Greatest Premier League Players of All Time
Since 1992, the Premier League has seen many iconic footballers and football legends. Top english soccer stars as well as foreign stars have graced the Premier League, but who are the greatest Premier League players of all time? Are trophies or stats more important? We'll look into it.
Key Takeaways:
- Eric Cantona led Manchester United to four titles in five years. He's a French hero at Old Trafford.
- Paul Scholes, the master of Manchester United's midfield, won 11 titles and scored 177 goals.
- John Terry anchored Chelsea’s defense, playing 492 games and scoring 41 goals.
- Frank Lampard scored 177 goals and had 102 assists. He set a goal record over ten seasons.
- Steven Gerrard shined at Liverpool, winning nine big titles. He scored 120 and assisted 92.
- Ryan Giggs made a record 632 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 109 goals and 162 assists.
- Wayne Rooney won five titles and a Champions League. He scored 208 goals and assisted 103.
- Alan Shearer scored 260 goals, the most in Premier League history. He also won three Golden Boots.
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored 800 goals and won five Ballon d'Ors. He brought a Euro Cup to Portugal.
- Thierry Henry scored 175 goals and 74 assists. He won four Golden Boots.
We've looked at top Premier League players and standout Premier League performers. Let's explore more about their careers and the league.
Table of Contents
Eric Cantona - A French Icon at Manchester United
Eric Cantona is a big name in the Premier League's history. He is a French football hero known for his boldness and outstanding skills. Cantona played a key role in Manchester United's winning times in the 1990s.
He joined Manchester United in 1992 and made a big impact from the start. Cantona's special way of playing and his charm won the hearts of many at Old Trafford. With him, the team won four Premier League titles in five seasons, showing their strength.
Cantona was very important for the team's success. His leadership, both on and off the field, was respected by all. He helped Manchester United become a dominant force in the 1990s.
Alan Shearer, a top scorer in the Premier League, and a Hall of Fame member, called Cantona a maverick and an icon. He said Cantona was key to Manchester United's success back then.
But Cantona's influence went beyond Manchester United. He showed French players they could do well in England's league. Players like Thierry Henry found motivation in him, leaving a big mark on football around the world.
Thierry Henry, another Hall of Fame member, thanks Cantona for inspiring French players. He said Cantona helped them do well in the Premier League.
Cantona's time in the Premier League was truly inspiring. He paved the way for many players to follow their dreams and succeed. His legacy in English football is still strong today.
Eric Cantona: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 70 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 56 |
| International Career Goals | 20 |
| International Career Assists | 3 |
| Awards | Premier League Titles (4 times) FA Cup (2 times) PFA Players' Player of the Year (1 time) FWA Footballer of the Year (1 time) Member of the PFA Team of the Year (4 times) Premier League Player of the Month UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1992) English Football Hall of Fame |
| Coaching Career | Not applicable |
Paul Scholes - The Maestro of Manchester United's Midfield
Paul Scholes is known as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. He has shown amazing passing skills and the ability to control game pace. Scholes is a key part of Manchester United’s success, winning 11 Premier League titles. His accurate passing and vision make him a game-changer from the midfield.
Scholes is praised for his amazing pass success rate: 92.5 percent. This shows he hits his target well. He also makes nearly 10 good long passes each game. His long-range passing boosts Manchester United's attacks.
Scholes is the second-best passer in the Premier League for passing accurately. His precise passes help his team score. In Europe, he's the third-best midfielder at spreading the play.
He's better at passing than Mark van Bommel and Andrea Pirlo. Even with top midfielders like Luka Modric, Scholes excels in long passing. He's great at moving the game around the field.
Scholes is also good at scoring. He scored on his second debut in the Premier League. His goals in important matches helped Manchester United win.
Paul Scholes: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 107 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 55 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 499 |
| International Career Goals | 14 |
| Awards | Premier League Titles (11 times) FA Cup (3 times) UEFA Champions League (2 times) PFA Team of the Year (2 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI English Football Hall of Fame |
| Coaching Career | Oldham Athletic (manager) Manchester United (youth coach) |
John Terry - The Backbone of Chelsea's Defense
John Terry is a soccer star that's hard to forget. He played at the heart of Chelsea's defense and was a key player in their victories. Named the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005, Terry was seen as a top player. His skills on the field and leadership off it are highly esteemed.
During his time, Terry played in 508 Premier League games. This shows his strength and consistency. His leadership helped Chelsea win five Premier League titles. Terry was not only great at defending but also at scoring, showing his big role on the team.
Terry's skill in defense led to 195 clean sheets. This made him a highly respected player. His strong defense was key to Chelsea's success.
Terry was a great leader too. His voice and drive on the field inspired his team to win. Under his captaincy, Chelsea celebrated many victories.
