England legend Gary Lineker names greatest soccer player of all time in the Premier League

Gary Lineker, the former England striker and respected sports broadcaster, remains one of the most iconic figures in soccer history. Renowned for his clean style of play—he was never booked in his entire career—Lineker starred for Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur. He also shined on the international stage, scoring 48 goals in 80 appearances for England. Following his retirement, Lineker transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a staple on British television as host of BBC’s Match of the Day.

In a 2024 episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, which he co-hosts with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, Lineker discussed the players he considers the most complete in football history. Citing versatility and all-around ability, he mentioned Steven Gerrard and Lothar Matthäus, saying: “They could do a bit of everything.”

However, when asked by The Times to name the greatest Premier League player of all time, Lineker offered a definitive answer. “Well, that was probably [Cristiano] Ronaldo because of what he went on to do,” he said. “But, gosh, so many great players. You could have a debate just about midfielders—Gerrard, Scholes, Lampard, Keane, Vieira, and so on.”

Cristiano Ronaldo played eight seasons in the Premier League across two stints with Manchester United, totaling 236 appearances, 103 goals, and 37 assists. The Portuguese forward won three Premier League titles with United and captured the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2007–08 season. His dominance in England was only the beginning of a career that would redefine modern soccer.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea

Lineker’s career in brief

Lineker launched his professional career with Leicester City in 1978, quickly making a name for himself with his clinical finishing. After scoring over 100 goals for the club and helping them secure promotion to the First Division, he moved to Everton in 1985.

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At Everton, Lineker led the league in scoring during the 1985–86 season, earning a transfer to Barcelona. Under manager Terry Venables, he became a Camp Nou favorite, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against Real Madrid in El Clásico.

He returned to England in 1989 to join Tottenham, where he again finished as one of the league’s top scorers and won the 1991 FA Cup. For England, Lineker was a constant attacking threat, claiming the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup and playing a key role in the team’s semi-final run at Italia ’90.

After finishing his playing days with Japan’s Nagoya Grampus Eight, Lineker stepped into broadcasting and became one of the most respected voices in soccer media. His thoughtful analysis and composed presence have earned him a unique place in the sport’s cultural landscape.