The Ultimate List: Ranking the 100 Best Premier League Players of All Time
Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has established itself as the most competitive and entertaining football league in the world. Over the past three decades, it has been home to some of the most extraordinary talents to ever play the game—players who have shaped the league’s history with their skill, consistency, and unforgettable moments. This is our take at the 100 best players of all time in the Premier league.
100. James Ward-Prowse
One of the finest set-piece specialists in Premier League history, Ward-Prowse has been a consistent performer for Southampton. His pinpoint free kicks and leadership made him a key player for the Saints and earned him a reputation as one of the best dead-ball strikers in the league.
99. Antonio Valencia
A versatile and hardworking player, Valencia excelled as both a winger and a full-back at Manchester United. His pace, strength, and defensive resilience made him a key figure in multiple title-winning seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson.
98. Jens Lehmann
A crucial part of Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” squad, Lehmann was a commanding presence between the posts. His aggressive style and shot-stopping ability helped the Gunners go unbeaten in the 2003-04 season, making him one of the most memorable goalkeepers in the league’s history.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
97. Nani
Blessed with flair, pace, and a thunderous shot, Nani was a key part of Manchester United’s success in the late 2000s. The Portuguese winger produced moments of magic, winning four Premier League titles and often stepping up in crucial matches.
96. Stuart Pearce
A no-nonsense defender with incredible leadership skills, Pearce was a stalwart for Nottingham Forest and later played for West Ham and Manchester City. His toughness, set-piece ability, and determination made him a cult hero in the league’s early years.
95. Wilfried Zaha
Zaha has been Crystal Palace’s talisman for years, using his dribbling ability and creativity to terrorize defenses. His influence on the club has been immense, and despite never playing for a traditional “big six” side, he remains one of the most dangerous wingers in Premier League history.
94. Kolo Touré
A rock-solid defender, Touré was a crucial part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” and later won another Premier League title with Manchester City. His work ethic, composure, and leadership made him one of the most reliable center-backs of his generation.
Read also: The 10 Managers with most points per game in Champions League
93. Mark Viduka
An underrated striker, Viduka was a dominant force for Leeds United, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle. His physical presence, technical skill, and ability to score in big matches made him one of the most complete forwards in the league during the early 2000s.
92. Shay Given
One of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers, Given was a consistent performer for Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Manchester City. His reflexes and shot-stopping ability kept his teams competitive, even when they weren’t among the league’s elite.
91. Emmanuel Adebayor
A powerful and unpredictable forward, Adebayor had standout spells at Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham. His combination of pace, strength, and finishing made him a nightmare for defenders, with his 2007-08 season at Arsenal being his peak.
90. Demba Ba
A clinical striker with a knack for scoring stunning goals, Ba made his mark at West Ham, Newcastle, and Chelsea. His ability to find the net from all angles made him one of the league’s most feared forwards during his prime years.
89. Patrice Evra
A charismatic and energetic left-back, Evra was a key player in Manchester United’s dominant run under Sir Alex Ferguson. His defensive ability, leadership, and attacking contributions made him one of the league’s best full-backs.
88. Dion Dublin
A strong and intelligent striker, Dublin was a key figure for Coventry City and Aston Villa. His versatility and aerial dominance made him a dangerous goal threat, earning him the Premier League Golden Boot in 1997-98.
87. Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Nicknamed “The Yak,” Aiyegbeni was a prolific goal scorer for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn. His strength and clinical finishing helped him score over 95 Premier League goals, making him one of Africa’s most successful strikers in England.
86. Paolo Di Canio
A player full of flair and controversy, Di Canio was a magician on the ball for West Ham. Known for his spectacular goals, including his famous scissor-kick volley, he was one of the league’s most entertaining and technically gifted forwards.
Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked
85. Seamus Coleman
A modern-day Everton legend, Coleman has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League. His work rate, leadership, and attacking runs down the right flank have made him a fan favorite at Goodison Park.
84. James Milner
A true professional, Milner has played at the highest level for nearly two decades, winning titles with both Manchester City and Liverpool. His versatility, work ethic, and leadership make him one of the most respected figures in the Premier League era.
83. Craig Bellamy
A fiery and talented forward, Bellamy played for multiple Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Manchester City, and Liverpool. His pace, aggression, and ability to score in crucial moments made him a valuable asset for every team he played for.
82. Jay-Jay Okocha
A player full of flair and skill, Okocha was one of the most technically gifted footballers to grace the Premier League. His time at Bolton Wanderers was filled with dazzling dribbles, spectacular goals, and moments of pure magic.
