The 50 Greatest Arsenal Players of All Time

On the outside of the Emirates Stadium, massive murals depict Arsenal legends standing united. This club proudly honors its history, beginning in the 1880s south of the Thames, with Victorian gentlemen, but truly modern football took shape under Herbert Chapman at Highbury. Since then, countless players have illuminated not only North London but the entire football world.

Maybe one day, players like Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka will join this list. For now, here are the finest individuals who have ever worn the red and white.

50 to 41

• Michael Thomas (50): Calmness defined him, yet his unforgettable late goal at Anfield in 1989 secured Arsenal the league title, forever engraving him into club folklore.
• David Jack (49): Signed by Chapman after a shrewd negotiation, he powered Arsenal to three titles and is among few to score over 100 top-flight goals for two clubs.
• Jens Lehmann (48): Known for his vocal presence and time-wasting antics, Lehmann was a key figure during the Invincibles era and holds the Champions League record for longest clean sheet at 853 minutes.
• Nicolas Anelka (47): His lightning speed overwhelmed defenders. Anelka helped Arsenal claim the 1997/98 Double and scored in the FA Cup Final before departing quickly but memorably.
• Alan Ball (46): England's youngest World Cup winner who became Arsenal's midfield engine, scoring over 50 goals in five years despite the team's struggles.
• Martin Keown (41): Famous for his relentless defending and memorable moment blocking Van Nistelrooy’s penalty, Keown was a tough, loyal centre-back and occasional defensive midfielder.
• Peter Storey (44): A dependable fixture in the team, Storey was vital in the 1970/71 Double-winning side, known for consistent performances wherever placed.
• Brian Talbot (43): A strong midfielder who rarely missed games, Talbot played over 300 matches, scoring in an FA Cup Final during a lean period for Arsenal.
• Aaron Ramsey (42): Twice an FA Cup Final match-winner, Ramsey overcame a severe injury early in his career to become a dynamic midfielder who ended Arsenal’s trophy drought in 2014.
• George Graham (41): Nicknamed "Stroller" for his style, he was a key part of Bertie Mee's Double-winning team and later became Arsenal’s first manager to win the league.

40 to 31

• Malcolm McDonald (40): Nicknamed Super Mac, he was a prolific scorer who helped Arsenal climb away from relegation with back-to-back Golden Boots in the late 70s.
• Lauren (39): Originally a midfielder, Lauren became the energetic right-back of the Invincibles, renowned for his stamina, loyalty, and penalty skills.
• Nigel Winterburn (38): Known as "Nutty Nigel," the left-back was a three-time champion with Arsenal and often underrated at the international level.
• George Armstrong (37): A reliable winger in the 1971 Double-winning squad, Armstrong made 500 league appearances and provided crucial assists.
• Ashley Cole (36): Despite a controversial exit, Cole redefined the modern full-back role with his pace, overlaps, and defensive skill.
• John Radford (35): One of Arsenal’s top scorers, Radford was a classic centre-forward who combined grit with unselfish play, remembered fondly by fans.
• Cesc Fabregas (34): The technically gifted midfielder changed Arsenal’s style, leading the team with vision and maturity from a young age and captaining during the Emirates era.
• Sylvain Wiltord (33): A pacey, versatile forward best known for scoring the winner at Old Trafford in 2002, Wiltord consistently delivered important goals.
• Charlie Nicholas (32): Dubbed "Champagne Charlie," he dazzled with skill and flair in the 1980s, earning Player of the Year honors and Wembley glory.
• Steve Bould (31): A no-nonsense defender and Tony Adams’ partner in defense, Bould was crucial in the 1989 title-winning campaign and beyond.

