Anytime Goalscorer Explained: What It Means and How to Master It
If you’ve ever scrolled through a bookmaker’s football markets, you’ve likely come across the “anytime goalscorer” option.
It’s one of the most popular bet types in football—and for good reason. It’s simple, exciting, and keeps your bet alive for the full 90 minutes.
But what exactly does anytime goalscorer mean? How does it differ from other types of goalscorer bets? And more importantly—how can you use it to make smart, profitable bets?
In this guide, we’ll break down for you:
✅ What exactly does “anytime goalscorer” mean?
✅ How does it differ from first or last goalscorer bets?
✅ What are the rules you need to know before placing a bet?
✅ And most importantly—what strategies can help you win more often?
You’ll discover how consistency trumps hat-tricks, why penalties matter more than you think, and how to spot underrated goal threats hiding in plain sight.
We’ll even compare top Premier League scorers by the number of games they scored in—not just the total goals—to reveal what really matters in this market.
So whether you’re a casual punter looking to spice up a weekend match or a stats-savvy bettor hunting for an edge, this guide has everything you need to become smarter, sharper, and more profitable with your anytime goalscorer bets.
What Does “Anytime Goalscorer” Mean?
An anytime goalscorer bet is exactly what it sounds like:
As long as the player you back finds the net during regular 90 minutes + stoppage time, your bet wins.
It doesn’t matter whether they score in the first minute or the 89th—it still counts.
Example of an Anytime Goalscorer Bet
Let’s say Arsenal are playing against Aston Villa, and you back Bukayo Saka to score anytime at odds of 2/1.
- If Saka scores in the 12th minute: ✅ Your bet wins
- If he scores in the 89th minute: ✅ Your bet still wins
- If he doesn’t score at all: ❌ Your bet loses
- If he only scores in extra time or a penalty shootout: ❌ Still a losing bet
It’s a bet that keeps you engaged for the whole match—because your player can pop up with a goal at any time.
Anytime Goalscorer vs First/Last Goalscorer
It’s easy to confuse anytime goalscorer with similar markets like first or last goalscorer, but there are some key differences:
Market | What it Means | Risk Level | Typical Odds |
---|---|---|---|
Anytime Goalscorer | Player scores at any point during 90 mins | Low–Medium | Lower |
First Goalscorer | Player scores the first goal of the match | High | Higher |
Last Goalscorer | Player scores the final goal of the match | High | Higher |
Here is an example of comparative odds for the different types of goalscorer bets in a match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal Riyadh, with odds taken from Bet365:
Player | Anytime Goalscorer Odds | First Goalscorer Odds |
---|---|---|
Kylian Mbappe | 1.53 | 3.60 |
Vinicius Jr. | 2.00 | 5.50 |
Arda Guler | 2.20 | 6.00 |
Jude Bellingham | 2.40 | 7.00 |
Rodrygo | 2.60 | 7.50 |
Victor Munoz | 2.75 | 8.00 |
✅ Why Choose Anytime Goalscorer?
- More chances to win – your player has 90+ minutes to score
- Less luck-dependent – not relying on timing or sequence
- Better for in-form or penalty-taking players
❌ When Might First/Last Be Better?
- You’re chasing bigger odds
- You believe your player will be subbed on late or score early
- You’re betting on a match with limited goals
Rules Around the Anytime Goalscorer Bet
Bookmakers generally follow similar rules, but it’s always worth double-checking. Here are the most important:
✅ Player Must Play
If your chosen player doesn’t play at all, your bet is usually void, and your stake is refunded.
❌ Subbed On Late?
If they come on as a sub with just a few minutes left, the bet still stands. So you’re relying on them to make an impact with limited time.
❌ Own Goals Don’t Count
Only goals scored for their own team count. If your player scores an own goal, it doesn’t help your bet.
❌ Extra Time Doesn’t Count
The bet applies to 90 minutes plus stoppage time only—not extra time or penalty shootouts.
With all of these rules it is important to check the terms and conditions of the bookmaker you are intending to place the bet with to ensure they apply to the anytime goalscorer bet.
Why Scoring Once Is All That Counts
The beauty (and simplicity) of the anytime goalscorer market is that only one goal in a match is required to win the bet.
Once the player scores, the bet is settled—any additional goals add nothing extra. This makes the market all about consistency rather than spectacular hauls.
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✅ Single goal suffices: Whether they score one, two, or five goals, once is enough.
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🔁 Consistency wins: A player who scores in many games—even if only once—can pay off more often than a player who bags a hat‑trick in one game but blanks in most others.
