Gareth Bale Tops List of Best British Football Exports This Century
Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale is named the top British export, followed by Steven McManaman and Harry Kane, in a ranking of players who have excelled abroad since 2000.
Gareth Bale's stellar career at Real Madrid, marked by multiple Champions League titles and iconic goals, has earned him the top spot in a ranking of the best British football exports of the 21st century. The Welsh forward, who secured five Champions League winner's medals during his nine years in Madrid, is followed by his former teammate Steven McManaman and current Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
European Success and International Stardom
Since the turn of the millennium, an increasing number of British players have sought opportunities beyond the Premier League, with significant success in top European leagues. Bale's impact in Madrid, where he scored 106 goals in 258 appearances and netted crucial goals in multiple Champions League finals, including a memorable overhead kick, highlights his extraordinary career abroad. His stint also included a Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup triumph with LAFC before his retirement.
Steven McManaman, who moved to Real Madrid from Liverpool in 1999, is ranked second. He was the first English player to join Los Merengues directly from the Premier League in decades and became a vital part of their success, winning two Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. His contributions, including a goal in the 2000 Champions League final, underscore his significant impact in Spain.
Harry Kane's immediate success at Bayern Munich places him third. The England captain has achieved remarkable scoring feats in the Bundesliga, reaching 100 goals in fewer games than any other player in the league's history. He also won the European Golden Shoe in his debut season and has secured two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup, adding team silverware to his individual accolades.
Rising Stars and Established Talents Abroad
Jude Bellingham, another Real Madrid star, ranks fourth. After developing at Borussia Dortmund, where he became their youngest scorer and the youngest English player to start a Champions League match, Bellingham moved to Madrid for over £100m. He played a key role in their La Liga and Champions League double in his debut season, finishing third in the Ballon d'Or standings.
Owen Hargreaves, who was born in Canada and represented England, makes the list at fifth for his successful tenure at Bayern Munich. He won four Bundesliga titles and was part of the 2001 Champions League-winning side, becoming one of the few British players to achieve this success with a foreign club.
Scott McTominay's transformation at Napoli is recognized with the sixth position. He was instrumental in securing the club's fourth Scudetto, earning the league's MVP award and becoming a cult hero.
David Beckham features at seventh for his influential spell at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga, and his significant role in popularizing Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy, where he won two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields. He also won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain.
Jadon Sancho's early career at Borussia Dortmund, where he developed into a highly-rated prospect scoring 50 goals in 137 games, earns him eighth place. His move to Germany paved the way for other young British players.
Fikayo Tomori is ninth for his consistent performances at AC Milan, culminating in a Scudetto win and a place in the Serie A team of the season. Kieran Trippier rounds out the top ten for his contributions to Atletico Madrid's La Liga title triumph in 2021.