Additionally, Terry scored 40 goals as a center-back. This shows his amazing skill at both ends of the field.
As Chelsea's captain, Terry helped them win five titles. This is a great achievement in Premier League history (). He was a key player in all of these winning seasons.
Terry also has two key records. He topped the list for most clean sheets and goals by a defender. This highlights his amazing defense and offense skills (). Terry will always be remembered as one of the best Premier League defenders of all time.
John Terry: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 41 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 12 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 492 |
| International Career Goals | 6 |
| Awards | Premier League Titles (5 times) FA Cup (5 times) PFA Players' Player of the Year (1 time) UEFA Club Defender of the Year (3 times) PFA Team of the Year (4 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI (5 times) English Football Hall of Fame |
| Coaching Career | Aston Villa (assistant) Leicester City (assistant) |
Frank Lampard - The Prolific Midfield Goalscorer
Frank Lampard is known for scoring lots of goals at Chelsea. He's one of the top midfielders in Premier League history. Lampard scored 177 goals in the Premier League. He also won three league titles.
Lampard was great at scoring and helping others score. He showed his skills by scoring and giving assists. His playing was key to Chelsea winning.
Lampard didn't stop at the Premier League. He scored a total of 211 goals for Chelsea in all matches. He could score from anywhere, even from long distances. Lampard's skill and flexibility as a midfielder were clear.
Lampard was also good at setting up goals for his teammates. He gave 102 assists in the Premier League. This makes him the fourth best assist giver ever in the league. His smart passes showed he was a complete midfielder.
Lampard did well not just at Chelsea but also for England. He played 106 games for his national team. He scored 29 goals for England. Lampard was England's player of the year twice.
After playing, Lampard became a manager at Chelsea. This move shows his love and knowledge of football. He went from playing to teaching the game he loves.
Frank Lampard is a true legend of the Premier League. His skill, consistency, and team play make him stand out. His work in and out of games will always be remembered. Lampard is one of the best ever in football.
Frank Lampard: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 177 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 102 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 609 |
| International Career Goals | 29 |
| Awards | Premier League Titles (3 times) FA Cup (4 times) PFA Fans' Player of the Year (1 time) FWA Footballer of the Year (1 time) UEFA Midfielder of the Year PFA Team of the Year (3 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI |
| Coaching Career | Derby County Chelsea Everton |
Steven Gerrard - The Heart and Soul of Liverpool
Steven Gerrard was a top club *image here*, known for his strong shots and stopping foes. He helped Liverpool a lot, especially in the 2005 Champions League win and two other cup victories. Liverpool almost won the top league a few times with him on the team.
Gerrard could make the ball fly with great passes, like ones that got past the defenders or flew across the field. He was very fit and moved well all over the field. In the 2005 Champions League final, he got his team a penalty by dribbling into the box.
Although he mostly played in the middle, Gerrard sometimes showed his skill on the wing. He was also good at keeping the team safe by helping out on defense.
Gerrard was known for pushing the ball far ahead when facing a defender one-on-one. But, he did struggle a bit when trying fancy moves in tight spots.
One big thing Gerrard did well was shooting the ball from far away. He could score from over 20 yards out, making him a threat whenever he got near the goal.
Even when playing in a more defensive role, Gerrard was still key. He knew when to make his move and break the other team's play. But, he wasn't perfect and sometimes found it hard to stop attackers alone.
Steven Gerrard: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 120 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 92 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 504 |
| International Career Goals | 21 |
| Awards | FA Cup (2 times) UEFA Champions League (1 time) PFA Players' Player of the Year (1 time) FWA Footballer of the Year (1 time) PFA Team of the Year (8 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI (3 times) UEFA Team of the Year (3 times) |
| Coaching Career | Rangers Aston Villa |
Ryan Giggs - The Iconic Welsh Winger
Ryan Giggs is seen as a top player in Premier League history. He played 963 games for Manchester United. His skill, speed, and creativeness as a winger were amazing.
Giggs set a record with 162 assists in the Premier League. He could make chances for goals like no one else. His runs and passes were hard for defenders to stop.
In addition to his domestic success, Giggs also represented Wales and the Great Britain Olympic Team. He played in a total of 1031 career matches, including 64 appearances for Wales and 4 matches in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
He achieved so much, winning 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, and 2 Champions Leagues. He always aimed to win and was very good under pressure.
Across his career, Giggs won 34 major trophies. This shows how much he helped Manchester United win. He also became a role model for young players around the world.
Giggs got many awards that show his special talent and impact. He was the PFA Young Player of the Year twice in a row and in 2009 he won PFA Players' Player of the Year. These awards show what other players thought of him, and how much they respected him.
Giggs was often in the PFA Team of the Year, picked six times. This shows how much other players admired him. He was known for his great playing all the time.
