Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The role of the right-winger has produced some of football's most brilliant talents. Once simply providers of crosses, modern right-wingers have become crucial creative forces, blending speed, skill, and finishing ability. From historic legends to rising stars like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, this position continues to shape the game's biggest moments.

Below is a ranking of the 15 greatest right-wingers ever, spanning players from the 1930s through today. Their legacy, longevity, stats, and honours all helped shape this list.

Ranking Factors

• Legacy: How they are remembered and their lasting influence on football.
• Longevity: Duration at top-level football.
• Statistics: Consistency in scoring and creating goals.
• Individual Honours: Awards and achievements during their careers.

Greatest Right-Wingers in Football History

• 1. Lionel Messi - Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
• 2. Garrincha - Serrano, Botafogo, Corinthians, Flamengo
• 3. George Best - Manchester United, Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes
• 4. Stanley Matthews - Stoke City, Blackpool, Toronto City
• 5. Jimmy Johnstone - Celtic, San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne, Elgin City
• 6. Gareth Bale - Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC
• 7. Luis Figo - Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan
• 8. David Beckham - Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG
• 9. Arjen Robben - Groningen, PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
• 10. Mohamed Salah - Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Roma, Liverpool
• 11. Helmut Rahn - Sportfreunde Katernberg, Rot-Weiss Essen, FC Koln, SC Enschede, Meidericher SV
• 12. Angel Di Maria - Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, Juventus
• 13. Amancio - Deportivo La Coruna, Real Madrid
• 14. Julinho - Portuguesa, Fiorentina, Palmeiras
• 15. Roberto Donadoni - Atalanta, Milan, MetroStars, Al-Ittihad

Spotlight on Select Players

Known more recently for his coaching career, Donadoni was a swift and agile winger capable on both flanks. He played a key role in AC Milan's dominance in the 1990s, securing six Serie A titles.

• Appearances: 584
• Goals: 36
• Assists: 76
• Honour: Serie A Team of the Year 1986

A dribbler with a powerful shot, Julinho was a star at Palmeiras and Fiorentina, where he earned the accolade of the club's best player ever in 1996.

• Appearances: 549
• Goals: 204
• Assists: Not available
• Honour: Serie A Team of the Year 1957

Nicknamed 'The Wizard', Amancio shone at Real Madrid for 14 years, twice topping La Liga's scoring charts and finishing third in the 1964 Ballon d'Or.

• Appearances: 579
• Goals: 223
• Assists: Not available
• Honours: Pichichi (1969, 1970), Ballon d'Or Third Place (1964)

From Rosario Central to European giants, Di Maria evolved into one of the finest wingers of his era. His left foot was key to Real Madrid's Champions League success during the 2010s.

• Appearances: 821
• Goals: 202
• Assists: 280
• Honours: FIFA World Cup Dream Team 2014, UEFA Team of the Year 2014, La Liga Top Assist Provider 2014

Rahn helped West Germany win the 1954 World Cup and was runner-up for the 1958 Ballon d'Or. Known for his sharpness on the wing, he scored over 100 club goals.

• Appearances: 365
• Goals: 163
• Assists: Not available
• Honour: Ballon d'Or Runner-Up (1958)

One of two active players on this list, Salah rose to stardom at Liverpool after an initial tough spell in England. He ended the club's Premier League title drought and helped secure multiple trophies with his speed and precision.

• Appearances: 731
• Goals: 366
• Assists: 189
• Honours: Premier League Player of the Year 2018, Golden Boot (2018, 2019, 2022), FIFA Puskas Award 2018

Robben’s trademark move was cutting inside onto his left foot. After success in England and Spain, he reached his peak at Bayern Munich, delivering the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final.

• Appearances: 710
• Goals: 246
• Assists: 199
• Honours: UEFA Euro top assist provider 2004, German Footballer of the Year 2010, FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014

Globally famous beyond football, Beckham was known for his precise right foot. Integral to Manchester United’s treble win in 1999, he later moved to Real Madrid and then took football to new audiences in the US.

• Appearances: 837
• Goals: 144
• Assists: 267
• Honours: Premier League Playmaker of the Season (1998, 2000, 2001), Ballon d'Or runner-up 1999, English Football Hall of Fame 2008, Premier League Hall of Fame 2021

Figo was a technical master who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000. His controversial switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid didn’t stop him from becoming a Galactico legend and key player for Portugal’s golden generation.

• Appearances: 792
• Goals: 156
• Assists: 262
• Honours: Portuguese Footballer of the Year (1995-2000), La Liga top assist provider (1997, 1999), Ballon d'Or 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year 2001, Champions League top assist provider 2005

Bale started as a left-back but soon became a thrilling right winger known for his pace and power. His overhead kick in the 2018 Champions League final remains unforgettable. Despite ups and downs, his impact at Real Madrid was massive.

• Appearances: 665
• Goals: 225
• Assists: 154
• Honours: Premier League Player of the Season 2013, UEFA Team of the Year (2011, 2013), PFA Young Player of the Year 2013, FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2018