From bargain overperformers signed players to homegrown club legends, Arsenal Football Club has produced and nurtured quite a lot of talents who grazed the iconic Highbury now Emirate Stadium.
Over the years, the Gunners have been blessed with some amazing football players, from Chapman’s gentlemen through to Wenger’s invincibles who wore the red and white jersey.
While greatness is relative, when it comes to the history of English football only a few clubs have a more storied legacy than the Gunners who produced phenomenon players adored by fans.
From legendary goalkeepers to other influential and masterful players, who have truly been called Arsenal’s legends.
- Who Is Arsenal’s Greatest Players In History?
- 1. Thierry Henry – (France, 1999-2007 & 2012)
- 2. Dennis Bergkamp – (Netherlands, 1995-2006)
- 3. Tony Adams – (England, 1983-2002)
- 4. Ian Wright – (England, 1991-1998)
- 5. Patrick Vieira – (France, 1996-2006)
- 6. Robert Pires – (France, 2000-2006)
- 7. David Seaman – (England, 1990-2003)
- 8. Liam Brady – (England, 1973-1980)
- 9. Charlie George – (England, 1968-1975)
- 10. Pat Jennings – (Ireland, 1977-1985)
- 11. Freddie Ljungberg – (Sweden, 1998-2007)
- 12. Marc Overmars – (1997-2000)
- 13. Nwankwo Kanu – (Nigeria, 1999-2004)
- 14. David O’Leary – (England, 1975-1993)
- 15. Sol Campbell – (England, 2001-2006 & 2010)
- 16. David Rocastle – (England, 1985-1992)
- 17. Pat Rice – (England, 1967-1980)
- 18. Cliff Bastin – (England, 1926-1946)
- 19. Ray Parlour – (England, 1992-2004)
- 20. Martin Keown – (England, 1984-86 & 1993-2004)
Who Is Arsenal’s Greatest Players In History?
Knowing the greatest players in Arsenal’s history is subjective and often depends on personal opinions. However, several players are commonly regarded as some of the greatest in the club’s history
At cheapgoals.com, here are the 20 greatest Arsenal players of all time.
1. Thierry Henry – (France, 1999-2007 & 2012)
- App: 377
- Goals: 228
Thierry Henry is a former French international who is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in footballing lore considering his indelible mark on the game.
During his formative years at Arsenal having arrived at Highbury in the summer of 1999, the legendary forward wasn’t even rated as a bonafide goal-poacher.
Henry, however, became one of the most feared strikers in the world with his combination of pace, skill, and a lethal eye for goal which made him a nightmare for opposition defenders beyond Highbury stadium.
The Frenchman had the exquisite technique and a scary pace that got him to score a club-record 228 goals throughout his eight-year stint at Arsenal.
With two league titles, three FA Cups, four Golden Boots and five Player of the Year awards, Henry surely stands a “G.O.A.T” in the history of Arsenal.
2. Dennis Bergkamp – (Netherlands, 1995-2006)
- App: 423
- Goals: 120
In the last two decades, many players have come and left Arsenal with a poor reputation, but in the case of Bergkamp, he was exceptional, he came and left as a world-class player.
Bergkamp arrival signaled a daring change and new dawn at the club when he arrived in 1995, bringing his vision, creativity, and defense-splitting passes to the fore in the team.
The legendary forward impact and influence on the club’s history are without mincing word undeniable, considering the success he achieved with the team winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.
3. Tony Adams – (England, 1983-2002)
- App: 669
- Goals: 48
Mr Arsenal’s fourteen years stint at Highbury been a captain came with 669 appearances and 10 major trophies, including league titles in three different decades surely made him one of the club’s greatest.
Like Paolo Maldini and Ryan Giggs, Adams was a one-club man which without doubt a rarity in modern football presently due to the financial growth of the game.
Adams was a rock and the heart of Arsenal’s defense during his time at the club, where he thrived as the leader of the famous back-four that had the likes of Steve Bould, Lee Dixon, and Nigel Winterburn.
Adams was so good and ruthless that Wenger described him as a professor of defense, considering his techniques on the ball, ability to fend off danger from his defense, and tackle prowess.
4. Ian Wright – (England, 1991-1998)
- App: 288
- Goals: 185
Ian Wright is undoubtedly a great goal-scorer of all goal-scorers who painted the English Premier with his aesthetic goals.
The legendary striker’s repertoire of goals made him one of the finest and most explosive goal-poachers to graze the English game. He joined Arsenal for a club record of £2.5 million, a move that made some set of fans question the rationale behind the transfer.
Wright, however, proved doubters wrong with his proficiency and goal-scoring prowess and ended up becoming a legendary figure at the club.
