The Top 250 Players of All-Time: 120-111
In February 2013 up in the attic bedroom of our student house, Gareth Thomas, Ben Jones and Ollie Jackson after another prolonged football debate decided it was time we did something about the question, 'Who is the best player in the World?'. Housemate Liam suggested setting out to find the greatest 50 players of all time, this swiftly grew to 100, 150 and 200 before we settled on 250. Our original website www.top250.webs.com is still there to answer the debate but we furthered our work to blogging about the beautiful game starting up www.thefootballhistoryboys.blogspot.com.
Missed the last installment? Get on it!
110-101
POSITION: Midfielder;
NATION: Sweden (75/14);
CLUB(s): Halmstads BK (SWE), Arsenal (ENG), West Ham United (ENG), Seattle Sounders FC (USA), Chicago Fire (USA), Celtic (SCO), Shimizu S-Pulse (JAP)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Allsvenskan, 1x Svenska Cupen, 2x Premier League, 3x FA Cup, 3x FA Community Shield, 1x Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
"How do you endear yourself to a new set of fans? Simply follow Freddie Ljungberg’s lead and score just seconds into your debut against Manchester United. It set the precedent for a man who became one of the most loved Arsenal players of the Arsène Wenger era. For almost 10 years the Gunners’ No 8 was a devout servant to the Club’s cause, epitomising his manager’s philosophy of attractive football, athleticism and enjoyment of the game." Arsenal's Greatest 50 Players List
POSITION: Midfielder;
NATION: Netherlands (96/26) (As of February 2014);
CLUB(s): Ajax (NED), Real Madrid (SPA), Internazionale (ITA), Galatasaray (TUR)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Eredivisie, 2x KNVB Cup, 4x Johan Cruijff-Shield, 1x La Liga, 1x Supercopa de España, 1x Serie A, 2x Coppa Italia, 1x Supercoppa Italiana, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x FIFA World Club Cup, 1x Süper Lig, 1x Turkish Super Cup
"Wesley Sneijder is one of Holland's best ever players and is still only 29. He sits on the precipice of a century of international caps after being the star man for his country in Euro 2008 making the 'Team of the Tournament' and World Cup 2010 finishing second in the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament). The attacking midfielder's disappointment at his World Cup final loss in 2010 can be sweetened by his impressive trophy cabinet across the four European giants he has played for." Gareth - TFHB
POSITION: Forward;
NATION: Argentina (64/35);
CLUB(s): River Plate (ARG), Parma (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Internazionale (ITA), Chelsea (ENG), Milan (ITA), Genoa (ITA)
CLUB HONOURS: 3x Primera Division Argentina Apertura, 1x Copa Libertadores, 3x Serie A, 5x Supercoppa Italiana, 1x Coppa Italia, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x Premier League, 1x FA Community Shield
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS: 1x Pan American Games Gold Medalist
"When you hear the name Hernan Crespo you immediately think of the 1990’s and ‘that’ Parma team. Crespo was one on Serie A’s most clinical finishers had everything. Power, pace, great in the air, bags of skill & a world class finisher. He could score all types of goals and became especially famous for that darting run across a defender ending in a lethal strike." www.thegentlemanultra.tumblr.com
POSITION: Defender;
NATION: England (85/0);
CLUB: Manchester United (ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 8x Premier League, 3x FA Cup, 2x Football League Cup, 3x FA Community Shield, 2x UEFA Champions League, 1x Intercontinental Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup, 1x FA Youth Cup
"Dutch legend Edgar Davids, won countless trophies during spells with Juventus, Internazionale and Ajax and is considered by some to be the catalyst for the success of the current Barcelona squad, after a stunning loan spell at the Nou Camp during 2004." www.caughtoffside.com
POSITION: Forward;
NATION: England (26/7);
CLUB(s): Liverpool (ENG, Leeds United (ENG), Manchester City (ENG), Cardiff City (WAL), Blackburn Rovers (ENG), North Queensland Fury (AUS), Perth Glory (AUS), Muangthong United (THA)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x FA Cup, 2x Football League Cup, 1x FA Charity Shield, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Super Cup
POSITION: Midfielder;
NATION: Wales (85/7);
CLUB(s): Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United (All ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Football League First Division, 1x FA Charity Shield, 1x Football League Second Division
"Gary Speed is truly one of the Premier League's greatest ever players but beyond that was one of football's "nice guys". Making a remarkable 677 career appearances Gary also represented his country on 85 occasions, the proud welshman captained the side through some dire international spells but refused to quit turning up for the smallest of games. Speed's tragic death in 2011 sent shockwaves through football and for me personally, attending his memorial match v Costa Rica was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. Gary Speed was loved by all." Gareth Thomas - TFHB
