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The national collection · WAL

Wales

A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations 0 / 11

Fill all 11 positions to share your XI.

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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Wales.

The 33 of Wales.

Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.

01 Gareth Bale 111 caps (Wales) · 41 goals · Southampton, Tottenham HotspurA generational talent, Bale single-handedly dragged Wales to Euro 2016 and World Cup 2022, securing multiple Champions Leagues with iconic goals for Real Madrid along the way.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Preferred foot · checked 4 October 2026
Positions · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q184586
CAM2006–2022
02 John Charles 38 caps (Wales) · Leeds United, Hereford UnitedBlessed with immense versatility, the "Gentle Giant" was a world-class inside-forward for Juventus, but equally dominant as a centre-back for Wales and Leeds.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q312404
CB1950–1965
04 IR Ian Rush 73 caps (Wales) · 28 goals · Chester City, Liverpool
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q219354
RM1980–1996
05 NS Neville Southall 92 caps (Wales) · Bury, Everton
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q436650
GK1982–1997
06 MH Mark Hughes 72 caps (Wales) · 16 goals · Manchester United, Chelsea
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q214513
CAM1984–1999
07 Aaron Ramsey 86 caps (Wales) · 21 goals · Arsenal, Juventus
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q213427
CM2008–2024
08 GS Gary Speed 85 caps (Wales) · Leeds United, Newcastle UnitedThe iconic captain who led Wales with distinction for years, Speed was a tirelessly energetic midfielder for Leeds, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q202153
CDM1990–2004
09 JT John Toshack 40 caps (Wales) · 13 goals · Cardiff City, Liverpool
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q342989
ST1969–1980
10 DS Dean Saunders 75 caps (Wales) · 22 goals · Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby CountyA tireless striker with a knack for important goals, Dean Saunders was a familiar face for Liverpool and Aston Villa, and a cult hero for Wales.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q545303
SS1986–2001
11 Billy Meredith 48 caps (Wales) · 11 goals · Chirk, Northwich VictoriaA Welsh wizard with Manchester City and United, Billy Meredith was an early superstar known for his trickery and signature toothpick.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q444611
RM1895–1920
12 CJ Cliff Jones A prolific attacker with dazzling pace, Cliff Jones was instrumental in Tottenham's historic 1961 Double-winning side.About the editorial selection LM
13 Craig Bellamy 78 caps (Wales) · 19 goals · Norwich City, Newcastle UnitedA dynamic and fiery forward, Bellamy's blistering pace and fierce determination made him a potent threat for clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as a pivotal figure for Wales.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q190515
CAM1998–2013
14 IA Ivor Allchurch 68 caps (Wales) · 24 goals · Swansea City A.F.C., Newcastle United
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q944231
CM1950–1966
15 KR Kevin Ratcliffe 59 caps (Wales) · Everton, Cardiff CityThe fearless captain of Everton's iconic 1980s side, this Welsh centre-back led his team to two First Division titles.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1555434
CB1981–1993
16 Trevor Ford 38 caps (Wales) · 23 goals · Aston Villa, Cardiff CityA powerful and commanding centre-forward of the 1940s and 50s, Trevor Ford was a pioneer, making his mark at Sunderland and Aston Villa before captivating Welsh fans with his goalscoring ability.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q2196018
SS1946–1957
17 AW Ashley Williams 86 caps (Wales) · Hednesford Town, Stockport CountyThe inspirational captain of Wales' Euro 2016 semi-finalists, he was a passionate and commanding centre-back for Swansea and Everton.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q528983
CB2008–2019
18 ME Mike England 44 caps (Wales) · Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham HotspurA towering presence at the back for Tottenham and Wales, this commanding centre-back was famed for his aerial prowess and leadership qualities.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q3857385
CB1962–1975
19 BD Ben Davies A versatile and dependable modern defender, Davies has offered consistent high-level performances for Tottenham and Wales, adept at left-back or as part of a back three.About the editorial selection CB
20 GS Gary Sprake 37 caps (Wales) · Leeds United, Birmingham CityA formidable presence during Leeds United's dominant era, this Welsh international goalkeeper was renowned for his acrobatic saves.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q2000214
GK1963–1975
21 Joey Jones 72 caps (Wales) · Wrexham A.F.C., LiverpoolA passionate, no-nonsense Scouse full-back, Jones epitomised Liverpool's European dominance and became a cult hero with his tireless, committed displays.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1691828
CB1975–1986
22 Robert Earnshaw 59 caps (Wales) · 16 goals · Cardiff City, Norwich City
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q342770
ST2002–2012
23 TY Terry Yorath 59 caps (Wales) · 2 goals · Leeds United, Coventry CityA fiery and combative midfielder, Yorath captained both Leeds United and Wales, known for his leadership and tenacious style in the engine room.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1103503
CM1969–1981
24 Wayne Hennessey 109 caps (Wales) · Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stockport CountyWales' most capped goalkeeper, he was an integral part of their Euro 2016 semi-final run and enjoyed a long, distinguished Premier League career.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q138839
GK2007–2023
25 AS Alf Sherwood 41 caps (Wales) · Cardiff City, Newport County A.F.C.A stalwart of the Welsh defence in the 1950s, this robust full-back represented his country at the 1958 World Cup finals.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q4721754
RB1946–1956
26 Joe Ledley 77 caps (Wales) · Cardiff City, CelticA tireless engine room presence for Wales at Euro 2016, Ledley's distinctive beard and committed performances helped anchor the midfield.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q370527
CDM2005–2018
27 LP Leighton Phillips 58 caps (Wales) · Cardiff City, Aston VillaA versatile defender from the 1970s, Phillips was a mainstay for Wales, equally comfortable on the left flank or in central defence.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q3830023
LB1971–1981
28 Robbie Savage 39 caps (Wales) · 2 goals · Leicester City, Birmingham CityA Premier League cult figure, Savage brought boundless energy and an often controversial edge to the midfield battles throughout his career.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q350799
CM1995–2004
29 RR Ronnie Rees 39 caps (Wales) · 3 goals · Coventry City, Nottingham ForestA skillful and popular Welsh international winger, Ronnie Rees lit up the 1960s with his performances for Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q7365964
ST1965–1972
30 Chris Gunter 109 caps (Wales) · Reading, Charlton AthleticWales' record outfield cap holder, this reliable right-back was a tireless runner and a key figure in their historic Euro 2016 campaign.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q470751
RB2007–2022
31 Hal Robson-Kanu 46 caps (Wales) · 5 goals · Reading, Southend UnitedA true Welsh cult hero, Hal Robson-Kanu etched his name into footballing folklore with his iconic Cruyff Turn and goal against Belgium at Euro 2016.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q2623887
ST2010–2021
32 NT Neil Taylor A crucial component of Wales' fairytale Euro 2016 run, Taylor famously scored against Russia and was a dedicated presence on the left flank.About the editorial selection LB
33 EA Ethan Ampadu 44 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Wales) · Sheffield United, VeneziaA precociously talented modern defensive all-rounder, Ampadu has already amassed significant international caps for Wales with his mature displays.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q26250324
CDM2017–

About this XI

Wales's pool is led by Gareth Bale, John Charles and Ryan Giggs. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 14 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1890s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.

Who is the greatest Wales footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Gareth Bale. Its first five careers: Gareth Bale, John Charles, Ryan Giggs, Ian Rush, Neville Southall. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Wales players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Wales's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Wales all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.