First Goalscorer Meaning: What It Is and How to Bet Smartly

If you’ve ever placed a football bet or even glanced at a betting site, you’ve probably seen the first goalscorer market.

It’s one of the most popular and exciting bets around – but what exactly does first goalscorer mean, and how does it work?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. Whether you’re new to betting or just curious about how to improve your chances, you’ll get a clear understanding of the first goalscorer market, how it’s different from similar bets, and some handy tips for making smarter picks.

What Does First Goalscorer Mean?

The first goalscorer market is a type of football bet where you’re predicting which player will score the first goal of the match.

It’s that straightforward – pick the right player, and if they’re the first to hit the back of the net, you win your bet.

Let’s say Liverpool are playing Arsenal, and you back Mohamed Salah to be the first goalscorer. If Salah scores the opening goal of the match, your bet lands. If someone else scores first – or the game ends 0-0 – your bet loses.

So, in a nutshell:

• ✅ Your player must score the first goal of the match
• ❌ It doesn’t count if they score second, third, or later
• ❌ Own goals don’t count towards the first goalscorer market

How Is First Goalscorer Different from Anytime Goalscorer?

Here’s where things can get confusing for beginners. The anytime goalscorer market is another popular option – but it’s quite different.

With an anytime goalscorer bet, your chosen player just needs to score at any point in the match.

First, last, or somewhere in between – it doesn’t matter. So the chances of winning are much higher, but the odds are usually lower.

Let’s compare the two:

The first goalscorer market is riskier – but with greater risk comes greater reward.

It often offers much higher odds, especially if you go for an underdog or a player who’s not a typical goalscorer.

What Happens If the First Goal Is an Own Goal?

This is a really common question, and it’s important to get it right.

If the first goal of the match is an own goal, it does not count towards the first goalscorer market.

Instead, the bet carries on as if the score is still 0-0. The first valid goal scored by a player for their own team is the one that counts.

Example:

• 20th minute: A defender scores an own goal – this doesn’t count
• 35th minute: Mo Salah scores for Liverpool – he is considered the first goalscorer

If you’d backed Salah, your bet would win.

What Happens If My Player Doesn’t Start or Comes on as a Sub?

Great question – because this affects a lot of first goalscorer bets.

If your chosen player doesn’t play at all, most bookmakers will refund your stake. Always double-check the terms, but this is standard practice.

If your player comes on as a substitute after the first goal has been scored, your bet is usually made void and your stake is refunded. But if they’re subbed on before the first goal, your bet still stands.

This is why it’s vital to check the starting line-ups before placing a first goalscorer bet. You don’t want to back someone who’s on the bench!

How to Choose a First Goalscorer: Tips and Strategy

Picking the right first goalscorer can feel like a bit of a lottery – but with the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances.

It’s all about doing your homework, understanding player roles, and spotting patterns.

Here’s how to approach it, with real-world examples to help bring each tip to life.

1. Identify the Team’s Primary Scoring Threats

Start with the basics: who’s most likely to score? Look at the team’s top attackers, especially those in strong goalscoring form.

Example:
During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erling Haaland scored the first goal in 11 different matches for Manchester City – more than any other player in the league.

He was consistently the focal point of City’s attack and took penalties, making him an obvious first goalscorer candidate.

Other historical examples include Harry Kane at Spurs, Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich (and now Barcelona), and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid and Juventus – all prolific players who often open the scoring.

✅ Tip: Focus on strikers who regularly find themselves in scoring positions early in games.

2. Look at Recent Form and Confidence Levels

Players in good form are more likely to take chances early. A striker who’s scored in their last few matches is full of confidence – and confidence is everything in front of goal.

Example:
In Euro 2020, Patrik Schick was in excellent form for the Czech Republic. After scoring the first goal in their opener against Scotland (and later scoring from near the halfway line), punters began to back him as first goalscorer in following games – and it paid off again against the Netherlands.

✅ Tip: Use stats from the last 5–10 matches to identify hot streaks.

3. Analyse Head-to-Head Records

Some players just love playing against certain teams. Whether it’s a psychological edge or a tactical mismatch, looking at head-to-head data can reveal great first goalscorer opportunities.

Example:
Son Heung-Min has a great scoring record against Leicester City – he’s scored multiple braces and hat-tricks against them. If Tottenham were playing Leicester again, he would be an excellent shout for first goalscorer based on historical trends.

