Newcastle United, a famous football team in England, has had many great players over the years.
But who is the most famous among them?
Even though the team isn’t currently winning big titles, its long history means that players who wear its black and white stripes can become well-known names. Especially in the early days of the Premier League, Newcastle United gave fans some really exciting moments.
In this article, we’ll talk about the top 10 Newcastle United players ever, recognizing how they helped the team and left their mark on its history. We’ve ranked them based on things like how much they played, their impact on the team, and any personal or team achievements they had.
Our list carefully considers each player’s importance to Newcastle United, how many games they played, and any special awards or trophies they won with the team.
1. Alan Shearer
- Appearances: 404
- Goals: 206
- Achievements: Club Record Goalscorer
Alan Shearer is considered Newcastle United’s greatest player ever, and it’s hard to argue against that. He’s from the same hometown as the club, and his influence goes way beyond just playing football, especially in the Premier League era.
Shearer was an amazing striker, and he scored an incredible 206 goals for Newcastle in the Premier League, which is a record.
Even though Newcastle didn’t win big trophies while he was there, Shearer had a huge impact, especially when they had famous managers like Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.
Shearer wasn’t just a great player; he was also a leader on the field.
His determination, commitment, and ability to score goals made him a hero to Newcastle fans.
He wasn’t just about numbers; Shearer represented the heart and soul of the club, and that’s why he’s loved by the fans and considered one of the greatest Newcastle United players ever.
2. Jackie Milburn
- Appearances: 397
- Goals: 200
- Achievements: FA Cup 1950/51, 1951/52 & 1954/55
Known as “Wor Jackie,” Jackie Milburn is a true legend of Newcastle United, celebrated for his goal-scoring ability in the team’s iconic black and white stripes.
Hailing from a football-loving family in Ashington, Northumberland, Milburn spent nearly his entire career with Newcastle. He held the club’s all-time leading goal scorer record with 200 goals until Alan Shearer surpassed him in 2006.
During his time with the club, Milburn lifted three FA Cups, and a statue of him proudly stands outside the renowned Gallowgate stand. Such was his impact that the club named a stand after him.
Milburn scored in two out of three FA Cup finals during the club’s memorable 1950s era, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the field for Newcastle United.
3. Hughie Gallacher
- Appearances: 174
- Goals: 143
- Achievements: Football League First Division 1926/27
It’s been decades since Newcastle last won the English championship, and during the 1926/27 season, Hughie Gallacher led the team to victory as captain. That season, he scored an incredible 39 goals in 41 games, a record for Newcastle United that still stands today.
In his career, Gallacher scored a total of 463 goals, with 143 of those coming during his time with Newcastle United in just 174 appearances.
Not only was he prolific for Newcastle, but Gallacher was also a goal-scoring sensation for Scotland, netting an astonishing 24 goals in just 20 appearances for the national team.
Gallacher eventually moved to Chelsea for a hefty sum of £10,000, a significant amount at the time. His debut for Chelsea was against none other than Newcastle United, in a match played in front of a packed St James’ Park.
4. Bobby Moncur
- Appearances: 359
- Goals: 7
- Achievements: Inter-City Fairs Cup
Bobby Moncur is highly respected as one of the greatest captains in Newcastle United’s history.
He achieved what many others couldn’t by leading the team to victory in a major competition at St James’ Park, winning the Inter-City Fairs Cup in 1969. This triumph remains the club’s last major trophy. Moncur played a crucial role in the final, scoring three of his seven goals for the club across the two legs.
Despite his achievements, Moncur holds a unique record he’d rather not have.
He’s one of the few players who have represented both Newcastle United and their arch-rivals, Sunderland. Reflecting on this, he admitted, “I’m in a club I don’t want to be in,” before Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United in February.
5. Kevin Keegan
- Appearances: 78
- Goals: 48
- Achievements: Newcastle United Player of the Year 1982/83 & 1983/84
No Newcastle United list would be complete without mentioning Kevin Keegan.
He first joined the team in 1982 and later returned as the club’s manager twice, in 1992 and 2008. Even though he played fewer than 100 games during his time as a player with Newcastle United, his impact was immense. Keegan scored an impressive 48 goals in 78 games.
Keegan and Newcastle United were a perfect fit. He was warmly welcomed, and the mutual love between him and the club continued throughout his time there.
As a player, Keegan was a dynamic forward whose hard work and passion inspired his teammates.
Later, as a manager, he guided the club to promotion and orchestrated a thrilling attacking style of play that captured the hearts of fans. Keegan’s influence, both on and off the field, solidified his status as a Newcastle United legend.
