The 20 Greatest Wingers in Premier League History – Ranked
The Premier League has been blessed with some of the most electrifying wingers in world football. From the early days of touchline-hugging dribblers to modern inside-forwards who rack up goals like strikers, these wide men have thrilled fans with pace, power, skill, and sheer unpredictability. Here’s our countdown of the 20 greatest wingers in Premier League history, starting from No. 20 all the way to the most iconic of them all.
20. Leroy Sané
Sané may have only played 90 league games for Manchester City, but his impact was thunderous. He was devastating on the break and a crucial part of Guardiola’s 100-point title-winning side.
19. Harry Kewell
Kewell was one of the standout players for Leeds United in the early 2000s, combining flair and finishing in equal measure. Injuries limited his full potential, but his talent was undeniable.
18. Phil Foden
Still only in the early stages of his career, Foden has already won multiple league titles and a Player of the Season award. His fluid movement from the wing into central spaces makes him a tactical gem.
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17. Marc Overmars
Overmars brought raw pace and two-footed quality to Arsenal’s late-90s dominance. He was instrumental in their 1997/98 double-winning campaign and quickly caught Barcelona’s attention.
16. Steve McManaman
A dribbling specialist, McManaman was Liverpool’s most creative spark during the early Premier League years. His balance, vision, and energy set him apart from most of his peers.
15. Alexis Sánchez
Sánchez at Arsenal was a force of nature, combining tireless work-rate with technical brilliance. He and Mesut Özil formed one of the most entertaining duos of the 2010s.
14. John Barnes
Although his prime came before the Premier League era, Barnes still dazzled in the early 90s. Even after losing some pace, his intelligence and technique on the left were elite.
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13. Freddie Ljungberg
Ljungberg’s timing and aggression off the ball made him a nightmare for defenders. He always seemed to score in crucial moments, especially during Arsenal’s title-winning years.
12. David Ginola
Ginola was elegance personified — a winger who could glide past players and dictate tempo. He was so good that he won Player of the Year in a season when Manchester United won the treble.
11. Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s movement off the ball and his consistent goal output made him a key part of Guardiola’s Man City. Few players have timed their attacking runs better in Premier League history.
10. David Beckham
Beckham wasn’t a traditional winger but his right-footed delivery was world-class. His set pieces, work rate, and vision made him irreplaceable for Manchester United during their golden era.
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9. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was Leicester’s magician during their fairytale 2015/16 season and became even more refined at Manchester City. A graceful dribbler who could unlock any defense with ease.
8. Ryan Giggs
Giggs was the Premier League’s original left-wing icon, playing over 600 games and winning 13 titles. He evolved over time, shifting from explosive dribbler to tactical veteran.
7. Robert Pirès
Pirès was a right-footed left-winger who operated like a playmaker, floating into spaces and finishing with class. His intelligence and link-up play were vital to Arsenal’s Invincibles.
6. Gareth Bale
From left-back to one of the league’s most unstoppable attackers, Bale’s rise was extraordinary. His power, long-range shooting, and speed made him a nightmare for every defense.
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5. Sadio Mané
Mané brought intensity, directness, and lethal finishing to Klopp’s Liverpool. His off-ball movement and versatility made him one of the league’s most complete wide forwards.
4. Eden Hazard
Hazard combined flair with final product, dancing past defenders and delivering when it mattered most. Chelsea’s 2014/15 and 2016/17 title wins were built around his brilliance.
3. Son Heung-min
Son has been a model of consistency, scoring with both feet and linking seamlessly with Harry Kane. His humility off the pitch belies his ruthless efficiency on it.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo revolutionized the winger role, transforming into a goal-scoring machine from the left. His 31-goal 2007/08 season was one of the greatest individual campaigns ever.
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1. Mohamed Salah
Salah has redefined what it means to be a winger, with unmatched consistency and numbers from the right. Liverpool’s modern era has been built on his brilliance and goalscoring prowess.
