1. Alan Shearer – Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United
Alan Shearer is the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, a record that still stands decades after his retirement. He was a striker feared for his strength, aerial dominance, and thunderous finishing. Shearer’s crowning achievement came in the 1994–95 season, when his 34 league goals powered Blackburn Rovers to their first and only Premier League title. Later, at Newcastle United, he became the symbol of loyalty and passion, netting 148 goals for his boyhood club despite limited trophies. Shearer also won three Golden Boots and remains a yardstick for strikers in England. His remarkable consistency over 14 EPL seasons defined him as one of football’s greatest finishers.
Read more about Shearer’s record.
2. Thierry Henry – Arsenal
Thierry Henry transformed the Premier League with his elegance and dominance. Across eight EPL seasons, he scored 175 goals and provided 74 assists, becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer. Signed from Juventus in 1999, Henry blossomed under Arsène Wenger, combining blistering pace with extraordinary composure. He led Arsenal to two Premier League titles, most notably the 2003–04 “Invincibles” season, when the Gunners went unbeaten. Individually, Henry won the Golden Boot four times and was twice named PFA Players’ Player of the Year. Beyond the numbers, Henry changed perceptions of what a striker could be—creative, stylish, and devastating. Arsenal fans still revere him as their greatest-ever player, and his legacy remains unmatched among foreign imports.
Learn more about Henry’s Arsenal career.
3. Wayne Rooney – Everton, Manchester United
Wayne Rooney’s blend of skill, grit, and passion made him one of the Premier League’s most iconic figures. Emerging at Everton as a teenager, he joined Manchester United in 2004 and went on to score 208 EPL goals and register 103 assists, ranking second all-time in goals. Rooney’s versatility allowed him to thrive across multiple attacking roles—striker, playmaker, or even deep-lying midfielder. He won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, and numerous domestic trophies, becoming Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer. Known for spectacular goals—like his overhead kick against Manchester City—Rooney’s career combined artistry with determination. His leadership and longevity make him one of the greatest English players of all time.
Read more about Rooney’s career.
4. Ryan Giggs – Manchester United
Ryan Giggs embodied loyalty and excellence throughout his entire 24-year career at Manchester United. He played a record 632 Premier League matches, scoring 109 goals and assisting 162—the most assists in league history. As a winger, his pace and dribbling terrorized defenders in the 1990s, while his intelligence allowed him to adapt into a playmaker later in his career. Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and countless domestic cups, making him the most decorated player in English football history. Twice named PFA Young Player of the Year, Giggs was also included in the PFA Team of the Century. His longevity, professionalism, and consistency ensured he became the benchmark for future generations.
Learn more about Giggs’ career.
5. Frank Lampard – Chelsea, Manchester City
Frank Lampard was Chelsea’s midfield general and the Premier League’s most prolific midfielder with 177 goals and 102 assists. His timing, vision, and powerful shooting made him a constant threat from deep positions. Lampard was the driving force behind Chelsea’s rise under Roman Abramovich, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, four FA Cups, and two League Cups. He was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 2005 and finished runner-up for the 2005 Ballon d’Or. Known for consistency, he scored double figures in ten consecutive EPL seasons. Beyond statistics, Lampard was admired for his leadership, intelligence, and ability to rise in crucial moments, making him one of the most complete midfielders in league history.
Read Lampard’s profile on Chelsea FC.
6. Eric Cantona – Leeds United, Manchester United
Eric Cantona was more than just a player; he was a catalyst for Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s. After helping Leeds win the 1991–92 league title, he moved to Old Trafford and became the heartbeat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Cantona scored 70 goals and made 56 assists in the Premier League, guiding United to four titles in five seasons and two FA Cups. His flair, creativity, and leadership earned him the nickname “King Eric.” Though controversial at times, his confidence and charisma transformed United’s mentality. Cantona’s influence extended beyond numbers—he inspired a generation of players and laid the foundation for United’s dynasty.
Explore Cantona’s legacy.
7. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Steven Gerrard is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. Spending his entire EPL career at Liverpool, he scored 120 goals and recorded 92 assists, often carrying his team in big matches. Gerrard’s energy, passing range, and knack for spectacular goals made him Liverpool’s talisman for nearly two decades. While he never won the Premier League, he lifted two FA Cups, three League Cups, and captained Liverpool to their famous 2005 Champions League triumph in Istanbul. Gerrard was named PFA Player of the Year in 2006 and was included in the EPL Team of the Decade. His leadership, loyalty, and influence transcended trophies, making him a Liverpool legend.
Read more about Gerrard’s career.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise to global superstardom began in the Premier League. Across two spells at Manchester United, he scored 103 goals and provided 39 assists. His first stint (2003–2009) saw him evolve from a raw winger into a Ballon d’Or winner, helping United to three consecutive Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. Known for his speed, dazzling skills, and clinical finishing, Ronaldo became the first winger to score over 30 goals in a single EPL season. His second stint (2021–2022) added further goals, reaffirming his class. Ronaldo’s transformation at United shaped modern football’s superstar culture and solidified his status as one of the greatest players in history.
Read Ronaldo’s Manchester United profile.
