Top 10 UK Football Legends Of All Time

One of the most popular sports in United Kingdom, football is passionately followed by millions of fans in the country. Football has a rich history in UK, with records indicating that the sport was played in the country as far back as 12th century AD. Since the beginning of modern era football, UK has produced a number of top grade players who are revered not just in the country, but across the globe as well for their superior skills, athleticism, achievements and contributions to the game of football. If you want to know more about the best players, here’s a list of top 10 UK football legends of all time.

George Best

Regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, George Best played as a winger for Northern Ireland. He was known for his superior dribbling and other skills such as pace, goal scoring and ability to beat defenders. Owing to his good looks, George Best was also popular with the media. In his club career, Georgeplayed for Manchester United, Fulham, Stockport County, Cork Celtic, and Los Angeles Aztecs among others. In his international career, George Best played 37 matches and scored 9 goals.

Bobby Charlton

Playing as a midfielder for England, Bobby Charlton was known for his long-range shots, attacking play and seamless passing abilities. In his career, Bobby Charlton made 106 appearances and participated in four World Cups in 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970. He was part of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966. In his club career, Bobby played mostly for Manchester United. In his international career, he scored a total of 49 goals.

Bobby Moore

Playing as a defender for England, Bobby Moore was known for anticipating opposition movements and accurately reading the game. He had a composed temperament, which was quite different in comparison to that of the usual hard-tackling defenders. Moore became the captain of England team in 1964, when he was just 23 years of age. Two years later, his team won the World Cup in 1966. In his club career, Moore played mostly for West Ham United. In his international career, he made 108 appearances and scored two goals.

John Charles

Nicknamed as the gentle giant for his non-offensive play, John Charles could easily switch between the roles of a forward and defender. Owing to his belief in fair play, Charles was never cautioned or showed a card during his career. In his club career, he played mostly for Leeds United and Juventus. In his international career, he made a total of 38 appearancesand scored 15 goals.

Stanley Matthews

Playing as an outside right, Stanley Matthews was known for his great dribbling skills, lightning speed and passing abilities. Owing to his extraordinary skills, Matthews got the nicknames of ‘The Magician’ and ‘The Wizard of the Dribble’. In his club career, Matthews played for Stoke City and Blackpool. In his international career playing for England, Matthews made 54 appearances where he scored a total of 11 goals.

Kenny Dalglish

Playing for Scotland national team, Kenny Dalglish was known for his balance and superior finishing skills. In his club career, he played for Celtic and Liverpool. In his international career, he made 102 appearances and scored 30 goals. Dalglish also had a successful career post retirement, having taken up various managerial roles with clubs such as Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Celtic.

Tom Finney

Tom Finney played as an outside left for England from 1946 to 1960. He is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. In his club career, he played mostly for Preston North End. He made 474 appearances in club football, scoring a total of 210 goals. Finney made his international debut in 1946 when his team took on Northern Ireland and won 7-2. In his international career, Finney made 76 appearances and scored 30 goals.

Ryan Giggs

Playing mostly as a left winger, Ryan Giggs had a successful career with various wins including FIFA World Cup, 13 Premier League winner’s medals, two UEFA Champions League winner’s medals, three League Cup winner’s medals, four  FA Cup winner’s medals and one UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal. In his club career, Giggs played entirely for Manchester United. In his international career, he made 64 appearances and scored 12 goals.

Denis Law

Former Scottish footballer, Denis Law was known for his fast-paced maneuvers, passing skills and goal-scoring abilities. In his club career, he played for Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, Manchester City and Torino. In his international career with Scotland national team, he made 55 appearancesand scored a total of 30 goals.

Jimmy Greaves

Playing as a forward, Jimmy Greaves was known for his dribbling skills, acceleration and pace, and finishing abilities. In his club career, he played for Chelsea, A.C. Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. In his international career playing for England national team, he made 57 appearances and scored 44 goals. He is the fourth highest international goal scorer for England.