The role of the winger has evolved in the past few decades.
The position originated from a wide midfielder whose job was to fly down past the flanks and float in a cross to a forward target to a modern version of a winger who dribbles directly at defenders en route to goal.
Goal machines like Cristiano Ronaldo are the apotheosis of the versatile modern-day winger.
Here are ten of the best left wingers of all time. You can also explore the best wingers of the modern era here.
Sadio Mane
Often regarded as one of the best Premier League wingers, Sadio Mane was a prolific goalscorer during his six seasons at Anfield. The Senegalese playmaker, possibly Klopp’s best signing, kept Liverpool opponents on edge with his attacking style and pace.
With 120 goals in 269 matches for the Reds, a Champions League title, and Premier League silverware to boot, Mane capped off his Anfield days with an FA Cup title. He joined Bayern Munich for the 2022/23 season before moving to the Saudi Pro League in August 2023.
Eden Hazard
One of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players, Eden Hazard was a creative sensation at Chelsea.
Nicknamed the “Belgian Messi,” Eden Hazard’s speed and ball control were second to none. He scored 110 goals in 352 appearances during seven seasons with Chelsea. His honours included two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League in both 2013 and 2019.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh forward scored one of the most memorable goals in Champions League history—a bicycle kick that sealed Real Madrid’s victory against Liverpool in 2018.
Bale finished his Real Madrid career with 106 goals in 258 appearances, five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey. Although he often played on the right in Madrid, his explosive years on Tottenham’s left flank belong in the story of the position. He retired in January 2023.
Neymar
Neymar combined inventive dribbling with decisive finishing, making the left flank his stage at Barcelona before his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazilian helped Barcelona win the 2014/15 treble alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. He scored 105 goals in 186 competitive appearances for the club.
He went on to score 118 goals in 173 appearances for PSG. For Brazil, his honours include the 2013 Confederations Cup and gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Francisco Gento
Known as “La Galerna del Cantábrico,” or the “Gale of the Cantabrian Sea,” to Real Madrid fans, Francisco Gento was an absolute handful for defenses. He scored 182 goals in 600 official appearances, winning an astonishing twelve La Liga titles, six European Cups, and two Copa del Rey.
Franck Ribéry
Franck Ribéry’s acceleration, close control and combination play made him a defining figure at Bayern Munich. He scored 124 goals in 425 competitive appearances for the club, winning nine Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and the 2013 Champions League.
Ryan Giggs
Celebrated for his lengthy one-club career at Manchester United, the 90s version of Ryan Giggs was remarkable down the wing, left and right.
A dynamic winger who later moved into central midfield, he combined direct running with the vision to create chances for generations of United forwards.
The most decorated footballer in Premiership history won the Premier League 13 times along with four FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Champions League titles. His 162 Premier League assists remain the competition’s all-time record.
George Best
George Best’s inherent speed and dribbling excellence made him a genius footballer.
The Northern Irishman helped the Red Devils win two First Division titles and a European Cup in 1968, the same year he finished first in the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldinho
It can be hard to pin down Ronaldinho to a single position, but he played his best football as a left-winger.
The gifted Brazilian dribbler scored 94 goals in 207 official appearances for Barcelona over five seasons. His performance in the 2005 Clásico earned applause from Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.
He won two La Liga titles and the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, alongside the 2005 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2004 and 2005.
After winning the Copa América in 1999, he joined forces with Ronaldo and Rivaldo to repeat the ‘jogo bonito’ in the 2002 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Need we say more? Ronaldo excelled at the winger role at Manchester United and Real Madrid before becoming a mainstay forward with Juventus.
Setting a record fee of 80 million pounds upon his transfer from Manchester United, the Portuguese star made a monumental impact on Los Blancos over nine years.
Ronaldo surpassed Raul, the previous number seven, with 450 goals on 438 appearances, averaging over one per game. He won four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles with Madrid. With five Champions League titles overall and five Ballon d’Or awards, he is one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at UEFA Euro 2016.