5. Patrick Vieira – (France, 1996-2006)
- App: 406
- Goals: 35
Patrick Vieira arrived at Highbury as an unknown player in late 1996 but left as a legend who was hugely respected and successful.
Under the tutelage of Wenger, Vieira blossomed into one of the world’s finest in his position, becoming a remarkable midfielder renowned for his ball-winning prowess and leadership skills.
His impact on the club’s success and legacy as a true leader will forever be remembered among Arsenal’s faithful, who saw him graze the iconic Highbury stadium with his majestical physique.
6. Robert Pires – (France, 2000-2006)
- App: 284
- Goals: 84
Pires’ arrival to Arsenal coincided with the departure of Marc Overmars which came as a shock to the fans, and belittling what the Frenchman could offer.
Surprisingly, Pires’ inclusion in Arsenal’s team erased the pain the departure of Overmars caused the fans with his mind-blowing performance under the tutelage of Wenger.
The gifted midfielder who was known for his technicality on the ball, played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s success during the early 2000s when he formed a devastating partnership with Thierry Henry.
7. David Seaman – (England, 1990-2003)
- App: 405
- Goals: 0
David Seaman is a legendary figure among Arsenal’s faithful who etched his name into the team’s folklore during his time at the club.
The ponytail goalkeeper was well renowned for his remarkable shot-stopping abilities, which made him one of the finest in English football during his era both at the club and international levels.
He arrived at Arsenal as an unknown figure in 1990, but quickly established himself as one of the best goalies in the world, showcasing top-notch qualities in between sticks.
Seaman’s breathtaking display and second-to-none reflexes not only win over the fans to his corner, it also made him the cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense.
8. Liam Brady – (England, 1973-1980)
- App: 307
- Goals: 59
It’ll be very hard to talk about Arsenal’s legends from the standpoint of their impact on the team and not talk about Liam Brady, who etched his name in the folklore of the Gunners.
He was a skillful and influential midfielder who played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Brady was such a huge success that his exceptional technical ability, vision, and creativity made him the brain of the team with his breathtaking defense-splitting passes.
Chippy, as the fans often called him came into the Arsenal’s team as a school-boy player, but left the club as a footballing maestro who ensured his place among the club’s legends is unshakable.
9. Charlie George – (England, 1968-1975)
- App: 179
- Goals: 49
Charlie George was a charismatic and talented forward who etched his name in Arsenal’s history with his impactful performance throughout his stint.
For those who saw him graze the hollowed Highbury stadium with his talent, they won’t forget his iconic goal in the 1971 FA Cup final in a hurry.
George made himself a darling in the Arsenal’s team with his knack to shoulder the responsibility of the team, bringing his flair, skill, and ability to perform on the biggest of stages to the fore.
Looking back at his career at Arsenal he represented the club during a period of transition and also provided moments of brilliance that will forever be remembered even though injuries and off-field issues hampered his career.
10. Pat Jennings – (Ireland, 1977-1985)
- App: 327
- Goals: 0
Without mincing a word, it takes a special talent like Jennings to transcend the North London rivalry with his amazing goalkeeping prowess.
The Irish goalkeeper was Tottenham’s custodian for 13 years before spending eight years with Arsenal, where he also dazzled the fans with breathtaking skills in between the sticks.
Jennings was a well-cherished figure at Arsenal despite crossing the divide between White Hart Lane and the Highbury stadium as a goalie for both teams where he had a distinguished career.
Without Jennings’ impeccable goalkeeping for Arsenal during their 1979 FA Cup success, it wouldn’t have come easy for the Gunners.
11. Freddie Ljungberg – (Sweden, 1998-2007)
- App: 328
- Goals: 72
The game between Sweden and England set the precedent for what to come from the boot of Ljungberg at Arsenal when both teams clashed at the Euro 2000 qualifier.
The legendary Swedish shot to prominence on English soil after terrorizing the Three Lions at the biggest of stages, where he caught the attention of Wenger who moved quickly in securing his services.
For almost 10 years Ljungberg was a devoted servant to the Gunners epitomizing his manager’s philosophy of attractive football and athleticism.
Ljungberg’s marauding runs from midfield, coupled with his knack for scoring goals made him a fan favorite and legend at Highbury stadium which was then Arsenal’s home ground.
12. Marc Overmars – (1997-2000)
- App: 142
- Goals: 41
A few eyebrows were raised when Arsenal were linked with the Dutch legend in the summer of 1997, however, he went on to become a fan favorite when he arrived despite his well-documented injuries concern.
Overmars’ arrival made him a key cog in Arsenal’s team that brought the double back to Highbury in Wenger’s first full season.
His most memorable moment came in the 1998 FA Cup final against Manchester United, when he scored the winning goal to secure Arsenal’s first major trophy in seven years which further adhered him to the fan’s heart.
