Scoring a goal in football is the ultimate triumph, but when the ball ends up in your net, the feeling is anything but elation. For defenders, nothing stings more than an own goal, especially when it happens at a crucial moment.
Over the years, several Premier League players have found themselves on the wrong side of the goal line more than once, and here’s a look at the top 10 players who’ve scored the most own goals in the competition’s history.
Below Are The Top 10 Players with the Most Own Goals in Premier League History
10. Frank Sinclair – 6 Own Goals
Frank Sinclair made a significant impact on the Premier League during his time at Chelsea and Leicester City. Despite being a solid defender with 70 clean sheets, Sinclair ended up with six own goals.
One of the most notable mishaps in his 288 Premier League appearances occurred during his time at Leicester City when he inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leading to a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium on 2, March 2002.
9. Ryan Shawcross – 6 Own Goals
Shawcross’ career was defined by his loyalty to Stoke City but like many defenders, he had his fair share of unfortunate moments. Despite being known for his solid defensive performances, Shawcross scored six own goals. One of his most painful moments was during a 5-1 loss away at Tottenham Hotspur on 9 December 2017, where he scored at both ends of the pitch.
8. Jonny Evans – 6 Own Goals
Back at Old Trafford and playing in the Premier League for Manchester United, where he began his career before stints at West Brom and Leicester City, Jonny Evans established himself as one of the league's most reliable defenders in his younger years.
However, even he has had his share of unlucky moments, with six own goals to his name. His most infamous came under Sir Alex Ferguson's management when he scored an own goal in a 4-3 thriller—a match that proved pivotal in the Red Devils' title triumph that season.
7. Lewis Dunk – 6 Own Goals
A vital player for Brighton, Lewis Dunk has been a cornerstone of their defence for years. However, his six own goals during his Premier League career are hard to forget. One of his most notable mistakes occurred during Brighton & Hove Albion's 4-1 win over Swansea City on February 24, 2018.
On that day, Dunk matched the Premier League record of four own goals in a single season, previously set by former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel in the 2013/14 campaign.
6. Seamus Coleman – 6 Own Goals
Seamus Coleman is a true Everton legend, but even the best have their off days. With 367 Premier League appearances, Coleman has made countless crucial tackles, but six own goals have blemished his otherwise stellar record. His most recent one came on March 30, 2024, when an injury-time own goal handed Bournemouth a 2-1 victory over the Toffees.
5. Wes Brown – 6 Own Goals
A five-time Premier League champion with Manchester United, Wes Brown was known for his defensive reliability. However, even the best defenders slip up, and Brown’s six own goals stand as a testament to the unpredictability of football.
His most memorable own goal came during a match against his former side, Man United while playing for Sunderland. The goal sealed a 1-0 victory for the hosts as Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 25 years in charge of the Red Devils.
4. Martin Skrtel – 7 Own Goals
The aggressive Slovakian centre-back spent nine seasons at Liverpool, where he amassed numerous clean sheets. However, Skrtel had a knack for scoring own goals, with seven to his name.
His most infamous moment came during the 2013-14 season when he scored four own-goals, setting a Premier League record for the most own-goals in a single season. However, the Anfield hero also scored seven goals in 35 appearances, with Liverpool losing only six matches that season.
3. Phil Jagielka – 7 Own Goals
A former Everton defender, Phil Jagielka was an integral part of the Toffees' backline for over a decade. But even the most dependable defenders have their bad moments, and Jagielka's seven own goals are proof of that.
His most memorable own goal occurred during David Moyes' first tenure at Goodison Park when Everton travelled to face Tony Pulis' Stoke City on January 1, 2011. He scored an unfortunate header past his own goalkeeper in a tight match that ended in a 2-0 defeat.
2. Jamie Carragher – 7 Own Goals
A Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher's 17-year Premier League career was defined by his loyalty and consistency at the heart of the Reds’ defence. While he won 11 major trophies, including the Champions League, he never managed to lift the Premier League title.
Carragher wasn’t immune to moments of misfortune, though, as his seven own goals demonstrate. His most infamous moment came in the 1999/2000 season against Manchester United when he scored two own goals in a 3-2 defeat at Anfield—a nightmare for any defender.
1. Richard Dunne – 10 Own Goals
Richard Dunne holds the unwanted title of the most own-goals scored in Premier League history, with a staggering 10. Despite his defensive prowess and leadership, he found himself on the wrong end of the ball on numerous occasions.
His most painful own goal came in a late match against Manchester United on February 13, 2005, where he scored in the dying minutes, sealing a 1-0 defeat for his team. His ten own goals also came with eight red cards, cementing his place in Premier League history for all the wrong reasons.
While these players are known for their unfortunate own goals, it's important to remember that all of them have had successful careers and made significant contributions to their teams. Own goals are a part of football, but they don’t define the careers of these top-flight defenders.
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