Rangers Football Club is not just a team; it is a legacy. Since its inception in 1872, the club has carved an unbeatable name in British football with its incredible laurels, relentless rivalries, and undying loyalty from generations of fans.
The Gers have triumphed through tough times, stood strong against rivalries, and scripted a history made so rich with legendary figures.
These legends proudly wore the blue jersey, after which they would go on and embody the spirit of the Rangers, sealing their places in the club’s history.
And here are the top 10 players who wore the most famous blue Rangers jersey and therefore became permanently etched in the hearts of fans.
1. Ally McCoist 1983-1998
- Position: Striker
When people think of Rangers legends, the first name that usually comes out of most people’s mouths is that of Ally McCoist.
Renowned for his fantastic goal-poaching abilities, McCoist remains the all-time top scorer at the club, with more than 350 goals in its colours. Having started off his professional career at St Johnstone, this player’s mesmeric spell at Rangers saw him win nine consecutive league titles from 1988 to 1997.
More than his scoring feats, for in 1992 McCoist was the first Scotsman ever to win the European Golden Boot, then doing the same thing again a year later.
His success thus has been enshrined in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, and he is still looked upon as a folk hero at Ibrox Stadium.
Given that his managerial career wasn’t as smooth, what he did on the pitch cannot be forgotten.
With 61 international caps and a penchant for scoring when it most mattered, McCoist was now considered one of Rangers’ all-time greats.
2. Andy Goram (1991-1998)
- Position: Goalkeeper
The one and only Andy Goram-aka “The Goalie.” Hailing from Bury in England, Goram’s talents were cultivated through the junior ranks at Oldham Athletic and Hibernian before arriving at Rangers in the early ’90s.
His shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence made him an instant fan favourite and an integral member of the Rangers during their strong decade of the 1990s.
During his time from 1991 to 1998, Goram made more than 185 appearances for Rangers and, without any question, established himself as one of the best goalkeepers who has donned the jersey.
He earned a reputation for clutch performances in high-stakes games notably against Celtic.
In fact, in a 2001 poll conducted among Rangers fans, he was voted the club’s greatest-ever goalkeeper.
Having been capped 43 times by Scotland and appearing in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, Goram is remembered as “The Goalie” purely for gracing the sticks with so much assurance and skill.
3. Jorg Albertz (1996-2001)
- Position: Midfielder
Nicknamed “The Iceman,” Jorg Albertz is considered one of the best foreign players ever to wear the Rangers jersey.
A German midfielder, he joined in 1996 for a fee of £4 million and soon made a name for his powerful left foot, netting some fantastic long-range goals. Albertz sealed his place in Rangers history with a particularly famous free-kick against Celtic in 1997 as the team wrapped up a ninth successive league title.
His skill and tenacity made Albertz a fans’ favourite, but perhaps more for his knack for scoring in Old Firm derbies.
While post-1998 and the departure of Walter Smith, he found his playing time more limited, he still contributed under Dick Advocaat to further league and Scottish Cup successes.
With 82 goals in 182 appearances, Albertz hit Rangers with as much power as his shots from distance.
4. Ian Durrant (1985-1998)
- Position: Midfielder
Ian Durrant was one of the homegrown talents who made his debut for Rangers in 1985 and immediately stamped his mark.
With his imaginative playmaking and general midfield intelligence, he became a vital component for the Gers during the late ’80s.
He delivered in critical moments, scoring in back-to-back Scottish League Cup finals in 1986 and 1987 and converting the winning penalty in the latter.
Unfortunately for him, a serious knee injury in 1988 kept him out for several seasons, although he battled his way back with such resilience that this seemed to make him even more popular with the supporters.
He spent almost 14 years as a Rangers player before going back as first-team coach after his playing career.
The loyalty that he showed to the Rangers, coupled with skilful performances for many seasons in midfield, made him a respected figure in Rangers history.
