Ian Wright Reveals His Three Premier League GOATs — And Leaves Out Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah

The debate over who deserves to be called the greatest player in Premier League history never truly fades, with every fan ready to defend their personal shortlist. Recently, Arsenal legend Ian Wright reignited the discussion during an interview with ESPN, offering his own perspective on football’s modern icons.

When asked to name his top three Premier League GOATs, Wright surprised many by omitting both Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah — two of the most celebrated players of the modern era. His bold choices immediately sparked passionate debate among fans and pundits alike, once again proving that discussions about greatness in English football are as emotional as they are subjective.

Instead, he selected Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, and Eric Cantona — three names that helped define different eras of English football. Wright’s choices reflect more than just statistics; they tell a story of influence, dominance, and charisma on the pitch. His picks capture the essence of what made the Premier League special in its formative years.

This article explores Wright’s selections and what makes each player worthy of their place among the all-time greats. Read on until the end for a special gift from Melbet, including an exclusive promo code that increases your welcome bonus when creating an account.

Alan Shearer – The Record That Still Stands

It’s difficult to dispute Ian Wright’s first pick. Alan Shearer still stands alone as the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, with an incredible 260 goals in 441 appearances — a record that has endured for decades. From his early breakthrough at Southampton to title-winning glory with Blackburn Rovers and his legendary spell at Newcastle United, Shearer embodied the perfect centre-forward: powerful, composed, and ruthlessly efficient. His remarkable consistency and unerring eye for goal made him the definitive striker of his generation — and a benchmark for every goalscorer who followed.

His crowning moment came with Blackburn Rovers, leading them to the 1994/95 Premier League title — a feat that remains one of the league’s most remarkable underdog stories. Shearer’s combination of strength, precision, and leadership set a standard for English forwards that few have matched.

Even today, despite the modern era’s relentless schedule and record-breaking talents, his goal tally stands untouched. If Harry Kane remains in Germany with Bayern Munich, that record may last for decades more.

Thierry Henry – The Complete Forward

No list of Premier League greats would be complete without Thierry Henry. Wright’s admiration for the Frenchman is well known, once calling him “the greatest player Arsenal has ever had.” Henry’s mix of pace, technique, and vision redefined what it meant to be a striker in England.

During his time at Arsenal, Henry won two league titles and four Golden Boots, leading Arsène Wenger’s «Invincibles» and captivating fans with his effortless brilliance. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances, and score from any position made him a footballing artist as much as a goal machine.

Although Wright and Henry never played together — Wright left Arsenal just a year before Henry joined — their legacies remain intertwined. Both men helped shape Arsenal’s identity, one building the foundation, the other perfecting it.

Eric Cantona – The Catalyst of Manchester United’s Dynasty

Few players have embodied charisma and confidence like Eric Cantona. Wright’s third pick was the man known simply as «The King» at Old Trafford — and for good reason. Cantona’s arrival at Manchester United in 1992 was the spark that ignited Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance.

In just five seasons, Cantona won four Premier League titles and became the creative heartbeat of United’s early success. His record — 70 goals and 56 assists in 170 matches — speaks for itself, but his impact extended beyond numbers. His flair, audacity, and leadership changed the culture of English football, turning Manchester United into a global brand.

Wright has often said he would have thrived playing alongside Cantona, praising his vision and movement. Cantona’s legacy lies not only in his skill but in how he elevated everyone around him.

Why Salah and Ronaldo Miss Out

Leaving out Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah is controversial — but Wright’s logic makes sense. Both players are global icons, yet their dominance came in shorter bursts within the Premier League compared to those who shaped it from the start.

Ronaldo’s brilliance at Manchester United was undeniable, but his prime years came abroad with Real Madrid. Salah, meanwhile, has been Liverpool’s talisman and one of the league’s most consistent scorers, but Wright’s picks focus on players who built the Premier League’s foundation, not just thrived in its golden era.

Wright’s choices celebrate longevity, cultural impact, and influence — the players who not only conquered the league but transformed it.

Melbet.ng — Where Football Legends Inspire Smart Play

The same instincts that made players like Shearer, Henry, and Cantona legendary — precision, timing, and vision — can also guide smart bettors. On Melbet Nigeria, football fans can explore thousands of betting opportunities across leagues, from Premier League classics to global tournaments.

New users can register on Melbet.ng and enter the promo code MELGIFT to increase their welcome bonus, giving them more chances to make their first prediction count. Every smart move starts with the right platform — and Melbet.ng delivers both excitement and control.

Conclusion

Ian Wright’s top three picks — Shearer, Henry, and Cantona — capture what makes football unforgettable. They represent different styles and eras, yet all share one thing: the power to influence how the game is played and remembered.

While the debate over football’s greatest will continue for generations, Wright’s list reminds fans of the legends who shaped the Premier League’s identity. Each player left a mark that goes beyond trophies — they changed how people watched, played, and loved the game.

And as new stars rise and chase their own legacies, Wright’s words echo a simple truth: greatness isn’t only about goals or records — it’s about redefining what’s possible.