25 Greatest Arsenal Players Ever (Ranked)

Summary

• Arsenal have become one of English football’s most successful and storied clubs since their formation in 1886.
• The north London outfit have been able to call upon some of the best players to ever appear on English shores.
• Most of the club’s greatest players featured during Arsene Wenger’s legendary reign, including the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.

When it comes to the history of English football, few clubs have a more storied legacy than Arsenal. The north London club has been home to some of the finest talents to have graced the beautiful game. From legendary goalscorers to influential captains and masterful defenders, the Gunners have seen it all.

Arsenal were at the forefront of the English game as early as the 1930s under Herbert Chapman’s unerring gaze. More than half a century later, Arsene Wenger emerged as a Premier League revolutionary, leading the Gunners to three top-flight titles in six years.

Mikel Arteta’s modern vintage have elbowed their way back among the elite thanks to the supreme talent of players such as Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. But this talented gaggle still has a long way to go to cement a lasting legacy. Here are the individuals who will forever be remembered for their contributions to the club’s rich history.

Ranking Factors

• Trophies – Putting your medals on the table is a blunt measure of success but an effective one.
• Performance – Depending on a player’s position, this can come in the form of goals, assists or clean sheets.
• Legacy – Longevity should not be ignored, but the impact of a player’s white-hot peak is a defining factor.

25Gilberto Silva

2002 – 2008

Once described by Wenger as the ‘most underrated player’ he had the pleasure of working with, one-time World Cup winner Gilberto Silva was a brilliant player – and one that often went under the radar in a star-studded north London side. But every side needed a Silva – someone who shied away from the spotlight but was equally important to proceedings.

Many questioned the Brazilian’s arrival, given he had never played European football before – but the critics were soon silenced by his calmness in possession. The perfect foil for the higher-octane Vieira, Silva didn’t mind acting as the lynchpin while the former scattered about the engine room, looking to sniff out the danger.

24Martin Keown

1984 – 1986, 1993 – 2004

Despite being born in Oxfordshire, Martin Keown had a certain affinity to Arsenal and joined their academy ranks as a fresh-faced teenager – but nobody foresaw the level of influence he would have later in his healthy, 449-game career. A resolute defender, the Englishman is perhaps best remembered for his actions post-Ruud van Nistelrooy’s penalty miss.

Devoted to his craft, which involved tirelessly breaking up play at every given opportunity, Keown’s importance is often overlooked given the level of talent he had the pleasure of playing alongside. His unorthodox approach, however, did not please the entirety of the Highbury-based fanbase – but that dwindled upon his progression into one of the most reliable centre-backs in the top flight.

23Paul Merson

1985 – 1997

Paul Merson‘s time at Arsenal was defined by his versatility and creative flair. A product of the club’s youth academy, Merson burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and quickly became a fan favourite with his skilful displays.

Whether deployed as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker, he showcased his technical ability and eye for goal. Merson’s performances during the 1988/89 season were particularly outstanding as Arsenal secured their first league title in 18 years. While Merson’s career in north London was eventually overshadowed by his off-field struggles and subsequent departure, his contributions to the team’s success during a transformative period in the club’s history cannot be denied.

22Pat Jennings

1977 – 1984

Pat Jennings had a successful stint with Arsenal during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his agility, shot-stopping abilities and remarkable reflexes, Jennings remains one of the finest goalkeepers to have represented the club.

The Northern Ireland international joined Arsenal in 1977 after a distinguished career at Tottenham Hotspur. Despite his roots with the club’s arch-rivals, he quickly won over the Arsenal faithful with his consistent performances and professionalism. Off the pitch, Jennings’ sportsmanship and humble demeanour further endeared him to supporters. He represented the values of the club with grace and dignity, earning the respect of teammates and rivals alike.

21Alan Smith

1987 – 1995

Alan Smith, a prolific goalscorer and a key figure in Arsenal’s successes during the late 1980s and early 1990s, remains one of the club’s most revered strikers. The former Leicester City forward’s partnership with Kevin Campbell was particularly fruitful. Intelligent movement off the ball and a keen ability to link up with teammates made Smith a constant threat in the penalty area.

One of Smith’s most memorable moments came in the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, where he scored the winning goal against Serie A outfit Parma. This victory marked Arsenal’s first European trophy in 24 years and solidified Smith’s place in the club’s history.

20Ashley Cole

1999 – 2006

A divisive name among the Arsenal faithful. On one hand, Ashley Cole was a trusted servant on the left-hand side of defence over plenty of years for the north Londoners. On the other, he threw it all away for the success and riches of Chelsea in 2006 in one of the most acrimonious football transfers of all time.

