Newcastle United Football Club, founded in 1892, has seen many legendary players grace the pitch at St. James’ Park. From goal-scoring icons to midfield maestros and defensive rocks, the club’s history is filled with footballers who have left an indelible mark on English football.
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This article ranks the top 12 greatest players in Newcastle United’s history, considering their achievements, records, and contributions to the club’s legacy. These players have not only won titles and accolades but also earned the love and respect of the Toon Army.
1. Alan Shearer
- Position: Striker
- Years at Newcastle: 1996–2006
- Appearances: 405
- Goals: 206
- Major Achievements: All-time top goal scorer, Premier League Golden Boot winner, FA Cup runner-up (1998, 1999)
Alan Shearer is Newcastle United’s all-time leading goal scorer and one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history. Signed from Blackburn Rovers for a then-world record £15 million in 1996, Shearer became the heart and soul of the club. With 206 goals in 405 appearances, he broke records and set new standards for excellence.
A powerful and clinical finisher, Shearer combined strength, technique, and composure, making him a feared opponent. His leadership as club captain guided Newcastle to consecutive FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999, and his loyalty to the Magpies, despite interest from bigger clubs, made him a hero to the fans. His iconic one-arm celebration remains a symbol of his unforgettable career.
2. Jackie Milburn
- Position: Striker
- Years at Newcastle: 1943–1957
- Appearances: 397
- Goals: 200
- Major Achievements: Three-time FA Cup winner (1951, 1952, 1955)
Before Shearer, Jackie Milburn was Newcastle’s greatest-ever goal scorer, holding the club’s record with 200 goals for nearly half a century. Known affectionately as “Wor Jackie,” Milburn was the face of Newcastle’s golden era in the 1950s, when the club won three FA Cups.
Renowned for his blistering pace and lethal finishing, Milburn scored twice in the 1951 FA Cup final and played a key role in the club’s triumphs in 1952 and 1955. Despite his success, he remained humble and deeply connected to the community. His contribution to Newcastle’s history is commemorated with a statue outside St. James’ Park, a permanent reminder of his legacy.
3. Kevin Keegan
- Position: Forward
- Years at Newcastle: 1982–1984 (Player), 1992–1997 (Manager)
- Appearances: 85
- Goals: 48
- Major Achievements: Led Newcastle to First Division promotion (1984) and Premier League runners-up (1996) as manager
Kevin Keegan made a lasting impact both as a player and as a manager. As a player, he brought star quality to Newcastle, helping the club gain promotion to the First Division in 1984. Despite playing only two seasons, his charisma and leadership made him a fan favorite.
Keegan’s greatest contribution, however, came as manager. In the 1990s, he built the famous “Entertainers” team, which included stars like David Ginola, Peter Beardsley, and Les Ferdinand, leading Newcastle to a Premier League runners-up finish in 1996. His attacking philosophy and passion reignited the club’s ambitions and gave fans some of their best footballing memories.
4. Peter Beardsley
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Years at Newcastle: 1983–1987, 1993–1997
- Appearances: 326
- Goals: 119
- Major Achievements: Premier League runners-up (1996)
A creative genius and crowd favorite, Peter Beardsley was known for his vision, quick feet, and intelligent passing. In his two spells at the club, Beardsley scored over 100 goals and was instrumental in building the mid-90s Entertainers team under Kevin Keegan.
Beardsley formed a deadly partnership with strikers like Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand, contributing to Newcastle’s thrilling title challenge in the 1995–96 season. His technical brilliance and ability to both score and create goals made him a standout performer and one of the most beloved players in Newcastle’s history.
5. Gary Speed
- Position: Midfielder
- Years at Newcastle: 1998–2004
- Appearances: 285
- Goals: 40
- Major Achievements: Champions League appearances, UEFA Cup semi-finalist (2004)
Gary Speed was the epitome of consistency and professionalism during his six years at Newcastle. A box-to-box midfielder, Speed contributed equally in defense and attack, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership on and off the pitch.
Speed played a key role in helping Newcastle reach the 2004 UEFA Cup semi-finals and secure multiple top-four Premier League finishes, earning a spot in the Champions League. Admired for his work ethic and character, Speed remains a respected figure among Newcastle supporters.
6. Shay Given
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Years at Newcastle: 1997–2009
- Appearances: 462
- Clean Sheets: 91 (Premier League)
- Major Achievements: Longest-serving goalkeeper, UEFA Champions League appearances
A pillar of Newcastle’s defense for over a decade, Shay Given is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best-ever goalkeepers. Known for his reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and consistency, Given made 462 appearances, becoming the club’s longest-serving goalkeeper.
