What is First Goal Scorer? First Goal Scorer Explained in 2 minutes
Jesse M. Cox Last Verified
19/04/2026
A first goal scorer is simply what it sounds like – the first player to score a goal in a game of football. It doesn’t matter whether the goal is scored in the 1st or the 90th minute, if no goals have been scored previously, then the player scoring it will be the official first goal scorer.
How is First Goal Scorer used in Sports Betting?
When you place a bet with any of our legal online bookmakers for the first goal scorer it pays out if the player chosen scores the first goal whether they start the game or not. Clearly, a bet placed on a player who is a substitute is much more of a risk, so it is always wise to check the starting line up before making a bet of this kind. None the less, if a player comes off the bench late in the match and breaks the deadlock, bets on them as first goal scorer will pay out. If the first goal has already been scored by the time they come off the bench, then the bet is void.
It should be noted that own goals don’t count toward first goal scorer bets. If the first goal scored in a match is an own goal then the next goal will be the one which counts for the purpose of the bet. Nor does it matter whether the goal is the winning goal or not.
Some bookmakers also accept each way bets on first goal scorers. For bets of this kind, a pay out at each way odds will be made of the player bet on scores the second, third or fourth goal. It’s important to check what those odds will be when placing the bet, and also to enquire whether insurance is available. If it is, then it’s likely that the odds on the original first goal scorer bet will be reduced, but the stake will be returned if the player scores a goal (other than an own goal) after the first goal has been scored.
Best Strategies for Betting First Goal Scorer
The Best strategy to take advantage of first goal scorer is to know the game of soccer and the teams that are playing. To help with that, we've developed a betting soccer strategy guide. This guide will help you with all sorts of soccer bets including first goal scorer. It's also important to know the two teams playing. Which team is the favorite? Many times, that team is more likely to have the first goal scorer.
Look back at their previous matches. Find the players who most often contribute in scoring goals. It's likely to be a forward or midfielder.