Irrespective of your opinion, what cannot be put into disrepute is his talent. Capable of locking up all manner of wingers in his pomp, Cristiano Ronaldo included, the ex-Derby and AS Roma ace is commonly regarded as one of the greatest in his position of all time.

19John Radford

1964-1976

John Radford – one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever wingers – scored goals for fun before it was commonplace. Born in Hemsworth, the Englishman is commonly revered among those associated with the club for his contribution their golden years of the early 70s – but he was a loyal servant for much longer, truth be told.

Joining as an apprentice in 1962, the flamboyant talisman did not leave until 1976 – 481 appearances and 149 goals later. Only Cliff Bastin, Ian Wright and Thierry Henry have scored more goals for the north London-based outfit and what makes his tally much more impressive is that goalscoring wasn’t the end of his bag of tricks.

18Sol Campbell

2001 – 2006, 2010

Sol Campbell, one of the most accomplished central defenders of his generation, left an indelible mark during his time at Arsenal. His imposing physical presence, excellent reading of the game and commanding leadership qualities made him a defensive stalwart.

Campbell joined Arsenal in 2001 after leaving bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. This transfer caused controversy, but Campbell quickly won over the Arsenal fans with his exceptional performances. His partnership with Kolo Toure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence became the backbone of the team’s success. Campbell’s influence was particularly evident during Arsenal’s famous ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003/04 when the team went unbeaten in the league.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Sol Campbell holds the record for most consecutive Premier League appearances without defeat, racking up 56 unbeaten games for Arsenal between 2002 and 2004.

17Pat Rice

1966-1980

Pat Rice’s long association with the Gunners will be enshrined in the club’s mythology forever. A right-back willing to put his body on the line for the badge, his sheer hard work is what made him such an admired figure throughout his 528-game career in the capital.

Emerging as a cornerstone for then-boss Bertie Mee, he was instrumental in Arsenal’s 1971 Double-winning side, but as his teammates began to diminish, Rice remained. Loyal to the soil, the Belfast-born ace was on hand to help guide the Gunners away from a prospective relegation battle in the 70s and donned the armband in 1977 – a true testament to his combination of talent and loyalty.

16Marc Overmars

1997 – 2000

Marc Overmars, a lightning-fast winger with a knack for scoring crucial goals, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success during his time at the club. His exceptional pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal made him a constant threat on the flanks.

Signed from Ajax in 1997, Overmars quickly became a fan favourite with his exciting performances. The flying Dutchman scored the only goal in a crucial clash with Manchester United in March 1998 on the way to Arsenal’s first league title in seven years. Two short months later, Overmars opened the scoring in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United as the Gunners completed the double. Although injuries hampered Overmars’ time at Arsenal, his impact on the team was undeniable.

15Ray Parlour

1992 – 2004

Ray Parlour, affectionately known as the ‘Romford Pele’, is a true Arsenal legend. His tenacity, work rate and exceptional midfield performances endeared him to fans and made him an integral part of the team during a successful era. During his time in north London, Parlour won three league titles and four FA Cups.

The Arsenal academy graduate scored a stunning long-range goal to help the Gunners win the 2002 FA Cup final against Chelsea. Four years earlier, Parlour was voted Man of the Match for his industrious and dextrous display in the FA Cup showpiece against Newcastle. His ability to rise to the occasion in big matches was a testament to his character and commitment.

14Lee Dixon

1988 – 2002

Lee Dixon, a reliable and consistent full-back, formed an integral part of Arsenal’s famous backline during their dominant period in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His defensive ability, work rate and understanding of the game made him one of the best right-backs in Arsenal’s long and storied history.

Dixon’s contributions to Arsenal’s backline, alongside fellow defenders Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn, formed the famous ‘Back Four’ that provided the foundation for the team’s achievements. Their defensive record and understanding became the stuff of legend. During his time at Arsenal, Dixon won four league titles, three FA Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. His consistency and unwavering commitment to the club made him a revered figure among fans.

13David Rocastle

1985 – 1992

There is an endless queue of former teammates, managers and strangers falling over themselves to laud the character of David Rocastle. ‘Rocky’, as he was endearingly dubbed, left a lasting impression on each individual fortunate enough to cross his path. Arsenal’s Kevin Campbell captured the sentiment of many when he told The Athletic:

“He just made everyone happy. He always made people feel better than they actually were. He was a shining light, he had a light inside him, which made people feel better and that’s God-given. It really was a blessing to be in his orbit.”

