There’s nothing quite like the Premier League, with its unparalleled competitiveness and drama. The English top flight has been graced by some of the finest footballers in history, yet a Premier League winners medal eluded them.
Here are five of the greatest footballers who, despite their brilliance, never hoisted the coveted Premier League trophy.
Steven Gerrard
Where else to start but with Steven Gerrard? The epitome of loyalty and leadership, Stevie G spent near enough his entire career at Liverpool. Renowned for his all-action midfield displays and stunning goals, Gerrard came agonisingly close to Premier League glory in the 2013-2014 season, only to see it slip away. His illustrious career, crowned with a Champions League triumph, FA Cups, and numerous individual accolades, sadly lacked a Premier League winner’s medal.
Gianfranco Zola
The Italian maestro, Gianfranco Zola, mesmerised fans with his dazzling skills during his time at Chelsea in the late ’90s. Despite being a pivotal figure in transforming Chelsea into a formidable force, Zola’s era coincided with Manchester United’s dominance. Zola left an indelible mark on English football but fell short of adding a Premier League title to his impressive list of achievements.
Gareth Bale
The Welshman’s trophy cabinet is filled to the brim with honours after a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid. However, a Premier League title is noticeably missing. Between 2010 and 2013, Bale was on fire for Tottenham Hotspur, and despite carrying his team to victory seemingly every week, Spurs could never quite win the big one. Of course, five Champions League wins soften the blow significantly, but we’re certain Bale would’ve liked more to show for his time in England.
Les Ferdinand
Les Ferdinand had a reputation of a clinical finisher, who’s strong hold-up play would cause trouble for defenders up and down the country. After goal-filled spells at Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham United, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers, he became one of the top 10 goalscorers in Premier League history. But sadly for Les, he doesn’t have a winners medal for his troubles.
Alexis Sanchez
While not traditionally placed among the “greatest players never to win the Premier League,” dynamic Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez makes this list. Sanchez lit up the Premier League during his time at Arsenal with scintillating, full-throttle performances. Unfortunately for him, his spell at The Gunners came when they weren’t quite ready to win a league title. After missing out to plucky underdogs Leicester in the 2015/16 season, Sanchez left to join rivals Man Utd – but his time there bore no fruit either.
