Players come and go in football clubs. Many stay with one team for a long spell, while others hop from one squad to another every year or so.
But no matter how long players stay with a particular club, there are always those who help their team to victory, win the hearts of their fans, and inspire others to work hard to reach their dreams.
Liverpool Football Club, one of the oldest and most successful professional football clubs in England, has its fair share of the greatest players of all time. If you’re a long-time Reds fan, you probably know who these athletes are and already have a collection of their memorabilia.
If you’re a new Liverpool FC fan, we’ve made a list of the club’s greatest players to help you know more about this world-famous team and get you started on your shirt collection, which you can get from a Liverpool store in Dubai.
Liverpool FC’s Greatest Players
Below are the club’s top players in history, in no particular order:
1. Steven Gerrard
Steven George Gerrard MBE is considered one of Liverpool FC’s greatest players of all time. He first joined the club in 1998, played for them until 2015, and was the captain for 12 years.
Gerrard was the club’s official central midfielder. However, his athleticism and skills allowed him to play the positions of second striker, holding midfielder, right-back, and right-winger in several games.
During his tenure with Liverpool FC, Gerrard single-handedly led the team to numerous wins. The club won nine trophies, including two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 2005 UEFA Champions League while he was the captain.
Gerrard also won several awards, including 2005's UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, 2006's PFA Players' Player of the Year, and 2009's FWA Footballer of the Year. He officially retired as a player in 2014.
Presently, the multi-awarded player is the manager of Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi Pro League club.
2. Ian Rush
Ian James Rush MBE is widely touted as one of Liverpool FC's greatest players, with a legacy that spans from his first stint at the club in 1980 until his departure in 1996.
Known for his clinical finishing and remarkable positioning, Rush remains Liverpool's all-time leading goal scorer with 346 goals in 660 appearances. His stint as a Red was marked by numerous achievements, including five First Division titles, three FA Cups, and two European Cups.
Rush was awarded the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award twice (1984 and 1986), solidifying his status as a football icon.
His skills on the pitch were characterised by his sharp instincts in front of goal, relentless work rate, and an uncanny ability to perform in big matches.
After his retirement, Rush stayed connected to football, serving as an ambassador for Liverpool FC and engaging in charity work. He is now also a football pundit.
3. Jamie Carragher
James Lee Duncan Carragher played for Liverpool FC as a defender for 17 years from 1996 to 2013. He was the club’s vice-captain for 10 years and captain for a spell.
With over 730 appearances, Carragher is the club's second-longest ever serving player. He also holds the record for the most appearances in European competition as a Liverpool player.
While with the squad, Carragher helped Liverpool win two FA Cups, three Football League Cups, two FA Charity/Community Shields, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Champions League, and two UEFA Super Cups.
The legendary defender won Liverpool's Player of the Year award three times. He was also recognised as the Premier League Player of the Year by the Northwest Football Award in 2013.
Carragher’s impeccable playing style showcases his intelligence, tactical awareness, concentration, stamina, and strength. Because of this, he is widely regarded as one of the best English and Premier League defenders of his generation.
At present, he is active in various charitable works.
4. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has earned a spot in Liverpool FC's lineup of the greatest players since joining the team in 2018. His commanding presence and exceptional defensive skills have helped transform the club's backline into one of the strongest in England and Europe.
The centre-back’s influence was immediately felt when he helped the team secure the 2018–2019 UEFA Champions League title. He also led the club in winning the 2019-2020 Premier League, their first in 30 years.
Van Dijk's accolades include being named PFA Player of the Year in 2019, finishing runner-up in the Ballon d'Or the same year, and earning a place in the UEFA Team of the Year several times.
Van Dijk is a defensive leader known for his aerial dominance, precise tackling, and calmness under pressure. He is currently Liverpool FC's captain and leads the Netherlands national team.
5. Alisson Becker
Álisson Ramsés Becker is a Brazilian football player who’s currently Liverpool FC’s goalkeeper. He joined the club in 2018.
Becker is one of Liverpool FC's top players due to his incredible shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and distribution skills, which solidified Liverpool’s defence. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2018–2019 UEFA Champions League triumph, making a series of crucial saves throughout the competition.
During the 2019-2020 season, he helped the team win their first Premier League title after 30 years.
Becker won the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award in 2019 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year. Notably, he became the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to score a match-winning goal, cementing his status as a club legend.
Aside from being Liverpool FC’s official goalkeeper, Becker is one of the Brazil national team's key players.
6. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly is an Egyptian professional football player who plays right winger and forward for Liverpool FC. He joined the Reds after a stint with Chelsea.
Since joining Liverpool, the club has won the Champions League and Premier League. Salah also helped the team’s success with the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and FA Community Shield.
Salah has also been recognised as a top player, winning two PFA Players' Player of the Year, three Premier League Golden Boots, and a Premier League Player of the Season awards.
The Egyptian footballer is known for his speed, agility, dribbling skills, and ball control. His unique flair, quick thinking, and pace have helped him and his teammates score in their games.
Salah is also the captain of Egypt’s national football team, helping the squad break into the World Cup finals.
Starting Your Liverpool FC Memorabilia Collection
Knowing Liverpool FC's greatest players helps you choose the right shirts and merchandise since it connects you with the club's rich history and legendary moments. Whether it’s a jersey worn during a Champions League triumph or a Liverpool home kit inspired by iconic players, these items carry a sense of pride and tradition.
By understanding each player's impact, you can select merchandise that celebrates your favourite Reds and showcases your passion and loyalty to Liverpool FC.
