The 25 Greatest British Footballers of All Time – Ranked

August 26, 2025 Oliver Obel

Football in the United Kingdom has produced some of the finest players the sport has ever seen. From legendary goal scorers to iconic leaders and world-class entertainers, these individuals defined eras and inspired generations. Here, we count down the 25 best British players of all time, starting from number 25 and moving up to the ultimate legend at number one.

25. Gary Lineker

Lineker remains one of England’s greatest finishers, winning the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup. Known for his clean style of play, he famously never received a yellow or red card throughout his career.

24. Billy McNeill

The Celtic icon captained the “Lisbon Lions” to the 1967 European Cup triumph. Revered for his leadership and consistency, he won 23 major trophies with the Scottish giants.

23. Billy Meredith

A pioneer of the professional game, Meredith dazzled fans across three decades. Playing for both Manchester City and Manchester United, he became football’s first superstar.

22. Harry Kane

Kane has established himself as one of the world’s best strikers and already broken records for England and Tottenham. His consistency and lethal finishing make him a modern great.

21. Danny Blanchflower

Blanchflower was Tottenham’s midfield conductor and the leader of Northern Ireland’s 1958 World Cup campaign. His intelligence on the pitch made him one of the most respected figures of his era.

20. Neville Southall

Southall was regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world during the 1980s. His reflex saves and commanding presence earned him glory with Everton and admiration with Wales.

19. Alan Shearer

The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, Shearer was the epitome of a natural goalscorer. A title-winner with Blackburn, he became an enduring icon at Newcastle United.

18. Jim Baxter

“Slim Jim” Baxter was one of Scotland’s most gifted entertainers, famed for his audacious skill. His keepy-ups against England in 1967 remain part of Scottish football folklore.

17. David Beckham

Beckham’s pinpoint crossing and free-kicks made him one of England’s most famous footballers. A Manchester United legend, he also starred for Real Madrid, Milan, PSG, and LA Galaxy.

16. Pat Jennings

Jennings was a Northern Irish icon and one of the most reliable goalkeepers in history. His longevity saw him appear at World Cups well into his 40s.

15. Mark Hughes

Hughes was known for his spectacular volleys and fierce competitive spirit. He won trophies with Manchester United and earned a reputation as Wales’ leading striker.

14. Paul Gascoigne

“Gazza” lit up English football with his flair and larger-than-life personality. From Italia ’90 to Euro ’96, he created moments that live forever in fans’ memories.

13. Ryan Giggs

Giggs was central to Manchester United’s dominance, collecting 22 major trophies. Despite controversy over his Wales career, his club success is unmatched.

12. Gordon Banks

England’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper is best remembered for his legendary save from Pele in 1970. Banks was a model of consistency and widely considered one of the greatest keepers ever.

11. Ian Rush

Rush was a ruthless finisher and Liverpool’s all-time top scorer. He spearheaded a dominant Reds side, winning multiple league titles and two European Cups.

10. Jimmy Greaves

Greaves remains one of the deadliest forwards England has ever produced, with 357 top-flight goals. Despite missing out on the 1966 World Cup final, his strike rate was remarkable.

9. Wayne Rooney

Rooney burst onto the scene as a teenager and went on to become England and Manchester United’s record scorer. Known for his passion and spectacular goals, he defined an era.

8. John Charles

Charles was unique in excelling as both a striker and a defender, earning worldwide respect. At Juventus, the “Gentle Giant” became a Welsh legend abroad and at home.

7. Graeme Souness

Souness combined steel and class as the midfield general of Liverpool’s great 1980s side. His leadership and toughness carried over to Scotland, where he earned 54 caps.

6. Gareth Bale

Bale carried Wales to unprecedented heights, including a World Cup return after decades away. His Champions League heroics for Real Madrid, including stunning final goals, cemented his legacy.

5. Denis Law

The only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or, Law was prolific for both club and country. A key member of Manchester United’s history, his goalscoring record speaks volumes.

4. Bobby Moore

Moore was England’s World Cup-winning captain and a defender of rare elegance. Pele himself hailed him as the best defender he ever faced, underlining his greatness.

3. Bobby Charlton

Charlton rose from the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster to become an English hero. A 1966 World Cup and 1968 European Cup winner, he epitomised Manchester United.

2. Kenny Dalglish

“King Kenny” remains Scotland’s most beloved player and Liverpool’s greatest icon. With three European Cups and over 100 caps, he is the embodiment of Scottish footballing pride.

1. George Best

Best’s dazzling talent and charisma made him one of football’s true icons. A Ballon d’Or winner with Manchester United, he is remembered as a genius who played the game like no other.