Best Liverpool Players Of All Time: Liverpool Football Club is a professional football club based in Liverpool, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. The club has a rich history and has won numerous titles and accolades. Throughout its history, Liverpool has produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Since their inception in 1892, Liverpool has been victorious on many occasions, securing 19 English championships and 6 Champions League titles.
Throughout the years, Liverpool has been blessed with a plethora of exceptional players. From the legendary generation that triumphed in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the Champions League four times, to the recent achievers who brought the trophy home again, numerous players have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
In this list, we will be highlighting the best Liverpool players of all time, based on their performances for the club and their overall impact on the game.
| Full name | Liverpool Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Reds |
| Founded | 3 June 1892 |
| Stadium | Anfield |
| Capacity | 53,394 |
| Owner | Fenway Sports Group |
| Chairman | Tom Werner |
| Manager | Jürgen Klopp |
| League | Premier League |
| Website | Club website |
The Best Liverpool Players Of All Time
Here are The 20 Best Liverpool Players Of All Time.
20. Jamie Carragher
- Full Name: James Lee Duncan Carragher
- Date of Birth 28 January 1978
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Position(s): Defender
Jamie Carragher is widely regarded as the best defender ever for Liverpool FC. He was a versatile player who mostly played in the center of defense. Carragher was known for his strong defensive skills, determination, and commitment on the field. While he didn’t score many goals, his reliability in defense earned him a regular starting position for Liverpool for many years.
Carragher came through the youth system at Liverpool despite being a fan of their rival team, Everton, during his childhood. He remained with Liverpool throughout his entire career, making a staggering 737 appearances, which makes him the second most-capped player in the club’s history. He achieved notable success with Liverpool, including winning two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup, and most notably, the Champions League. He is considered one of Liverpool’s greatest players.
However, Carragher’s involvement with the England national team was limited. He made his first international appearance in 1999 but didn’t participate in a major tournament until the 2006 World Cup. England had disappointing performances in the quarter-finals and the round of 16 in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, respectively. Unfortunately, Carragher did not experience international success during his time with the national team.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2013 | 508 | (3) |
19. John Barnes
- Full Name: John Charles Bryan Barnes
- Date of Birth: 7 November 1963
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.81 m)
- Position(s): Left winger
John Barnes is a legendary winger who played for Liverpool and represented the England national team. He was known for his physical strength, speed, and skill on the field. Barnes delighted the fans at Liverpool’s home stadium, Anfield, with his impressive performances. His left foot and accurate passes made him one of the most important players for the club during the 1980s and 1990s. He was also skilled at scoring goals.
Barnes began his career at Watford and helped them reach the Premier League, where they finished second in their first season. After his impressive performances at Watford, he joined Liverpool in 1987. There, he became one of the greatest players in the history of Liverpool FC. He won the league championship twice and the FA Cup twice with the club. Towards the end of his career, Barnes had stints with Newcastle and Charlton Athletic.
In terms of his international career, Barnes earned 79 caps and scored 11 goals for the England national team. He participated in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, as well as Euro 1988. His standout performance came during the 1990 World Cup, where England finished in fourth place, and Barnes played a key role.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1987–1997 | 314 | (84) |
18. Robbie Fowler
- Full Name: Robert Bernard Fowler
- Date of Birth: 9 April 1975
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Position(s): Striker
Robbie Fowler is considered one of Liverpool FC’s greatest players, known for his strong character and immense talent as a forward. He possessed exceptional goal-scoring instincts and a keen understanding of the game. Throughout his career, Fowler scored numerous goals, earning him a prominent place among the top attackers of his generation. Despite his occasionally eccentric personality, he became an idol for Liverpool fans due to his determination on the field and his support for the working class.
Fowler began his journey with Liverpool FC through their youth teams and signed his first professional contract in 1992. His exceptional finishing skills quickly earned him a prominent role in the team. During his time with Liverpool, he won the FA Cup, the League Cup twice, and a UEFA Cup. After playing for Leeds United and Manchester City, Fowler returned to Liverpool for his final season with the club. In that season, Liverpool reached the Champions League final but lost to AC Milan.