9. Didier Drogba – Chelsea
Didier Drogba is remembered as one of the most clutch performers in Premier League history. Across nine seasons with Chelsea, he scored 104 goals and provided 55 assists. Renowned for his physicality, aerial power, and big-game mentality, Drogba helped Chelsea win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the 2012 Champions League, where he scored the equalizer and decisive penalty. Twice the EPL’s Golden Boot winner, Drogba had a knack for scoring in finals, cementing his reputation as a player for the biggest occasions. His leadership and charisma made him a fan favorite and one of Chelsea’s all-time greats.
Read Drogba’s Chelsea Hall of Fame profile.
10. Mohamed Salah – Chelsea, Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s journey in the Premier League is one of resilience and brilliance. After an underwhelming spell at Chelsea, Salah returned to England with Liverpool in 2017 and immediately lit up the league. He set a record for the most goals in a 38-game season with 32 goals in 2017–18, winning the Golden Boot in his debut campaign at Anfield. Since then, Salah has continued to be Liverpool’s talisman, scoring over 130 Premier League goals and providing countless assists. His lightning pace, precise finishing, and ability to perform in big games have made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. Salah played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph and their historic 2020 Premier League title, the club’s first in 30 years. Individually, he has won multiple Golden Boots and PFA awards, cementing his place as a modern legend. Salah’s influence extends beyond the pitch, as he is celebrated as an icon in Egypt and across the footballing world.
Read Salah’s Liverpool profile.
11. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, he has been the creative engine behind Pep Guardiola’s dominant side. De Bruyne’s extraordinary vision, passing accuracy, and ability to strike from distance make him a complete midfielder. With over 110 assists in the Premier League, he sits among the league’s greatest providers, often dictating matches with his intelligence and leadership. His versatility allows him to play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even deeper, always with the same impact. He has won five Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and has twice been named Premier League Player of the Season. Known for his trademark whipped crosses and incisive through balls, De Bruyne elevates those around him while also contributing with crucial goals. His consistency at the highest level cements his legacy as one of the EPL’s most influential playmakers.
Read De Bruyne’s Manchester City profile.
12. David Silva – Manchester City
David Silva, fondly called El Mago (“The Magician”), was the embodiment of elegance and creativity in the Premier League. Arriving from Valencia in 2010, Silva became the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield for a decade. His close control, vision, and composure in tight spaces made him nearly impossible to dispossess, while his intelligence allowed him to unlock defenses with ease. Over 309 Premier League appearances, Silva scored 60 goals and provided 93 assists, guiding City to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. His influence was not only statistical—Silva changed the culture of Manchester City, bringing flair and artistry that inspired a generation of players. Teammates often praised his quiet leadership and selflessness, while fans adored his consistency in big moments. Upon leaving City in 2020, Silva was celebrated as one of the greatest playmakers in league history, his impact still felt today.
Read Silva’s Manchester City profile.
13. Cesc Fàbregas – Arsenal, Chelsea
Cesc Fàbregas’ career in the Premier League was defined by intelligence, precision, and creativity. Bursting into Arsenal’s first team as a teenager, Fàbregas quickly established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. His ability to dictate tempo and find passes others couldn’t see made him Arsenal’s key playmaker and later captain. Across his EPL career, he recorded 111 assists—second only to Ryan Giggs—and scored 50 goals. After his return to Chelsea in 2014, Fàbregas played a crucial role in winning two Premier League titles, often acting as the link between defense and attack in José Mourinho and Antonio Conte’s systems. Beyond statistics, Fàbregas’ vision and leadership shaped two different eras of London football. His pinpoint passing and tactical awareness made him one of the most complete midfielders of his time, admired by teammates and respected by rivals.
Read Fàbregas’ Premier League profile.
14. Sergio Agüero – Manchester City
Few players have left a bigger mark on Premier League history than Sergio Agüero. The Argentine striker became Manchester City’s greatest-ever goalscorer, delivering unforgettable moments—including his dramatic stoppage-time winner against QPR in 2012 that sealed City’s first Premier League title. Agüero scored 184 Premier League goals in just 275 appearances, giving him the best goals-per-minute ratio in league history. His sharp movement, lethal finishing, and consistency made him nearly unstoppable for a decade. He won five Premier League titles, a Golden Boot, and multiple domestic trophies while also becoming a cult hero for City fans. Beyond numbers, Agüero was a big-game player, often scoring decisive goals against rivals. His loyalty, charisma, and match-winning ability secured his place as one of the league’s greatest foreign imports. The famous commentary—“Agüerooo!”—will forever immortalize his name in football folklore.
Read Agüero’s Manchester City profile.
15. Rio Ferdinand – West Ham, Leeds United, Manchester United, QPR
Rio Ferdinand is regarded as one of the finest defenders the Premier League has ever seen. Known for his elegance, composure, and ability to play out from the back, he redefined what it meant to be a modern center-back. After breaking through at West Ham and a spell at Leeds United, Ferdinand became a cornerstone of Manchester United’s defense following his record transfer in 2002. Over his career, he made 504 Premier League appearances, anchoring United’s backline for more than a decade. With Nemanja Vidić, Ferdinand formed one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in league history. He won six Premier League titles, a Champions League in 2008, and multiple domestic cups. Ferdinand’s leadership, anticipation, and calmness under pressure made him stand out in an era filled with world-class defenders. His influence continues today as a benchmark for ball-playing defenders across world football.
Read Ferdinand’s Manchester United profile.
