Top 20 greatest Spurs of all time ranked, no.1 will shock you
The final whistle is nearly here. The last echoes of glory are set to fade, and the famous lights of White Hart Lane are preparing to dim for good. After more than a century of unforgettable moments, the old stadium is preparing to close its doors — with just 90 minutes of football left to be played on its hallowed turf.
The symbolic Bill Nicholson Gates have already been taken down, and the legendary Shelf has one last shudder left before it falls silent. A final rendition of “Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur” is ready to crackle through the speakers — the last farewell to a ground drenched in history, tradition, and emotion.
There’s something inherently bittersweet about Tottenham’s departure. It’s not a permanent move across town or to another borough — the club is rebuilding on the very same site. But though glass and steel will soon rise where bricks and nostalgia once stood, the original essence of White Hart Lane — a unique character woven over 118 years — will be lost forever. What remains will live on only in memory, etched into the hearts of the fans and those lucky enough to witness magic unfold within its confines.
To honour the end of an era, and ahead of the final home match against Manchester United, we look back at the top 20 players who have graced this storied pitch — legends who helped write the history of White Hart Lane.
20. Christian Eriksen (Midfielder, 2013–Present)
Often mislabeled as a luxury player, Eriksen redefined what it meant to be a modern playmaker. He didn’t just create; he worked tirelessly, often out-running even the most industrious midfielders. This season alone, he’s covered 253 miles — second only to Gylfi Sigurdsson — while also leading the Premier League in assists. With his movement, vision, and work rate, Eriksen brought intelligence and dynamism to Spurs’ attack, making him one of the finest creative players the Lane has ever seen.
19. Dimitar Berbatov (Forward, 2006–2008)
For two all-too-brief years, Berbatov brought class and artistry to White Hart Lane. His elegant style and supreme control dazzled supporters, while his cool demeanor only added to his mystique. He was football’s version of a jazz soloist — unpredictable, bold, and mesmerizing. Neil Young once sang it’s better to burn out than fade away — and Berbatov blazed brilliantly before leaving for Manchester United, leaving Spurs fans longing for more.
18. Harry Kane (Striker, 2012–Present)
Few foresaw Kane’s meteoric rise. After unremarkable loan spells at lower-league clubs, the local lad burst onto the Premier League scene in 2014–15, and the goals haven’t stopped since. With multiple Golden Boots and three consecutive 20+ goal seasons to his name — something no Spurs player had done since Jimmy Greaves — Kane is writing his own legend. At just 23, he already stands among the club’s greats, destined to climb even higher.
17. Jürgen Klinsmann (Striker, 1994–1995 & 1997–1998)
Klinsmann lit up the Lane during Tottenham’s darkest Premier League days. Amid turmoil — financial penalties, near-relegation, and bans — the charismatic German brought hope. From the moment he arrived in a convertible VW Beetle, he charmed fans with goals and self-deprecating celebrations. His debut header against Sheffield Wednesday and infamous diving celebration injected joy and humor, proving that even in gloom, White Hart Lane could still smile.
16. Pat Jennings (Goalkeeper, 1964–1977)
The Northern Irishman was the safest pair of hands in Spurs history. Signed for just £29,000 by Bill Nicholson at age 19, Jennings played a staggering 673 games for the club. He even had the rare distinction of crossing the North London divide to join Arsenal — and still remained beloved in N17. His composure, consistency, and class make him one of the most revered figures in club folklore.
15. Teddy Sheringham (Forward, 1992–1997 & 2001–2003)
Sheringham was a thinker’s footballer — clever, calculated, and clinical. Jurgen Klinsmann called him the smartest striker he ever played with. Sheringham won the Premier League’s inaugural Golden Boot and helped shape the Spurs attack with both guile and grit. Though he briefly departed for Manchester United (where he’d win the treble), his return proved he still had magic in those boots.
14. Luka Modric (Midfielder, 2009–2012)
Modric brought grace and control to the midfield like few before him. At just 5’7”, he wasn’t the most imposing figure, but he had a rare gift — time seemed to slow at his feet. Whether finding space, dictating tempo, or threading passes through packed defences, Modric played with elegance and ease. Though his exit to Real Madrid was messy, his brilliance at White Hart Lane was unforgettable.
13. Ricky Villa (Midfielder, 1978–1983)
Villa’s winding solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay remains etched in English football folklore. But he was more than just one moment. The Argentine World Cup winner brought flair, charisma, and creativity — qualities that Spurs fans have always cherished. With his flowing hair and wristbands, he was the embodiment of the romantic, expressive football the Lane adored.
12. Martin Chivers (Forward, 1968–1976)
A true goal machine, Chivers netted 202 goals in 415 games and remains third on the club’s all-time scorers list. After starting out in the shadow of Jimmy Greaves, he blossomed into a leader of the attack, featuring in major finals and playing a vital role in European competition. His legacy remains as one of the club’s most prolific frontmen.
11. Ossie Ardiles (Midfielder, 1978–1988)
Ardiles, alongside Ricky Villa, brought a South American revolution to North London. The Argentine maestro played through one of the club’s golden eras, helping Spurs win two FA Cups and the 1984 UEFA Cup. Even during the politically charged Falklands War — when he left the club for a time — Ardiles never lost his love for Tottenham. His flair and finesse left a permanent mark on the Lane.
