Alan Shearer: The Ultimate Icon in Football

Since the Premier League began in the early nineties, fans have seen many exceptional players, but one stands out as the greatest goalscorer.

Alan Shearer raised the bar for forwards in the league, being the first to score over 200 goals and finishing with 260 goals at retirement—a record many believe may never be surpassed.

This edition of our Golazo Merchants series focuses on a striker who had everything: he was a nightmare for top defenses and set the standard for those who followed.

We’ll explore his impressive collection of goals, highlighting the journey of the greatest goalscorer for both Newcastle and the Premier League.

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Shearer grew up in Gosforth, Newcastle, and began his football journey at Wallsend Boy Club, a well-known amateur team. This club also produced other football talents like Steve Bruce and Michael Carrick.

During his time at Wallsend, Shearer caught the eye of several clubs, notably Southampton, who invited him to train with their youth team during the summer.

Despite offers from clubs like Newcastle and Manchester City, Shearer chose to sign with Southampton, spending two years in their academy before making a splash in the first team.

He debuted as a substitute in a pre-Premier League First Division match against Chelsea, then made headlines two weeks later with a hat-trick in his full debut against Arsenal, becoming the youngest player to score a treble in top-flight football.

Even with this quick success, he managed only seven league goals over his next two seasons. However, his performance in cup competitions during the 1990/91 season earned him the Southampton Player of the Year title, with 14 goals.

Shearer’s fearless style was evident early on, as he was unafraid to challenge experienced defenders and score goals with a mix of physicality and skill.

His reputation grew, and in the final season before the Premier League started, he scored 21 goals for Southampton and excelled at the England U21 level.

He netted seven goals in the 1991 Toulon Tournament, including the winning goal in the final and broke the U21 record with 13 goals in 11 matches, a record that stood for nearly 30 years.

His standout season attracted attention from Blackburn, who were eager to enhance their squad as the Premier League launched. Backed by owner Jack Walker, Blackburn made a significant investment in Shearer following their promotion.

Manchester United also wanted him, but Blackburn’s substantial offer won out, leading Shearer to Ewood Park.

This marked the start of a remarkable journey.

Shearer shined at Blackburn, helping them achieve a seven-game unbeaten start to the Premier League season while scoring six goals, including two in his debut match against Crystal Palace.

One of his first goals showcased his skill, as he expertly controlled a long ball, volleying it over the goalkeeper with precision.

His scoring continued as Blackburn surprised many teams in the early season, even defeating Norwich 7-1, with Shearer scoring twice during that match.

Known for his powerful shots, Shearer also demonstrated finesse, such as in one memorable goal against Norwich where he chipped it past the out-of-position goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, Shearer’s promising season was cut short when he suffered a severe knee injury against Leeds, sidelining him for months.

Despite concerns about his recovery, he returned stronger, netting 31 league goals the following season and earning the FWA Footballer of the Year title as Blackburn finished second to Manchester United.

The 1994/95 season was monumental for both Shearer and Blackburn, as he secured the Premier League Golden Boot with 34 goals, matching the record set by Andy Cole.

His goals included hat-tricks against QPR, West Ham, and Ipswich, showcasing his powerful long-range shots and headers as he dominated defenses.

Partnered with Chris Sutton, Shearer helped Blackburn clinch their first league title in 81 years, edging out Manchester United by a single point, with the pair contributing 49 goals together.

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The next season saw Shearer continue to find the net despite a performance dip for Blackburn, finishing as the league’s top scorer for the second consecutive year.

This remarkable feat has yet to be matched by any other player.

One notable goal against Wimbledon exemplified his extraordinary talent, where he controlled a cross, shrugged off a challenge, and scored with unerring accuracy.

However, Blackburn’s fortune declined, leading to a seventh-place finish as Shearer’s reign came to an end in 1996. He faced a tough choice between signing for Manchester United or his beloved Newcastle.

Shearer opted for Newcastle, securing a world-record transfer fee of £15m and was welcomed with open arms by fans eager to see their local hero return.

The signing was considered the last piece to help Newcastle after they squandered a 12-point lead in the previous season, and Shearer marked his home debut with a spectacular free-kick against Wimbledon.

In his first season with Newcastle, he matched his goal-scoring feats from Blackburn and won a third consecutive Golden Boot, marking a rare achievement in football.

Yet, Newcastle finished as runners-up once again, which marked the end of the Kevin Keegan era and the closest Shearer came to winning a league title with the team he loved.

In the 1997/98 preseason, Shearer faced a serious ankle injury, which hindered him throughout subsequent seasons. Although he had mixed success under different managers, he still managed to score 21 goals during the 1998/99 season, including one that secured Newcastle’s place in another FA Cup final.

Shearer’s finishing ability was undeniable, exemplified in his goal against Aston Villa, where he unleashed a perfect volley to beat the legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

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Sir Alex Ferguson once remarked about Shearer’s powerful shots, noting that when he struck the ball, it had the force of a cannon.

Shearer’s most memorable goal against Everton is considered a defining moment in his career and showcases his brilliance as a striker.

While he scored an impressive 112 goals in 138 league appearances for Blackburn, he became the embodiment of Newcastle despite not winning a league title.

Shearer’s emotional return to Newcastle guaranteed him legendary status, as his local fans continue to celebrate their hero’s contributions, even braving cold winters for a chance to see him play.

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Alan Shearer rightly lies among the top legends of the Premier League, remaining its all-time greatest goalscorer.

Few can compare to his legacy.

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