Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History Ranked

The right-wing position has been home to some of football's most legendary figures. Over time, the role evolved from simply crossing balls into the box to becoming a major creative force on the field. Speed, dribbling skill, and precise finishing define the best players who have thrived on this flank.

From World Cup stages to Champions League nights, right-wingers have played pivotal roles in football's greatest moments. In 2025, Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal already shines as one of the finest in recent memory, promising to join these all-time greats.

Below is a ranking of the 15 greatest right-wingers ever, including stars from the 1930s up to current icons.

Criteria for Ranking

• Legacy: How players are remembered and their lasting impact.
• Longevity: Duration at the highest level.
• Statistics: Consistent goal-scoring and chance creation.
• Individual Honors: Awards and accolades earned during careers.

Ranking of the Greatest Right-Wingers

• 1. Lionel Messi – Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
• 2. Garrincha – Serrano, Botafogo, Corinthians, Flamengo
• 3. George Best – Manchester United, Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes
• 4. Stanley Matthews – Stoke City, Blackpool, Toronto City
• 5. Jimmy Johnstone – Celtic, San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne, Elgin City
• 6. Gareth Bale – Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC
• 7. Luis Figo – Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan
• 8. David Beckham – Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG
• 9. Arjen Robben – Groningen, PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
• 10. Mohamed Salah – Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Roma, Liverpool
• 11. Helmut Rahn – Sportfreunde Katernberg, Rot-Weiss Essen, FC Koln, SC Enschede, Meidericher SV
• 12. Angel Di Maria – Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, Juventus
• 13. Amancio – Deportivo La Coruna, Real Madrid
• 14. Julinho – Portuguesa, Fiorentina, Palmeiras
• 15. Roberto Donadoni – Atalanta, Milan, MetroStars, Al-Ittihad

Spotlight on Some Legends

Though often recalled for his management roles with Italy and clubs like Napoli, Donadoni was a standout right-winger known for his speed and agility. He helped power Milan to six Serie A titles during the 1990s, excelling on both wings.

• Appearances: 584
• Goals: 36
• Assists: 76
• Honors: Serie A Team of the Year (1986)

Famous for dazzling dribbles and a fierce shot, Julinho made over 250 appearances for Palmeiras. He could also create chances by cutting inside. His impact was so profound at Fiorentina he was named the club’s greatest player in 1996.

• Appearances: 549
• Goals: 204
• Honors: Serie A Team of the Year (1957)

Known as 'El Brujo' or 'The Wizard,' Amancio starred for Real Madrid between 1962-1976. Twice La Liga top scorer and third in the 1964 Ballon d’Or, he was an iconic figure in Spanish football.

• Appearances: 579
• Goals: 223
• Honors: Pichichi Trophy (1969, 1970), Ballon d’Or Third Place (1964)

From Rosario Central to world-class status at Real Madrid, Di Maria's left foot helped secure many titles. Often overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, his creativity was crucial in Champions League triumphs during the 2010s.

• Appearances: 821
• Goals: 202
• Assists: 280
• Honors: FIFA World Cup Dream Team (2014), UEFA Team of the Year (2014), La Liga Top Assist Provider (2014)

Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1958 and 1954 World Cup winner with West Germany, Rahn was a clever outside right with a knack for scoring. His club success peaked with Rot-Weiss Essen, winning the DfB-Pokal in 1953.

• Appearances: 365
• Goals: 163
• Honors: Ballon d’Or Runner-Up (1958)

One of two active players on this list, 'The Egyptian King' rose from a modest Premier League start at Chelsea to superstardom at Liverpool. Ending a 30-year wait for a league title and adding a sixth Champions League trophy, Salah’s pace and precision remain unmatched. He led Liverpool again to a Premier League crown in 2024/25.

• Appearances: 731
• Goals: 366
• Assists: 189
• Honors: Premier League Player of the Year (2018), Premier League Golden Boot (2018, 2019, 2022), FIFA Puskas Award (2018)

Robben was famous for cutting inside onto his left foot. His stints at Chelsea and Real Madrid brought trophies, but his peak came with Bayern Munich. He scored the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final and took the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final.

• Appearances: 710
• Goals: 246
• Assists: 199
• Honors: UEFA Euro top assist provider (2004), German Footballer of the Year (2010), FIFA FIFPro World XI (2014)

Globally renowned, Beckham's career was built on exceptional crossing and free-kicks. Part of Manchester United’s treble-winning 'Class of 92', he narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 1999. His move to LA Galaxy expanded football's reach in North America.

• Appearances: 837
• Goals: 144
• Assists: 267
• Honors: Premier League Playmaker of the Season (1998, 2000, 2001), Ballon d’Or runner-up (1999), English Football Hall of Fame (2008), Premier League Hall of Fame (2021)

Figo was central to Real Madrid’s 'Galacticos'. Winning the Ballon d’Or in 2000 with Barcelona, then controversially moving to Madrid, he became a legend there. He starred for Portugal's golden generation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, reaching the 2004 European Championship final and 2006 World Cup semis.

• Appearances: 792
• Goals: 156
• Assists: 262
• Honors: Portuguese Footballer of the Year (1995–2000), La Liga top assist provider (1997, 1999), Ballon d’Or (2000), FIFA World Player of the Year (2001), Champions League top assist provider (2005)

Bale started as a left-back before becoming one of the most thrilling right-wingers. At Tottenham, he stunned Inter Milan in the 2012/13 Champions League. After earning Premier League Player of the Year in 2013, he moved to Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles. His overhead kick in the 2018 final remains unforgettable.

• Appearances: 665
• Goals: 225
• Assists: 154
• Honors: Premier League Player of the Season (2013), UEFA Team of the Year (2011, 2013), PFA Young Player of the Year (2013), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2018)