However, Fowler had limited appearances for the England national team. He was selected for Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup but only played one match in each tournament. In total, Fowler earned 26 caps for England, scoring 7 goals. Despite his significant contributions to Liverpool FC, he did not have the same level of success and recognition with the national team.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1993–2001 | 236 | (120) |
17. Kevin Keegan
- Full Name: Joseph Kevin Keegan
- Date of Birth: 14 February 1951
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Position(s): Forward
Kevin Keegan is widely regarded as one of the top strikers of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of Liverpool FC. He was highly skilled and known for his technical ability and dribbling. Keegan stood out as one of the few creative players in England during the 1970s. As a striker, he was exceptionally fast and extremely effective in scoring goals.
Similar to Ray Clemence, Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before making a move to Liverpool FC. During his six seasons at the club, he achieved remarkable success, winning the league championship three times, the UEFA Cup twice, and the Champions League in 1977. After his time at Liverpool, Keegan joined Hamburg, where he became a German champion and reached the Champions League final once again. He concluded his career with spells at Southampton and Newcastle.
Although Keegan is considered a legend at Liverpool, he is also recognized as one of the greatest English players in history. However, like many other notable English players, he did not win any major international titles with his country, despite representing England at Euro 1980 and the 1982 World Cup. In total, Keegan earned 63 caps and scored 21 goals for the national team.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1971–1977 | 230 | (68) |
16. Luis Suárez
- Full Name: Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz
- Date of Birth: 24 January 1987
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Striker
Luis Suárez currently plays as a striker for Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense and the Uruguay national team. He has previously played for clubs such as Liverpool, Ajax, and Barcelona. Suárez joined Liverpool in 2011 and quickly became one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League. He spent three and a half seasons at the club, scoring over 100 goals and helping the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Suárez was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2014, and he was also the Premier League’s top scorer that season. He is widely remembered for his impressive goalscoring record and contributions to the Liverpool team during his time at the club.
The Uruguayan striker is widely recognized as one of the top forwards in recent decades due to his exceptional goal-scoring ability. While he is primarily associated with Barcelona, he also made a significant impact during his time at Liverpool, a club that had limited success before his arrival. In his 110 appearances for Liverpool, he scored an impressive 69 goals and provided 46 assists. Additionally, he helped the team secure a League Cup victory.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2014 | 110 | (69) |
15. James Milner
- Full Name: James Philip Milner
- Date of Birth: 4 January 1986
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder, winger, full-back
James Milner currently plays as a midfielder for Liverpool Football Club. He has previously played for clubs such as Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Leeds United. Milner joined Liverpool in 2015 and has since become an important player for the team, known for his versatility, leadership skills, and tireless work rate.
James Milner’s Liverpool career has been highly successful and influential. He joined Liverpool FC in the summer of 2015, signing as a free agent from Manchester City. Milner’s arrival brought experience, versatility, and leadership to the Liverpool squad. During his time at Liverpool, Milner has been an integral part of the team’s achievements. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s journey to win the UEFA Champions League in the 2018-2019 season, providing consistency and valuable contributions both in midfield and as a full-back. Milner’s leadership qualities and professionalism have earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.
Milner’s versatility has been showcased through his ability to seamlessly transition between various positions on the field. He has primarily been deployed as a central midfielder or a full-back, depending on the team’s needs. Regardless of his position, Milner consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and an exceptional understanding of the game.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2015– | 211 | (19) |
14. Bob Paisley
- Full Name: Robert Paisley
- Date of Birth: 23 January 1919
- Position(s): Left-half
Bob Paisley was a legendary figure in the history of Liverpool FC. He was born on January 23, 1919, in Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham, England, and passed away on February 14, 1996.
Paisley joined Liverpool FC as a player in 1939, but his playing career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. After the war, he returned to the club, but a persistent neck injury forced him to retire as a player in 1954. Despite ending his playing career, Paisley remained involved with Liverpool FC and took on various coaching roles within the club. In 1959, he became the reserve team coach and was instrumental in developing young talents. His success with the reserve team earned him a promotion to the position of assistant manager in 1971, working under Bill Shankly, the then-manager of Liverpool FC.