His success wasn't just in England. In 2002, he was in the UEFA Champions League 10 Seasons Dream Team. This special recognition placed him among the best in European football.
Ryan Giggs truly left his mark on the Premier League. His talents, versatility, and record-breaking wins make him an outstanding player. He continues to be a big inspiration for new footballers, and he's still considered one of the best in the Premier League.
Ryan Giggs: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 109 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 162 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 632 |
| International Career Goals | 12 |
| Awards | Premier League Titles (13 times) FA Cup (4 times) PFA Young Player of the Year (2 times) BBC Sports Personality of the Year English Football Hall of Fame FIFA FIFPro World XI |
| Coaching Career | Manchester United (assistant and interim manager) Wales national team |
Wayne Rooney - The Complete Forward
Wayne Rooney is a top name in Premier League historybest Premier League players of all time. He began at Everton with a fantastic goal. Rooney's skills were clear from the start. He scored 208 goals and helped with 103 more.
Rooney could do it all on the field, attack and defend. His hard-hitting play scared off other teams' players. He could score goals and get the ball back, showing he's a full-package player.
At Manchester United, Rooney broke big records. In 2016, he scored his 250th goal with a shot against Stoke City. This showed his long and strong career.
Rooney also shined for England, with 53 goals in 120 games. This makes him one of England's top scorers and players.
He won five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy. Rooney's drive and success made him stand out from the rest.
Besides many goals, Rooney was leader. His ability to lift his team won him awards. In 2009-2010, he won the PFA Player's Player of the Year prize.
Rooney's place as the third leading scorer in the Premier League will always be an inspiration. His passion and hard work left a big mark. He is remembered as one of the best to play in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Statistic | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Premier League Goals | 208 |
| Assists | 103 |
| Club Appearances | 569 |
| Manchester United Goals | 183 |
| England National Team Appearances | 120 |
| England National Team Goals | 53 |
| Premier League Titles | 5 |
| Champions League Trophy | 1 |
| Highest Premier League Goal Scorer | No. 3 |
Alan Shearer - The Premier League's Top Scorer
Alan Shearer is known as the Premier League's top goal scorer. He made 260 goals, a record since December 1993.
Shearer is famous not just for scoring a lot. He showed skill and steady goal-scoring. He played well for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
At Blackburn, he scored 112 goals in 138 games. Helping win the Premier League in 1994-95. He was named the top goal scorer twice in a row then. After moving to Newcastle United, he kept scoring. Notching 148 goals in 303 matches.
Shearer knew how to score many ways. His skill for scoring at big times was unmatchable. Yet, he wasn't only about scoring. He was also a great team leader. He inspired his teammates both on and off the field.
Shearer’s record will likely be beaten in the future. But his mark on the Premier League will last forever. His talent and hard work are remembered by football fans all over the world.
Alan Shearer: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
- 260 goals, the most in Premier League history
- 112 goals in 138 appearances for Blackburn Rovers
- 148 goals in 303 appearances for Newcastle United
- Premier League title winner with Blackburn Rovers (1994-95)
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Alan Shearer | 260 |
| Harry Kane | 213 |
| Wayne Rooney | 208 |
| Andrew Cole | 187 |
| Sergio Agüero | 184 |
| Frank Lampard | 177 |
| Thierry Henry | 175 |
| Robbie Fowler | 163 |
Cristiano Ronaldo - The Complete Attacker
When we talk about the best players in the Premier League, we can't forget Cristiano Ronaldo. He showed he was one of the world's top players while playing in the Premier League. His amazing goals and his skill on the field made him stand out from the rest.
Playing for Manchester United, Ronaldo made a big impact. He scored 118 goals in 292 games, showing he was great both in attack and defense. He changed his style from a simple winger to a smart center forward. This change helped him score more goals and save energy for key moments. With his great strength and skills, he often won one-on-one fights with his opponents, making them look weak against him.
After joining Juventus, Ronaldo's talents didn’t fade. He worked with coach Andrea Pirlo on new attacking strategies. These changes let him keep on scoring and helping his team do well.
In his whole career, Ronaldo has scored more than 800 goals. These include many famous goals in different matches. His skills have won him many top awards, even five Ballon d'Or prizes. He has also done well in the UEFA Champions League and with his national team, Portugal.
Ronaldo’s not just known for his goals but also for being tough and lasting a long time in the sport. He has played in over 1,200 professional games. This shows his love and hard work for football, which have helped him keep being one of the best. A dynamic image of Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, showcasing his complete attacking skills - dribbling past defenders, taking powerful shots on goal, and performing his signature celebration with arms outstretched. The stadium in the background should be packed with cheering fans, highlighting his status as a beloved and legendary player in the Premier League.