POSITION: Forward;
NATION: Scotland (55/30);
CLUB(s): Huddersfield Town (ENG), Manchester City (ENG), Torino (ITA), Manchester United (ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 2x Football League First Division, 1x FA Cup, 1x UEFA European Cup
"A statue of Denis Law stands on the Stretford End concourse as a lasting monument to his impact on Old Trafford, and is a fitting tribute to one of United’s true living legends. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and genuine love for the game made him a hero of a generation and he revelled in the nickname The King. His reign lasted for 13 years." Manchester United - 'Legends'
POSITION: Midfielder;
NATION: Ghana (67/33);
CLUB(s): Real Tamale United (GHA), Al Sadd (QAT), Zurich (SUI), Dragons l'Oueme (BEN), Real Tamale United (GHA), Mulhouse (FRA), Marseille (FRA), Lille (FRA), Lyon (FRA), Torino (ITA), 1860 Munich (GER), Al Ain (UAE)
CLUB HONOURS: 2x French Ligue 1, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x Prince of Qatar Cup, 1x Emir's Cup
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS: 1x African Cup of Nations, 3x West African Nations Cup
"Whenever a shortlist of African footballing legends is drawn up, the name Abedi Pele invariably makes even the most exclusive catalogue. His nimble skills, graceful athleticism and quiet confidence made him one of Africa’s most successful exports and one of its most popular sons." www.FIFA.com
Voted for by the public between Aug-Dec 2013
The rest of the #TFHBTop250-
Missed the last installment? Get on it!
110-101
120. Freddie LJUNGBERG
NATION: Sweden (75/14);
CLUB(s): Halmstads BK (SWE), Arsenal (ENG), West Ham United (ENG), Seattle Sounders FC (USA), Chicago Fire (USA), Celtic (SCO), Shimizu S-Pulse (JAP)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Allsvenskan, 1x Svenska Cupen, 2x Premier League, 3x FA Cup, 3x FA Community Shield, 1x Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
"How do you endear yourself to a new set of fans? Simply follow Freddie Ljungberg’s lead and score just seconds into your debut against Manchester United. It set the precedent for a man who became one of the most loved Arsenal players of the Arsène Wenger era. For almost 10 years the Gunners’ No 8 was a devout servant to the Club’s cause, epitomising his manager’s philosophy of attractive football, athleticism and enjoyment of the game." Arsenal's Greatest 50 Players List
119. Wesley SNEIJDER
NATION: Netherlands (96/26) (As of February 2014);
CLUB(s): Ajax (NED), Real Madrid (SPA), Internazionale (ITA), Galatasaray (TUR)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Eredivisie, 2x KNVB Cup, 4x Johan Cruijff-Shield, 1x La Liga, 1x Supercopa de España, 1x Serie A, 2x Coppa Italia, 1x Supercoppa Italiana, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x FIFA World Club Cup, 1x Süper Lig, 1x Turkish Super Cup
"Wesley Sneijder is one of Holland's best ever players and is still only 29. He sits on the precipice of a century of international caps after being the star man for his country in Euro 2008 making the 'Team of the Tournament' and World Cup 2010 finishing second in the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament). The attacking midfielder's disappointment at his World Cup final loss in 2010 can be sweetened by his impressive trophy cabinet across the four European giants he has played for." Gareth - TFHB
118. Hernan CRESPO
NATION: Argentina (64/35);
CLUB(s): River Plate (ARG), Parma (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Internazionale (ITA), Chelsea (ENG), Milan (ITA), Genoa (ITA)
CLUB HONOURS: 3x Primera Division Argentina Apertura, 1x Copa Libertadores, 3x Serie A, 5x Supercoppa Italiana, 1x Coppa Italia, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x Premier League, 1x FA Community Shield
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS: 1x Pan American Games Gold Medalist
"When you hear the name Hernan Crespo you immediately think of the 1990’s and ‘that’ Parma team. Crespo was one on Serie A’s most clinical finishers had everything. Power, pace, great in the air, bags of skill & a world class finisher. He could score all types of goals and became especially famous for that darting run across a defender ending in a lethal strike." www.thegentlemanultra.tumblr.com
117. Gary NEVILLE
NATION: England (85/0);
CLUB: Manchester United (ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 8x Premier League, 3x FA Cup, 2x Football League Cup, 3x FA Community Shield, 2x UEFA Champions League, 1x Intercontinental Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup, 1x FA Youth Cup
"If any footballer of the modern generation could use the phrase "show us your medals" in answer to those only too happy to pour cold water on his achievements it is Gary Neville... He was part of Ferguson's great "Class Of 92", United's FA Youth Cup-winning side that also produced David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt... At Old Trafford he was worshipped as the embodiment of Ferguson's philosophy - Manchester United against the world and give rivals not a shred of mercy." Phil McNulty - BBC Sport
