Top Foreign Legends in Premier League History: Ranking the Best Imports Since 1992

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has attracted elite football talent from around the world. These foreign stars have not only elevated the quality of the league but also delivered unforgettable moments to fans across the globe. As the era of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City nears its end, pundits like Jamie Carragher are calling him one of the greatest imports to grace English football—perhaps even surpassing the likes of Bergkamp and Zola.

But where does De Bruyne rank among the Premier League’s all-time foreign greats?

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the 25 greatest foreign players to ever play in the Premier League, based on a range of criteria:

Ranking Criteria:

• Consistency & Longevity

• Major Trophies Won

• Individual Honors

• Goals, Assists, and Clean Sheets

• Legacy & Influence

This list leaves out some fan favorites—like Fernando Torres and Erling Haaland—but that only speaks to the incredible depth of talent the league has seen over the past 30+ years.

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🇧🇷 25. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Alisson’s arrival from Roma in 2018 transformed Liverpool’s backline. A master shot-stopper with elite ball control, he played a crucial role in delivering Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 2020—and again in 2025.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 228

• Clean Sheets: 95

• Premier League Titles: 2

• Golden Gloves: 2

• Goals: 1

• Assists: 3

🇫🇷 24. Patrice Evra (Manchester United, West Ham)

Evra’s consistency and leadership on the left flank helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United dominate for nearly a decade. He won five titles and made over 250 appearances.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 278

• Titles: 5

• Goals: 21

• Assists: 98

🇳🇱 23. Edwin van der Sar (Fulham, Manchester United)

After a steady spell at Fulham, van der Sar became the wall United needed. He was instrumental during one of their most dominant eras.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 313

• Clean Sheets: 132

• Premier League Titles: 4

• Golden Gloves: 1

🇺🇾 22. Luis Suárez (Liverpool)

Though he never won a league title, Suárez was a force of nature during his time at Anfield. His 2013-14 season was one of the most electrifying individual campaigns in PL history.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 110

• Goals: 69

• Assists: 23

• Golden Boots: 1

🇨🇮 21. Yaya Touré (Manchester City)

A powerhouse in midfield, Touré redefined the role of the box-to-box player. His 2013/14 season, where he netted 20 league goals, was iconic.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 230

• Goals: 62

• Assists: 32

• Titles: 3

🇳🇱 20. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)

Deadly in the box, Van Nistelrooy was the ultimate poacher. His finishing instincts earned him a Golden Boot and near-century of goals in 150 appearances.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 150

• Goals: 95

• Assists: 14

• Golden Boots: 1

• Titles: 1

🇫🇷 19. N’Golo Kanté (Leicester City, Chelsea)

From unknown to irreplaceable, Kanté was pivotal in two Premier League title runs with two different clubs. His tireless work ethic and incredible reading of the game set him apart.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 227

• Titles: 2

• Goals: 12

• Assists: 17

• Tackles: 687

🇧🇪 18. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Hazard was Chelsea’s magician. With flair, finesse, and finishing ability, he produced some of the league’s most dazzling performances.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 245

• Goals: 85

• Assists: 54

• Titles: 2

🇨🇿 17. Petr Čech (Chelsea, Arsenal)

Čech’s dominance in goal during the 2000s was unmatched. He still holds the record for the most Premier League clean sheets—an icon of consistency.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 443

• Clean Sheets: 202

• Titles: 4

• Golden Gloves: 4

🇷🇸 16. Nemanja Vidić (Manchester United)

A no-nonsense defender and born leader, Vidić was the cornerstone of United’s defense during their title-laden years in the 2000s.

Key Stats:

• Appearances: 211

• Clean Sheets: 95

• Titles: 5

• Goals: 15