The Top 50 Arsenal Legends Ranked

From the pioneering days of Herbert Chapman to the invincible era under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal has showcased some of football's finest talents. This list ranks the 50 greatest players who have worn the iconic red and white.

50-41

• 50. Michael Thomas - Known for his calmness on the pitch, Thomas scored the title-winning goal at Anfield in the 1988/89 season, securing a legendary place in Arsenal history.
• 49. David Jack - Signed by Herbert Chapman with a clever negotiation tactic, Jack helped Arsenal win three titles and remains one of the few players with over 100 top-flight goals for two clubs.
• 48. Jens Lehmann - The vocal German goalkeeper was key during the Invincibles era, holding the Champions League record for the longest streak without conceding at 853 minutes.
• 47. Nicolas Anelka - A rapid and fearless forward, Anelka played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 1997/98 Double, including scoring in the FA Cup Final.
• 46. Alan Ball - England’s youngest World Cup winner brought quality and energy to a struggling Arsenal side, scoring over 50 midfield goals in five years.
• 45. Martin Keown - Famous for his defensive tenacity, Keown was a crucial part of Arsenal’s back line, even stepping into midfield when needed.
• 44. Peter Storey - A reliable figure through Arsenal’s ups and downs in the 60s and 70s, Storey was integral to the 1970/71 Double-winning team.
• 43. Brian Talbot - Strong and consistent, Talbot featured in over 300 matches, playing every game in the 1979-80 season.
• 42. Aaron Ramsey - Known for resilience, Ramsey overcame a serious injury to become an all-round midfielder and scored two FA Cup Final winners.
• 41. George Graham - A stylish midfielder and later a successful manager, Graham was part of the 1970/71 Double-winning squad and the first to win titles both as player and coach.

40-31

• 40. Malcolm McDonald - "Super Mac" was a prolific scorer who helped Arsenal climb away from relegation battles, winning the Golden Boot in 1977.
• 39. Lauren - Initially a midfielder, the Cameroonian became a key right-back for the Invincibles, known for his stamina and loyalty.
• 38. Nigel Winterburn - Nicknamed "Nutty Nigel," he was a brilliant left-back who won three titles but remained underrated by England.
• 37. George Armstrong - A dependable winger and 1971 Double winner, Armstrong made 500 league appearances and provided crucial assists.
• 36. Ashley Cole - Rising through Arsenal’s ranks, Cole revolutionized the full-back role with his pace and attacking runs.
• 35. John Radford - A classic centre-forward, Radford scored 149 goals for Arsenal and remains the club’s youngest hat-trick scorer.
• 34. Cesc Fàbregas - This Catalan midfielder brought technical brilliance and vision to Arsenal, leading them to the 2006 Champions League Final and captaining the team.
• 33. Sylvain Wiltord - Known for his key goals including the famous winner against Manchester United in 2002, Wiltord was versatile and effective.
• 32. Charlie Nicholas - Champagne Charlie dazzled with skill and flair in the 1980s, winning Player of the Year and becoming a Wembley hero.
• 31. Steve Bould - A no-nonsense defender and Tony Adams’ trusted partner, Bould was vital in Arsenal’s 1989 title win.

30-21

• 30. Alex James - Renowned for his intelligence and elegant playmaking in Chapman’s golden era, James won six trophies with Arsenal.
• 29. Nwankwo Kanu - Despite a controversial debut, Kanu became a cult hero with his pace, flair, and memorable goals.
• 28. Ted Drake - Holding a long-standing record for seven goals in one match, Drake was a fearless striker and key to two league titles.
• 27. Kolo Touré - His passion impressed Wenger, and as a powerful defender, he became an important part of the Invincibles.
• 26. Frank McLintock - Overcoming a rocky start, McLintock captained Arsenal’s 1971 Double-winning team and was named Footballer of the Year.
• 25. Lee Dixon - Known for his intelligence and consistency, Dixon was a reliable right-back during Arsenal’s most successful periods.
• 24. Emmanuel Petit - The only Arsenal player to score in a World Cup Final, Petit formed a formidable partnership with Vieira and won the Double.
• 23. Kenny Sansom - A complete left-back and captain, Sansom was a fan favorite who earned 86 England caps.
• 22. Paul Merson - A talented and hardworking midfielder, Merson overcame personal struggles and contributed significantly to Arsenal’s success.
• 21. Marc Overmars - Known for his speed and skill, Overmars was a key player in Wenger’s 1998 Double-winning side.

20-11

• 20. Gilberto Silva - Praised by Wenger as underrated, the Brazilian was a calm and intelligent midfield lynchpin during the unbeaten season.
• 19. Bob Wilson - A brave and commanding goalkeeper, Wilson was central to Arsenal’s successes in the 1970s and remained a beloved club figure.
• 18. Alan Smith - Agile and decisive, Smith scored key goals including the 1989 title opener and the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup winner.
• 17. David Rocastle - A beloved figure known for flair and spirit, Rocastle was a key player in Arsenal’s late 1980s and early 1990s triumphs.
• 16. Pat Jennings - Known for his positioning and calm presence, Jennings excelled for both Spurs and Arsenal, winning the 1979 FA Cup.
• 15. Pat Rice - Loyal and hardworking, Rice was a key defender and captain, later serving as assistant manager under Wenger.
• 14. Ray Parlour - A cult hero for work rate and important goals, Parlour was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2002 Double-winning season.
• 13. Sol Campbell - Arsenal’s free signing from Tottenham became a defensive giant, winning two Premier League titles and scoring a crucial Champions League goal.
• 12. Freddie Ljungberg - A big-game player and energetic winger, Ljungberg scored two FA Cup Final goals and was loved for his fiery spirit.
• 11. David O’Leary - Arsenal’s record appearance holder and elegant defender, O’Leary was a cornerstone in multiple title-winning sides.

10-1

• 10. Cliff Bastin - A prolific inside-left whose scoring record stood for nearly 50 years, Bastin was a star from the 1920s to 1940s.
• 9. Charlie George - Remembered for his iconic 1971 FA Cup-winning volley, George embodied flair and passion for Arsenal.
• 8. David Seaman - Known as "Safe Hands," Seaman was a key goalkeeper in two Doubles and remembered for spectacular saves.
• 7. Liam Brady - Gifted with vision and technique, Brady was a shining light in the 1970s, winning the Player of the Year award thrice.
• 6. Robert Pires - Cultured and technical, Pires was a fan favorite whose goals and assists were vital in the early 2000s.
• 5. Ian Wright - From bricklayer to top scorer, Wright’s determination and personality made him a beloved Arsenal legend.
• 4. Patrick Vieira - A dominant and commanding midfielder, Vieira led Arsenal to multiple titles and was key in the unbeaten season.
• 3. Tony Adams - "Mr Arsenal," Adams was a brave and influential captain, battling addiction to lead the team to many successes.
• 2. Dennis Bergkamp - Graceful and imaginative, Bergkamp’s skill transformed Arsenal’s attack, inspiring teammates and fans alike.
• 1. Thierry Henry - Starting as a misfit, Henry became Arsenal’s all-time top scorer and one of football’s most complete forwards, winning multiple Golden Boots and titles.