10 Best Tottenham Players of All Time (Ranked)

Tottenham Hotspur, one of the Premier League’s most storied clubs, boasts a proud legacy filled with iconic players who have donned the famous white shirt. Since their founding in 1882, Spurs have been home to countless stars who helped shape the club’s identity and success across generations.

Renowned for their commitment to attacking football, deep community roots, and significant growth—particularly over the last decade—Tottenham’s journey has been marked by unforgettable goals, silverware triumphs, and moments that live forever in the hearts of supporters.

From the commanding presence of 1961 double-winning captain Danny Blanchflower to the record-breaking feats of modern legend Harry Kane, Spurs’ history is packed with talent that has defined eras. Ask any fan for their favourite, and the answers will vary widely.

At Betimate, we’ve taken on the tough task of narrowing it down—here’s our definitive ranking of the 10 greatest players to ever represent Tottenham Hotspur.

Ranking Criteria: 

To help narrow down the list of Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time greats, we took several key factors into account to ensure a fair and balanced ranking. These include:

• Overall Stats: We looked at measurable contributions such as goals, assists, clean sheets, and total appearances to assess each player's consistency and longevity.

• Trophies Won: Success matters. Players who helped the club lift major honours were given extra weight in our rankings.

• Impact on the Team: Beyond stats, we considered how influential each player was during their time at Spurs — whether they were game-changers, leaders, or catalysts for success.

• Popularity with the Fans: A true legend lives in the hearts of the supporters. Fan affection, legacy, and cultural impact played a big role in our decision-making.

By combining these elements, we’ve created a list that celebrates not just the most talented players, but also those who left a lasting mark on Tottenham Hotspur’s proud history.

10. Gary Lineker

Though best known today as the long-time host of Match of the Day, it’s easy to overlook just how prolific Gary Lineker was during his playing days. Once regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, the former England international arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in 1989 following a successful stint with Spanish giants Barcelona — and he wasted no time making his mark in north London.

Despite strong interest from Sir Alex Ferguson, who hoped to pair him with Mark Hughes at Manchester United, Lineker chose to join Spurs in a deal worth over £1 million. It proved to be an inspired move. He scored more than 60 goals in just over 100 First Division appearances, topping the league’s scoring charts in his debut season.

Lineker’s time at Tottenham also included silverware, as he played a vital role in the club’s 1991 FA Cup triumph. Most notably, he netted twice in a memorable semi-final victory over fierce rivals Arsenal, further cementing his place in Spurs folklore.

9. Pat Jennings

The fact that Pat Jennings later played for Arsenal yet remains a beloved figure among Tottenham fans speaks volumes about his legendary status. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in English football history, Jennings delivered countless masterclass performances during his time in north London.

He made over 450 appearances for Spurs, collecting an impressive haul of silverware along the way — including an FA Cup, two League Cups, and a UEFA Cup. His brilliance between the sticks didn’t go unnoticed on an individual level either.

In 1973, Jennings was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, and just two years later, he made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to win the PFA Player of the Year award — a rare and remarkable feat that highlighted his impact and consistency at the highest level.

8. Ledley King

“Ooh Ledley Ledley, he’s only got one knee, he’s better than John Terry, ooh Ledley Ledley” — a chant that once echoed proudly around White Hart Lane in the early 2000s, capturing the admiration and affection Spurs fans had for Ledley King.

King was the complete defender: intelligent, composed, and unbeatable in one-on-one situations. His reading of the game was second to none, and his quiet, commanding leadership made him a natural captain. He famously led Tottenham to their 2008 League Cup triumph under Juande Ramos — the club’s most recent major silverware.

A one-club man through and through, King spent his entire professional career at Spurs, earning legendary status not just for his performances, but for his unwavering loyalty. There was something special about him that made supporters instantly connect. He was Tottenham through and through.

Sadly, chronic knee injuries plagued his career — hence the chant's reference to having "one knee" — and eventually forced him into early retirement in 2012. But even after hanging up his boots, King’s bond with the club remained unbroken.

In 2020, he returned to Spurs as part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff, eager to give back to the fans who had supported him throughout. Whether on the pitch or on the touchline, Ledley King embodies the heart and soul of Tottenham Hotspur — a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire fans around the world.

7. Heung-min Son

On August 28, 2015, Tottenham signed a relatively unknown winger from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million — a modest fee that would turn out to be one of the club’s greatest investments. Few could have predicted that Heung-min Son would go on to become one of the most iconic players in Tottenham Hotspur’s history.

Blessed with blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and lethal finishing, Son quickly adapted to the demands of the Premier League. It didn’t take long for opposition defences to learn that even the slightest opening could prove fatal when Son was around.

Since then, the South Korean star has racked up numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2020 Puskás Award for his sensational solo goal against Burnley and the 2021/22 Premier League Golden Boot, which he shared with Mohamed Salah. His European contributions have been just as significant — he played a key role in Spurs’ remarkable 2018/19 Champions League run, scoring crucial goals against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

But Son’s brilliance isn’t limited to the pitch. His humility, work ethic, and infectious smile have made him a fan favourite. That connection with the club only deepened when Ange Postecoglou appointed him captain following Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich — a role Son has embraced with pride and leadership.

With his blend of talent, character, and consistency, Heung-min Son has not only etched his name into Tottenham folklore but also stands as a beacon of hope for the club’s future. As Spurs continue their pursuit of silverware, few are more trusted to lead the charge than their beloved No. 7.

Sat alongside his teammates, watch the moment Ange appointed Sonny as our new Club captain

pic.twitter.com/0eJTupMHRg

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 12, 2023

6. Paul Gascoigne

Unique, passionate, and overflowing with natural talent — few players embody those qualities quite like Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne. A footballing genius with unmatched flair and creativity, Gascoigne lit up White Hart Lane during his short but unforgettable three-year spell at Tottenham.