When Shankly retired in 1974, Paisley was appointed as the manager of Liverpool FC. He took charge of a team that was already successful but elevated them to unprecedented heights. During his tenure as manager from 1974 to 1983, Paisley guided Liverpool to an incredible period of success, winning six league titles, three League Cups, six Charity Shields, three European Cups (now known as the UEFA Champions League), and one UEFA Cup.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1939–1954 | 253 | (10) |
13. Fabinho
- Full Name: Fábio Henrique Tavares
- Date of Birth: 23 October 1993
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder, Defensive midfielder/ Defender
Fabinho is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Liverpool FC. His full name is Fábio Henrique Tavares, and he was born on October 23, 1993, in Campinas, Brazil. Fabinho primarily plays as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing as a right-back or center-back when needed. He possesses excellent defensive qualities, including strong tackling, positional awareness, and an ability to read the game well. Additionally, he has good passing ability and can contribute to the team’s attack with his accurate distribution.
Liverpool FC signed Fabinho from AS Monaco in May 2018. Since joining the club, he has become an integral part of the team’s midfield. Fabinho’s physical presence and defensive prowess have provided Liverpool with stability and protection in front of the defense.
During his time at Liverpool, Fabinho has enjoyed considerable success. In his first season with the club, he played a vital role in Liverpool’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League, helping them lift the trophy in the 2018-2019 season. He has also been instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic successes, including winning the Premier League title in the 2019-2020 season.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2018– | 131 | (8) |
12. Graeme Souness
- Full Name: Graeme James Souness
- Date of Birth: 6 May 1953
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Graeme Souness, a Scottish midfielder, is considered a Liverpool FC legend. He was known for his physical and aggressive style of play, but he was also a highly skilled player. Souness had excellent game awareness and was a good finisher, which earned him recognition as one of the best defensive midfielders in history.
Souness made a name for himself while playing for Middlesbrough before joining Liverpool in 1978. During his time at Liverpool, he won numerous trophies, including five English League championships and three Champions League titles. In 1981, he even became the top scorer in the Champions League. After establishing himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, Souness concluded his career with stints at Sampdoria Genoa and Glasgow Rangers.
Regarding his international career with Scotland, Souness participated in the World Cup three times between 1978 and 1986. While his time with the national team may not be as memorable as his achievements with Liverpool, Souness remains highly regarded for his contributions to the club.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1978–1984 | 247 | (38) |
11. Fernando Torres
- Full Name: Fernando José Torres Sanz
- Date of Birth: 20 March 1984
- Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Striker
Fernando Torres is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a striker for several clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in Liverpool’s history and is known for his clinical finishing, pace, and strong aerial ability.
Fernando Torres, also known as the ‘Niño,’ had an interesting career at Liverpool. He performed incredibly well and became one of the top strikers in the Premier League. However, things took a downturn when he moved to Chelsea, as he didn’t perform as expected and left a negative impression.
During his time at Liverpool, Torres scored an impressive 81 goals in 142 games, establishing himself as a key player for the team. Unfortunately, his time at Chelsea didn’t go as smoothly, and he struggled to replicate his previous success. Despite this, his contributions to Liverpool were memorable.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2007–2011 | 102 | (65) |
10. Ian Rush
- Full Name: Ian James Rush
- Date of Birth 20 October 1961
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Position(s): Forward
Ian Rush, the Welsh striker, left a lasting impact on Liverpool FC and marked an era in the club’s history. What set Rush apart was his dynamic playing style, which distinguished him from traditional goal-scoring strikers. His incredible speed played a crucial role in his success. Rush holds the remarkable record of being Liverpool’s all-time top scorer, having scored an impressive 346 goals for the club. His speed and agility allowed him to consistently find the back of the net.
During his time at Liverpool, Rush enjoyed tremendous success, winning numerous titles. He secured five league championships, three FA Cups, five League Cups, four Community Shields, and two European Cups. His contributions were instrumental in Liverpool’s achievements during that period.