116. Edgar DAVIDS
POSITION: Midfielder;
NATION: Netherlands (74/6);
CLUB(s): Ajax (NED), Milan (ITA), Juventus (ITA), Barcelona (SPA), Internazionale (ITA), Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace (ENG), Barnet (ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 3x Eredivisie, 2x KVNB Cup, 4x Johan Cruijff Shield, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Supercup, 1x Intercontinental Cup, 3x Serie A, 2x Supercoppa Italiana, 1x Coppa Italia, 1x UEFA Intertoto Cup
"Dutch legend Edgar Davids, won countless trophies during spells with Juventus, Internazionale and Ajax and is considered by some to be the catalyst for the success of the current Barcelona squad, after a stunning loan spell at the Nou Camp during 2004." www.caughtoffside.com
115. Robbie FOWLER
NATION: England (26/7);
CLUB(s): Liverpool (ENG, Leeds United (ENG), Manchester City (ENG), Cardiff City (WAL), Blackburn Rovers (ENG), North Queensland Fury (AUS), Perth Glory (AUS), Muangthong United (THA)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x FA Cup, 2x Football League Cup, 1x FA Charity Shield, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Super Cup
"Robbie Fowler shook the Kop with eight years of goal after goal after goal for the Reds before further cementing his emotional bond with the club and its fans by dramatically returning for a second spell at Anfield. A natural finisher in every sense, Fowler could find the back of the net in any scenario; he was equally lethal with his left foot, right foot or head, from long range, inside the opposition area and the penalty spot." Liverpool's 100 Players Who Shook The Kop
114. Gary SPEED
NATION: Wales (85/7);
CLUB(s): Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United (All ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 1x Football League First Division, 1x FA Charity Shield, 1x Football League Second Division
"Gary Speed is truly one of the Premier League's greatest ever players but beyond that was one of football's "nice guys". Making a remarkable 677 career appearances Gary also represented his country on 85 occasions, the proud welshman captained the side through some dire international spells but refused to quit turning up for the smallest of games. Speed's tragic death in 2011 sent shockwaves through football and for me personally, attending his memorial match v Costa Rica was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. Gary Speed was loved by all." Gareth Thomas - TFHB
113. Antonio CABRINI
NATION: Italy (73/9);
CLUB(s): Cremonese, Atalanta, Juventus, Bologna (All ITA)
CLUB HONOURS: 6x Serie A, 2x Coppa Italia, 1x UEFA European Cup, 1x UEFA Cup WInners' Cup, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x Intercontinental Cup
POSITION: Defender;
NATION: Italy (73/9);
CLUB(s): Cremonese, Atalanta, Juventus, Bologna (All ITA)
CLUB HONOURS: 6x Serie A, 2x Coppa Italia, 1x UEFA European Cup, 1x UEFA Cup WInners' Cup, 1x UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x Intercontinental Cup
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS: 1x FIFA World Cup
"‘Bell’Antonio’ relied on more than his physical appearance to make a profound impact on Juve’s history. He was regarded as one of the finest left-backs, not just to wear the black and white of Juventus, but in the history of world football." Juventus' "Journey Through The Stars"
112. Denis LAW
NATION: Scotland (55/30);
CLUB(s): Huddersfield Town (ENG), Manchester City (ENG), Torino (ITA), Manchester United (ENG)
CLUB HONOURS: 2x Football League First Division, 1x FA Cup, 1x UEFA European Cup
"A statue of Denis Law stands on the Stretford End concourse as a lasting monument to his impact on Old Trafford, and is a fitting tribute to one of United’s true living legends. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and genuine love for the game made him a hero of a generation and he revelled in the nickname The King. His reign lasted for 13 years." Manchester United - 'Legends'
111. Abedi AYEW 'PELE'
NATION: Ghana (67/33);
CLUB(s): Real Tamale United (GHA), Al Sadd (QAT), Zurich (SUI), Dragons l'Oueme (BEN), Real Tamale United (GHA), Mulhouse (FRA), Marseille (FRA), Lille (FRA), Lyon (FRA), Torino (ITA), 1860 Munich (GER), Al Ain (UAE)
CLUB HONOURS: 2x French Ligue 1, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x Prince of Qatar Cup, 1x Emir's Cup
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS: 1x African Cup of Nations, 3x West African Nations Cup
"Whenever a shortlist of African footballing legends is drawn up, the name Abedi Pele invariably makes even the most exclusive catalogue. His nimble skills, graceful athleticism and quiet confidence made him one of Africa’s most successful exports and one of its most popular sons." www.FIFA.com
Voted for by the public between Aug-Dec 2013
The rest of the #TFHBTop250-
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