5. Barry Ferguson (1997-2003, 2005-2009)
- Position: Midfielder
Two spells at Rangers confirmed Barry Ferguson as an Ibrox icon. A product of the Rangers youth system, Ferguson became captain at just 22, an indication of maturity and leadership well beyond his years.
Tough in the tackle, with the eyes of a playmaker and a passing range to terrify opponents, he was Scottish Writers’ Player of the Year twice in three years, no mean achievement.
Having said that, his loyalty to Rangers meant that he headed back to Ibrox after a spell with Blackburn Rovers.
He played 82 games in European competition – a record for any Rangers player – while he played a key role in winning the league and cup on numerous occasions.
The season of the treble in 2003 is one that will be remembered throughout his career, in which his displays won him the SFWA Footballer of the Year. Ferguson was one of the most dedicated and undeniably talented players at Rangers.
6. Richard Gough – 1987-1998
- Position: Defender
The towering Richard Gough was one of the most respected defenders ever to feature in Scottish football during his time at Rangers.
In 1987, he became the first Scot to be sold for more than £1 million as he moved to Rangers. He was the hard-nosed captain who led from the front as Rangers mounted a run for the legendary nine-in-a-row title.
During his tenure at Rangers, he made 427 appearances, scoring 37 goals quite an impressive record for a defender.
He also captained his country 61 times. Strong in body and discipline, Gough developed into one of the finest captains Rangers ever had, and a defender for which future generations continue to strive.
7. Brian Laudrup (1994-1998)
- Position: Forward/Midfielder
One of Denmark’s most decorated stars, Laudrup brought a touch of class and panache to Rangers during his four-year tenure.
Having played for the likes of Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and Fiorentina, Laudrup’s arrival at Ibrox in 1994 saw him become an instant hit due to his incredible technical ability and playmaking skills.
He played over 100 games for Rangers and scored 33 times, including that 1996 Scottish Cup Final when he scored two and assisted three.
Utterly magical, and yet today the fans talk about the invention and artistry he brought to the team. His time there, though brief, would never be forgotten.
8. Jim Baxter (1960-1965, 1969-1970)
- Position: Midfielder
Jim Baxter is one of Scotland’s finest footballers and a Rangers icon of the 1960s.
With his creative ball control and vision, he was the talisman as Rangers dominated the Scottish league, winning 10 trophies in five years.
When he was signed for a record £17,500, he proved to be an influential and dynamic player on the pitch; he made the game look easy, with a style and confidence that left fans aghast.
His career was blighted by personal problems, and a serious leg injury in 1964 precipitated heavy drinking, although an attempted comeback failed to revive his career.
Nevertheless, his contribution to Rangers and Scottish football remains significant, and he is considered one of the all-time greats of the club.
9. Davie Cooper (1977-1989)
- Position: Winger
With his mesmeric dribbling skills and pacey acceleration, he was an absolute sight to see for Rangers fans during the late ’70s and ’80s. Cooper scored one of the club’s most celebrated goals in the 1979 Dryburgh Cup final against Celtic goal that still resonates in Rangers lore.
Through 377 appearances, Cooper’s consistency and skill made him an indispensable asset, and his influence extended beyond Scotland, as Dutch legend Ruud Gullit once named him among the best he had ever faced.
Having won three Scottish top-division championships with Rangers, the commitment and unique talent Cooper had for the club make him one of the most cherished players in Rangers history.
10. John Greig (1961-1978)
- Position: Defender
Voted the greatest-ever Rangers player, John Greig is the embodiment of loyalty, grit, and passion for the club. Greig, during his career, made a sweet 755 appearances in 17 years, scoring 120 goals from defence, proof of his attacking abilities.
He was an invaluable captain under whose leadership Rangers even won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972.
Being a “no-nonsense” type of defender, his work ethic and perseverance set the benchmark for future players of Rangers. Even in retirement, he would continue in service to the club in a variety of functions and thus ensure his own legend for all time.
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