The 50 Greatest Arsenal Players of All Time

On the walls outside Emirates Stadium, large murals celebrate Arsenal legends standing side by side. This club proudly honors its rich history, which began in the 1880s with Victorian gentlemen south of the river. Modern football at Arsenal took shape under Herbert Chapman at Highbury, and since then, many stars have dazzled North London and beyond.

Maybe one day Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka will join this list. For now, here are the finest players to ever don the red and white.

50-41

• Michael Thomas (50): Known as the calmest player on the field, Thomas sealed the dramatic 1988/89 league title for Arsenal at Anfield, forever etching his name in club lore.
• David Jack (49): Signed by Chapman from Bolton after some crafty negotiation tactics, Jack scored over 100 top-flight goals for two clubs and powered Arsenal to three titles.
• Jens Lehmann (48): Remembered for his intense demeanor and time-wasting antics, Lehmann was a top goalkeeper who guarded the Invincibles and set a Champions League record of 853 minutes without conceding.
• Nicolas Anelka (47): His speed overwhelmed defenders during Arsenal's 1997/98 Double-winning season, scoring in the FA Cup Final before departing quickly but leaving a lasting impact.
• Alan Ball (46): The youngest member of England's World Cup-winning team, Ball became a midfield mainstay at Arsenal, scoring over 50 goals in five years amid a struggling team.
• Martin Keown (41): Famous for his relentless defending and memorable moments like celebrating a missed penalty by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Keown was a dedicated center-back and occasional defensive midfielder under Wenger.
• Peter Storey (44): A reliable figure through the 60s and a key part of the 1970/71 Double-winning team, Storey was versatile and consistent over 15 years at the club.
• Brian Talbot (43): Strong and dependable, Talbot played over 300 matches, scoring in an FA Cup Final and rarely missing games, becoming a pillar during less successful times.
• Aaron Ramsey (42): Twice an FA Cup Final winner with spectacular goals, Ramsey overcame a severe injury to become one of the Premier League's finest all-round midfielders and ended Arsenal's trophy drought in 2014.
• George Graham (41): A stylish midfielder nicknamed "Stroller," he was part of the 1970 Double team and later became the first to win the league as both player and manager at Arsenal.

40-31

• Malcolm McDonald (40): "Super Mac" was a prolific scorer, winning the Golden Boot in 1977 and helping Arsenal rise from relegation battles with his goals.
• Lauren (39): Originally a midfielder, Lauren became the right-back of the Invincibles, known for his stamina, counterattack prowess, loyalty to Wenger, and penalty skills.
• Nigel Winterburn (38): Nicknamed "Nutty Nigel" after a famous pitch squirrel incident, Winterburn was an excellent left-back, winning three titles despite being underrated by England.
• George Armstrong (37): Dependable winger and creator in the 1971 Double-winning team, Armstrong made 500 league appearances and provided vital width and assists.
• Ashley Cole (36): Though his departure was controversial, Cole defined the modern attacking full-back with pace and overlapping runs, rising through Arsenal's ranks.
• John Radford (35): Arsenal's third-highest goalscorer, Radford was a no-frills centre-forward who scored 149 goals in 12 years and remains the club's youngest hat-trick scorer.
• Cesc Fabregas (34): Redefined Arsenal's style with technical brilliance and vision, leading the team as captain and playing a key role in reaching the 2006 Champions League Final.
• Sylvain Wiltord (33): Known for his big-game goals and the famous "Wiltoooord!" call, the French forward scored crucial goals including the winner at Old Trafford in 2002.
• Charlie Nicholas (32): Called the most exciting British talent since George Best, Nicholas dazzled with skill and flair, earning Player of the Year in 1984 and scoring in a League Cup Final.
• Steve Bould (31): Discovered alongside Lee Dixon, Bould was a tough, intelligent defender, key to the 1989 title-winning back five and Tony Adams' trusted partner.