On the pitch, Rocastle was nowhere near as friendly. A natural leader weaving up and down the winger, the Arsenal academy graduate had a razor-sharp competitive edge that took him from an estate in south London to the beating heart of England’s top-flight champions, bringing a unique blend of flair and fizz to George Graham’s parsimonious outfit.

12Freddie Ljungberg

1998 – 2007

Freddie Ljungberg, a dynamic and versatile midfielder, played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success during the early 2000s. The Sweden international joined the Gunners in 1998 and quickly established himself as a key player in Arsene Wenger’s squad on the right wing. His marauding runs from midfield, coupled with a knack for scoring goals, made him a constant threat to opposition defences.

The £3m acquisition from Halmstads played a significant role in Arsenal’s Premier League and FA Cup double triumph in 2001/02. Known for his trademark red-streaked hair, Ljungberg’s commitment and dedication to the club endeared him to fans. His versatility and ability to perform in different positions made him an invaluable asset to Wenger.

11Liam Brady

1973 – 1980

Liam Brady, a skilful and influential midfielder, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His exceptional technical ability, vision and creativity made him the heartbeat of the team.

The ephemeral Irish playmaker joined Arsenal as a youth player and quickly rose through the ranks to become a key figure in the first team. Brady helped Arsenal secure the FA Cup with a series of outstanding performances in 1979. Although injuries hampered Brady’s time at Arsenal, his impact on the club cannot be understated. His technical brilliance and creativity set him apart from his peers, and he became a revered figure among fans. After leaving Arsenal, Brady continued to excel in Italy with Juventus and Inter Milan, showcasing his talents on the European stage.

10David Seaman

1990 – 2003

David Seaman, with his iconic ponytail and remarkable shot-stopping abilities, etched his name into Arsenal folklore during his time at the club. Joining Arsenal in 1990, Seaman quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His presence between the sticks brought a sense of confidence and stability to Arsenal’s imperious defence.

Razor-sharp reflexes and a string of acrobatic saves often denied opposition players from finding the back of the net. ‘Safe Hands’, as he was justifiably dubbed, was originally considered to be a controversial replacement for the much-loved John Lukic. But George Graham’s faith was emphatically justified.

9Robert Pires

2000 – 2006

Robert Pires, a stylish and technically gifted midfielder, played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s success during the early 2000s. His elegant playing style, exquisite dribbling ability and eye for goal made him one of the most influential players in the team.

Swapping Marseille for Arsenal in 2000, Pires quickly established himself as a key figure in Wenger’s Invincibles squad. His partnership with fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry was legendary, as they formed a devastating attacking combination. Pires’ ability to glide past defenders with ease and deliver precise crosses and through balls made him a constant threat in the final third.

The 2001/02 season was particularly memorable for Pires, as he contributed 14 goals and 15 assists in the league. His performances were pivotal in helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title.

8Cliff Bastin

1929 – 1946

Cliff Bastin was a prolific forward who represented Arsenal between the two World Wars. His goal-scoring exploits and incredible consistency make him an enduring figure in the club’s history. Bastin joined Arsenal in 1929 as a teenager and quickly made his mark. His remarkable ability to find the back of the net with precision and frequency set him apart from his peers. Bastin’s intelligent movement off the ball and his clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.

During his time at Arsenal, Bastin won five league titles and two FA Cups, solidifying his place as one of the key figures in the club’s success. He also became Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer, a record that stood for over 60 years. Bastin’s contributions to Arsenal and English football were widely recognised, as he was awarded numerous individual honours.

7Ian Wright

1991 – 1998

As a goal-scoring machine and true Arsenal icon, Ian Wright remains one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history. His lethal finishing, exuberant celebrations and infectious personality endeared him to fans all over the world.

Wright joined Arsenal in 1991 from Crystal Palace and wasted no time in making an impact. He quickly established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in English football, breaking records along the way. Wright became Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the previous record set by Cliff Bastin. Off the pitch, Wright’s infectious enthusiasm and love for the club endeared him to fans of all ages. He remains a passionate advocate for Arsenal and a popular pundit.

6David O’Leary

1975 – 1993

David O’Leary remains one of the most loyal and consistent figures in the club’s history. A legendary defender who spent his entire playing career at Arsenal, his defensive solidity, leadership qualities, and longevity set him apart as one of the all-time greats.

The Irish centre-back joined Arsenal as a youth player in 1973 and went on to make a staggering 722 appearances for the club, a record that still stands to this day. His ability to read the game, make timely interceptions and lead the defensive line earned him immense respect. His partnership with fellow defender Kenny Sansom formed the backbone of Arsenal’s defence, providing a solid foundation for the team’s success.