For every footballer, a Premier League debut is more than just a game; it’s a moment of reckoning. It’s the chance to step onto the biggest stage in English football, to prove they belong in the fastest, toughest, most-watched league in the world.
Whether it’s a clinical finish, a dazzling assist, or a dominant all-around display, making a mark in the Premier League from day one is the ultimate dream.
But for a select few, a debut isn’t just about settling in—it’s about shocking the league. It’s about turning heads, sending fans into raptures, and making sure their name is on everyone’s lips by the final whistle.
These players didn’t just arrive; they announced themselves with a bang, delivering moments that still live on in Premier League folklore.
Here Are The 10 Best Premier League Debuts of All Time
1. Fabrizio Ravanelli – Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool (3-3), 17th August 1996
When Italian forward Fabrizio Ravanelli made his debut for Middlesbrough against Liverpool, no one could have predicted the drama that would unfold. In a thrilling 3-3 draw, Ravanelli delivered a debut for the ages, scoring a hat-trick—each goal more sensational than the last.
His first was a composed penalty, followed by a clinical finish from a cross, and then, a last-minute left-footed strike to complete his perfect opening day. It was the kind of debut that redefined expectations, and Ravanelli became an instant hero at the Riverside.
2. Alan Shearer – Crystal Palace vs. Blackburn Rovers (3-3), 15th August 1992
Alan Shearer’s debut in the Premier League was the stuff of legend. Signed by Blackburn Rovers for a then-record fee, Shearer made his bow against Crystal Palace in the inaugural Premier League season.
With Blackburn trailing 2-1, Shearer took control. A stunning half-volley from 20 yards pulled his side level, and just 15 minutes later, he cut inside from the left to curl home a beauty from the edge of the box.
Despite the game finishing in a 3-3 draw, Shearer’s brilliance on debut proved he was destined for greatness—and he didn’t disappoint in the years that followed.
3. Marcus Rashford – Man Utd vs. Arsenal (3-2), 28th February 2016
For an 18-year-old making his Premier League debut against Arsenal, Marcus Rashford had more than enough nerves to cope with. But on that day, Rashford didn’t just cope—he thrived. After scoring twice in a mid-week Europa League match, the young forward was handed a start in a crucial league clash against the Gunners.
With his blistering pace and clinical finishing, Rashford netted two first-half goals in under three minutes, sending shockwaves through the Old Trafford crowd. His debut was one for the books, as Rashford cemented his place in Man United’s future with a dazzling performance.
4. Sergio Aguero – Man City vs. Swansea City (4-0), 15th August 2011
Sergio Agüero’s debut for Manchester City couldn’t have been scripted better. With City already 1-0 up, the Argentine striker marked his arrival with a 68th-minute tap-in from a perfect cross by Micah Richards.
But it was his second goal in injury time, a ferocious 25-yard strike, that sealed his debut and City’s 4-0 win. Agüero would go on to be a City legend, but it was his debut that showed the world he was ready to lead the charge in Manchester.
5. Danny Rose – Spurs vs. Arsenal (2-1), 7th April 2010
A North London Derby on your debut? That’s a challenge most players would shy away from, but not Danny Rose. At 19 years old, Rose was thrown into the deep end, starting for Tottenham Hotspur in the biggest of all matches—against bitter rivals Arsenal.
Ten minutes in, a loose ball fell to Rose some 30 yards out, and with the coolness that belied his age, he lashed it into the top corner. The goal sent Spurs fans into raptures, and though he was substituted at halftime, that memorable strike became the stuff of North London Derby folklore.
6. Odsonne Edouard – Crystal Palace vs. Spurs (3-0), 11th September 2021
Coming off the bench as a substitute in a tense match, Odsonne Edouard could have easily been content to just settle into his Crystal Palace debut. Instead, he decided to make a statement.
Just 28 seconds after coming on, Edouard opened the scoring with a composed finish. And as if one goal wasn’t enough, he sealed his remarkable debut performance with a second, completing his brace in the 93rd minute to seal a 3-0 victory. Edouard’s debut wasn’t just impressive—it was perfection.
7. Erling Haaland – West Ham United vs. Man City (0-2), 7th August 2022
When Erling Haaland signed for Manchester City in 2022, all eyes were on him. The Norwegian striker had dominated in Germany and was expected to do the same in the Premier League.
His debut was a statement. Haaland scored two goals against West Ham, one a composed penalty and the other an expertly taken finish after a deft pass from Kevin De Bruyne. His debut performance didn’t just meet expectations; it smashed them. Haaland was already proving he was built for the big stage.
8. Paul Wanchope – Man United vs. Derby County (2-3), 5th April 1997
On a rainy afternoon at Old Trafford, Paul Wanchope made his debut for Derby County in the most memorable fashion. With Derby already trailing 2-1 to Manchester United, Wanchope produced an incredible solo goal that had fans on their feet.
After skipping past four United defenders, he calmly slotted it past Peter Schmeichel, stunning the home crowd. Though Derby would go on to win the match 3-2, Wanchope’s goal became one of the greatest debut goals in Premier League history.
9. Anthony Martial – Man United vs. Liverpool (3-1), 12th September 2015
When Anthony Martial signed for Manchester United for a then-record fee for a teenager, expectations were high. But in his debut against Liverpool, Martial didn’t just live up to the hype—he surpassed it.
After entering the game in the second half, the French forward picked up the ball, breezed past two defenders, and coolly finished past Simon Mignolet, securing a stunning 3-1 victory. His debut goal, which was slotted in front of the Stretford End, cemented Martial as a future star for United.
10. Jurgen Klinsmann – Sheffield Wednesday vs. Spurs (3-4), 20th August 1994
After his controversial “dive” in the 1990 World Cup Final, Jurgen Klinsmann wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by the British press. But when he made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur against Sheffield Wednesday, he made sure to win fans over.
Klinsmann scored with a header to give Spurs a 4-2 lead, and then, in true fashion, celebrated by diving on the pitch—this time, in jest. It was a cheeky moment, one that reflected his confidence.
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