Read also: The Top Penalty Scorers in Europe’s Big Five Leagues This Season
81. Carlos Tevez
A relentless and dynamic forward, Tevez won Premier League titles with both Manchester United and Manchester City. His aggressive pressing, goal-scoring ability, and never-say-die attitude made him a fan favorite wherever he played.
80. Rob Lee
A key figure in Newcastle’s famous “Entertainers” squad under Kevin Keegan, Lee was a complete midfielder who could score goals, create chances, and dictate play. His consistency and leadership were vital for the Magpies during their title-challenging seasons.
79. Steve McManaman
One of the most creative midfielders of his generation, McManaman was a dribbling wizard at Liverpool. His ability to glide past defenders and create opportunities made him one of the most exciting players in the Premier League during the 1990s.
78. Hugo Lloris
A World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Lloris has been a stalwart for Tottenham Hotspur for over a decade. His shot-stopping ability, leadership, and consistency have helped Spurs remain a top-four contender throughout his career.
77. Freddie Ljungberg
A key part of Arsenal’s early-2000s dominance, Ljungberg was a hard-working winger with a knack for scoring crucial goals. His movement and finishing made him a key figure in Arsenal’s Invincibles season.
76. Dimitar Berbatov
Few players have combined elegance and efficiency like Berbatov. The Bulgarian striker had an effortless touch, exquisite technique, and a composed finishing ability that made him a standout for Tottenham and Manchester United.
75. Leighton Baines
One of the most reliable full-backs in Premier League history, Baines was known for his defensive solidity and attacking contributions at Everton. His free-kick ability and leadership made him a club legend at Goodison Park.
74. Luka Modrić
Before becoming a Ballon d’Or winner at Real Madrid, Modrić was a midfield maestro at Tottenham. His vision, passing, and control of the game were a sign of the world-class player he would become.
73. Gabriel Jesus
A key figure in Manchester City’s recent dominance, Jesus provided goals, pressing, and versatility. His ability to play across the front line made him a valuable asset in multiple title-winning campaigns.
72. Owen Hargreaves
Despite struggling with injuries, Hargreaves was a midfield powerhouse at Manchester United. His ability to break up play and dictate tempo was crucial in the club’s 2007-08 Premier League and Champions League double.
71. Marc Overmars
A lightning-fast winger, Overmars was a crucial part of Arsenal’s 1997-98 double-winning season. His direct running and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the league at his peak.
70. Phil Neville
A versatile and dependable player, Neville played a crucial role for both Manchester United and Everton. Whether in midfield or defense, his leadership and professionalism made him a valuable squad member in multiple title-winning teams.
69. David Batty
A tough-tackling midfielder, Batty was a key figure for Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle, and Leeds United. His no-nonsense defensive work helped Blackburn lift the 1994-95 Premier League title.
68. John Barnes
Although he made his name in the pre-Premier League era, Barnes remained a vital player for Liverpool in the early 90s. His dribbling, creativity, and leadership made him a legend of English football.
67. Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s captain during their historic 2019-20 Premier League-winning campaign, Henderson’s work rate and leadership were instrumental in the club’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp.
66. Darren Fletcher
A highly underrated midfielder, Fletcher was a key figure in Manchester United’s dominance in the mid-to-late 2000s. His energy, tactical intelligence, and ability to step up in big games made him invaluable to Sir Alex Ferguson.
65. Joe Cole
One of England’s most technically gifted players, Cole was a creative spark at West Ham, Chelsea, and Liverpool. His flair and dribbling ability made him a crucial part of Chelsea’s first two Premier League title-winning teams under José Mourinho.
64. Kevin Phillips
The only Englishman to win the European Golden Shoe, Phillips was lethal in front of goal for Sunderland. His 30-goal season in 1999-2000 remains one of the greatest individual goal-scoring campaigns in Premier League history.
63. Rafael van der Vaart
A fan favorite at Tottenham, Van der Vaart was a classy playmaker with a knack for scoring in big games. His creativity and technical brilliance made him one of Spurs’ most exciting players of the 2010s.
62. Jermain Defoe
One of the Premier League’s highest all-time goal scorers, Defoe was a clinical finisher known for his sharp movement and ability to score from anywhere. He played for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, and Sunderland, always delivering goals.
61. Nemanja Matić
A midfield enforcer, Matić was a vital part of Chelsea’s and Manchester United’s midfields. His defensive positioning, strength, and composure on the ball made him one of the most effective holding midfielders of his generation.