🧮 Premier League 2024–25: Goals vs Games Scored
Here’s a comparison of the top Premier League scorers from the 2024–25 season, showing total goals against the number of games in which they found the net at least once:
Player | Total Premier League Goals | Games Scored In |
---|---|---|
Mohamed Salah | 29 | 24 |
Alexander Isak | 23 | 17 |
Erling Haaland | 22 | 16 |
⚽ The takeaway: consistency matters more than volume. Salah produced a great deal of consistent one-goal-per-game performances rather than bagging a few hat-tricks and then going quiet.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s multi-goal games add no extra value once he’s scored. An even more extreme example came in the 2023/24 season, when the Norwegian netted 27 times, but only scored in 17 matches.
That is due to Haaland’s tendency to score two, three – or even four in the case of his performance against Wolves in the 23/24 season – goals in the same game.
✅ Betting Insight: Focus on Games Scored, Not Just Goals
When analysing anytime goalscorer odds:
- Prioritise players who score in many games, even at lower volume per match.
- You don’t win any more money for multiple goals in the same game in the anytime goalscorer bet—so don’t overvalue braces or hat‑tricks.
- Look at games scored percentage: a player who scores in 60% of matches offers strong, steadier value than one who bags 30 goals in just 20 matches.
The anytime goalscorer market is all about frequency and reliability. A player who nets in many games consistently is a better long-term bet than one who occasionally explodes with braces and hat-tricks.
Understanding this is critical if you want to turn this market into a steady profit stream.
Strategies for Betting on Anytime Goalscorer
While anytime goalscorer bets can be fun and straightforward, profitability comes from strategy.
Simply backing big names every week might get you a win here and there, but over time, it won’t beat the bookies.
To turn this market into a consistent edge, you need to apply smart tactics based on data, form, and value.
Here are the top strategies to help you make sharper anytime goalscorer picks, with real-world examples to bring each one to life:
🎯 1. Look for Penalty Takers and Set-Piece Specialists
Players who regularly take penalties or free kicks have an extra route to scoring. This massively increases their expected goals (xG) without requiring open-play dominance.
Example:
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) is often priced longer than Rashford or Højlund but takes most penalties and many free kicks. In 2022–23, nearly half his goals came from the spot.
- James Ward-Prowse (West Ham) is a rare example of a midfielder who scores regularly from free kicks and penalties. Despite playing deep, he’s often great value around 4.0+ anytime.
📌 Tip: Check club penalty taker charts and free-kick stats before betting. If the regular penalty-taker is expected to be out injured or suspended, have a look at who is next in the pecking order. They could represent value.
📈 2. Analyse Player Form, Not Just Reputation
Ignore the big names and look at who’s actually scoring. A player in hot form is more likely to deliver—regardless of their media profile.
Example:
- In the second half of the 2022–23 season, Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) scored in 11 of 16 Premier League games. Yet his odds often remained around 2.5–3.0 to score anytime.
- Meanwhile, players like Darwin Núñez frequently had lower odds despite struggling for consistency.
📌 Tip: Use websites like WhoScored, SofaScore or Flashscore to track recent scorers and shot frequency.
🧠 3. Identify Weak Defences and Target Matchups
A good goalscorer against a poor defence is always a recipe for betting value. Look for teams with leaky records—especially away from home or against specific styles.
Example:
- Backing strikers against Leeds United in the 2022–23 season was a goldmine. They had one of the worst defensive records in the league.
- When Harry Kane played against Everton, who were particularly vulnerable to aerial threats, his odds were still around 1.80 anytime—despite an obvious stylistic mismatch.
📌 Tip: Look for teams with high expected goals against (xGA), poor set-piece stats, or frequent individual errors.
🔍 4. Check Player Position and Tactical Role
Some players are listed as midfielders but play in highly advanced positions (e.g. inside forwards, shadow strikers). These players often fly under the radar in goalscorer markets.
Example:
- Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard often have longer odds due to being “midfielders,” but both regularly find themselves in attacking positions for Arsenal.
- In Serie A, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia often had long odds (3.0+) despite playing as an inverted winger for Napoli and cutting inside regularly to shoot.
📌 Tip: Look at average player positions and heatmaps (on sites like Understat or FBref) to find hidden forwards.
🛒 5. Always Shop Around for the Best Odds
Odds for anytime goalscorers can vary widely between bookmakers. A player priced at 2.50 on one site might be available at 3.00 elsewhere—a 20% difference in potential profit.
Example:
- Mohamed Salah might be 1.90 to score at Bet365 but 2.10 at Betfair or William Hill.
