Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The role of the right-winger has evolved dramatically, with players once focused mainly on delivering crosses now expected to be key creative forces. Speed, dribbling skills, and sharp finishing define some of the most celebrated footballers who have played on this flank. From World Cups to Champions League finals, right-wingers have been central to many of football's greatest moments. In 2025, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona stands out as a young talent already considered one of the top right-wingers.

Below is a ranking of the 15 greatest right-wingers, spanning decades of football history. This list includes legends from as early as the 1930s alongside current stars.

Ranking Criteria

• Legacy: Their lasting impact and how they are remembered in football.
• Longevity: Duration of their careers at the highest level.
• Statistics: Consistency in scoring and creating goals.
• Individual Honours: Awards and achievements earned.

Top 15 Right-Wingers

• 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

Profiles and Stats of Selected Players

Known more recently for coaching roles with Italy and clubs like Napoli and Bologna, Donadoni was a swift and agile winger. He could play both wings and was vital in the dominant Milan team of the 1990s, winning six Serie A titles.

• Appearances: 584
• Goals: 36
• Assists: 76
• Honours: Serie A Team of the Year (1986)

Renowned for his dribbling and powerful shooting, Julinho was a legend at Palmeiras with over 250 appearances. He also shone as a playmaker and was voted Fiorentina's best player ever in 1996.

• Appearances: 549
• Goals: 204
• Assists: N/A
• Honours: Serie A Team of the Year (1957)

Nicknamed "El Brujo," Amancio spent 14 years at Real Madrid after impressing at Deportivo La Coruna. Twice La Liga's top scorer and third in the 1964 Ballon d'Or, he was a magician on the right wing.

• Appearances: 579
• Goals: 223
• Assists: N/A
• Honours: Pichichi Trophy (1969, 1970), Ballon d'Or Third Place (1964)

Di Maria rose from Rosario Central and Benfica to become a world-class star at Real Madrid. Despite playing behind bigger names, his skillful left foot helped Real win multiple Champions League trophies 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)

Rahn was the 1958 Ballon d'Or runner-up and helped West Germany win the 1954 World Cup. A clever outside right, he scored over 100 club goals and claimed the DfB-Pokal with Rot-Weiss Essen.

• Appearances: 365
• Goals: 163
• Assists: N/A
• Honours: Ballon d'Or Runner-Up (1958)

Salah continues to rise, having transformed Liverpool's fortunes with his speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing. He ended Liverpool's Premier League drought and helped secure another title in the 2024/25 season.

• 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)

Robben was known for cutting inside on his left foot, becoming a Bayern Munich legend after spells at Chelsea and Real Madrid. He helped the Netherlands reach 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), German Footballer of the Year (2010), FIFA FIFPro World XI (2014)

Beckham is famous worldwide for his pinpoint crossing and free-kicks. A key figure in Manchester United's treble-winning 1999 team, he later made waves in the US with LA Galaxy, shaping football's profile there.

• 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 shone in the Galacticos era, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2000 before switching controversially from Barcelona to Real Madrid. He was a key player for Portugal’s golden generation, reaching major tournament finals.

• 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 became a dazzling right-winger with Tottenham before starring at Real Madrid. His pace and power led Spurs into the Champions League and won five titles with Madrid, including a famous 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), PFA Young Player of the Year (2013), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2018)