60. Michael Carrick
One of the most underrated midfielders in Premier League history, Carrick’s ability to dictate the tempo made him an essential figure in Manchester United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson. His composure and passing range were world-class.
59. César Azpilicueta
A defensive stalwart, Azpilicueta has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers for over a decade. His versatility and leadership helped Chelsea win multiple league titles, including their 2016-17 triumph under Antonio Conte.
58. Edwin van der Sar
A goalkeeper of immense class, Van der Sar was a crucial part of Manchester United’s dominance in the late 2000s. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and leadership helped United win four league titles and the 2007-08 Champions League.
57. Gary Cahill
A rock at the back for Chelsea, Cahill was a leader in the club’s defense for many years. His crucial performances helped Chelsea secure two Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2012.
56. Pablo Zabaleta
One of Manchester City’s greatest full-backs, Zabaleta was known for his toughness, defensive reliability, and leadership. A key player in City’s first two Premier League title wins in 2011-12 and 2013-14.
55. Sadio Mané
A key part of Liverpool’s attacking trio alongside Salah and Firmino, Mané’s pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability helped the Reds lift the 2019-20 Premier League title and the 2018-19 Champions League.
54. Trent Alexander-Arnold
A right-back with world-class playmaking ability, Alexander-Arnold has redefined the position at Liverpool. His crossing, passing range, and attacking contributions have helped him become one of the most influential defenders in modern football.
53. Raheem Sterling
Sterling has been one of the Premier League’s top wingers for the past decade, excelling at Liverpool and Manchester City. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability made him a key player in City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
52. Ricardo Carvalho
A defensive masterclass, Carvalho was John Terry’s perfect partner at Chelsea under José Mourinho. His anticipation, tackling, and ball-playing ability helped Chelsea dominate the mid-2000s, winning multiple league titles.
51. Fernando Torres
A world-class striker at his peak, Torres was unstoppable during his prime years at Liverpool, where he formed a deadly partnership with Steven Gerrard. Though his Chelsea stint was inconsistent, he played a key role in their 2011-12 Champions League triumph.
50. Denis Irwin
A rock-solid full-back, Denis Irwin was a key part of Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s. Renowned for his defensive reliability and set-piece accuracy, he played a crucial role in United’s treble-winning 1998-99 season.
49. Gareth Barry
Holding the record for the most appearances in Premier League history, Gareth Barry was a model of consistency. A composed and intelligent midfielder, he enjoyed long spells at Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Everton, winning the title with City in 2011-12.
48. Jamie Carragher
A one-club man, Carragher was Liverpool’s defensive leader for over a decade. His tough tackling, leadership, and tactical awareness made him one of the best defenders of his generation, culminating in Liverpool’s famous Champions League triumph in 2005.
47. Dwight Yorke
A clinical finisher, Yorke was instrumental in Manchester United’s treble-winning 1998-99 season. The Trinidadian striker also shone at Aston Villa and Blackburn, showcasing his movement, link-up play, and ability to score in big moments.
46. Claude Makélélé
The man who redefined the defensive midfield position, Makélélé was the backbone of Chelsea’s dominance under José Mourinho. His ability to break up play and dictate tempo led to the “Makélélé role” being named after him, highlighting his influence on modern football.
45. Robbie Fowler
One of the most natural goal scorers the Premier League has ever seen, Fowler was known for his instinctive finishing at Liverpool. Nicknamed “God” by the Anfield faithful, he was lethal in front of goal and remains one of the league’s all-time top scorers.
44. David Seaman
A commanding presence between the posts, Seaman was Arsenal’s No. 1 for over a decade. His shot-stopping ability and leadership helped the Gunners secure multiple league titles under Arsène Wenger, including the famous 1997-98 and 2001-02 triumphs.
43. Gary Neville
The epitome of a dependable right-back, Neville was a crucial figure in Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. A fierce competitor, excellent defender, and later club captain, he was a leader both on and off the pitch.
42. Sol Campbell
A commanding center-back, Campbell was the rock of Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” team in 2003-04. He also played a key role at Tottenham and Portsmouth, known for his strength, positioning, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
41. Robert Pirès
A magician on the left wing, Pirès was a vital part of Arsenal’s attacking brilliance in the early 2000s. His creativity, dribbling, and finishing helped Arsenal win multiple league titles, including their historic unbeaten 2003-04 season.
