Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (2024)

Did you know the English Premier League is the first-tier League in England? It is also the most famous league globally. Its matches are broadcasted and streamed globally. Various teams in the league sign the best players globally. The greatest Premier League players of all time have created a rich legacy for themselves in the sports world.

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (1)
  • BRA Serie APalmeiras2Bragantino1Today
  • CONMEBOL Copa AmericaArgentina2Canada0Today
  • BRA Serie ACR Flamengo2Esporte Clube Bahia1Yesterday
  • BRA Serie AVitoria BA4Atletico Mineiro2Yesterday
  • UEFA EUROSpain1Italy0Yesterday
  • UEFA EURODenmark1England1Yesterday
  • UEFA EUROSlovenia1Serbia1Yesterday
  • USA MLSLA Galaxy2New York City Football Club0Yesterday
  • USA MLSSan Jose Earthquakes1Portland Timbers2Yesterday
  • BRA Serie ACruzeiro Esporte Clube2Fluminense RJ0Yesterday
  • See all resultsSee all fixtures

The greatest Premier League players of all time are known for their quality of play, play technique, goals scored, assists, and the number of clean sheets. They also have public appeal, and many people see them as role models.

Greatest Premier League players of all time

Below is a list of Premier League legends you should know about. These athletes have impressive career stats.

20. Tony Adams

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (22)
  • Full name: Tony Alexander Adams
  • Date of birth: 10th October 1966
  • Age: 56 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Romford, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Libra
  • Team: Arsenal (retired)
Who is the highest-paid coach in the PSL in 2023? Top 10 rankingFootball

Tony Adams is a former footballer ranked among the greatest Premier League players of all time. Unlike other athletes who change clubs frequently, he played for Arsenal throughout his career.

The athlete was signed with Arsenal from 1983 to 2002 when he retired. In 1999, he was awarded the MBE Member of the Order of the British Empire. He has previously managed Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth, and Azeri side Gabala.

19. Alan Shearer

  • Full name: Alan Shearer
  • Date of birth: 13th August 1970
  • Age: 52 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Leo
  • Teams: Southampton, Newcastle United, and Blackburn Rovers (retired)

Alan Shearer is one of the all-time legends of English football. He was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame because he scored a record 260 goals in his Premier League career.

The top 20 best Barcelona legends of all time: profilesFootball

He started his career at Southampton FC in 1988 and later joined Blackburn Rover. He joined Newcastle United in 1996 in a deal worth £15 million. He retired in 2006 and is now a television pundit for the BBC.

18. Patrick Vieira

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (25)
  • Full name: Patrick Vieira
  • Date of birth: 23rd June 1976
  • Age: 46 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal
  • Nationality: Senegalese-French
  • Zodiac sign: Cancer
  • Teams: Manchester City and Inter Milan (retired)

Patrick Vieira is the manager of Crystal Palace, a Premier League team. He is arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Patrick started his career at Cannes before joining Serie A club Milan. He was later signed with Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City. He retired in 2011.

17. Ryan Giggs

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (26)
  • Full name: Ryan Joseph Giggs
  • Date of birth: 29th November 1973
  • Age: 49 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: St David's Hospital, Cardiff, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
  • Team: Manchester United (retired)
Who are the top 15 best right-wingers in the world as of 2023?Football

Did you know Ryan Joseph Giggs co-owns Salford City? Until recently, he managed the Wales national team. He played his entire football career for Manchester United.

In his active years, Giggs was a left midfielder. He started his career with Manchester City but joined Manchester United at 14.

16. Paul Scholes

  • Full name: Paul Scholes
  • Date of birth: 16th November 1974
  • Age: 48 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Salford, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Scorpio
  • Team: Manchester United (retired)

Paul Scholes impressed the world by scoring his first goal on his full England debut in 1997. The athlete spent his entire professional playing career with Manchester United.

He scored over 150 goals for the team. Scholes retired from the game in May 2011 and was picked as a coach at Manchester United. His team is arguably the greatest Premier League team of all time.

Who are the top 15 Borussia Dortmund legends of all time?Football

15. Dennis Bergkamp

  • Full name: Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp
  • Date of birth: 10th May 1969
  • Age: 53 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Zodiac sign: Taurus
  • Teams: Arsenal and Inter Milan (retired)

Dennis Bergkamp played for Ajax between 1986 and 1993, Inter Milan between 1993 and 1995, and Arsenal from 1995 until 2006. The former athlete learned his impressive football skills at Ajax Youth Academy.

Today, he is the assistant manager of Ajax. Throughout his career, Bergkamp was a striker, where he remained throughout his playing career.