Rush’s legacy as a dynamic and prolific goal-scorer has firmly established him as one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time. His speed and ability to find the net made him a standout figure in the history of the club.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1986 | 182 | (109) |
9. Roberto Firmino
- Full Name: Roberto Firmino Barbosa de Oliveira
- Date of Birth: 2 October 1991
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
Roberto Firmino currently plays as a forward for Liverpool Football Club. He joined the club in 2015 and has become an important player for the team, known for his creativity, goalscoring ability, and tireless work rate.
Among the remarkable Liverpool front three consisting of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Brazilian player, Firmino, may receive less attention. However, his significance to the team should not be underestimated. Firmino played a vital part in Liverpool’s back-to-back triumphs in the Champions League and Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.
Firmino’s contributions to the team extend beyond just scoring goals and providing assists. His hard work, energy, and relentless efforts on the field have been crucial to Liverpool’s success. Klopp himself has referred to Firmino as the “engine” of the team, highlighting his pivotal role in the side’s achievements.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2015– | 244 | (78) |
8. Andy Robertson
- Full Name: Andrew Henry Robertson
- Date of Birth: 11 March 1994
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Position(s): Left-back
Andy Robertson currently plays as a left-back for Liverpool Football Club. He joined the club in 2017 and has become a key player for the team, known for his defensive solidity, attacking threat, and leadership skills. Robertson’s journey from playing part-time football with Queen’s Park in the lowest division of Scottish football to joining Liverpool in just four years is widely known, and it remains an impressive story.
Since joining Liverpool, Robertson has thrived under the management of Jurgen Klopp. He brings a unique energy and offensive prowess from the left-back position that few other players in his role possess.
As the captain of the Scotland national team, Robertson has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, helping them win the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup titles under Klopp’s guidance. It is only a matter of time before he adds more trophies to his collection.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2017– | 176 | (7) |
7. Xabi Alonso
- Full Name: Xabier Alonso Olano
- Date of Birth: 25 November 1981
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Xabi Alonso is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a central midfielder for several clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. Alonso joined Liverpool in 2004 and spent five seasons at the club, making over 150 appearances and helping the team win the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup. He was named the Premier League Player of the Season in 2009 and is widely remembered for his impressive performances and contributions to the Liverpool team.
The Spanish player played a crucial role in the Miracle of Istanbul. He scored the goal that helped Liverpool make a comeback in the Champions League final against AC Milan. They were losing 3-0 at halftime but managed to equalize 3-3 and eventually win on penalties.
In the next season, he helped Liverpool win the FA Cup. He also scored some incredible goals from far distances, which are still remembered as some of the best in Liverpool’s history.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2009 | 143 | (15) |
6. Alisson Becker
- Full Name: Álisson Ramsés Becker
- Date of Birth: 2 October 1992
- Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Position(s): Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker currently plays as a goalkeeper for Liverpool Football Club. He joined the club in 2018 and has quickly become one of the best goalkeepers in the world, known for his shot-stopping ability, command of his area, and excellent distribution. Alisson has helped Liverpool win numerous major honours, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League, and he has also been a key player for the Brazil national team.
Liverpool knew what they were doing when they paid a lot of money to sign Alisson from Roma in 2018. The head of goalkeeping had been watching Alisson for five years and believed he could solve a problem they had with their goalkeepers.
Before Alisson, Liverpool had been managing with average goalkeepers. But Alisson was a perfect solution. He was a confident and skilled goalkeeper. He was quick and strong, and he controlled the goal area well. He had fast reflexes and could start attacks with his accurate passes. Considering the price they paid (£65 million), Alisson was a great deal, especially when compared to Kepa Arrizabalaga, who became the most expensive goalkeeper just a few weeks later.
5. Sadio Mané
- Full Name: Sadio Mané
- Date of Birth 10 April 1992
- Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Forward / Winger
Sadio Mane currently plays as a forward for FC Bayern Munich Football Club. He joined the club in 2016 and has become one of the team’s most important players, known for his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing. Mane has helped Liverpool win numerous major honours, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League, and he has also been a key player for the Senegal national team.
Despite a less-than-ideal departure from the club, it is evident that Sadio Mané played a crucial role in the success of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp’s management. The Senegalese striker not only contributed with crucial goals but also served as an engine that propelled the team forward.