6. Rob Lee
- Appearances: 303
- Goals: 44
- Achievements: Football League First Division 1992/93
Rob Lee played a big part in helping Newcastle United get promoted to the Premier League in his first season with the club. He was really important in Kevin Keegan’s ‘entertainers’ team.
During his time at the club, Lee played in 267 Premier League games, which is the fourth highest for Newcastle.
Even though he played well consistently, people didn’t always give him enough credit. This might be why he didn’t get as many chances to play for England as he deserved. He did get 21 caps for England though, and he was in the squad for the 1998 World Cup.
Lee played at St James’ Park for ten years and had four different managers while he was there: Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, and Sir Bobby Robson.
6. Shay Given
- Appearances: 463
- Clean Sheets: 132
- Achievements: FA Cup Runner-Up 1997/98
Shay Given is often considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history. He spent most of his career at St James’ Park, playing over 450 games for Newcastle United before joining Manchester City in 2009.
Given was widely praised for his consistent performances in goal for Newcastle United.
He had quick reflexes, was excellent at stopping shots, and controlled his penalty area with confidence. His saves saved many points for Newcastle and provided a sense of security for the team’s defense.
Given’s 463 appearances for Newcastle United make him the third-highest appearance maker in the club’s history. He also holds the record for the most appearances by a Newcastle United player in European competitions, with 54 appearances.
7. Paul Gascoigne
- Appearances: 92
- Goals: 21
- Achievements: FA Youth Cup WInner 1984/85
Paul Gascoigne was known for his amazing skills, creativity, and natural talent during his time at Newcastle United. Fans loved watching him play because of his ability to dribble past opponents and break down defences.
Gascoigne is one of the most famous footballers in England, whether for his good or bad actions.
He was incredibly talented and could have been even better if it weren’t for his struggles outside of football. Sadly, his life took a difficult turn, which is one of the saddest stories in English football history.
But when he was at his best, ‘Gazza’ was unstoppable.
Gascoigne started his career at Newcastle and quickly became a favorite among fans after making his debut in 1985.
Even though he didn’t stay at the club for long before moving on to other successful teams, his memorable performances left a lasting impression on supporters and earned him a special place in the hearts of many Newcastle fans.
8. Peter Beardsley
- Appearances: 326
- Goals: 119
- Achievements: Newcastle United Play of the Year 1984/85 & 1985/86
Peter Beardsley was a vital part of the Newcastle United midfield thanks to his exceptional vision, creativity, and technical skills. His precise passing and intelligent movement distinguished him as one of the finest playmakers of his era.
Teaming up with strikers such as Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, Beardsley contributed to many goals and memorable moments for the Magpies.
Throughout his playing career, Beardsley scored 118 goals for Newcastle. He also played for other successful clubs like Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, and Bolton Wanderers.
Although he didn’t win any trophies during his time at Newcastle, Beardsley earned the title of their Player of the Year twice in the 1980s.
His remarkable contributions to the beautiful game were recognized when he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
9. Malcolm Macdonald
- Appearances: 257
- Goals: 138
- Achievements: FA Cup Runner-Up, First Division Top Goalscorer 1975
Known as “Supermac,” Malcolm Macdonald remains one of Newcastle United’s most revered goal-scorers.
Despite spending only five seasons at Newcastle United, Macdonald made a significant impact, becoming the fifth-highest goal-scorer in the club’s history.
During his time on Tyneside, he scored an impressive 138 goals in 257 appearances, including two goals in the 1973/74 FA Cup semi-final against Burnley.
Macdonald joined Newcastle United from Luton Town and immediately made his mark by scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Liverpool.
The dynamic striker was known for his lightning speed and deadly accuracy in front of goal. His consistent ability to find the back of the net earned him admiration from fans and solidified his place as a Newcastle United legend.
10. Gary Speed
- Appearances: 213
- Goals: 29
- Achievements: FA Cup Runner-Up 1997/98 & 1998/99
Gary Speed’s iconic runs into the box will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Newcastle United fans.
As a midfielder, Speed had all the skills. He was a threat in the air and equally comfortable using both feet. His talent was evident in every game he played for the club.
Speed was part of the team that reached consecutive FA Cup finals in the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons. His departure to Bolton Wanderers in 2004 was seen as a factor in Sir Bobby Robson’s decline at the club.
Other Best Newcastle United Players Ever
- John Beresford
- David Ginola
- Joe Harvey
- Chris Waddle
- Faustino Asprilla
- Laurent Robert
- Papiss Cissé
- Philippe Albert
- Jonás Gutiérrez
- Les Ferdinand
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