40. Jamie Vardy
A true underdog story, Vardy rose from non-league football to become a Premier League champion with Leicester City in 2015-16. His blistering pace, relentless work ethic, and clinical finishing made him one of the league’s best modern strikers.
39. Teddy Sheringham
A highly intelligent forward, Sheringham excelled at Tottenham and Manchester United, winning the treble in 1998-99. His link-up play, vision, and ability to score in crucial moments made him a standout in the league for nearly two decades.
38. Robin van Persie
One of the most technically gifted strikers in Premier League history, Van Persie shone at Arsenal before leading Manchester United to the title in 2012-13. His left foot was a deadly weapon, capable of scoring world-class goals from anywhere.
37. Yaya Touré
A powerhouse midfielder, Touré was the driving force behind Manchester City’s rise to dominance. His combination of strength, skill, and goal-scoring ability made him unplayable at times, with his 2013-14 season standing as one of the greatest by a midfielder.
36. Ruud van Nistelrooy
A ruthless finisher, Van Nistelrooy was Manchester United’s goal machine in the early 2000s. His ability to score from any position inside the box made him one of the most feared strikers in the world, winning the Golden Boot in 2002-03.
35. Michael Owen
A teenage sensation, Owen burst onto the scene with Liverpool and won the Ballon d’Or in 2001. His blistering pace and clinical finishing saw him score countless goals, though injuries prevented him from reaching even greater heights.
34. Gianfranco Zola
A magician with the ball, Zola was the creative heartbeat of Chelsea in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His vision, dribbling, and ability to produce moments of brilliance made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge and one of the league’s most beloved foreign imports.
33. Tony Adams
An Arsenal legend and one of the best defenders in Premier League history, Adams was the definition of a leader. Captaining the Gunners to multiple league titles across different eras, his defensive intelligence and no-nonsense style made him a true icon.
32. Nemanja Vidić
A warrior at the back, Vidić was the defensive rock of Manchester United’s dominant run under Sir Alex Ferguson. His aggressive, no-nonsense defending and partnership with Rio Ferdinand helped United win five league titles and two Champions League finals.
31. Luis Suárez
A pure goal-scoring machine, Suárez nearly single-handedly led Liverpool to the title in 2013-14. His skill, creativity, and relentless hunger for goals made him one of the most feared forwards in Premier League history, winning the Golden Boot with 31 goals that season.
30. Petr Čech
One of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, Čech was a crucial part of Chelsea’s dominance in the 2000s. Known for his shot-stopping, command of the box, and incredible consistency, he won multiple league titles and holds the record for most clean sheets in Premier League history.
29. N’Golo Kanté
A relentless midfield engine, Kanté’s ability to win back possession and cover ground made him an irreplaceable part of Leicester City’s shock 2015-16 title win and Chelsea’s later success. His intelligence, work ethic, and defensive mastery make him one of the best defensive midfielders the league has seen.
28. Cesc Fàbregas
A midfield maestro, Fàbregas was a playmaking genius at both Arsenal and Chelsea. His vision, passing, and ability to dictate games from deep midfield set him apart, and he played a vital role in Chelsea’s title-winning campaigns.
27. Andy Cole
One of the most prolific strikers in Premier League history, Cole’s lethal finishing and movement helped Manchester United dominate the late 1990s. His partnership with Dwight Yorke was legendary, guiding United to the treble in 1998-99.
26. Rio Ferdinand
A ball-playing center-back ahead of his time, Ferdinand combined elegance with defensive steel. His leadership and reading of the game made him a crucial part of Manchester United’s multiple title-winning sides, forming a legendary partnership with Nemanja Vidić.
25. David Beckham
One of the most iconic footballers of all time, Beckham was known for his pinpoint crossing, free kicks, and work ethic. A key player in Manchester United’s dominance of the late 1990s, his ability to deliver in crucial moments made him a global superstar.
24. Eden Hazard
A dazzling dribbler and clinical finisher, Hazard was Chelsea’s talisman for nearly a decade. His ability to take on defenders, create chances, and score spectacular goals made him one of the most exciting players to ever play in the Premier League.
23. David Silva
A magician in Manchester City’s midfield, Silva’s technical brilliance and playmaking ability helped redefine the modern Premier League midfielder. His vision and ability to control games made him instrumental in City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
22. Peter Schmeichel
A dominant presence in goal, Schmeichel was the foundation of Manchester United’s success in the 1990s. His shot-stopping, leadership, and command of the box made him arguably the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history.