Mané played a pivotal role in guiding Liverpool to three Champions League finals, although they were able to secure victory in only one of them. Furthermore, the African forward played a vital part in ending Liverpool’s 30-year-long wait for a league title.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–2022 | 196 | (90) |
4. Virgil van Dijk
- Full Name: Virgil van Dijk
- Date of Birth: 8 July 1991
- Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
- Position(s): Centre-back
Virgil van Dijk currently plays as a center-back for Liverpool Football Club. He joined the club in 2018 and has quickly become one of the best defenders in the world, known for his leadership skills, aerial ability, and excellent positional sense.
Van Dijk has helped Liverpool win numerous major honours, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League, and he has also been a key player for the Netherlands national team.
Virgil van Dijk, a Dutch international, has made a significant impact as one of the best defenders in the history of Liverpool FC and worldwide during his time at the club. Known for his elegant reading of the game and imposing physical presence, Van Dijk has played a vital role in Liverpool’s success, contributing to the team’s triumph in four major tournaments. His exceptional performances have also earned him the highest rating among Liverpool players in the FIFA 22 video game, with an impressive score of 89 points.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2018– | 146 | (15) |
3. Kenny Dalglish
- Full Name: Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish
- Date of Birth: 4 March 1951
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Position(s): Forward
Kenny Dalglish is a legendary Scottish footballer who played for Celtic Glasgow and Liverpool FC. He is a highly skilled striker who is not only adept at scoring goals but also known for his exceptional passing abilities. Liverpool fans affectionately nicknamed him ‘King Kenny’ and consider him the greatest player in the club’s history.
Dalglish started his professional career at Celtic Glasgow, where he made a memorable debut by scoring six goals in a single game. He went on to win the Scottish Championship four times and the National Cup four times before joining Liverpool. At Liverpool, he achieved remarkable success, contributing to the club’s impressive history. This includes winning the Champions League three times, clinching six championships, and securing an FA Cup. Dalglish even served as a player coach for several years.
However, Dalglish’s impact extends beyond Liverpool, as he is also a Scottish football legend. He holds the record for the most appearances for the national team, earning 102 caps, and shares the record for most goals scored (30) with Dennis Law. Dalglish represented Scotland in three World Cup tournaments between 1974 and 1982, but unfortunately, the team did not advance past the first round.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1977–1990 | 355 | (118) |
2. Steven Gerrard
- Full Name: Steven George Gerrard
- Date of Birth: 30 May 1980
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Steven Gerrard is considered one of the greatest players for Liverpool in the 21st century. He is a very versatile midfielder who excels in all aspects of the game. Gerrard contributes to both defense and creating scoring opportunities, and he is known for his powerful shots. He is also recognized as one of the best penalty-takers in history.
Gerrard has spent the majority of his career at Liverpool FC, showing great loyalty to his club even during challenging times. This has earned him immense popularity among the Reds’ supporters. During his time at Liverpool, he won the FA Cup twice, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League in 2005. In the final year of his career, he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
In addition to his achievements at Liverpool, Gerrard had a successful international career representing England. From 2000 to 2014, he earned 114 caps and scored 21 goals for the national team. He participated in several World Cups and European Championships, but unfortunately, England never made it past the quarter-finals during his time.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–2015 | 504 | (120) |
1. Mohamed Salah
- Full Name: Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
- Date of Birth: 15 June 1992
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Forward
Mohamed Salah is a talented Egyptian soccer player who plays for the Liverpool club and the national team. He usually plays as a right winger and is known for his speed, agility, and dribbling skills. Salah is also a great goal scorer and can change the outcome of a game by himself.
He started his career in Egypt and was quickly noticed by FC Basel in Switzerland. He played well there and won the national championship two times. After playing for Chelsea, Fiorentina, and AS Roma, he finally joined Liverpool in 2017. Since then, he has won the Champions League and the Premier League, which Liverpool hadn’t won in 30 years.
Salah is not only highly regarded at Liverpool but also considered a hero in Egypt. In the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, he led the Egyptian team to the final, although they lost to Cameroon. Salah is recognized as one of the best African players of the 21st century. He is also listed among the highest-paid soccer players in 2023.
Career Statistics in Liverpool:
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2017– | 216 | 137 |