30 to 21

• Alex James (30): Known for elegance and intelligence on the ball, James won six trophies during Chapman’s golden era and influenced generations of players.
• Nwankwo Kanu (29): Despite a controversial debut, Kanu became a cult hero with his unique style, spectacular goals, and memorable celebrations.
• Ted Drake (28): Scored a club-record seven goals in one game, was a prolific striker, and contributed to two league titles and an FA Cup.
• Kolo Toure (27): Initially a midfielder, Toure became a powerful, quick defender, an Invincible, and one of Arsenal’s most underrated stars.
• Frank McLintock (26): Captain of the 1971 Double winners and FWA Footballer of the Year, McLintock grew into a leader after a rocky start at Arsenal.
• Lee Dixon (25): A smart, hardworking right-back whose intelligence ensured longevity and consistency, winning his first title in 1989.
• Emmanuel Petit (24): The only Arsenal player to score in a World Cup final, Petit formed a formidable midfield partnership with Vieira and won the 1998 Double.
• Kenny Sansom (23): An exceptional left-back known for stamina and dependability, Sansom earned 86 England caps and captained Arsenal.
• Paul Merson (22): Known for creativity and resilience, Merson was vital in Arsenal’s late 80s success and overcame personal challenges to become a fan favorite.
• Marc Overmars (21): A swift, skilled winger who thrived in English football, Overmars was key to the 1998 Double, scoring crucial goals.

20 to 11

• Gilberto Silva (20): Called Arsenal’s most underrated player by Wenger, Gilberto was the calm, strategic presence in midfield during the Invincibles era and beyond.
• Bob Wilson (19): A brave and commanding goalkeeper, Wilson was part of Arsenal’s 1970 Fairs Cup and 1971 Double-winning sides and later coached David Seaman.
• Alan Smith (18): Agile and tall, Smith scored decisive goals including the opener in the 1994 Cup Winners Cup and was a two-time Golden Boot winner.
• David Rocastle (17): Beloved for flair and spirit, Rocastle was integral to Arsenal’s 1989 and 1991 titles and remains a shining light at the club.
• Pat Jennings (16): Known for impeccable positioning rather than flashy saves, Jennings starred for Arsenal after moving from Spurs and won the 1979 FA Cup.
• Pat Rice (15): A loyal right-back who was a cornerstone of the 1971 Double team and later returned as assistant manager, embodying commitment to Arsenal.
• Ray Parlour (14): "Romford Pele" was a hard-working, reliable midfielder who played a key role in the 2002 Double-winning season and remained a fan favorite.
• Sol Campbell (13): A free transfer from Tottenham, Campbell was a commanding central defender who won two Premier League titles and scored a famous goal against his former club.
• Freddie Ljungberg (12): Renowned for clutch performances and two FA Cup Final goals, Ljungberg was a fiery winger who energized Wenger’s teams.
• David O'Leary (11): With a record 722 appearances, O’Leary was a composed defender and key figure in Arsenal’s late 80s and early 90s successes.

10 to 1

• Cliff Bastin (10): Nearly a century after debuting, Bastin’s name endures due to his stylish play and 178 goals, making him one of Arsenal’s all-time greats.
• Charlie George (9): Forever remembered for his iconic volley that won the 1971 FA Cup Final, George brought passion and flair to the Gunners.
• David Seaman (8): Nicknamed "Safe Hands," Seaman was a record signing for a keeper and a pillar in Arsenal’s 1990-91 title and two Double wins.
• Liam Brady (7): A naturally gifted playmaker, Brady dazzled with vision and shooting, earning multiple Player of the Year awards in the late 70s.
• Robert Pires (6): Delicate and cultured, Pires won fans with skill and memorable derby goals, lifting the Premier League trophy even when injured.
• Ian Wright (5): From bricklayer to top scorer, Wright’s determination and personality made him a beloved Arsenal icon and Double winner.
• Patrick Vieira (4): A dominant midfield force, Vieira combined power and skill, leading Arsenal through two Doubles and the unbeaten season.
• Tony Adams (3): "Mr Arsenal," a legendary captain who overcame addiction to lead the club to multiple titles and inspired a bronze statue at the Emirates.
• Dennis Bergkamp (2): A graceful magician, Bergkamp’s creativity and technical brilliance redefined Arsenal in the 90s and earned him lasting admiration.
• Thierry Henry (1): Starting as a misfit, Henry became Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, four-time Golden Boot winner, and a global football legend.