Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The right-wing position has been home to some of football's most iconic players. Over time, the role has shifted from merely delivering crosses to becoming a key creative force on the pitch. Speed, dribbling, and sharp finishing define the greatest wingers who have shone in major tournaments like the Champions League and World Cup.

Among today's stars is Barcelona's young talent Lamine Yamal, already regarded as one of the finest right-wingers despite his youth. Below is a ranking of the 15 best players in this position, spanning from the 1930s up to the present day.

Criteria for Ranking

• Legacy: How they are remembered and their lasting impact on the sport.
• Longevity: Duration at the highest level during their career.
• Statistics: Consistency in scoring and assisting goals.
• Individual Honors: Awards and achievements earned.

Ranked List of 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

Player Profiles and Stats

• Roberto DonadoniClubs: Atalanta, Milan, MetroStars, Al-IttihadKnown for his pace and agility, Donadoni was a crucial figure in Milan's 1990s success, winning six Serie A titles.Career Stats: Appearances: 584, Goals: 36, Assists: 76Honors: Serie A Team of the Year 1986
• JulinhoClubs: Portuguesa, Fiorentina, PalmeirasRenowned for dribbling and powerful shooting, he was voted Fiorentina's best player in history in 1996.Career Stats: Appearances: 549, Goals: 204Honors: Serie A Team of the Year 1957
• AmancioClubs: Deportivo La Coruna, Real MadridNicknamed 'El Brujo,' he starred for Real Madrid from 1962-1976, winning top scorer twice.Career Stats: Appearances: 579, Goals: 223Honors: Pichichi (1969, 1970), Ballon d'Or Third Place (1964)
• Angel Di MariaClubs: Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, JuventusA world-class winger with a deadly left foot, integral to Real Madrid's Champions League successes.Career Stats: Appearances: 821, Goals: 202, Assists: 280Honors: FIFA World Cup Dream Team 2014, UEFA Team of the Year 2014, La Liga Top Assist Provider (2014)
• Helmut RahnClubs: Sportfreunde Katernberg, Rot-Weiss Essen, FC Koln, SC Enschede, Meidericher SVWest Germany World Cup winner and 1958 Ballon d'Or runner-up.Career Stats: Appearances: 365, Goals: 163Honors: Ballon d'Or Runner-Up (1958)
• Mohamed SalahClubs: Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Roma, LiverpoolCurrent star known for speed and goal-scoring, key in Liverpool's recent Premier League and Champions League titles.Career Stats: Appearances: 731, Goals: 366, Assists: 189Honors: Premier League Player of the Year (2018), Premier League Golden Boot (2018, 2019, 2022), FIFA Puskas Award (2018)
• Arjen RobbenClubs: Groningen, PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern MunichFamous for cutting inside onto his left foot, Robben won many trophies and scored the 2013 Champions League final winner.Career Stats: Appearances: 710, Goals: 246, Assists: 199Honors: UEFA Euro top assist provider (2004), German Footballer of the Year (2010), FIFA FIFPro World XI (2014)
• David BeckhamClubs: Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSGGlobal icon with the best right foot, known for iconic free-kicks and part of Manchester United's treble-winning team.Career Stats: Appearances: 837, Goals: 144, Assists: 267Honors: 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)
• Luis FigoClubs: Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter MilanBallon d'Or winner in 2000, key part of Real Madrid's Galacticos and Portugal's golden generation.Career Stats: Appearances: 792, Goals: 156, Assists: 262Honors: Portuguese Footballer of the Year (1995-2000), La Liga top assist provider (1997, 1999), FIFA World Player of the Year (2001)
• Gareth BaleClubs: Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFCStarted as a left-back before becoming a world-class right-winger, known for pace and spectacular Champions League goals.Career Stats: Appearances: 665, Goals: 225, Assists: 154Honors: Premier League Player of the Season (2013), UEFA Team of the Year (2011, 2013), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2018)