Kenya Sport

Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The right-wing position has produced some of the most remarkable football talents ever. Over time, the role shifted from merely delivering crosses to becoming a central creative force on the field. Fast pace, excellent dribbling, and sharp finishing define these players, who have left their mark on major tournaments like the Champions League and World Cup. Even today, young stars like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal are shining brightly as top right-wingers.

Below is our ranking of the 15 greatest right-wingers ever, spanning legends from the 1930s to current superstars.

Criteria for Ranking

  • Legacy: How they are remembered and their impact on football.
  • Longevity: Duration at the highest level during their career.
  • Statistics: Consistency in scoring and assisting goals.
  • Individual Honours: Awards and recognitions earned.

Greatest Right-Wingers Ranked

  • 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

Roberto Donadoni (15th)

While many recall him as a manager for Italy and clubs like Napoli or Bologna, Donadoni was a swift and agile right-winger. His versatility allowed him to play both flanks, contributing to Milan's dominant 1990s era with six Serie A titles.

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

Julinho (14th)

Known for powerful shooting and exquisite dribbling, Julinho became a legend at Palmeiras with over 250 appearances. He also played as a creator and goal scorer. Fiorentina fans voted him their best player ever in 1996.

  • Appearances: 549
  • Goals: 204
  • Honour: Serie A Team of the Year 1957

Amancio (13th)

Called "El Brujo" or The Wizard, Amancio starred at Real Madrid between 1962 and 1976. After success at Deportivo La Coruna, he won La Liga’s top scorer twice and placed third in the 1964 Ballon d'Or.

  • Appearances: 579
  • Goals: 223
  • Honours: Pichichi 1969, 1970; Ballon d’Or Third Place 1964

Angel Di Maria (12th)

Di Maria evolved from promising talent at Rosario Central and Benfica into a world-class winger at Real Madrid. Despite sharing the spotlight with Ronaldo and Bale, his skillful left foot played a huge role in Madrid’s Champions League success in 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

Helmut Rahn (11th)

A Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1958, Rahn helped West Germany win the World Cup in 1954, making the tournament’s All-Star team. Playing outside right, he scored over 100 club goals and won the DfB-Pokal with Rot-Weiss Essen.

  • Appearances: 365
  • Goals: 163
  • Honour: Ballon d’Or Runner-Up 1958

Mohamed Salah (10th)

One of two active players here, Salah soared after moving to Liverpool following a rough start at Chelsea. Ending Liverpool’s three-decade wait for a Premier League title, he later won a sixth Champions League trophy. Known for speed and precision, he led Liverpool to another league title in 2024/25.

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

Arjen Robben (9th)

Robben had one main move: cutting inside to shoot with his left foot. Though successful at Chelsea and Real Madrid, his Bayern Munich days cemented him among the best. He led the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final and scored the winner in the 2013 Champions League final.

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

David Beckham (8th)

Beckham became a global icon thanks to his pinpoint crosses and free kicks. A key part of Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning side, his career included spells at Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, helping popularize soccer in the U.S.

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

Luis Figo (7th)

Figo shone in the early 2000s, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2000. He famously moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid, starring among the Galacticos. With Portugal’s Golden Generation, he reached the Euro 2004 final and 2006 World Cup semis.

  • Appearances: 792
  • Goals: 156
  • Assists: 262
  • Honours: Portuguese Footballer of the Year (6 times), La Liga top assist provider 1997, 1999, Ballon d’Or 2000

Gareth Bale (6th)

Bale started as a left-back but evolved into a thrilling right-winger with incredible speed. At Tottenham, he was vital in their Champions League qualification and famously dominated Inter Milan. Moving to Real Madrid, he won five Champions Leagues and scored an unforgettable overhead kick in the 2018 final.

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

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