10. Steve Perryman (Defender, 1969–1986)
When you talk about loyalty and leadership, Perryman stands alone. With 861 appearances — a club record unlikely to ever be broken — he was the beating heart of Tottenham for nearly two decades. He won six major trophies and captained the club with quiet strength, leaving behind a legacy of dedication that defines what it means to be Spurs.
9. Gareth Bale (Forward, 2007–2013)
From unlucky charm to unstoppable superstar, Bale’s transformation was staggering. Initially known for his long winless run as a left-back, he evolved into a devastating winger who terrorised defences with pace and power. His hat-trick in the San Siro and a string of sensational solo goals in 2012–13 showed the world his talent. His £85 million move to Real Madrid didn’t diminish his status as one of White Hart Lane’s greatest entertainers.
8. Ledley King (Defender, 1999–2012)
King was the ultimate tragic hero — a defender blessed with natural elegance and reading of the game, yet cursed with chronic knee injuries. A one-club man, King never trained between matches in his final years, yet still marshalled the defence with calm authority. Fans revered him not just for his talent, but for his loyalty. He was — and always will be — one of their own.
7. Cliff Jones (Winger, 1958–1968)
Long before Bale, Cliff Jones was Tottenham’s original Welsh wizard. Signed in 1958, he dazzled with his pace, dribbling, and goalscoring from out wide. He played a crucial role in the famous Double-winning side of 1960–61 and added more silverware with FA Cups and a European triumph in 1963. His legacy as one of the greatest British wingers is secure.
6. Gary Lineker (Striker, 1989–1992)
Though only at Spurs for three seasons, Lineker’s impact was immense. He arrived as a global star from Barcelona and wasted no time proving his worth. He was the top scorer in his first season and played a vital role in the 1991 FA Cup run, including a brace in the semi-final win over Arsenal. He left with 80 goals in 138 appearances — and memories that still shine.
5. Paul Gascoigne (Midfielder, 1988–1991)
Few players have captivated like “Gazza.” His spell at Tottenham was a whirlwind of genius and madness, from thunderous free-kicks to rash tackles. The 1991 FA Cup semi-final strike against Arsenal was a moment of pure magic; his reckless challenge in the final was equally defining. He burned bright and fast — 33 goals in 112 games — but his time at the Lane left an indelible mark.
Absolutely — here is the continuation and conclusion of the top 20 players to grace White Hart Lane, counting down from number 4 to number 1:
4. Glenn Hoddle (Midfielder, 1975–1987)
There are talented footballers, and then there are artists — Glenn Hoddle was both. With a grace and technical ability rarely seen in English football, Hoddle played the game like a conductor commands an orchestra. His vision, creativity, and sheer elegance on the ball elevated Tottenham’s midfield through the late 70s and 80s. Whether it was a 40-yard pass that split defences or a nonchalant flick that bewildered opponents, Hoddle made the extraordinary look effortless. He amassed over 500 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals and lifting two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup. But more than trophies, it was the style with which he played that immortalized him in the hearts of Spurs fans. Many still consider him the most gifted player ever to wear the lilywhite shirt.
3. Jimmy Greaves (Striker, 1961–1970)
The numbers alone are staggering: 266 goals in 379 appearances for Spurs. But Jimmy Greaves was more than a record-breaker — he was a goal-scoring phenomenon. Signed from AC Milan in 1961, Greaves immediately justified the hype by scoring a hat-trick on his debut. Quick-witted, sharp in the box, and possessing an uncanny ability to find the net, Greaves was the ultimate poacher. He won two FA Cups and the 1963 Cup Winners’ Cup with Spurs, helping establish the club’s status as a European force. Though modern strikers come and go, few can match the natural instinct and finishing of Greaves — arguably the finest goal-scorer English football has ever seen.
2. Danny Blanchflower (Midfielder/Captain, 1954–1964)
A visionary captain, a deep thinker, and the intellectual engine of Tottenham’s greatest-ever side. Danny Blanchflower wasn’t just a midfield maestro — he was the spirit of the team. He famously said, “The game is about glory… doing things in style and with a flourish.” And that was exactly how he played. Under his captaincy, Spurs won the league and FA Cup double in 1960–61, becoming the first team of the 20th century to do so. They retained the FA Cup the following year and won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963 — the first British side to lift a European trophy. Blanchflower brought elegance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to attacking football. He defined an era and a philosophy that still runs through the club today.
1. Dave Mackay (Midfielder/Defender, 1959–1968)
If Blanchflower was the brain, Dave Mackay was the heart and soul. A warrior on the pitch and a leader in every sense, Mackay embodied grit, courage, and determination. Yet he was far from a mere hard man — his skill and intelligence were just as vital. Bill Nicholson once said Mackay was the finest player he ever managed, and fans saw why every time he stepped onto the White Hart Lane turf. He helped drive Spurs to the Double in 1961, plus two more FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup. Even a career-threatening leg injury couldn’t stop him — Mackay came back stronger, famously refusing to show weakness. The iconic image of him grabbing Billy Bremner by the shirt remains etched in English football history. To many, he was the ultimate Tottenham player: tough, classy, and utterly committed.