Liverpool FC has a long, rich history defined by the players who’ve donned the famous red jersey since the club’s inception in 1892. From local tal
Liverpool FC has a long, rich history defined by the players who’ve donned the famous red jersey since the club’s inception in 1892.
From local talents who’ve risen through the ranks to become legendary figures to international up-and-comers who’ve left their mark on the Anfield turf, Liverpool has been home to some of football’s biggest and brightest stars.
Today, you’ll journey through time to learn more about five of Liverpool FC’s greatest players. If you’re a die-hard fan who rocks their best Liverpool home kit on match days and enjoys collecting the occasional piece of merchandise or rare memorabilia, you’ll also find a few recommendations that commemorate the legacy of these living icons.
Five Liverpool FC Legends
Throughout the decades, Liverpool FC has seen many players who have become synonymous with the club’s success. Their stats, contributions to the team’s victories, and overall impact on the sport etched their names in Liverpool FC’s history books. Here are five of the Reds’ most outstanding players of all time:
1. Ian Rush (1980-1986) – (1988-1996)
At 19 years old, Ian Rush joined Liverpool FC in 1980, and in no time, he became a pivotal player in the team’s attacking line. During his two spells at the club, Rush scored a total of 346 goals in 660 appearances, making him Liverpool’s all-time top scorer – a title he still holds to this day.
The moment he stepped on the field, Rush’s tenacity, relentless pace and predatory instincts were enough to put even the toughest of defenders on alert. He won many titles with Liverpool, including five League Cup trophies, five First Division titles, three FA Cups, two European Cup titles, and PFA Young Player of the Year in 1983 and 1984.
Rush’s legacy lives on through his iconic number nine jersey, passed down to some of the best players in the Liverpool FC lineup, like Robbie Fowler and Roberto Firmino.
Merch Option: A signed Jersey from Ian Rush’s prolific years will undoubtedly be the centrepiece of any Liverpool fan’s collection.
2. Jamie Carragher (1996-2013)
A boyhood Evertonian and one of the longest-serving defenders in Liverpool’s history, Jamie Carragher is a true titan. He made his debut in 1997, and over his 17-year stint, he played an impressive 737 games with the Reds.
At centre-back or right-back, Carragher’s passion, never-say-die attitude and keen ability to read the game were key to Liverpool’s victories, sending the world’s best attackers home empty-handed.
His most sentient performance was during the 2005 UEFA Champions League final when he played through intense cramps and helped the team make a fantastic comeback victory against AC Milan.
Merch Options:
- The Greatest Game: Carra’s book inspired by his hit podcast, where he explores the games that spurred his love of football as a fan, pundit, and, most memorably, as a Liverpool player.
- A replica shirt of the 2005 European Final signed by Carragher.
3. Steven Gerrard (1998-2015)
Steven Gerrard is a scouser through and through and one of the top midfielders of his generation. Renowned for chameleon-like adaptability to any role and cannon of a right foot, he carried the team through many challenging seasons.
In his 17-year career at Liverpool, Gerrard made 710 appearances and scored 186 goals. He was made captain in 2003 and wore the armband until his departure in 2015. Under his leadership, Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League, two FA cups, three League Cups and finished as a runner-up in the Premier League.
All these feats and contributions to the club earned Gerrard the nickname “Captain Fantastic”. And even though he went on to coach some of the world’s most prominent local and international teams, his legacy still looms large at Anfield.
Merch Options:
- A 2005 Istanbul Champions League shirt, boxed and front-signed by Steven Gerrard.
- Steven Gerrard autographed 2005 UEFA Champions League victory framed picture.
4. Mohamed Salah (2017-present)
Mo Salah is an Egyptian sensation who joined Liverpool FC from AS Roma. In his first season with the Reds, Salah broke records and won hearts with his unrivalled dribbling skills, clinical finishing and lethal pace.
For a reported fee of £36.9 million, Salah was a record signing at the time but soon proved to be a bargain. He quickly took the Premier League and Liverpool FC by storm, scoring 44 goals in his first season, winning PFA Player of the Year and helping Liverpool make it to the Champions League final.
To this day, Salah is considered one of the best wingers in the club’s history, with a tally of 205 goals in 333 appearances for Liverpool. He has helped secure the club’s sixth European Cup victory, for which he received his second Golden Boot award in 2019 (one of three in total).
Merch Options:
- A Mo Salah home, away or third stadium jersey with his name and number (11) on the back.
- A Mo Salah edition of the LFC Icons series featuring rare archive interviews and imagery with matchday programmes and magazines.
5. Alisson Becker (2018- present)
Another ex-Roma player with a record-shattering signing deal and an impressive streak of heroics at Anfield is goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Lovingly referred to as “O Goleiro Gato” or “the cat goalie” by his Brazilian fanbase, Becker is famous for his calm demeanour, acrobatic reflexes, and pinpoint direction of play — a sweeper-keeper if there ever was one.
He’s also the first goalkeeper in English football history to score a winning goal, a stunning header against West Bromwich Albion on 16 May 2021 in the dying minutes of the game.
Alisson’s impact on Liverpool’s renaissance is undeniable. His ability to pull off heart-stopping saves at crucial moments has saved many a game and put the club in contention for Premier League titles and Champions League glory, all during his short five (soon to be six) years with the Reds.
Merch Options:
- A signed and framed image of Becker’s iconic goal against West Brom.
- A signed 23/24 Becker framed away shirt.
Celebrate Your Liverpool FC Idols
For those to whom Liverpool FC is a way of life, owning a collectible, memorabilia, or merch is how they feel connected to their beloved players’ stories and triumphs. If you count yourself among the legions of the Reds fans, then proudly browse the collection of your local Liverpool store and find that special something to remember those moments when your heroes made Anfield come alive.