You can’t talk about his impact on the club’s success and not include his name on the list of legends who are truly worthy been called so.
13. Nwankwo Kanu – (Nigeria, 1999-2004)
- App: 198
- Goals: 44
Olympic gold medalist, Nwankwo Kanu, arrived at Arsenal in 1999 in the wake of Anelka’s departure to Real Madrid, at first he failed to convince the fans with his talent around the pitch.
His attributes however became evident and went on to make himself a fan favorite with his impressive and breathtaking performances which followed up with a haul of accolades and trophies.
By the time Kanu left North London five years later after arriving at the club, he had added two Premier League titles and two FA Cup medals to his name as an Arsenal legend.
14. David O’Leary – (England, 1975-1993)
- App: 722
- Goals: 14
With a club record appearances of 722 for the Gunners it is easy to understand why David O’Leary is still held in high esteem at Arsenal to date.
In the case of some long-serving players of course, only a few of them enjoy proper adoration, but in the case of O’Leary, he gave more than longevity and imperious defending on the pitch for Arsenal.
O’Leary wasn’t just an imperious center-back blessed with a proper physique, he was also a brilliant leader deceptively powerful with his game and tackle.
15. Sol Campbell – (England, 2001-2006 & 2010)
- App: 211
- Goals: 12
Sol Campbell was one of Arsenal’s most accomplished defenders of his generation considering his sheer-impact and undeniable mark during his first and second stints.
His imposing physical presence, excellent reading of the game, and commanding leadership qualities made him a defensive stalwart throughout his stints at Highbury.
Campbell quickly won over the Gunners faithful with his exceptional performances, particularly with his amazing and telepathic partnership with Kolo Toure at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.
16. David Rocastle – (England, 1985-1992)
- App: 277
- Goals: 34
The Lewisham-born came through the ranks at the club in the mid-1980s bringing flair and flashes of brilliance into the team, and instantly got awarded the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 1986.
Rocastle as a defender was well renowned for his electrifying pace, poise, and plenty of venom which stands him out among the top defenders in his generation who could either play as a central or right back.
If you want to know how popular Rocastle was at Arsenal before he passed away when he lost the battle with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma a form of cancer, just ask about Rocky’s impact at Arsenal.
17. Pat Rice – (England, 1967-1980)
- App: 528
- Goals: 13
With 528 appearances and 13 goals for the Gunners throughout his stint at Highbury, there’s absolutely no doubt about his legendary status in the history of the club.
Aside from playing for Arsenal he also managed the team as an assistant manager to Arsene Wenger helping drive the club on to further success.
His retirement in 2012 was an emotional one for everyone at the club, considering his sheer impact and undeniable mark at the club as an active player and assistant manager.
18. Cliff Bastin – (England, 1926-1946)
- App: 396
- Goals: 178
Bastin’s heyday was in the 1930s, but nearly 85 years on and still counting, he’s still remembered with affection and still commands respect from fans of all ages at the club.
During his time at Arsenal, he won five league titles and two FA Cups, solidifying his place as one of the key figures in the club’s history.
Aside been a successful player at Arsenal trophies-wise, his technical ability, goal-scoring prowess, and consistency made him one of the club’s beloved legends.
19. Ray Parlour – (England, 1992-2004)
- App: 466
- Goals: 32
Ray Parlour, also known as ‘Romford Pele’ by the Arsenal faithful was a true Gunners legend who had a distinguished career at the club.
His tenacity, work rate, and exceptional midfield performances endeared him to the fans and made him an integral part of the team during Arsenal’s successful era.
Apart been a player that often brighten the mood of fans in the stand with his breathtaking skills and talent, Parlour’s finest moment in the 2002 FA Cup final will forever be remembered.
20. Martin Keown – (England, 1984-86 & 1993-2004)
- App: 449
- Goals: 8
As a teenager, Keown was lined up as a perfect replacement for David O’Leary whom he eventually partnered alongside Tony Adams.
He was no doubt a brilliant defender blessed with combative quality and second-to-none Ariel dual that often stood him out among the rest.
However, he was also known for his struggle with injuries even as he demonstrated his footballing intellect throughout his stint at Arsenal.
Other Greatest Arsenal Players
- Lee Dixon
- Emmanuel Petit
- Brain Talbot
- John Radford
- Ashley Cole
- Paul Merson
- Alan Smith
- Charlie Nicholas
- Nicolas Anelka
- Frank McClintock
- Ted Drake
- Nigel Winterburn
- Sylvain Wiltord
- George Graham
- Alan Ball
- Peter Storey
- Cesc Fabregas
- Santi Cazorla
Nigerian Players That Have And Are Still Playing For Arsenal
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