In football, scoring goals is the ultimate aim, but sometimes, the ball ends up in the wrong net.
Own goals are every defender’s nightmare, and while usually unintentional, they can have significant impacts on the game.
Here, we take a look at the top 10 players who have scored the most own goals in football history.
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10. Frank Sinclair: Starting off this list is Jamaican defender Frank Sinclair, who scored six own goals in his career.
Sinclair played for clubs such as Chelsea and Leicester City, and despite his solid defensive performances, own goals were an unfortunate part of his career. ..Continue Reading
9. Ryan Shawcross: English center-back Ryan Shawcross also scored six own goals. Shawcross was a key defensive figure at Stoke City for most of his career.
However, his own goals highlight the unpredictable nature of football.
8. Wes Brown: Another English defender, Wes Brown, tallied six own goals. Brown played for Manchester United, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Kerala Blasters.
Although he made significant contributions to his teams, his own goals are a notable blemish on his record.
7. Jonny Evans: The Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans also found himself on this list with six own goals.
Evans played for Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, and Leicester City. His solid defensive skills were occasionally overshadowed by these unfortunate moments.
6. Phil Jagielka: English defender Phil Jagielka scored seven own goals during his time with Sheffield United, Everton, Derby County, and Stoke City.
Known for his leadership, Jagielka’s career included a few moments he’d rather forget.
5. Jamie Carragher: Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher scored seven own goals in his career. Carragher spent his entire career at Liverpool, becoming one of the club’s most beloved players.
Despite his defensive reliability, he had his share of unfortunate moments.
4. Martin Škrtel: The Slovakian center-back Martin Škrtel also recorded seven own goals during his time with Liverpool.
Known for his aggressive style, Škrtel was a key figure in Liverpool’s defense but faced some unlucky instances.
3. Riccardo Ferri: Italian defender Riccardo Ferri scored eight own goals in his career. Ferri played for Inter Milan and Sampdoria, displaying strong defensive performances that were occasionally marred by own goals.
2. Franco Baresi: Another legendary Italian defender, Franco Baresi, also had eight own goals to his name.
Baresi spent his entire career at AC Milan, where he became a club icon. His defensive prowess was unmatched, but even the best can have moments of misfortune.
1. Richard Dunne: At the top of the list is Irish defender Richard Dunne, who holds the record for the most own goals in football history, with a total of ten.
Dunne had a long career playing for clubs like Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Queens Park Rangers. Despite his solid defensive skills, Dunne’s name is often associated with this unfortunate record.
Own goals are an inevitable part of football, and these players, despite their defensive prowess, have found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline.
Their careers, however, serve as a reminder that even the best can have moments of misfortune.
These defenders have made significant contributions to their teams, but their records also highlight the challenges and unpredictability of the beautiful game.
