Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time

Ranking the 20 greatest Premier League players of all time

Ciku Njuguna, Cyprine Apindi
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:57 PM

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.

The greatest Premier League players of all time
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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

Who is the greatest Premier League player of all time?
Tony Adams attends a photocall during the Edinburgh International Book Festival at Charlotte Square Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: @Simone Padovani/Awakening/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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)

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.

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

premier league hall of fame
Patrick Viera looks on during the victory parade around the streets of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Photo: @Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

Who is the most decorated Premier League player of all time?
Ryan Giggs leaves Manchester Crown Court with his legal team in Manchester, England. Photo: @Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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)

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.

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

Who is the most decorated Premier League player of all time?
Thierry Henry attends The Prince's Trust and TKMaxx with Homesense Awards at London Palladium in London, England. Photo: @Chris Jackson
Source: Getty Images
  • 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.

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

13. Cristiano Ronaldo

premier league hall of fame
Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Lecce played behind closed doors at the Juventus stadium in Turin. Photo: @MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

greatest premier league team of all time
Roy Keane arrives before the Sir Bobby Robson Memorial Service at Durham Cathedral in Durham, England. Photo: @Stu Forster/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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)

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

greatest Premier League players of all time
Rio Ferdinand poses for a photograph following a Bloomberg Television interview in London, U.K. Photo: @Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

greatest premier league players of all time
David Beckham poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London. Photo: @DANIEL LEAL/AFP
Source: Getty Images
  • 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)

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

greatest Premier League players of all time
Roberto Mancini stands alongside captain Vincent Kompany (C) and Samir Nasri (R) as they parade the Barclays Premier League trophy around the streets of Manchester. Photo: @Christopher Furlong
Source: Getty Images
  • 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.

8. Eden Hazard

greatest premier league team of all time
Eden Hazard is seen during his presentation as a new player of Real Madrid Football Club at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. Photo: @Oscar J.Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

top 10 greatest premier league players of all time
David de Gea poses on the red carpet as he arrives to attend the "United for UNICEF Gala Dinner" at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England. Photo: @Anthony DEVLIN/ AFP
Source: Getty Images
  • 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.

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

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

Who is the most decorated Premier League player of all time?
Frank Lampard is seen arriving at Luton Airport in England. Photo: @Neil P. Mockford/GC Images
Source: Getty Images
  • 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.

3. Wayne Rooney

Who is the greatest Premier League player of all time?
British footballer Wayne Rooney speaks at a press conference in Washington, DC. Photo: @NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

premier league hall of fame
Sergio Agüero during media day at Manchester City Football Academy in Manchester, England. Photo: @Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC
Source: Getty Images
  • 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)

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

greatest Premier League players of all time
Kevin De Bruyne during media day at Manchester City Football Academy in Manchester, England. Photo: @Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC
Source: Getty Images
  • 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.

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 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.

Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.
Cyprine Apindi photo
Cyprine Apindi
Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and reporter with over 4 years of experience based in Kenya. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kenyatta University.