Top 5 Greatest Wingers in Football History

Wingers are among the most exciting footballers, capable of changing a match in an instant with their skill and unpredictability. Many of the game’s greatest players have dominated from the wing, leaving a lasting impact on competitions like the World Cup and Premier League.

We’ve ranked the top five greatest wingers in football, from the 1930s to today

5. Stanley Matthews

Stanley Matthews became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1956, edging out Alfredo Di Stéfano and Raymond Kopa. This achievement made him one of the few players to win the award while playing for an English club, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest wingers in football history.

For both Stoke and Blackpool, Matthews was unparalleled. He had exceptional speed, skill, and crossing ability. If a defender gave him the slightest opening, he would capitalize on it, quickly advancing into the final third and creating opportunities for his teammates.

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4. Neymar

Neymar could be seen as one of the unluckiest players in football history. Had he played in a different era, he might have been recognized as the greatest Brazilian player ever. However, he was never the best of his time. Being in the spotlight is crucial for those who leave a lasting legacy, but Neymar’s career coincided with the dominance of Ronaldo and Messi. Despite his undeniable talent marked by his ability to easily dribble past defenders and score with precision he never won a Ballon d’Or. A decade earlier, he likely would have claimed that honor.

3. Ronaldinho

The similarities between Neymar and Ronaldinho are striking. Both players made their mark at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, both emerged from Brazil, and both are considered among the greatest showmen in football history. The main difference lies in timing Ronaldinho played in an earlier era, which led to his winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ronaldinho approached the game with the joy and creativity of a child on a playground, consistently pulling off nearly every trick imaginable. Beyond being one of the most entertaining players to watch live, he also had an outstanding goal-scoring record, with over 350 goal contributions in 549 matches. Truly spectacular.

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2. George Best

George Best, renowned for his consistent performances with Manchester United, is widely regarded as one of the greatest British footballers and among the best wingers in history. At the height of his career, the Northern Irish international seemed immune to failure. Known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and ability to score stunning goals, Best was instrumental in Manchester United’s European Cup victory in 1968. In an era when dribbling past defenders was especially challenging, Best’s unpredictability left defenders guessing. Sadly, his career declined in the 1970s due to alcoholism, but at his peak, he was unmatched by most.

1. Garrincha

Brazilian football legend Garrincha is widely regarded as the greatest winger of all time. Throughout his career, he dominated the right wing, consistently outmaneuvering his opponents. Despite having one leg shorter than the other—a condition that initially cast doubt on his potential as a footballer Garrincha defied expectations.

He truly made his mark during the 1962 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s top goalscorer. His shorter leg gave him a distinctive dribbling style, which only added to his brilliance on the field, solidifying his status as the best in the world.

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