Gazza was more than just a great player — he was an entertainer. Each week, fans packed the stands not just to support Spurs, but to witness the magic of a man who played with both brilliance and joy. Whether it was a clever flick, a mazy run, or a cheeky piece of skill, Gascoigne made football feel fun.

His defining moment in a Spurs shirt came in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Arsenal. With the game on a knife’s edge, Gascoigne stepped up and unleashed an outrageous long-range free kick that sent the Tottenham faithful into delirium. That goal helped Spurs lift the FA Cup that year — their last major domestic honour to date — and sealed Gazza’s place in club folklore.

Off the pitch, his larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure across the football world. Gascoigne’s humour, charm, and vulnerability made him relatable, and his infectious spirit is something the modern game sorely lacks. As he once rightly said: “No one can be the next Gazza.”

Though his time at Tottenham was short, Paul Gascoigne’s legacy looms large. He wasn’t just a star in Lilywhite — he was a generational talent and a footballing icon whose influence still resonates today.

5. Glenn Hoddle

Glenn Hoddle was the kind of player who made fans rise to their feet every time he touched the ball. A midfielder of rare elegance and intelligence, he had everything — exceptional vision, pinpoint passing, and a thunderous shot that made him a constant threat from anywhere on the pitch.

Hoddle became a central figure for Tottenham during the early 1980s, playing a key role in a golden era for the club. He helped guide Spurs to back-to-back FA Cup triumphs in 1981 and 1982, and was instrumental in their UEFA Cup success in 1984 — a period that firmly established his place among the all-time greats.

His connection with the club didn’t end when his playing days were over. In 2001, Hoddle returned to White Hart Lane as manager, hoping to bring more glory to the club he loved. While his time in the dugout didn't match the heights of his on-field brilliance, his bond with Spurs remained unshaken.

To this day, Glenn Hoddle is remembered not just as one of Tottenham’s finest-ever players, but as a figure whose legacy still echoes through the club. His flair, loyalty, and lasting impact make him a true Spurs legend.

4. Gareth Bale

Tottenham. Golf. Madrid. If you asked Gareth Bale to list his priorities, Spurs fans might cheekily expect that answer. But make no mistake — during his time in North London, the Welsh winger was nothing short of sensational.

Bale made 237 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 71 goals and providing 53 assists. It was at Spurs where his career truly exploded, transforming him from a promising full-back into one of the most feared attacking players in the world.

His breakout moment came during the 2010/11 Champions League campaign, particularly in his unforgettable performances against Inter Milan. Bale repeatedly torched the highly-rated Brazilian right-back Maicon, announcing himself on the global stage with a hat-trick in the San Siro and a dominant display in the return leg at White Hart Lane.

Those dazzling runs, rocket finishes, and match-winning moments paved the way for a then-world record £85.3 million move to Real Madrid. But long before the trophies in Spain, it was Spurs that nurtured Bale's brilliance.

Gareth Bale's legacy at Tottenham is defined by pace, power, and pure excitement. He didn’t just win games — he made fans fall in love with football all over again. A true Spurs icon.

3. Danny Blanchflower

No list of Tottenham legends would be complete without the captain of their most iconic triumph: the 1961 double under Bill Nicholson, when Spurs clinched both the First Division title and the FA Cup.

At the heart of that historic team was the incomparable Danny Blanchflower—known as “Mr. Versatile.” His football intelligence was second to none, and he championed an attacking, entertaining style of play. Blanchflower famously said:

“The great fallacy is that the game is first and last about winning. It is nothing of the kind. The game is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom.”

This philosophy echoes the approach of current Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, whose positive and exciting football perfectly reflects the club’s identity. Blanchflower remains a symbol of the flair, ambition, and spirit that define Tottenham Hotspur.

2. Jimmy Greaves

Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history, Jimmy Greaves scored an astonishing 220 goals in 321 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur. He also holds the record for the most goals ever scored in English top-flight football.

‘Greavsie’ ranks as Spurs’ second-highest all-time goalscorer and was instrumental in helping the club secure two FA Cup titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup. Renowned for his exceptional composure in front of goal, every chance Greaves got seemed destined to find the net. His teammates admired his extraordinary talent—Tottenham legend Pat Jennings once said:

"For me, Jimmy was the greatest, the best goalscorer ever. No one put the ball in the net like him. Not only did he score goals, he created them too, from all angles. Jim just passed the ball into the net, never lashed it. He was brilliant to me in the early days. I probably cost him his bonus money countless times, but he’d come into the dressing room and say, ‘Keep going son, you’re going to be the best,’ and I appreciated that when I needed it most."

Greaves’ influence both on and off the pitch made him a cherished figure at Tottenham, celebrated for his incredible skill and his character. His legacy continues to inspire Spurs players and fans alike, solidifying his place as a true footballing legend.

1. Harry Kane

Who else but Harry Kane—Tottenham’s and England’s all-time leading goalscorer? For nearly a decade, he delivered countless unforgettable moments before his move to Bayern Munich last summer. Kane was the reliable striker Spurs always turned to, consistently finding the back of the net even during the toughest spells. He became only the third player in Premier League history to score 25 goals in three consecutive seasons.

"He's a 25 goal a season man, and I don't see that stopping I really don't."

Harry Kane has become the third player to score 25 Premier League goals in three consecutive seasons, after Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer.

Keeping good company #BTSportScore pic.twitter.com/CHYOOyAe8Z

— BT Sport Score (@btsportscore) April 7, 2018

His tremendous influence, alongside other key figures, helped reshape Tottenham into a Premier League force once again. While trophies may have eluded him during his time in North London, Kane’s individual brilliance and legacy remain etched in the hearts of Spurs fans worldwide.