Dixie Dean’s name is immortalized in football history for his incredible record of 60 goals in a single English top-flight season, a feat achieved in the 1927-28 season while playing for Everton. Nearly a century later, his achievement remains unbeaten, standing as a testament to his talent, determination, and unparalleled goal-scoring ability.

 

Dixie Dean’s Incredible Record

 

 

In a time before modern fitness regimes and tactical analysis, Dean was a force of nature on the pitch. His 60 goals in a single First Division season, now the Premier League, is a record that has not even been closely threatened. To put his feat into perspective, today’s top strikers would need to score nearly two goals per game over a 38-game season to come close to Dixie Dean's phenomenal haul.

Dean's record remains a symbol of an era when football was played in muddy pitches, and scoring opportunities came at a premium. He was Everton’s talisman, driving them to success and securing his place in the club's folklore.

 

Who Has Come Closest?

 

 

Over the decades, many prolific goal scorers have dazzled football fans, but none have managed to surpass Dean’s extraordinary record. Notably, Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mo Salah have had remarkable seasons in the Premier League, but their goal tallies, impressive as they are, don’t come close.

Most recently, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has emerged as a new contender to challenge Dean’s long-standing record. Haaland had a stunning debut season in the Premier League (2022-23), scoring 36 goals in 35 appearances—a Premier League record under the modern 38-game format. While this is a remarkable achievement, it still falls 24 goals short of Dixie Dean’s total. However, at just 23 years old, Haaland is widely regarded as one of the best goal-scorers in the world, and his rapid rise continues to make him a potential threat to Dean’s legendary record in future seasons.

Dixie Dean’s Legacy

 

Dixie Dean’s importance to Everton is undeniable. His legacy is so deeply embedded in the club that, in 2001, a bronze statue of the legendary striker was unveiled outside Goodison Park. The statue stands as a reminder of Dean's place in Everton’s rich history and his unrivaled contributions to English football. Fans and visitors alike stop to pay their respects to the man who still holds the record for the most goals in a top-flight season.

As Everton prepare to leave Goodison Park for their new state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in the coming years, discussions have already begun about whether Dean’s statue will remain at Goodison as a lasting tribute, or if it will be relocated to the new stadium. The decision remains undecided, but one thing is for certain—wherever it stands, Dixie Dean’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Evertonians and football fans around the world.

 

Dean’s Enduring Impact on Football

 

 

Dixie Dean’s record is not just a statistic; it represents an era of football where grit, passion, and sheer skill were paramount. Although modern football has seen the rise of numerous world-class strikers, none have yet eclipsed the greatness of Dixie Dean. With goal-scoring prodigies like Erling Haaland on the scene, the debate over whether Dean’s record can ever be broken is more relevant than ever.

However, even if Haaland or another striker eventually surpasses the 60-goal mark, Dean’s legacy will remain untouched. His record has stood the test of time for nearly a century, and breaking it would only add to the mystique of his enduring place in football history.

Can the record surpass 100 years?

 

Dixie Dean’s 60-goal record continues to stand as one of football’s greatest achievements, and though many have tried, no one has come close to matching it in nearly 100 years. As the debate around Erling Haaland’s potential to challenge the record heats up, one thing remains certain—Dixie Dean will forever be a football legend.

Whether his statue remains at Goodison Park or finds a new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, the memory of his incredible feat will continue to inspire future generations of football fans and players alike.

Time is fast running out for Everton's Goodison Park, with the last game set to be played on Sunday the 18th May vs Southampton. Tours of Goodison Stadium will still be running through to the end. Check out our page on Goodison Park and Stadium Tour. You may still have time to visit the place where Dixie Dean became a goalscoring machine.