60. Alan Shearer
The greatest goalscorer of his generation, Alan Shearer came of age in English football’s post-Italia 90 boom and was an iconic figure of the Premier League’s first decade-and-a-half. Shearer boasted classic centre-forward traits of strength, stature, power, technique and aerial dominance and fired Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title in 1994/95 before going on to win the Golden Boot at Euro 96.
That inspired Newcastle United to break the world transfer record in order to bring him back home and while he was not able to win a major trophy with the Magpies, he would end his career with a host of individual awards and records, including the all-time Premier League goalscoring mark.
59. Ronald Koeman
A part of the iconic Netherlands side that won their only international tournament at Euro 88, Koeman carved out a career as one of the best defenders of his era. His versatility as a ball-playing defender saw him deployed in a number of positions at the back, but his eye for goal, prowess for long-range shots and dead ball ability meant he was something of a unique dual threat.
His winning goal for Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ in the 1992 Champions League final at Wembley was one of Koeman’s several career highlights on the pitch. His managerial career has seen him with league titles with Ajax and PSV and he is currently getting ready to lead the Netherlands in Euro 2024.
58. Jimmy Johnstone
The greatest player in Celtic's history, ‘Jinky’ was a key part of the ‘Lisbon Lions’ side that won the 1967 European Cup during a period of domestic dominance that saw the Hoops win nine consecutive Scottish titles.
Combining pace with sublime dribbling ability, the diminutive Johnstone would leave defenders in his wake, while his infectious personality and charisma off the pitch only added to his legacy.
57. Dennis Bergkamp
Schooled in the Dutch tradition of ‘Total Football’ under Johan Cruyff at Ajax, Dennis Bergkamp’s two-decade career saw him go down as one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
His 1995 move to Arsenal following an underwhelming stint at Inter Milan was a landmark transfer for the Premier League as he became the fulcrum of Arsene Wenger’s era-defining Gunners side. He combined flawless technique and the ability to take over games with some of the greatest goals English football has ever seen.
56. Sandro Mazzola
The former Inter Milan forward was a one-club legend who defined Italian football in the 1960s and ‘70s. During 17 seasons with I Nerazzurri, Mazzola would win four Serie A titles and two European Cups, while he would lift the European Championship trophy with the Azzurri in 1968, before playing his part in the legendary 1970 World Cup final defeat to Brazil.
Fast, skilful and hard-working, Mazzola would operate in a number of attacking positions and was pipped to the 1971 Ballon d’Or by Johan Cruyff.
55. Denis Law
Nicknamed ‘Denis the Menace’ by opposing supporters, Denis Law continues to be renowned as one of the greatest Scottish strikers to have ever played the game. 11 long years at Manchester United saw him net a whopping 237 goals and his statue remains an ever-lasting part of Old Trafford alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton.
A Ballon d'Or winner in 1964, the former Torino man won the European Cup in 1968 in what is still remembered as one of the Red Devils best-ever sides under legendary boss Sir Matt Busby.
54. Johan Neeskens
Hailed as one of the Netherlands' finest midfield exports, Johan Neeskens helped revolutionise the beautiful game we all care to enjoy and watch to this day. Known for his exceptional skills, aggressive playing style, and iconic hairstyle, Neeskens was integral as Holland finished as runners-up at the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups.
Long-standing spells with Barcelona and Ajax cemented his place in history, with his talents the perfect partner for fellow all-time great Johan Cryuff.
53. Gunnar Nordahl
A physical, powerful, brute-like centre forward, former AC Milan hero Gunnar Nordahl will forever have his name etched into Rossoneri folklore. Having won the Italian top flight twice and finishing his career as a five-time top scorer in Italy, he also long held the record for most goals for a single club in history before being overtaken by Francesco Totti in 2012.
Having moved from IFK Norrkoping during his early playing days, Nordahl’s talents in attack mean he is reserved amongst Sweden’s best-ever when it comes to attacking prowess.
52. David Beckham
Perhaps the most iconic footballer to have ever played the game, David Beckham is a name that is widely renowned as one of the most recognisable in football. A Class of 92 graduate, Beckham enjoyed success under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, claiming six Premier League titles as well as being a pivotal part of the 1999 Treble-winning side.
Spells with Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG all followed but his sheer art-like talents when striking the ball makes him one of the best midfielders to have ever played.
51. John Charles
Largely known for his stints at Leeds United at Juventus, Charles won three Serie A titles in Italy and was extremely versatile, capable of playing both as a centre-forward and as a centre-back, and is regarded as one of Wales' best-ever players.
Nicknamed ‘The Gentle Giant’, he passed away in 2004 but will always be remembered for his correct behaviour on the pitch in the way he conducted himself to both opposition players and referees.