14. Thierry Henry

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (29)
  • Full name: Thierry Daniel Henry
  • Date of birth: 17th August 1977
  • Age: 45 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Les Ulis, France
  • Nationality: French
  • Zodiac sign: Leo
  • Teams: FC Barcelona and Arsenal (retired)

Thierry Henry is among the most successful and talented players of all time. He was part of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup.

TOP 15 best catchers of all time in Major League BaseballBaseball

Today, Thierry Henry is the assistant coach for the Belgium national team. He is also a television pundit.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (31)
  • Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
  • Date of birth: 5th February 1985
  • Age: 37 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Funchal, Portugal
  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Zodiac sign: Aquarius
  • Team: Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo is a household name in modern-day sports. The footballer plays as a forward for Manchester United and is the team captain for the Portugal national team.

The legendary player spent his early years playing for his local team. At 12, he was recognised among Madeira's top footballers. At 16, Gerard Houllier, the then-Liverpool manager, spotted him. Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United signed him in the summer of 2003.

12. Roy Keane

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (32)
  • Full name: Roy Maurice Keane
  • Date of birth: 10th August 1971
  • Age: 51 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Cork, Ireland
  • Nationality: Irish
  • Zodiac sign: Leo
  • Team: Manchester United (retired)
AC Milan's 2023/24 lineup: new players, transfer news, coaches, owners, captainFootball

Roy Keane is arguably the most successful Irish footballer of all time. He won 19 major trophies in his club career.

Sfter a brief stint with Blackburn Rovers, Roy Keane joined Manchester United. He ended 18-year playing career at Celtic.

11. Rio Ferdinand

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (34)
  • Full name: Rio Gavin Ferdinand
  • Date of birth: 7th November 1978
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Scorpio
  • Teams: Manchester United, Leeds United, West Ham, and AFC Bournemouth

Rio Ferdinand played as a centre-back. He started his career with West Ham United in 1992. Later, he played for the Hammers until the end of 2000.

After the Hammers, Ferdinand joined Leeds and was appointed the team captain. He then spent the best years of his career at Manchester United.

10. David Beckham

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (35)
  • Full name: David Robert Joseph Beckham
  • Date of birth: 2nd May 1975
  • Age: 47 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Taurus
  • Team: Manchester United (retired)
Tottenham's 2023/24 lineup: new players, transfer news, coaches, owners, captainFootball

David Beckham is an iconic athlete. Besides being a former footballer, his name is an elite global advertising brand. During his football career, he played for various teams, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and LA Galaxy.

From 2000 to 2009, Beckham was captain of the English national team. Today, he is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF. He also co-owns Salford City and is an actor.

9. Vincent Kompany

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (37)
  • Full name: Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany
  • Date of birth: 10th April 1986
  • Age: 36 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Uccle, Belgium
  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Zodiac sign: Aries
  • Team: Manchester City

Did you know Vincent Kompany is the manager of club Burnley? The multi-lingual athlete started his career with Anderlecht.

During his early career days, he was a defensive midfielder. He later became the central defence in his team. In 2008, he joined Manchester City, where he established himself as an integral part of the team.

Chelsea's 2023/24 lineup: new players, transfer news, coaches, owners, captainFootball

8. Eden Hazard

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (39)
  • Full name: Eden Michael Hazard
  • Date of birth: 7th January 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: La Louvière, Belgium
  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Zodiac sign: Capricorn
  • Team: Chelsea (former player)

Eden Hazard is in his peak years as a professional footballer. The Belgian athlete plays for Real Madrid and is also captain of the Belgium national team.

The athlete plays as a winger or attacking midfielder. Between 2012 and 2019, he played for Chelsea. His parents, Thierry Hazard and Carine Hazard, are also professional soccer players.

7. David de Gea

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (40)
  • Full name: David de Gea Quintana
  • Date of birth: 7th November 1990
  • Age: 32 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Zodiac sign: Scorpio
  • Team: Manchester United

Did you know David de Gea is a goalkeeper for Manchester United? The 32-year-old footballer desires to become the best goalkeeper in the world.

Top 20 hottest female footballers in the world right nowFootball

The athlete joined the team on 29th June 2011. He replaced Edwin van der Sar. Before then, he was signed with Atletico Madrid. He helped his former team to bag the 2009/10 Europa League trophy.

6. Jamie Vardy

  • Full name: Jamie Richard Vardy
  • Date of birth: 11th January 1987
  • Age: 35 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Sheffield, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Capricorn
  • Team: Leicester City

Jamie Vardy is a gifted and hardworking striker currently playing for Leicester City. In 2010, he joined FC Halifax Town.