He was a key player during Newcastle’s strongest Premier League campaigns, helping the club reach the Champions League and UEFA Cup semi-finals. Despite frequently facing defensive challenges, Given’s performances earned him recognition as a top-class goalkeeper.
7. Bobby Moncur
- Position: Defender
- Years at Newcastle: 1962–1974
- Appearances: 296
- Goals: 11
- Major Achievements: Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winner (1969)
Bobby Moncur is a name that resonates with Newcastle fans, as he remains the last captain to lift a major European trophy for the club. Under his leadership, Newcastle won the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, with Moncur scoring in both legs of the final.
A no-nonsense center-back with excellent positional awareness, Moncur’s leadership and composure were vital to the team’s success. He is remembered not only for his defensive skills but also for his courage and loyalty to the club.
8. Les Ferdinand
- Position: Striker
- Years at Newcastle: 1995–1997
- Appearances: 84
- Goals: 50
- Major Achievements: PFA Player of the Year nominee (1996), Premier League runners-up (1996)
Although Les Ferdinand spent only two seasons at Newcastle, his impact was immense. In his debut season, he scored 29 goals, leading Newcastle to second place in the Premier League and earning a PFA Player of the Year nomination.
Ferdinand’s powerful headers, pace, and physicality made him a perfect target man, and his partnership with Alan Shearer became one of the most formidable attacking duos in Premier League history.
9. Rob Lee
- Position: Midfielder
- Years at Newcastle: 1992–2002
- Appearances: 381
- Goals: 56
- Major Achievements: Premier League runners-up (1996, 1997)
A key figure in Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers team, Rob Lee was a versatile and hardworking midfielder known for his passing, stamina, and ability to score from distance. He played a crucial role in Newcastle’s title challenges in the mid-90s, forming a strong midfield partnership with David Batty and Gary Speed.
Lee’s leadership and performances made him a fan favorite, and he was later rewarded with the club captaincy, further solidifying his place in Newcastle history.
10. Bruno Guimarães
- Position: Midfielder
- Years at Newcastle: 2022–Present
- Appearances: 80+
- Goals: 10+
- Major Achievements: Helped Newcastle return to the UEFA Champions League (2023)
Despite being a recent addition to Newcastle’s history, Bruno Guimarães has quickly become a fan favorite and a key figure in the club’s resurgence. With his intelligence, creativity, and defensive tenacity, Guimarães controls the midfield and dictates the pace of the game.
Since joining from Lyon, he has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s return to the UEFA Champions League, helping the club achieve its highest Premier League finish in two decades. His passion and connection with the supporters suggest he is on track to become a modern-day legend.
11. David Ginola
- Position: Winger
- Years at Newcastle: 1995–1997
- Appearances: 76
- Goals: 7
- Major Achievements: Premier League runners-up (1996), PFA Team of the Year (1996)
David Ginola brought flair, creativity, and elegance to Newcastle’s attack during the mid-90s “Entertainers” era under Kevin Keegan. With his exceptional dribbling and crossing ability, Ginola became a fan favorite almost instantly.
He was instrumental in Newcastle’s 1995–96 Premier League title challenge, providing crucial assists and dazzling performances from the left wing. Ginola’s ability to entertain and create moments of magic made him one of the most exciting players to wear the black-and-white stripes, even if his time at the club was short.
12. Andy Cole
- Position: Striker
- Years at Newcastle: 1993–1995
- Appearances: 85
- Goals: 68
- Major Achievements: First Division champion (1993), Newcastle’s record goal-scorer in a single Premier League season (41 goals in 1993–94)
Andy Cole enjoyed a phenomenal goalscoring record during his short but impactful spell at Newcastle. In the 1993–94 season, he scored 41 goals in all competitions, a club record for a single season. His lethal finishing helped Newcastle finish third in their first season back in the Premier League, securing UEFA Cup qualification.
Despite his controversial departure to Manchester United, Cole’s impact at Newcastle was immense, and his goalscoring feats are still remembered as some of the best in the club’s history.
Conclusion
The history of Newcastle United is rich with iconic players who have left their mark on the club and the hearts of the supporters. From Alan Shearer’s record-breaking goals to Jackie Milburn’s golden era and Kevin Keegan’s legendary leadership, each player contributed to the legacy of the black-and-white stripes.
The inclusion of modern stars like Bruno Guimarães alongside legends like David Ginola and Andy Cole shows how Newcastle’s greatness spans generations. As the club looks to the future, these names will remain etched in history, and the Toon Army will continue to sing their praises at St. James’ Park.