- Using odds comparison sites like Oddschecker can boost your returns significantly over time.
📌 Tip: If you bet regularly, consider using multiple bookmaker accounts to always secure the best price.
📊 6. Use xG and Stats to Spot Value
Expected Goals (xG) is a key stat used by professional bettors. If a player has a high xG but hasn’t scored recently, they might be due a goal—and therefore offer value in the market.
Example:
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle) consistently posted high xG per 90 minutes but was often priced around 2.60–2.80 due to rotation concerns.
- If you caught him in the starting XI, those odds could be great value given the data.
📌 Tip: Tools like FBref, Understat, or Infogol offer xG data for free.
🧠 7. Time Your Bets with Team News
Sometimes, a backup striker or winger gets a start due to injuries or rotation. These players often offer big value if you get in before the bookies shorten the odds.
Example:
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Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) often started when Martinelli or Saka were rested. If you caught the line-ups early, you could grab odds of 3.50–4.00 before they moved.
📌 Tip: Place bets 30–60 minutes before kick-off when team line-ups are confirmed.
🔄 8. Consider Accumulators of Anytime Goalscorers
Building an acca (accumulator) of anytime goalscorers allows you to combine shorter odds into a big payout. Just remember—it’s higher risk, so use smaller stakes.
Example Acca:
- Salah (1.90)
- Haaland (1.50)
- Isak (2.40)
Combined odds: 6.84 – A £10 bet would return £68.40 if all three score.
📌 Tip: Only include players in good form and against weak opposition to improve your chances.
Strategies for betting on Anytime Goalscorer – Summary
The anytime goalscorer market is one of the most fun and rewarding areas in football betting—especially if you approach it with a stats-based mindset.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Use data (form, xG, penalties) to spot value
- Don’t just back big names—find role players with sneaky goal potential
- Watch the market and bet with line-up info where possible
- Shop around for best odds to maximise ROI
If you can combine solid research with discipline and bankroll management, this market can become a powerful part of your betting portfolio.
Pros and Cons of Anytime Goalscorer Bets
Like any betting market, the anytime goalscorer option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Understanding both sides can help you use this market more effectively and avoid common traps.
✅ Pros
- Bet remains alive all game
Since your player can score at any point, you’re engaged for the full 90+ minutes—no early disappointment if they don’t strike first. - Easier to win than first/last scorer
You don’t need your player to score the first or last goal—just any goal, which gives you more chances to win. - Good for in-form players or set-piece takers
Players on penalties or free-kicks (like Salah, Fernandes, or Ward-Prowse) always have a solid chance, even in tighter games. - Great for accumulator (acca) bets
You can combine multiple players to score anytime into one acca for a much bigger potential return.
❌ Cons
- Lower odds than first/last
Because it’s an easier market to win, the odds are often shorter—so the return on a single bet may be modest. - Player could be subbed or have an off day
If your player is benched, subbed early, or just doesn’t get chances, your bet can quickly become dead in the water. - Own goals and extra time don’t count
Goals must be scored in regulation time for the right team—anything outside that doesn’t count towards your bet. - Hard to find consistent value without research
Bookmakers are savvy—so to beat them, you need to dig into stats, player roles, form, and opposition weaknesses.
When Is It Best to Bet on an Anytime Goalscorer?
Here are a few scenarios where this market really shines:
- Your chosen player is in great form
- They’re facing a weak defensive side
- The player is on penalties or free-kicks
- They typically play the full 90 minutes
- You want a low-risk addition to an acca
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced punters fall into these traps:
❌ Backing Big Names Blindly
Just because a player is famous doesn’t mean they’re in form or likely to score. Always look at the stats.
❌ Not Checking the Team Line-Up
If your player is benched or rotated, your bet could be at risk. Try to bet after line-ups are announced, especially in cup games or European fixtures.
❌ Ignoring the Match Context
Is the match important? Are they already qualified? Are there weather or pitch concerns? These factors can affect player performance.
Final Thoughts: Is the Anytime Goalscorer Market Worth It?
Absolutely—if used wisely.
The anytime goalscorer market offers a nice balance between risk and reward. It’s easier to land than first or last scorer bets, and it keeps you involved throughout the game. While the odds are typically shorter, the upside is consistency—especially when you apply good research and strategy.
As with all football betting, value is king. Don’t just follow the crowd or chase names—dig into the stats, understand the player’s role, and stay disciplined with your staking.
Whether you’re building an accumulator, backing your favourite player, or hunting for weekly winners, the anytime goalscorer market is a brilliant way to add more excitement—and hopefully profit—to your football betting experience.