21. Vincent Kompany
A true leader, Kompany was the heart and soul of Manchester City’s transformation into a dominant force. His defensive resilience and ability to score crucial goals, like his thunderbolt against Leicester in 2019, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest center-backs in the league.
20. Virgil van Dijk
A game-changing defender, Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defense and played a crucial role in their title-winning 2019-20 season. His composure, aerial dominance, and leadership make him one of the best defenders of the modern Premier League era.
19. Ashley Cole
Arguably the best left-back in Premier League history, Cole was a defensive powerhouse at both Arsenal and Chelsea. His ability to shut down world-class wingers while also contributing in attack made him one of the league’s most complete full-backs.
18. Didier Drogba
A big-game player like no other, Drogba was Chelsea’s go-to man in crucial moments. His strength, hold-up play, and knack for scoring in finals made him one of the most feared strikers in the league’s history.
17. Dennis Bergkamp
A magician with the ball, Bergkamp was the creative genius behind Arsenal’s golden era. His vision, technique, and ability to score breathtaking goals made him one of the most elegant players ever to grace the Premier League.
16. Harry Kane
One of the most consistent goal scorers in league history, Kane’s ability to score from anywhere, his playmaking skills, and leadership made him a Tottenham legend. With multiple Golden Boots to his name, he remains one of the greatest English strikers ever.
15. Sergio Agüero
The man behind the most dramatic moment in Premier League history—Agüero’s last-minute goal to win Manchester City the 2011-12 title cemented his legacy. His clinical finishing, movement, and longevity made him City’s all-time top scorer and a true legend.
14. John Terry
Chelsea’s defensive leader for over a decade, Terry was the backbone of multiple title-winning sides. His leadership, aerial dominance, and composure made him one of the greatest center-backs the league has ever seen.
13. Patrick Vieira
The ultimate midfield enforcer, Vieira’s presence in Arsenal’s midfield was unmatched. His ability to dominate games with his strength, passing, and leadership helped Arsenal win multiple titles, including their legendary unbeaten season in 2003-04.
12. Roy Keane
A true warrior, Keane was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield. His intensity, leadership, and ability to dictate games made him one of the most feared and respected captains in Premier League history.
11. Frank Lampard
The highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history, Lampard was Chelsea’s driving force for over a decade. His late runs into the box, long-range shooting, and consistency made him one of the most complete midfielders ever.
10. Paul Scholes
A genius with the ball at his feet, Scholes was the playmaker who kept Manchester United ticking. His passing range, vision, and ability to score from midfield made him one of the most technically gifted players in the league’s history.
9. Steven Gerrard
One of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Gerrard was the heart and soul of Liverpool for nearly two decades. Known for his leadership, incredible passing range, and ability to score stunning goals, he carried Liverpool through countless crucial moments. Though he never won a Premier League title, his influence, loyalty, and match-winning performances, including the legendary comeback in the 2005 Champions League final, cemented his status as a true footballing icon.
8. Mohamed Salah
A modern Premier League icon, Salah’s speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have made him Liverpool’s main man for years. With multiple Golden Boots and a crucial role in Liverpool’s 2019-20 title-winning campaign, he’s one of the league’s greatest wingers.
7. Eric Cantona
The man who transformed Manchester United, Cantona’s flair, confidence, and ability to produce magic on the pitch made him the catalyst for United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. His impact on the league is legendary.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
The ultimate playmaker, De Bruyne’s passing, vision, and ability to control games make him one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He has been the creative force behind Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s transformation from a tricky winger to a goal-scoring machine was remarkable. He won multiple league titles, a Ballon d’Or at Manchester United, and set goal-scoring records before moving to Real Madrid. His impact on the league remains legendary.
4. Ryan Giggs
With the most appearances in Premier League history, Giggs was Manchester United’s ultimate one-club man. His longevity, dribbling ability, and knack for delivering in big moments helped United dominate for two decades.
3. Alan Shearer
The Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, Shearer was the definition of a goal machine. His strength, finishing, and consistency made him the ultimate number nine, winning a league title with Blackburn in 1994-95.
2. Wayne Rooney
Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer and one of the league’s most complete forwards, Rooney combined power, creativity, and finishing ability. His ability to play multiple roles made him a key player for United’s many title-winning sides.
1. Thierry Henry
The driving force of Arsenal’s “Invincibles,” Henry was the most elegant and lethal forward the league has ever seen. His speed, skill, and finishing ability made him unstoppable, winning four Golden Boots and leaving an unforgettable legacy.