To sum up, Ronaldo has truly amazed the Premier League with his skills and dedication to the sport. He will always be remembered as a football legend. Ronaldo continues to show the world his greatness in football today and when thinking about legendary athletes he's up there with the best no matter the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 103 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 37 |
| Total Premier League Appearances | 236 |
| International Career Goals | 123 |
| International Career Assists | 43 |
| Awards | Ballon d'Or (5 times) Premier League Titles (3 times) FA Cup (1 time) UEFA Champions League (5 times) PFA Players' Player of the Year (2 times) FWA Footballer of the Year (2 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI (14 times) UEFA Team of the Year (15 times) |
| Coaching Career | Not applicable |
Thierry Henry - The Best Premier League Player of All Time
Thierry Henry stands out as a top player in the Premier League. He had great skill with the ball, making the game beautiful. His ability to score goals was amazing.
Henry scored 175 goals during his time in the Premier League. This high number shows he was a sharp shooter. Fans loved watching him play.
What made Henry special was how well he could change his game. He started as a winger but switched to a central striker. This move made him the top scorer in Arsenal's history.
His skill went beyond scoring goals. He was smart on the field. Henry was great at seeing ways to set up goals for others.
In one season, he set a record with 20 assists. Overall, Henry helped create 74 goals for his teammates. He was not just a goal scorer but also a playmaker.
"Henry's elegance, technique, and ability to impact games were unparalleled. He was a complete forward who could score goals in stunning fashion, as well as provide assists for his teammates. His style of play and his goal celebrations became iconic, making him a fan favorite."
Henry's talent even wowed on the world stage. He played for France in big events like the World Cup. He helped France win the World Cup and Euro 2000.
In October 2007, he became France's top goal scorer. Henry truly is a legend in world soccer.
Thierry Henry: Career Achievements and Statistical Data
| Achievement | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Total Premier League Goals | 175 |
| Total Premier League Assists | 74 |
| International Career Goals | 51 |
| International Career Assists | 30 |
| Awards | French Player of the Year (5 times) FWA Footballer of the Year (3 times) PFA Players' Player of the Year (2 times) Member of the PFA Team of the Year (6 times) FIFA FIFPro World XI UEFA Team of the Year (5 times) UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball and Golden Shoe 2006 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team |
| Coaching Career | Arsenal U-19, Belgium, Monaco, Montreal Impact, France U21, France Olympic |
Henry truly reshaped the Premier League and the whole game. His talent was outstanding. He made everyone around him play better. With his many records and his style, Henry is the best Premier League player ever.
Conclusion
Determining the best Premier League player is hard but sparks big discussions. In this article, we picked our all-time best epl players. They are all remembered as legends in the league. Like Eric Cantona from Franceand Thierry Henry from. The Premier League saw many amazing stars who changed the game forever.
Players like Cantona helped United win four titles in the 90s. His unique style and confidence were a big part of their success. Then, Henry was known for his smooth moves. He set records at Arsenal, making him one of the best ever in the Premier League..
Over the years, many top players impressed us. Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Frank Lampard showed amazing skill. Rooney made 208 goals and 103 assists, Shearer scored the most goals at 260, and Lampard scored 177 goals. They are remembered by fans all over the world for their excellence.
We can't forget the midfield stars like Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, andDavid Silva. They were known for their amazing passes and smart plays. They led their teams to lots of wins and titles. They are considered some of the best in Premier League history.
We've also seen great keepers and defenders in the Premier League. People like Petr Cech and David Seaman, along with John Terry andAshley Cole, showed their defensive talents. They were very important for their teams' success, showing strong leadership.
To sum up, the Premier League has had many amazing players. From the unforgettable Cantona to the record-holder Shearer, they all made a mark. Thanks to these players, the Premier League is loved all over the world.
FAQ
Who is considered the greatest Premier League player of all time?
Determining the top Premier League player is up for passionate debate. Many enthusiasts regard Thierry Henry highly in English football history. He stands out as one of the best.
Which player has the most Premier League titles?
Ryan Giggs earned the most Premier League titles. He claimed 13 titles during his amazing time at Manchester United.
Who is the top scorer in Premier League history?
Alan Shearer tops the Premier League goal chart with 260 goals. His scoring records make him a true legend in English football.
Which midfielders are among the greatest Premier League players?
Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard rank as top midfielders in Premier League history. Scholes gathered 11 Premier League titles. Lampard leads in goals for Chelsea.
Who is the most decorated player in Premier League history?
Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the Premier League. He won 13 titles and other honors with Manchester United.
How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score in the Premier League?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 84 goals in the Premier League. His time there showed his amazing attacking skills.
Did Steven Gerrard win a Premier League title?
Steven Gerrard didn't win a Premier League title with Liverpool. Yet, his role in the team's success, like the 2005 Champions League win, is widely recognized.
