Winning the Premier League is one of the greatest achievements in English football, but even some of the finest players in the league’s history never managed to lift the famous trophy. Here’s a countdown of the 15 best players to have missed out.
15. Paul McGrath
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Known for his defensive brilliance at Aston Villa, Paul McGrath was the inaugural Premier League PFA Player of the Year winner. Despite his individual excellence, he never came close to securing the league title during his time in England.
14. David Ginola
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A dazzling winger with flair and creativity, David Ginola came closest with Newcastle during their runner-up finish. Though he later shined at Tottenham, he never captured the Premier League crown.
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Loyal to Southampton throughout his career, Matt Le Tissier lit up the league with moments of pure magic. His incredible skill deserved a bigger stage, but he never played for a true title contender.
At his peak with Liverpool, Fernando Torres was virtually unplayable, terrorizing defenses with speed and skill. Despite his brilliance, a Premier League title always remained just out of reach.
11. Les Ferdinand
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A lethal striker during the 1990s, Les Ferdinand formed a memorable partnership with Alan Shearer at Newcastle. He came agonizingly close to winning the title but ultimately fell short.
10. Robbie Fowler
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One of Liverpool’s greatest-ever goal scorers, Robbie Fowler was a natural finisher who netted over 160 Premier League goals. However, injuries and team struggles kept him from winning the league.
9. Ruud Gullit
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While past his prime when he arrived at Chelsea, Ruud Gullit’s class and leadership were undeniable. He helped spark Chelsea’s resurgence but didn’t stay long enough to capture a Premier League title.
One of England’s most gifted midfielders, Paul Gascoigne’s best years were spent abroad and before the Premier League’s rise. His stints at Middlesbrough and Everton never offered realistic title chances.
7. Luka Modric
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Luka Modric showcased his immense talent at Tottenham, helping them reach the Champions League for the first time. Despite his brilliance, Spurs were never genuine title contenders during his stay.
6. Harry Kane
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An elite goal scorer and Tottenham legend, Harry Kane consistently performed at the highest level without ever winning the league. His move to Bayern Munich came in search of the major trophies he missed in England.
5. Xabi Alonso
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A midfield maestro at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso was crucial to the club’s 2005 Champions League triumph. Despite Liverpool’s resurgence under Rafael Benitez, a Premier League title always eluded him.
A Chelsea icon, Gianfranco Zola wowed fans with his technical brilliance and creativity. Arriving before Chelsea’s financial boom, he helped elevate the club’s stature but missed out on the league title.
3. Luis Suarez
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Luis Suarez’s devastating 2013-14 season nearly delivered Liverpool a Premier League trophy. His incredible scoring ability was undeniable, but ultimately, he left England without a league winner’s medal.
2. Gareth Bale
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Gareth Bale transformed from a promising full-back into one of the world’s deadliest attackers at Tottenham. Though he delivered breathtaking moments, Spurs were never able to compete seriously for the title during his time.
1. Steven Gerrard
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Liverpool’s inspirational captain, Steven Gerrard, came painfully close to winning the Premier League, most notably in 2014. Despite numerous domestic and European honors, the league title is the one missing piece from his storied career.
