from Australia and 2 from New Zealand.

Throughout its short history, the league has seen several dominant forces. Sydney FC stands as the most successful club with 5 Championship titles. Other notable champions include Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners. In the most recent 2024/25 season, Melbourne City secured their second Championship title. 

While the league may not have the endless financial resources of the Saudi Pro League, it has consistently attracted world-class talent. Just last weekend, former Manchester United star Juan Mata, now playing for Melbourne Victory, scored a stunning free-kick against Sydney FC, proving that high-level artistry remains a staple of the league. Many other European veterans have also left their mark here, and their names feature prominently in the list of the top scorers Australian league history provided by Nowgoalpro.

Top scorers Australian league history

10. Adam Le Fondre - 57 goals 

The English striker joined Sydney FC in 2018 after a prolific career in the English Premier League and Championship with Reading. During his time in Australia (2018-2020 and 2021-2023), he made 97 appearances. His golden era was between 2018 and 2020, where he helped Sydney FC win 2 Premierships and 1 Championship (2019). Le Fondre currently plays for FC United of Manchester in England, having left professional top-flight football in 2024.

9. Andy Keogh - 58 goals 

The Irish international Keogh recorded 58 goals in 140 A-League matches. Representing Perth Glory across multiple stints starting from 2014, Keogh became a club icon. His best period was the 2018/19 season, where he scored 15 goals and led Perth to the Premiership. 

Before his time in Australia, Keogh played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. He officially retired in 2022 at the age of 36 while wearing the Perth Glory jersey, subsequently moving into a recruitment role for the club.

8. Bobô - 58 goals 

Deivson Rogério da Silva, known as Bobô, also scored 58 goals but did so in just 95 matches, showcasing a lethal strike rate. He played for Sydney FC during 2 periods (2016-2018 and 2021-2022). His 2017/18 season was legendary, as he scored 27 goals in a single campaign, a record at the time, winning the Golden Boot. He won the A-League Championship and Premiership in 2017. Bobô, who also starred for Beşiktaş in Turkey, retired in 2022 at Sydney FC at the age of 37.

7. Archie Thompson - 59 goals 

Thompson is a name synonymous with Melbourne Victory. He scored 59 goals in 158 A-League appearances. His most famous moment was scoring 5 goals in the 2007 Grand Final. He won 3 Championships (2007, 2009, 2015) and was the league’s first Golden Boot winner in 2005/06 with 8 goals. Thompson also played for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He retired from professional football in 2016 at the age of 37.

6. Shane Smeltz - 78 goals 

Smeltz scored 78 goals in 163 matches for 4 different clubs: Wellington Phoenix, Gold Coast United, Perth Glory, and Sydney FC. The New Zealand international won back-to-back Golden Boots in 2008/09 (12 goals) and 2009/10 (19 goals). He is widely remembered for his goal against Italy in the 2010 World Cup. Smeltz retired in 2017 at the age of 36 while playing in Indonesia.

5. Adam Taggart - 88 goals 

Taggart has scored 88 goals in 185 appearances. He has represented Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets, and Brisbane Roar. Taggart won the Golden Boot twice, first in 2013/14 (16 goals) and most recently in 2023/24 (20 goals). His career includes stints in England with Fulham and in Korea with Suwon Bluewings, where he also won a Golden Boot. 

4. Kosta Barbarouses - 102 goals 

Kosta Barbarouses has amassed 102 goals over a staggering 347 matches. He is one of the few players to have played for 5 different clubs, including Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC. He has won 4 A-League Championships (2011, 2015, 2018, 2020). Known for his pace and technical skill, the New Zealand winger has been a consistent performer for over a decade. 

3. Bruno Fornaroli - 110 goals 

The Uruguayan-born Australian striker Fornaroli has scored 110 goals. He burst onto the scene with Melbourne City in 2015, winning the Golden Boot in his debut season with 23 goals. He also played for Perth Glory and is currently a key player for Melbourne Victory. Throughout his career, he has won the FFA Cup but is still chasing a Championship title. 

2. Besart Berisha - 132 goals 

Berisha is the most decorated striker in league history with 132 goals in 219 matches. The Kosovo international won 4 Championships (2 with Brisbane Roar and 2 with Melbourne Victory). He won the Golden Boot in 2011/12 (19 goals) and 2016/17 (19 goals). Berisha was known for his fierce winning mentality and ability to score in big finals. He retired in 2021 at the age of 36 after a final stint with Western United.

1. Jamie Maclaren - 148 goals 

Maclaren sits at the pinnacle with 148 goals. He played for Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar before becoming the face of Melbourne City. Maclaren is a five-time Golden Boot winner (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). During his peak years at Melbourne City (2019-2024), he won 3 Premierships and 1 Championship (2021). After breaking every scoring record in Australia, Maclaren moved to the Indian Super League in 2024, where he currently plays for Mohun Bagan.

Summary of the top 10 A- League scorers:

Jamie Maclaren: 148 goals

Besart Berisha: 132 goals

Bruno Fornaroli: 110 goals

Kosta Barbarouses: 102 goals

Adam Taggart: 88 goals

Shane Smeltz: 78 goals

Archie Thompson: 59 goals

Bobô: 58 goals

Andy Keogh: 58 goals

Adam Le Fondre: 57 goals

This comprehensive list from Nowgoalpro.net highlights the incredible talent that has graced the Australian shores. As the league continues to grow and gain international recognition, we hope to see even more global stars join the ranks of the top scorers Australian league.

The A-League might still be finding its footing on the global stage, but our mission at Nowgoalpro.net is to bring these hidden gems closer to football fans everywhere. We provide the latest news, detailed schedules, and expert analysis for leagues across the planet. Experience football in a completely new way with us!