The Premier League is one of the greatest and toughest leagues of all time. When it comes to Premier League greatness, certain players have left an indelible mark on the competition, shaping its history with their skill, consistency, and impact on the game.
This list is a collection of legends who’ve defined eras, shattered records, and won the hearts of millions. While no list of this kind can be perfect or please everyone, it’s a special tribute to those who’ve truly stood out and earned their place among the greatest. Here are the top 10 Premier League players of all time.
10. Paul Scholes
One of Manchester United’s finest, Paul Scholes, secures the next spot. While Roy Keane’s name could’ve been here, Scholes’ technical brilliance earns him the edge.
Scholes, a winner of 11 Premier League titles, was the heartbeat of United’s midfield. His vision and range of passing were unmatched, making him a player who could control the flow of a game almost single-handedly. His knack for scoring added to his legend, with his 2006 volley against Aston Villa one of the Premier League’s most iconic strikes.
9. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, arguably the most prolific goal-scoring midfielder in Premier League history, comes next on the list.
With 177 Premier League goals, Lampard stands as Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer, an achievement that highlights his incredible goal-scoring consistency. Over ten consecutive seasons, he hit double figures for goals, and his 102 career assists are just as impressive. His contributions helped Chelsea win three Premier League titles, and his name will forever be associated with their success.
8. Steven Gerrard
Liverpool’s talisman, Steven Gerrard, follows closely. Although he never lifted a Premier League trophy, his influence and impact on English football are undeniable.
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Gerrard’s passion, leadership, and ability to drive Liverpool forward were legendary. His 120 goals and 92 assists for the Reds highlight his all-around brilliance. The pinnacle of his career came in 2005 when his heroics led Liverpool to an unforgettable Champions League triumph.
7. Mohamed Salah
It’s truly remarkable that Mohamed Salah, still at the peak of his powers, has already established himself as the sixth greatest player in Premier League history.
After a difficult stint at Chelsea, Salah returned to the Premier League as a different player following his time in Serie A with Fiorentina and AS Roma. The winger evolved into an almost unstoppable goal machine, regularly cutting in from the right to bend the ball into the top corner.
It might sound like an exaggeration, but with three Premier League Golden Boots under his belt, Salah’s reputation as one of the league’s most lethal forwards is well-earned. His creativity is just as impressive, averaging an incredible 34 goal contributions per season over his six full campaigns with Liverpool.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
In a period defined by incredible talent and unprecedented spending in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne has managed to stand out as the league’s best player for a sustained period.
The Belgian maestro has been at the heart of Manchester City’s most successful era, winning five league titles and joining an elite group of players to win back-to-back PFA Player of the Year awards. And he’s far from done—expect more silverware and individual accolades before he retires.
5. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs was the epitome of consistency and longevity in the Premier League, making an astonishing 632 appearances for Manchester United across 22 seasons.
His contribution of 109 goals and 162 assists was key to United’s dominance in English football, with Giggs winning a record 13 Premier League titles. His quick feet, precise passing, and knack for scoring crucial goals ensured he remained a vital player well into his later years.
4. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene as a teenager and quickly became one of the most complete forwards in Premier League history.
Rooney’s 208 Premier League goals place him second on the all-time scoring list, but his work ethic and versatility set him apart. Known for his ability to both score and create, Rooney’s tenacity made him a fan favourite. He claimed five league titles with Manchester United and was instrumental in their 2008 Champions League triumph.
3. Alan Shearer
The Premier League’s all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer, deservedly ranks third.
With 260 league goals, Shearer was a model of consistency throughout his career. Whether scoring headers, long-range screamers, or poacher’s finishes, Shearer had every tool in his arsenal. His early success came at Blackburn Rovers, where he lifted the Premier League trophy, before becoming a Newcastle legend.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United propelled him to worldwide stardom, and he went on to become one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
Ronaldo’s 2007/08 season, where he scored 31 league goals and won the Ballon d’Or, remains one of the most memorable individual campaigns in Premier League history. His combination of skill, pace, and finishing set a new benchmark in English football, and his legacy as one of the GOATs is cemented.
1. Thierry Henry
Topping the list is Thierry Henry, whose grace and skill made him one of the most iconic players the Premier League has ever seen.
Henry’s 175 league goals and four Golden Boots speak volumes about his brilliance. Arsenal’s all-time top scorer had a unique blend of pace, power, and elegance, scoring spectacular goals with ease. His record 20 assists in a single season also highlights his selflessness, making him the complete forward. Simply put, Henry was in a league of his own, and his place as the Premier League’s greatest is well deserved.
NOTABLE MENTION
Though they didn’t make the top 10, these players have still left a huge mark on the Premier League. Their talent and influence make them legends in their own right.
- Eric Cantona
- Dennis Bergkamp
- Didier Drogba
- Sergio Agüero
- Patrick Vieira
- Peter Schmeichel
- Roy Keane
- David Beckham
- Robin van Persie
- Rio Ferdinand
- John Terry
- Gareth Bale
- David Silva
- Yaya Touré
- Nemanja Vidić
- Andy Cole
- Robbie Fowler
- Claude Makélélé
- Ashley Cole
- Vincent Kompany
