The English top flight, which began officially in 1888, has witnessed some of the greatest players and unforgettable moments in football history. With so many legendary figures, it can be difficult to name them all.
When discussing the best to have played in England’s top division, names like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo come to mind. While numerous foreign stars have left their mark, especially in the Premier League era, British players have also played a crucial role in shaping the league’s history.
We have ranked the 10 greatest British players in English top flight history using key criteria such as longevity, legacy, domestic honors, and performance level compared to their peers.
Ranking Criteria:
- Longevity: The number of years the player spent in England’s top flight.
- Legacy: How well the player is remembered by the fans of their respective clubs.
- Honors Won: The level of domestic success achieved in the league.
- Quality: The player’s overall performance level compared to others in their era.
Top 10 Greatest British Players in English Top-Flight History
| Rank | Player | Years in England | Domestic Honors Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Best | 1963-1977, 1979-1980, 1982-1983 | First Division ×2, Charity Shield ×2 |
| 2 | Kenny Dalglish | 1969-1990 | First Division ×6, FA Cup ×1, League Cup ×4, Charity Shield ×5 |
| 3 | Bobby Charlton | 1956-1976 | First Division ×3, FA Cup ×1, Charity Shield ×2 |
| 4 | Wayne Rooney | 2002-2018 | Premier League ×5, FA Cup ×1, League Cup ×3, Community Shield ×4 |
| 5 | Alan Shearer | 1987-2006 | Premier League ×1 |
| 6 | Jimmy Greaves | 1957-1990 | FA Cup ×2, Charity Shield ×2 |
| 7 | Bobby Moore | 1957-1971 | FA Cup ×1, Charity Shield ×1 |
| 8 | Paul Scholes | 1994-2013 | Premier League ×11, FA Cup ×3, League Cup ×2, Charity Shield ×5 |
| 9 | Kevin Keegan | 1971-1977, 1980-1982 | First Division ×3, FA Cup ×1, Charity Shield ×2 |
| 10 | Ryan Giggs | 1990-2014 | Premier League ×13, FA Cup ×4, League Cup ×4, Community Shield ×9 |
10. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
Ryan Giggs ranks 10th on the list due to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. The Welsh winger played for over two decades, winning a record 13 Premier League titles. Known for his dribbling ability and clutch performances, Giggs also won two UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United in 1999 and 2008.
9. Kevin Keegan (Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle United)
Kevin Keegan’s brilliance in the 1970s and early 1980s earns him a place on this list. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was a key player in Liverpool’s dominance under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. His energy, skill, and attacking impact made him one of the most influential British players of his era.
8. Paul Scholes (Manchester United)
Paul Scholes was a midfield maestro for Manchester United, known for his passing, vision, and ability to control games. A key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams, he won 11 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Although he didn’t achieve much with England, Scholes remains one of the greatest midfielders in British football history.
7. Bobby Moore (West Ham United, Fulham)
Bobby Moore is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. The England captain who led his nation to World Cup glory in 1966, Moore was a leader for both club and country. His defensive intelligence and composure helped West Ham United lift an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
6. Jimmy Greaves (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United)
Jimmy Greaves was one of the most prolific goalscorers in English football history, netting 357 goals in the English top flight. His most successful years were with Tottenham Hotspur, where he won two FA Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. He also played a role in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
5. Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United)
Alan Shearer remains the all-time leading goalscorer in Premier League history with 260 goals. He was a complete striker known for his powerful shots and clinical finishing. Shearer won a Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers before becoming Newcastle United’s all-time top scorer and most iconic player.
4. Wayne Rooney (Everton, Manchester United)
Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, was a versatile forward who made an impact from a young age. His work rate, technical ability, and knack for scoring spectacular goals helped him win five Premier League titles and numerous other domestic trophies.
3. Bobby Charlton (Manchester United)
Bobby Charlton was a legendary figure who played a crucial role in Manchester United’s recovery after the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. His technical ability and goal-scoring prowess helped the club win three First Division titles and their first European Cup in 1968. Charlton was also a key player in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
2. Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool)
Kenny Dalglish was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominance in the 1970s and 1980s, winning six First Division titles. The Scotsman was both a playmaker and a clinical finisher, making him one of the most complete forwards in British football history. Dalglish also won three European Cups with Liverpool, further cementing his legacy.
1. George Best (Manchester United)
Topping the list is George Best, widely regarded as the most naturally gifted British footballer ever. Known for his incredible dribbling skills and flair, Best was capable of single-handedly changing games. He won two First Division titles and the 1968 European Cup with Manchester United, the same year he claimed the Ballon d’Or. His impact on football, both domestically and internationally, secures his place as the greatest British player in English top-flight history.
This ranking is based on statistics from the Premier League’s official website and Transfermarkt. While opinions may differ, these 10 players have undoubtedly left an unforgettable mark on English football history.
