Arsenal Football Club, one of England’s most decorated football institutions, currently leads the Premier League in the 2025/26 season and has impressively finished as runners-up in the previous three campaigns. Known for their iconic ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003/04, the North London giants remain the only team in Premier League history to complete a season unbeaten—a feat that continues to define the club’s rich heritage.
Arsenal are the only side in Premier League history to go an entire season unbeaten, a record that still stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in English football. While the club continues its pursuit of a long-awaited fourth Premier League title, we look back at the players who made Arsenal great.
Presented in a 4-3-2-1 formation, this is Arsenal FC’s greatest all-time XI — a selection of legends who shaped the club’s legacy.
Goalkeeper: David Seaman
A stalwart between the posts, David Seaman is regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Arsenal history. With over 500 appearances for the club, the England international was a model of consistency, composure, and leadership. His honours include three league titles, four FA Cups, three FA Community Shields, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup — an unmatched haul among Arsenal goalkeepers.
Right Back: Lee Dixon
Known for his reliability and tactical awareness, Lee Dixon was a key part of Arsenal’s formidable defence throughout the George Graham and early Wenger eras. Over his career, Dixon amassed four league titles, three FA Cups, three Community Shields, the League Cup, and the Cup Winners’ Cup, establishing himself as one of the most decorated full-backs in English football.
Centre Back: Tony Adams
Tony Adams is not just an Arsenal legend; he is the very embodiment of the club’s identity. As captain, he led the Gunners through three different decades and played a pivotal role in both the George Graham era and the rise of Arsène Wenger’s dynasty. Adams secured four league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, and the Cup Winners’ Cup, becoming the youngest-ever captain in club history.
Centre Back: Sol Campbell
A commanding and composed centre-half, Sol Campbell was a vital figure during Arsenal’s title-winning campaigns in 2001/02 and 2003/04. His decision to cross North London from Tottenham was controversial, but his performances in an Arsenal shirt silenced critics. Campbell helped deliver two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, and the Community Shield during his illustrious career at the club.
Left Back: Ashley Cole
Before his departure to Chelsea, Ashley Cole had already made his mark as arguably the best left-back in the world. A crucial member of the ‘Invincibles’, Cole’s pace, positioning, and defensive discipline made him a standout performer. He lifted three FA Cups, two Community Shields, and the Premier League title during his Arsenal tenure.
Midfield: Patrick Vieira
A colossus in midfield, Patrick Vieira was the heartbeat of Arsenal during their most successful modern era. As club captain, he led with tenacity, elegance, and leadership, playing a defining role in the unbeaten 2003/04 campaign. A World Cup winner in 1998, Vieira also won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three Community Shields, and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 2001.
Midfield: Gilberto Silva
Nicknamed “The Invisible Wall,” Gilberto Silva was a model of consistency and discipline. His calm presence provided balance and protection in midfield, particularly during the ‘Invincibles’ campaign. The 2002 World Cup winner helped Arsenal to two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and a Premier League title, cementing his place among the club’s most important unsung heroes.
Midfield: Robert Pires
One of the most technically gifted players to ever wear the Arsenal shirt, Robert Pires combined elegance with end-product. A key figure in the early 2000s, Pires was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 2002, and was the club’s top scorer during both the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons. His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
Right Wing: Bukayo Saka
The only active player in this legendary lineup, Bukayo Saka has already etched his name into Arsenal’s all-time legacy. A graduate of the club’s famed Hale End academy, Saka has become the face of Arsenal’s resurgence. With over 70 goals and counting, as well as a 2020 FA Cup and two Community Shield titles, his influence continues to grow, and his potential remains limitless.
Left Wing: Thierry Henry
Widely considered Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, Thierry Henry redefined what it meant to be a forward. He remains the club’s all-time top scorer with 228 goals and was a central figure in the most successful period under Arsène Wenger. Henry won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and three Community Shields, and earned numerous individual accolades, including two PFA Player of the Year awards, three FWA Footballer of the Year honours, and four Premier League Golden Boots.
Striker: Dennis Bergkamp
The master technician, Dennis Bergkamp was the creative genius behind Arsenal’s attacking fluidity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With unmatched vision and sublime control, the Dutch forward inspired a generation of players. Bergkamp won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and three Community Shields, and was crowned PFA and FWA Player of the Year in 1998.
Honorable Mentions
While only eleven players could make the final cut, several other Arsenal legends deserve recognition for their contributions:
- Cesc Fàbregas
- Freddie Ljungberg
- Robin van Persie
- Kolo Touré
- Nigel Winterburn
- Mesut Özil
Arsenal FC’s greatest XI is a celebration of legends who have not only defined generations but also elevated the status of the club on the global stage. From the tactical brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp to the unwavering leadership of Tony Adams, each player on this list has played a pivotal role in shaping Arsenal’s identity.
As the current squad continues its charge for Premier League glory, they do so standing on the shoulders of these icons. The legacy is rich, the standard is high, and the future looks brighter than ever for the red side of North London.