Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The role of the right-winger has been home to some of football's most iconic figures. Over time, this position evolved beyond merely delivering crosses, becoming a vital creative force on the pitch. Speed, dribbling skills, and sharp finishing have defined many legendary players who left their mark on major tournaments like the Champions League and the World Cup.

Among today's stars, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona stands out, already making waves as a phenomenal right-wing talent despite his youth. This list covers top right-wingers from the 1930s to current players, highlighting those who truly shaped the position.

Criteria for Ranking

• Legacy: Their lasting influence and how fans remember them.
• Longevity: Time spent competing at the highest level.
• Statistics: Consistency in scoring and assisting goals.
• Individual Honours: Awards and recognition earned during their careers.

Ranked List of the 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 Highlights and Career Details

Remembered more recently for coaching Italy and other teams, Donadoni was a standout right winger known for his speed and agility. He played mainly in the 1990s, contributing heavily to Milan's success with six Serie A titles.

• Appearances: 584
• Goals: 36
• Assists: 76
• Honours: Serie A Team of the Year 1986

Renowned for dazzling dribbling and a powerful shot, Julinho was a legend at Palmeiras and also made his mark in Serie A with Fiorentina, where he was voted the club’s greatest player in history in 1996.

• Appearances: 549
• Goals: 204
• Assists: Not Available
• Honours: Serie A Team of the Year 1957

Nicknamed "El Brujo" (The Wizard), Amancio starred for Real Madrid from 1962 to 1976. He won La Liga’s top scorer title twice and placed third in the 1964 Ballon d'Or rankings.

• Appearances: 579
• Goals: 223
• Assists: Not Available
• Honours: Pichichi (1969, 1970), Ballon d’Or Third Place (1964)

Di Maria grew from a promising talent in Argentina and Portugal into a world-class star at Real Madrid. His left foot was pivotal in Real’s Champions League successes during the 2010s.

• Appearances: 821
• Goals: 202
• Assists: 280
• Honours: FIFA World Cup Dream Team 2014, UEFA Team of the Year 2014, La Liga Top Assist Provider 2014

Rahn, a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1958, led West Germany to a World Cup victory in 1954. Known for his tricky style and goal-scoring prowess, he enjoyed his best years with Rot-Weiss Essen.

• Appearances: 365
• Goals: 163
• Assists: Not Available
• Honours: Ballon d’Or Runner-Up (1958)

Salah transformed Liverpool after joining from Roma, breaking a 30-year wait for a Premier League title and adding a sixth Champions League trophy. His speed and precision have been crucial to Liverpool's recent triumphs.

• Appearances: 731
• Goals: 366
• Assists: 189
• Honours: Premier League Player of the Year 2018, Premier League Golden Boot (2018, 2019, 2022), FIFA Puskas Award 2018

Robben was known for his signature move cutting inside onto his left foot. His peak came at Bayern Munich, where he scored the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final and earned numerous personal awards.

• Appearances: 710
• Goals: 246
• Assists: 199
• Honours: UEFA European Championship top assist provider 2004, German Footballer of the Year 2010, FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014

Beckham's worldwide fame is matched by his incredible career, especially his pinpoint crossing and free-kick skills. A key part of Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning squad, his move to LA Galaxy helped popularize soccer in the U.S.

• Appearances: 837
• Goals: 144
• Assists: 267
• Honours: 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

Figo was a central figure in the Real Madrid Galacticos and won the Ballon d’Or in 2000. Famous for his technical skill, he excelled both at club and international levels with Portugal’s golden generation.

• Appearances: 792
• Goals: 156
• Assists: 262
• Honours: Portuguese Footballer of the Year (1995-2000), La Liga top assist provider (1997, 1999), Ballon d’Or 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year 2001, Champions League top assist provider 2005

Bale started as a left-back but became one of the most thrilling right-wingers, famous for his pace and powerful shots. He starred for Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles and scored a memorable overhead kick in the 2018 final.

• Appearances: 665
• Goals: 225
• Assists: 154
• Honours: Premier League Player of the Season 2013, UEFA Team of the Year (2011, 2013), PFA Young Player of the Year 2013, FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2018