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Top 15 Right-Wingers in Football History

The right-wing position has been home to some of football's most iconic players. As the role has evolved, wingers have transformed from simply crossing specialists to key creative forces on the field. With incredible speed, skillful dribbling, and precise finishing, many legends have made their mark on the right flank. From World Cups to Champions League finals, right-wingers have been central to football's biggest moments. Even in 2025, young talent like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal shines brightly in this position.

Below is a ranked list of the 15 best right-wingers ever, spanning from the 1930s to current stars.

Criteria for Ranking

  • Legacy: How they are remembered and their impact on football.
  • Longevity: Duration of top-level performance.
  • Statistics: Consistency in scoring and creating goals.
  • Individual Honors: Awards and achievements earned during their career.

15 Greatest 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 of Select Players

Though better known as a manager later, Donadoni was a top right winger known for his speed and agility. He played mainly in the 1990s with Milan, winning six Serie A titles.

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

Famed for his dribbling and powerful shot, Julinho starred at Palmeiras and Fiorentina. He was versatile, capable of creating plays or scoring himself. Fiorentina named him their greatest player in 1996.

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

Nicknamed "El Brujo" (The Wizard), Amancio had a legendary spell at Real Madrid from 1962 to 1976, winning La Liga’s top scorer twice and finishing third in the 1964 Ballon d'Or.

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

Di Maria grew from a promising star in Argentina and Portugal to a world-class player at Real Madrid, contributing heavily to their Champions League success despite playing behind bigger names.

  • Appearances: 821
  • Goals: 202
  • Assists: 280
  • Honors: 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, where he was named to the tournament’s All-Star team. Known for his clever play and goal-scoring prowess.

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

Still active, Salah reshaped Liverpool’s fortunes with his pace and finishing, ending their long title drought and adding a sixth Champions League trophy. Instrumental in their recent Premier League wins.

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

Robben had a signature move cutting inside onto his left foot that few could stop. His peak came at Bayern Munich, where he scored the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final.

  • Appearances: 710
  • Goals: 246
  • Assists: 199
  • Honors: UEFA European Championship top assist provider (2004), Footballer of the Year in Germany (2010), FIFA FIFPro World XI (2014)

A global icon, Beckham’s career began at Manchester United where his pinpoint right foot became legendary. His free-kick to secure England's 2002 World Cup qualification remains historic.

  • Appearances: 837
  • Goals: 144
  • Assists: 267
  • Honors: 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 vital part of Real Madrid's Galacticos and won the Ballon d’Or in 2000. He also starred for Portugal’s golden generation, reaching major international finals.

  • Appearances: 792
  • Goals: 156
  • Assists: 262
  • Honors: 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)

Starting as a left-back, Bale became one of the fastest and most thrilling right-wingers, shining at Tottenham and later Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles. His overhead kick in the 2018 final against Liverpool is unforgettable.

  • Appearances: 665
  • Goals: 225
  • Assists: 154
  • Honors: 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)

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