Wolverhampton Wanderers have a proud and storied history, and over the years, they have been blessed with some genuinely exceptional strikers. From goal-scoring machines in the club’s golden era to modern-day heroes, these forwards have left an unforgettable mark at the Molineux. Here, we rank the five best Wolves strikers who have worn the famous old gold and black.
The Five Best Wolves Strikers In History
Honourable mentions
While the five strikers listed below are among the greatest in Wolves history, several other forwards also significantly impacted at the Molineux. Here are three honorable mentions who deserve recognition for their contributions to the club: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, winner of the championship golden boot in back-to-back seasons; Matheus Cunha, one of the most exciting strikers the club has seen for many years; and Robbie Keane, who burst onto the scene as a teenager at Wolves before becoming Ireland’s all-time goal scorer.
5. Kevin Doyle (2009 – 2015)
Irish Striker Kevin Doyle signed for Wolves in 2009 for a then-club record fee of £6.5 million from Reading. While Doyle may not have been as prolific as others on this list, he was a hardworking and intelligent striker whose contributions were crucial in Wolves’ early years back in the Premier League.
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Doyle’s best season came in 2009/10 when he helped the club avoid relegation, finishing as top scorer with nine league goals and player’s-player of the season. His ability to hold up the ball, link play, and work tirelessly for the team made him a fan favourite. Injuries hampered his later years, but he remains respected in Wolves’ modern history.
4. Raúl Jiménez (2018 – 2023)
Raúl Jiménez is one of the finest strikers in the Premier League era to play for Wolves. Signing initially on loan from Benfica in 2018 before making the move permanent, the Mexican forward quickly became the focal point of Nuno Espírito Santo’s forward line. Jiménez was instrumental in Wolves’ return to European football, scoring 17 league goals in the 2019-20 season as the club finished seventh in back-to-back seasons and the quarter final of the Europa League.
His combination of physical presence, technical ability, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Tragically, a serious head injury in 2020 derailed his Wolves career, but his legacy as one of the club’s best modern day strikers remains intact. He has refound some form at fellow Premier League outfit Fulham FC.
3. Derek Dougan (1967 – 1975)
Derek Dougan was one of the most charismatic and talented strikers in Wolves history. Signed from Leicester City in 1967, “The Doog” became an iconic figure at Molineux, helping the club to win the 1974 League Cup and reach the 1972 UEFA Cup final.
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Dougan scored 123 goals in 323 appearances for Wolves, forming a partnership with John Richards. His flair, confidence, and ability to score different types of goal made him a fan favourite. Beyond his on-field exploits, he was a leader and a key figure in Wolves’ success during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
2. John Richards (1969 – 1983)
John Richards was one of the most prolific goal scorers in Wolves history, netting 194 goals in 485 appearances—a record that stood for decades. His finishing ability and movement made him a constant threat and played a crucial role in Wolves’ 1974 League Cup triumph. Richards’ influence extended into the early 1980s, where he continued to be a reliable goal scorer. His partnership with Derek Dougan was one of the greatest in Wolves history, and his legacy as a true club legend is undisputed.
1. Steve Bull (1986 – 1999)
There is no debate about the greatest Wolves striker in history – Steve Bull stands alone at the top. Signed from West Bromwich Albion in 1986, Bull became synonymous with Wolves, scoring a staggering 306 goals in 561 games. His goalscoring exploits fired Wolves from the Fourth Division to the brink of the First Division, and remains the club’s all-time leading scorer. Despite playing much of his career outside of the top flight, Bull earned 13 England caps and remains one of the most beloved figures in Wolves history.
These five Strikers have all left an indelible mark on Wolverhampton Wanderers, with their goals, leadership and passion helping to shape the club’s history.