30-21

• Alex James (30): A brilliant playmaker of the Chapman era, James was known for his intelligence, sublime passing, and winning six trophies with Arsenal.
• Nwankwo Kanu (29): Despite a controversial debut, Kanu became a cult hero with spectacular goals, unique celebrations, and a knack for clutch performances.
• Ted Drake (28): Holder of the English top-flight record for seven goals in one match, Drake scored 124 goals and won two league titles and an FA Cup with Arsenal.
• Kolo Toure (27): Converted from midfielder to defender, Toure was a powerful, fast, and passionate defender who matured into an Invincible and one of Arsenal’s underrated stars.
• Frank McLintock (26): After a shaky start, McLintock became a leader and captain of the 1971 Double-winning team, earning FWA Footballer of the Year that season.
• Lee Dixon (25): Known for his intelligence and consistency, Dixon was a long-standing right-back, winning titles and rarely challenged for his spot.
• Emmanuel Petit (24): The only Arsenal player to score in a World Cup Final, Petit was a gritty midfielder who won the Double alongside Vieira in the late 90s.
• Kenny Sansom (23): Exchanged for Clive Allen, Sansom became a fan-favorite left-back with stamina, strength, and leadership, earning 86 England caps.
• Paul Merson (22): Vital in two title wins, Merson combined flair and work ethic, overcoming personal struggles to become a true Gunners hero.
• Marc Overmars (21): Praised for his pace and quality, Overmars was a key figure in the 1998 Double, scoring decisive goals including against Manchester United.

20-11

• Gilberto Silva (20): Called the most underrated player by Wenger, Gilberto was the calm, steady midfield lynchpin behind Arsenal's unbeaten run and 2006 Champions League final.
• Bob Wilson (19): Turning professional late, Wilson was a brave, commanding goalkeeper, part of the 1970 Fairs Cup and 1971 Double teams, and a beloved Arsenal figure.
• Alan Smith (18): Agile and tall, Smith scored crucial goals including in the 1989 title-winning match, winning two Golden Boots and the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup.
• David Rocastle (17): A talented and loved midfielder known for flair and pace, Rocastle was a key player in the 1989 and 1991 title wins and is commemorated at Arsenal's academy.
• Pat Jennings (16): A steady, unflashy goalkeeper who excelled at positioning, Jennings won the 1979 FA Cup with Arsenal and is regarded as one of Britain's best stoppers.
• Pat Rice (15): Loyal and hardworking, Rice was a key defender in the 1971 Double, later captained the side, and served as assistant manager under Wenger.
• Ray Parlour (14): The "Romford Pele" was a hardworking, reliable midfielder who scored a world-class goal in the 2002 FA Cup Final and earned Man of the Match at Old Trafford.
• Sol Campbell (13): The best free signing who came from rivals Tottenham, Campbell strengthened Arsenal’s defense, won two Premier League titles, and scored a memorable Champions League Final goal.
• Freddie Ljungberg (12): A clutch performer and energetic winger, Ljungberg scored two FA Cup Final goals and symbolized Wenger's physical, high-tempo style.
• David O'Leary (11): Arsenal's record appearance holder with 722 games, O'Leary was an elegant and composed defender who won multiple league titles and cups.

10-1

• Cliff Bastin (10): One of Arsenal's greatest goal scorers, Bastin netted 178 goals mostly as an inside-left, influencing generations with his stylish play nearly a century ago.
• Charlie George (9): Famous for his winning volley in the 1971 FA Cup Final, George was a charismatic attacking midfielder whose flair made him a club icon despite injury setbacks.
• David Seaman (8): A national treasure and record-signing goalkeeper, Seaman was key to two Doubles and remembered for incredible saves, including a legendary FA Cup semi-final stop.
• Liam Brady (7): Gifted and visionary, Brady was Arsenal's shining light in the 70s, winning Player of the Year thrice and thrilling fans with his passing and powerful shots.
• Robert Pires (6): A refined, skillful winger, Pires became a fan favorite for his flair and key goals, including in North London Derbies, despite initial struggles adapting.
• Ian Wright (5): From bricklayer to Arsenal’s top scorer, Wright was adored for his goals and infectious personality, lifting trophies including the 1997-98 Double.
• Patrick Vieira (4): A dominant, all-around midfielder, Vieira led Arsenal to multiple titles including the unbeaten 2004 season and is remembered as a fierce yet skilled leader.
• Tony Adams (3): Known as Mr. Arsenal, Adams captained the team for 19 years, overcoming addiction and becoming a symbol of bravery, leadership, and commitment.
• Dennis Bergkamp (2): A graceful genius who transformed Arsenal’s play, Bergkamp inspired teammates and fans with stunning goals and creativity over 11 years.
• Thierry Henry (1): From uncertain arrival to club legend, Henry is Arsenal’s all-time top scorer, winning four Golden Boots and leading the team to multiple titles with unmatched skill and leadership.