✅ Tip: Check historical stats for repeat fixtures – you may uncover a “bogey team” a striker loves playing against.

4. Factor in Penalty and Free-Kick Duties

Players on penalties or direct free kicks have a higher chance of scoring first, especially if their team is aggressive early in games.

Example:
Bruno Fernandes has been the regular penalty taker for Manchester United since joining in 2020. Many of his first goals came from early spot-kicks, making him a strong candidate for the first goalscorer bet – even when he wasn’t playing as a striker.

Another example:
James Ward-Prowse, formerly of Southampton, is known for his free-kick ability. Though not a striker, his dead-ball expertise makes him a good outsider bet for first goalscorer, especially in games where early fouls near the box are likely.

✅ Tip: Check who takes penalties and free-kicks – they don’t always play up front!

5. Don’t Forget the Set-Piece Threats

Centre-backs and defensive midfielders can be great long-shot picks – especially in teams that score a lot from set pieces like corners and indirect free kicks.

Example:
Virgil van Dijk has opened the scoring for Liverpool multiple times with headers from corners, especially in tightly contested games. The odds on a defender to score first are often 20/1 or higher, offering great value.

✅ Tip: In physical matches or against teams weak on set-piece defending, consider powerful defenders with aerial ability.

6. Study Team Line-Ups and Formation

Betting before kick-off? Make sure the player you back is starting and ideally playing in an advanced role. A player listed as a winger might actually be playing up front – or vice versa.

Example:
During the 2022/23 season, Gabriel Martinelli often started in a front three for Arsenal but occasionally played centrally.

On days he played as the central forward, his chances of scoring first increased – and so did the appeal of backing him.

✅ Tip: Use live team sheets and formation graphics from apps like OneFootball, SofaScore, or FotMob before placing your bet.

7. Watch for Tactical Changes and Rotations

Managers sometimes rotate squads or switch tactics, giving unexpected players a chance to shine in more attacking roles.

Example:
During the 2023 Champions League, João Cancelo was used as an inverted full-back at Barcelona, often pushing into midfield or the final third.

This kind of positional change makes certain defenders or midfielders more valuable in first goalscorer markets – if you can spot it early.

✅ Tip: Pay attention to recent tactical trends – especially after team injuries, suspensions, or managerial changes.

8. Use Match Context to Your Advantage

In big matches or derbies, the first goal is crucial – and managers often rely on their most dependable players to get it. In contrast, in easier fixtures, you might see fringe players getting chances.

Example:
In a Manchester derby, Pep Guardiola is far more likely to start his strongest XI, meaning someone like Haaland or Foden is a better pick. But in an FA Cup tie against a League Two side, you might see young players like Oscar Bobb or Cole Palmer (when he was at City) getting a run – and scoring early.

✅ Tip: Adjust your first goalscorer pick based on the nature and importance of the match.

Alternative Approach: Mix Strategy with a Bit of Gut Feel

While statistics, form, and logic should guide most of your decision-making, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts now and then – especially when you spot a narrative others may overlook.

Maybe a former player is facing his old club. Maybe someone’s just had a child (the “new dad goal” theory!). Sometimes those human stories turn into goals – and big-priced wins.

What Is an Each-Way First Goalscorer Bet?

Some bookies offer an each-way option on the first goalscorer market. This means you can still win something even if your player doesn’t score first – but scores later in the match.

Usually, the bet is split in two:

• Half your stake goes on your player to score first
• The other half goes on them to score at any time

Example:

• You bet £10 each-way on Saka at 10/1
• £5 is on Saka to score first
• £5 is on Saka to score anytime (at reduced odds, usually 1/3 or 1/4 of the main odds)

So if he scores second or third, you lose the first part but win the second – which cushions the blow and still gives you a return.

Final Thoughts: Is First Goalscorer a Good Bet?

The first goalscorer market is one of the most thrilling bets in football – simple, high-risk, but potentially very rewarding.

It’s not the easiest market to crack, especially when goals can come from anywhere on the pitch. But with a bit of research and a keen eye on team news and stats, you can give yourself a better chance.

To recap:

• ✅ First goalscorer means backing a player to score the opening goal of the match
• ⚠️ Own goals don’t count
• 🔄 Subbed-on players must be on the pitch before the first goal to be eligible
• 💡 Use form, team news, and matchups to guide your picks

Whether you’re in it for a cheeky punt at big odds or taking a calculated approach with the favourites, the first goalscorer market can add a real buzz to any football match.