Summary
- Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard are all ranked in the best British players of all time.
- Multiple Ballon d’Or winners from three different countries feature in the top 50.
- Harry Kane takes top spot following his 2026 Ballon d’Or triumph, ahead of legends including Bobby Charlton, Gareth Bale and Kenny Dalglish.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have produced some of the greatest players in football history.
British football is unique – nowhere else in the world does a crowd cheer quite so vociferously for crunching tackles, corner kicks or a referee slipping over – but it has also developed some of the most talented players of all time.
Three of the four British nations have produced Ballon d’Or winners throughout history, with the Premier League helping to showcase British football talent to a global audience.
With Harry Kane now crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, our ranking of the best of the best has a new number one, and we’ve considered the following factors:
- Trophies/Honours
- Importance to Their Teams
- Success at International Level
- Statistical Data
50
Andy Robertson
One of the most consistent full-backs in world football for nearly a decade at Liverpool.
49
Raheem Sterling
A key member of multiple Premier League-winning sides with Manchester City.
48
Phil Neal
Liverpool’s most decorated full-back, relentless and clutch in big European moments.
47
David Seaman
A calm, commanding goalkeeper who anchored Arsenal and England through the 1990s.
46
Billy Bremner
The fierce heartbeat of Leeds United’s golden era.
45
Ally McCoist
A predatory finisher with sharp movement and relentless consistency.
44
John Terry
One of the greatest defensive leaders in Premier League history.
43
Ray Clemence
A multiple European Cup–winning goalkeeper of remarkable consistency.
42
Martin Peters
The intelligent midfielder who scored in the 1966 World Cup final.
41
Michael Owen
A devastating young striker who won the 2001 Ballon d’Or.
