What is Next Goal Scorer? Next Goal Scorer Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
26/06/2026
Next Goal Scorer is an in-play, or live betting option now offered by every bookmaker mostly associated with soccer in which a bettor predicts who the next scorer of a goal will be during play.
A Next Goal Scorer bet is strictly associated with the next goal in a game and the punter will only be able to select from the players currently on the pitch. That is as opposed to other scoring markets such as first goal scorer, anytime goal scorer or last goal scorer, in which any player in a squad can be selected.
Although mostly associated with football, a next goal scorer bet can be made on any sport that requires goals to be scored such as hockey and handball. It is also known as next team to score bet.
To find a live game where you can bet next goal scorer check out our betting odds comparison page. There you'll find every upcoming and live game as well as their odds from multiple sportsbooks.
How is Next Goal Scorer used in Sports Betting?
Placing a Next Goal Scorer bet is an exciting market to bet on and can be placed anytime once a game has kicked off.
For example, in football, if Manchester United go 1-0 up and Romelu Lukaku has had an impressive game, you may bet on him to be the next goal scorer in the game which would then put the Red Devils 2-0 up.
Naturally, the Next Goal Scorer bet refreshes itself every time a goal is scored meaning a bettor can win multiple times if they successfully pick the correct player each time.
As Next Goal Scorer betting is in play, it is important to follow the flow of the game as this can have a serious impact on your betting selection. For more tips, check out our soccer betting strategy guide.
Did you know…
On April 21st, 2001, Australia played an international football match against American Samoa with the Aussies recording the highest ever victory winning 31-0.
In the game, Australia’s Archie Thompson set a new world record scoring 13 times meaning 13 next goal scorer bets would have payed out if he had been selected by punters.
The match was later immortalized in a film, Next Goal Wins.
