In the sun-drenched streets of Naples, where football is more religion than sport, the name of Dries Mertens is whispered with reverence. When fans ask, “Who is the top scorer in Napoli history?”, they evoke not just a record, but a legacy of passion, consistency, and an unlikely Belgian who became a Neapolitan icon. In this article, AnnuGoal will guide you through how that record was built, who came before him, and why this milestone carries weight far beyond mere statistics.
The rise of a legend: Dries Mertens’s journey at Napoli
When Mertens arrived at Napoli in the summer of 2013, few predicted he would shake the foundations of the club’s history. Initially viewed as a winger or supporting forward, he gradually reinvented himself as a central attacking threat. Over nine seasons, he inked his name in the record books — finishing with 148 goals in all competitions, surpassing every Napoli great before him. (Competitive matches only.)
By the time he hung up his boots, Mertens held Napoli’s all-time marks for goals in Serie A (113), total goals (148), and even European goals (28). That transformation from versatile attacker to record-smashing legend is a testament to his adaptation and consistency.
Before Mertens: The kings of Napoli’s scoring history
To understand the weight of the record, it helps to look at who Mertens passed, and the storied names that once held the mantle.
Marek Hamšík
The Slovak icon was Mertens’s immediate predecessor. Hamšík scored 121 goals in his Napoli tenure, becoming a local hero for his longevity and loyalty. For a time, he was the embodiment of the modern Napoli midfielder—goal threat, leader, and constant presence.
Lorenzo Insigne
Born and bred in the Campania region, Insigne carried the hopes of Neapolitans in his boots. He concluded his Azzurri days with 122 goals, placing him just behind Mertens. His flair, his bond with the fans, and his career arc made him a sentimental favorite.
Diego Maradona
No name looms larger in Napoli lore than Diego. During his spell, he amassed 115 goals in all competitions, injecting magic into the city and forever becoming a symbol—on and off the pitch. Though Maradona was never the top scorer in Napoli’s history, his influence transcends raw numbers.
Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuaín
Cavani struck 104 goals in just three seasons (2010–2013), a blistering pace that remains remarkable. Later, Higuaín’s arrival and goal machine form added depth to Napoli’s striking tradition. Yet, even their ferocious scoring runs were eclipsed by Mertens’s consistency over a longer horizon.
Other historical figures
Earlier legends like Attila Sallustro, Antonio Vojak, and Giuseppe Savoldi also grace Napoli’s rich tapestry of scorers — but they remain well behind the modern greats in total goals.
How Mertens built his record: key milestones & memorable matches
122nd goal — the turning point
On June 13, 2020, during a Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg against Inter, Mertens curled home an equalizer to notch his 122nd goal, officially overtaking Hamšík’s previous record. That goal defined a new era — the top scorer in Napoli’s history was no longer a native, but a Belgian who embraced Naples as his home.
Milestone goals
- He reached 100 Serie A goals for Napoli in dramatic fashion, with consistent returns across seasons.
- He scored in Europe, in the league, and in cups — his versatility made him dangerous on all fronts.
- During the 2016-17 season, under Maurizio Sarri, Mertens churned out 28 league goals and 34 overall to anchor Napoli’s thrilling attacking identity.
- His knack for hat-tricks and clutch goals against big opponents only added to his legend.
Beyond the numbers
What makes Mertens’s title as top scorer in Napoli history more than a statistical claim is emotional resonance. He earned the nickname “Ciro” — a universally Neapolitan name — and became woven into Naples culture.
Numbers breakdown: how the goals stack up
| Category | Napoli Record | Mertens’ Tally | Remarks |
| Total goals (all competitions) | 148 | 148 | Highest in club history |
| Serie A goals | 113 | 113 | Same number — he scored zero elsewhere in the league beyond Napoli |
| European goals | 28 | 28 | Also tops the chart for Napoli in Europe |
| Coppa Italia goals | — | (part of 148) | He contributes across competitions |
| Appearances for Napoli | 397 | 397 | He ranks among highest in appearances too |
Other contenders:
- Lorenzo Insigne: 122 goals
- Marek Hamšík: 121 goals
- Diego Maradona: 115 goals
- Edinson Cavani: 104 goals
These names remain giants in Napoli’s history, but Mertens’s balance of longevity and productivity pushed him past them.
What the record means in context
Being the top scorer in Napoli history carries weight beyond raw numbers. For an Italian club with such a storied heritage and emotional connection to the city, the top scorer becomes part of the identity. Mertens did not just score; he became Neapolitan in spirit. His record also underscores the evolution of Napoli — from chasing trophies to pushing for Serie A titles and European credibility — and how one forward helped bridge eras.
Records can be broken, but the way Mertens etched his name in Naples, the way fans embraced him, and the way his legacy will endure make his achievement far more than a statistic.
Final Thoughts
In sum, Dries Mertens holds the title top scorer in Napoli history, with 148 goals across all competitions. His rise, overtaking icons like Hamšík, Insigne, and Maradona, is a story of consistency, adaptation, and connection.
AnnuGoal hopes this journey through Napoli’s scoring history gave you clarity, context, and emotional insight into what that record truly represents. If you liked this deep dive, you might also enjoy our articles on Napoli’s tactical evolution, player biographies, or “top 10 Napoli goals of all time.” Keep exploring here — we’re always ready to bring you the stories behind the goals.
