This post provides the top 10 greatest players In Arsenal football club history. Arsenal has been fantastic, winning the second-highest number of top-flight matches in English football.
From 1989 to 2005, they dominated English football, securing five League titles and five FA Cups, including two more Doubles. They also made an impressive 19 consecutive UEFA Champions League appearances from 1998 to 2017.
In terms of trophies, Arsenal boasts 13 league titles, 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, 17 FA Community Shields, and several other significant honors, ranking as one of the most successful clubs in English football history. These top 10 players played a massive role in the team’s success, recording notable records.
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Top 10 Greatest Players In Arsenal Football Club History
- David O’Leary
- Tony Adams
- George Armstrong
- Lee Dixon
- Nigel Winterburn
- David Seaman
- John Radford
- Pat Rice
- Peter Storey
- Thierry Henry
Let’s meet them.
1. David O’Leary
David O’Leary is an icon in Arsenal Football Club’s history, spending his 20-year career as a central defender. He is an Arsenal player with the most appearances, 722.
O’Leary’s career started in 1973 when he joined Arsenal over a trial period at Manchester United. At 17 years old, he made his debut against Burnley in 1975, establishing himself with 30 appearances that season.
The following year, he signed his first professional contract, marking the start of a decade-long run where he consistently played over 40 matches each season, except for an injury-ridden 1980-81.
O’Leary was a master of positioning in the Arsenal’s defense. He won his first major honor with the club in the 1979 FA Cup Final, a memorable 3-2 victory over Manchester United. In 1982, he became the club captain, later passing the armband to Graham Rix.
O’Leary added a league title in 1991 and was part of Arsenal’s historic FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, although he played mainly as a substitute at that time.
In recognition of his immense contribution, O’Leary was voted the 14th greatest player in Arsenal’s history, but I’m giving him my number-one spot. Today, he proudly serves as a club ambassador, continuing his lifelong association with the Gunners.
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2. Tony Adams
Tony Adams dedicated his entire 19-year playing career to Arsenal Football Club, making 672 appearances. He is celebrated as one of Arsenal’s all-time greatest players and is also honored among the Football League’s 100 Legends.
Adams achieved remarkable success with Arsenal, captaining the team to four top-flight division titles, a feat spanning three different decades.
He also lifted three FA Cups, two Football League Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and two FA Community Shields during his tenure.
Even a statue honoring Adams was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium in 2011, standing proudly alongside statues of Thierry Henry and Herbert Chapman.
3. George Armstrong
George Armstrong joined the club during the 1961-62 season, and at 17, Armstrong made his senior debut against Blackpool in a game Arsenal won 1-0.
While he started as a backup, he became a regular by the 1963-64 season, missing only two matches in the 1964-65 season.
Armstrong was known for his exceptional crossing and corner kicks, as well as his tireless running along the wing. He primarily played on the left but was versatile enough to be effective on the right.
His peak years at Arsenal coincided with the club’s success, playing a crucial role in the Gunners’ 1969-70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup victory, and was named Arsenal’s Player of the Year in 1970.
Armstrong played in every match during the season when Arsenal secured the League and FA Cup double. Despite spending the majority of his career at Arsenal, Armstrong fell out of favor with the club’s management and later played for Leicester City and Stockport County.
However, he left Arsenal, setting a club record with 621 competitive first-team appearances, a record later surpassed only by David O’Leary and Tony Adams.
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4. Lee Dixon
Lee Dixon arrived at Arsenal in January 1988, signed by manager George Graham from Stoke City. Although it took some time for Dixon to secure a regular spot in the first team, he eventually became a linchpin in Arsenal’s defense for over a decade.
Dixon primarily operated as a right back, a position he made his own after Nigel Winterburn shifted to the left. Together with Winterburn, Tony Adams, and David O’Leary, they formed a formidable defensive unit that pushed Arsenal to a serious title challenge in the 1988–89 season.
Known for his runs down the flank and defensive prowess, Dixon played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success. He even had a brief spell as the club’s penalty taker.
However, one iconic moment was when his assist to Michael Thomas helped Arsenal clinch the title on the final day of the 1988–89 season against Liverpool.
Dixon continued to be an essential part of Arsenal’s defense in the early 1990s, winning league titles and domestic cups. In 1994, he added a European medal to his collection with a victory in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
The arrival of Arsène Wenger in 1996 extended Dixon’s career, as Wenger’s lifestyle policies rejuvenated the squad. Dixon played a crucial role in Arsenal’s “double” win in 1998.