In 2011, Vardy joined the Conference Premier club, Fleetwood Town. He moved to Leicester City in May 2012. He has contributed significantly to the success of Leicester City.

5. Harry Kane

  • Full name: Harry Edward Kane
  • Date of birth: 28th July 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Walthamstow, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Leo
  • Team: Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team
Top 30 best defensive midfielders in the world as of 2024 rankedFootball

Harry Kane is a striker for Tottenham Hotspur. He also captains the England national team. He joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy in July 2009.

In April 2014, the athlete got his first Premier League start against Sunderland. He is one of the top strikers in the world because of his prolific goalscoring record.

4. Frank Lampard

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (43)
  • Full name: Frank James Lampard
  • Date of birth: 20th June 1978
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Romford, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Gemini
  • Teams: West Ham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and New York City FC (retired)

On 26th August 2014, Frank Lampard announced his retirement from international football. He is the current manager of Everton.

The former soccer player was signed with Swansea City A.F.C. in1995 (on loan), West Ham United FC from 1996 to 2001, and Chelsea from 2001 to 2014.

Top 25 best Muslim football players in the world right nowFootball

3. Wayne Rooney

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (45)
  • Full name: Wayne Mark Rooney
  • Date of birth: 24th October 1985
  • Age: 37 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Croxteth, Liverpool, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: British
  • Zodiac sign: Scorpio
  • Team: Everton and Manchester United (retired)

Wayne Rooney is currently based in the United States of America, where he is the manager for Major League Soccer club D.C. He is most famous for playing for Manchester United and Everton.

During his playing years, Rooney was mostly a forward. He also took midfield roles. Rooney made his professional debut for Everton in 2002. His performance makes his name appear on the list of the top 10 greatest Premier League players of all time.

2. Sergio Agüero

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (46)
  • Full name: Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo
  • Date of birth: 2nd June 1988
  • Age: 34 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Zodiac sign: Gemini
  • Team: Manchester City (retired)
Top 25 highest-paid players in the Premier League rankedFootball

Sergio Agüero's grandparents nicknamed him Kun because of his close resemblance to Kum Kum, a Japanese anime character. The Argentine footballer was a striker and is among the top 10 best Premier League players of all time.

On 15th December 2021, Agüero announced his retirement from football. His decision was based on doctors' advice after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.

1. Kevin De Bruyne

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (48)
  • Full name: Kevin De Bruyne
  • Date of birth: 28th June 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Drongen, Ghent, Belgium
  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Zodiac sign: Cancer
  • Team: Manchester City and the Belgium national team

Kevin De Bruyne is recognised as one of the world's assist kings. The Belgian soccer player is signed with Manchester City. He also plays for the Belgium national team. The athlete started his career at the Belgian team called Genk.

Meet Michael Oher's siblings and family: age, wife, net worthNFL

In January 2012, he signed with Chelsea. On 30th August 2015, Manchester City announced his arrival in the team on a six-year contract. He renewed his contract. Kevin De Bruyne is among the best Premier League players in the 2021/22 season. On 1th May 2022, De Bruyne scored four goals in City's 5–1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Who is the greatest Premier League player of all time?

Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the greatest Premier League player of all time. Others on the list are Sergio Agüero, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Harry Kane, and Jamie Vardy.

Who is the most decorated Premier League player of all time?

The most decorated Premier League players of all time include Sergio Agüero, Kevin De Bruyne, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Harry Kane, and Jamie Vardy.

Which is the richest football club in the world in 2022?

The wealthiest football club in the world in 2022 is Real Madrid. The club has a net value of $5.1 billion.

Who are the top 25 best strikers in the world? Profiles, stats, moreFootball

Who are the best football managers of all time as of 2022?

The best football managers of all time include Carlo Ancelotti, José Mourinho, Louis Van Gaal, Jürgen Klopp, and Diego Simeone.

Who is the richest football team owner in the world as of 2022?

Sheikh Mansour, the owner of Manchester City, is the richest football team owner as of 2022. He has a net worth of $30 billion.

The greatest Premier League players of all time are passionate about the game. Some are retired, while others are at the peak of their careers.

READ ALSO: Which is the best football league in Africa, and why is it the best?

Sportsbrief.com recently published a list of the best football leagues in Africa. Football is one of the most commonly played sports on the continent.

Some of the world's most talented athletes in elite premierships were great players in the African championships. There are various football leagues on the continent that have nurtured many athletes.

Top 25 highest-paid soccer players in the South African Premier LeagueFootball
Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6701

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.