The Premier League has seen an incredible evolution of wingers over the years. From dazzling dribblers to pacey wide players who transformed the game, wingers have often been the match-winners and the entertainers in English football. Here’s a look at the 20 best wingers ever to grace the Premier League, ranked for their impact, style, and enduring legacy.

20. Leroy Sané (Manchester City)

Leroy Sané’s time at Manchester City was relatively brief but incredibly impactful. A key figure in the 2017/18 “Centurions” team under Pep Guardiola, Sané redefined the role of a left-footed winger in England. With his pace and skill, he was virtually unplayable from a standing start. Despite only making 90 Premier League appearances for City, his legacy as a game-changing wide player remains.

19. Harry Kewell (Leeds United, Liverpool)

Harry Kewell was one of the brightest stars of the early 2000s Premier League. His time at Leeds United saw him at his best, creating and scoring goals with effortless flair in David O’Leary’s young side. Despite a career hampered by injuries, Kewell’s move to Liverpool saw him help the club to a Champions League title. A talented winger with immense potential, he remains one of the league’s “what might have been” players.

18. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

A prodigious talent for Manchester City, Phil Foden is often debated for his best position but remains one of the league’s most intriguing players. Having played across various roles under Guardiola, Foden’s brilliance in the wide areas helped him claim the Premier League Player of the Season award. He’s poised to become one of the greatest English talents of his generation.

17. Marc Overmars (Arsenal)

Marc Overmars was a key part of Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal during the 1990s. A two-footed, pacey winger, Overmars could cross, cut inside, and score, making him a constant threat. His brilliant partnership with Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anelka helped Arsenal to numerous victories, and his 1997 move to Barcelona capped off a fantastic Premier League career.

16. Steve McManaman (Liverpool, Manchester City)

Steve McManaman was a trailblazer in the Premier League, offering creativity and flair from the wing. Known for his silky dribbling and intelligence, McManaman was one of Liverpool’s most influential players in the 1990s. Though his international career was disappointing, McManaman’s club performances were outstanding, and his free transfer to Real Madrid cemented his status as one of England’s most gifted wingers.

15. Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal, Manchester United)

Alexis Sánchez was a force of nature at Arsenal, where his relentless work rate and brilliance on the ball made him one of the league’s most exciting wingers. His partnership with Mesut Özil was often sublime, and though his move to Manchester United didn’t go as planned, his early years in the Premier League were full of spectacular moments.

14. John Barnes (Liverpool, Newcastle United, Charlton Athletic)

John Barnes is one of the defining wingers of the early Premier League era. With his incredible ball control and dribbling skills, Barnes terrorized defences, particularly during his time at Liverpool. Even as his pace began to fade, his vision and technical ability allowed him to thrive, and he remains one of England’s finest wingers.

13. Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal, West Ham United)

Freddie Ljungberg was a vital part of Arsène Wenger’s unbeaten “Invincibles” side in 2003/04. With his trademark red mohawk and brilliant runs off the ball, Ljungberg’s timing and sharpness were key to Arsenal’s dominance. His knack for scoring in crucial moments, especially in big games, made him a fan favourite and one of the league’s most efficient wingers.

12. David Ginola (Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Everton)

David Ginola was a French magician who graced the Premier League in the 1990s and early 2000s. A gifted dribbler with a cool, confident presence on the ball, Ginola won the PFA Player of the Year award while playing for Tottenham. His performances were often electrifying, making him one of the league’s most beloved imports.

11. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea)

Raheem Sterling’s evolution from a raw talent at Liverpool to a key figure under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City highlights his development as one of the Premier League’s best wingers. Known for his pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent positioning, Sterling became a regular scorer and assist-provider, making him a vital part of City’s dominance.

10. David Beckham (Manchester United)

David Beckham’s Premier League career is defined by his precision and vision. Known for his incredible crossing ability, Beckham became one of the world’s best wingers during his time at Manchester United. His free kicks and crosses were legendary, and his ability to create chances for others helped Manchester United to multiple league titles, European glory and a historic treble.

9. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City, Manchester City)

Riyad Mahrez was a key figure in Leicester City’s shock Premier League title win in 2016. His dribbling, creativity, and vision made him the standout player of that title-winning side. After moving to Manchester City, Mahrez continued to thrive under Pep Guardiola, becoming one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.

8. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)

Ryan Giggs is a Premier League icon whose career spanned an incredible 23 years at Manchester United. Known for his blistering pace and ability to produce magic on the left wing, Giggs was a vital part of United’s success in the 1990s and 2000s. His ability to adapt his game as he aged kept him at the top level for an astonishingly long time.

7. Robert Pirès (Arsenal, Aston Villa)

Robert Pirès was a master of the left wing, renowned for his technique, intelligence, and composure. As a right-footed player, Pirès was exceptional at cutting inside and creating chances. His time at Arsenal saw him form part of one of the most feared attacking trios in the league alongside Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

6. Gareth Bale (Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur)

Gareth Bale’s transformation from a left-back to one of the Premier League’s most devastating wingers is legendary. With his pace, power, and remarkable ability to score goals, Bale terrorized defences, especially during his time at Tottenham. His incredible performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he became one of the world’s best players.

5. Sadio Mané (Southampton, Liverpool)

Sadio Mané was a key part of Liverpool’s attack under Jürgen Klopp, where his blend of pace, power, and finishing ability made him one of the Premier League’s top wingers. His versatility allowed him to thrive on both wings, and he played a major role in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Eden Hazard was one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch in the Premier League. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to decide games made him a standout player for Chelsea. Hazard could take on multiple defenders, and despite not always topping the assist or goal charts, his overall influence on matches was immense.

3. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Son Heung-min has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent and dangerous wingers. His combination of pace, technique, and eye for goal made him a perfect partner for Harry Kane at Tottenham. Son is one of the best finishers the league has ever seen and has been a key figure in Spurs’ attack for years.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first stint at Manchester United saw him develop from a talented winger into one of the greatest players in history. His dribbling, speed, and ability to score goals made him unstoppable, and his 2007/08 season, in which he scored 31 league goals, is one of the best individual campaigns in Premier League history.

1. Mohamed Salah (Chelsea, Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah’s consistency, particularly as a right-winger for Liverpool, is unmatched. With over 300 goals and assists in just 350 appearances for Liverpool, Salah has been a constant goal threat and a key figure in Liverpool’s successes. His ability to score 18 or more goals every season from the wing makes him one of the greatest Premier League wingers ever.

These 20 wingers have redefined the role in their own unique ways, leaving an indelible mark on the Premier League and English football. From dazzling dribblers to clinical finishers, their brilliance has made the Premier League a thrilling spectacle.