He retired in 2002 at the age of 38, having made 458 league appearances and scored 25 goals during his illustrious Arsenal career.
5. Nigel Winterburn
Nigel Winterburn’s versatility, defensive understanding, and occasional goal-scoring heroics made him a beloved figure at the club.
Having made his league debut in 1987 as a substitute, and despite being left-footed, Winterburn shifted to left-back, where he impressed for over a decade.
Winterburn’s left foot wasn’t just for defending; he was known for scoring spectacular goals. His memorable strike against Wimbledon in 1989 is recorded in Arsenal’s history.
At Arsenal, Winterburn enjoyed success, winning league titles and domestic cups. And under Arsène Wenger, Winterburn contributed to Arsenal’s triumphs, including the 1998 “double” victory.
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6. David Seaman
David Seaman, known for his safe hands, joined Arsenal in 1990 in a deal involving John Lukic, marking the start of a golden era for the club. Seaman’s arrival was important as he played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s successes.
In the 1990–91 season, Seaman conceded 18 goals in 38 matches, helping Arsenal reclaim the league title. His consistency between the posts was remarkable.
Seaman’s heroics continued as he saved three crucial penalties in a League Cup shootout against Millwall in 1993, driving Arsenal to victory. Under Arsène Wenger, Seaman guided Arsenal to the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.
He maintained his excellence in the 1998–99 season, conceding only 17 league goals, and missing another league title. Seaman’s clinched another Premier League and FA Cup double In 2002.
His great save against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals, dubbed “the best save ever” by Peter Schmeichel, highlighted his brilliance.
Overall, he remains one of Arsenal’s greatest goalkeepers, with a record-breaking number of appearances and a lasting legacy in the club’s history.
7. John Radford
Born in Hemsworth, Yorkshire, John Radford’s career to becoming an Arsenal legend began in 1962 when he joined the club as a kid, turning professional in 1964. He showed his goal-scoring skills early in the youth and reserve teams before making his first-team debut in 1964.
Radford’s breakout moment came in 1965 when he became Arsenal’s youngest hat-trick scorer, a record that still stands today. He flourished as a forward and played a crucial role in the club’s success Under Bertie Mee’s guidance.
During the 1969-70 season, Radford helped Arsenal secure the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, their first trophy in 17 years, scoring a vital goal in the final.
He continued to Impress in the following season, scoring 21 goals and forming a formidable partnership with Ray Kennedy, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s FA Cup and League Championship double win.
Radford’s remarkable career saw him playing for Arsenal through the early 1970s, amassing 481 appearances and 149 goals, making him one of Arsenal’s all-time top scorers.
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8. Pat Rice
Rice also joined Arsenal as a trainee in 1964 and became a professional player in 1966. He made his first-team debut in 1967, playing as a right back.
Although he started as a bit-part player, he soon became a key figure in the squad. In the 1970-71 season, he took over the right-back position and played an essential role as Arsenal achieved the League and FA Cup Double.
Rice’s consistency was remarkable, as he remained injury-free for three full seasons, including the historic Double-winning campaign. He eventually became the club captain in 1977, leading Arsenal to further success. During his time at Arsenal, he played 528 games for the club
9. Peter Storey
Peter Storey was known for his tough playing style, and Storey’s reputation as a no-nonsense player. Despite his tough approach, he was sent off for the first time in his career for using foul language.
In the 1969-70 season, Storey contributed to Arsenal’s Inter-Cities Fairs Cup victory, their first trophy in 17 years. The following season, Arsenal secured the Double, winning both the League and FA Cup, with Storey instrumental.
He helped Arsenal achieve more successes, including the league title in 1970-71. Storey’s memorable moments include scoring crucial goals, like his brace against Stoke City in the FA Cup semi-final.
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10. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is arguably one of the greatest strikers in football history with a track record during his time at Arsenal. In 1999, Arsène Wenger signed Henry.
During his time with the club, he became Arsenal’s all-time leading goal-scorer, netting an impressive 228 goals across all competitions.
His achievements include four Premier League Golden Boot awards, two FA Cups, and two Premier League titles, including an unbeaten Invincible season. Henry’s honors speak volumes about his talent.
He was named Arsenal’s greatest-ever player by the club, and he was a runner-up for the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Henry’s impact on English football is absolute, having won the FWA Footballer of the Year three times and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice.
He consistently earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for six consecutive seasons and was featured in the FIFA FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year multiple times. Henry also led the team to the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final as Arsenal’s captain in his final two seasons.
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