Everton’s five best players of all time

Everton has been one of the most historic clubs in English football. With the 2024/25 season coming to an end, they will be moving away from their favorite Goodison Park. Amidst all this, what stands still and strong is the 145-year history, graced by legendary figures who have left their mark on English football and Everton Football Club. 

From record-breaking goalscorers to World Cup winners, some of the Everton stars have the spirit and ambition to build the Toffees to overcome the tough times and enjoy the game. The club’s golden eras have been built around the exceptional talents who have combined their brilliance and loyalty to the royal blue shirt. These five players represent different decades of Everton excellence.

Here are Everton’s five best players of all time who have etched themselves as Goodison Park immortals. 

1) Dixie Dean (1925-1937)

Position: Centre-Forward | Appearances: 433 | Goals: 383

William Ralph Dixie Dean remains not only Everton’s best player but also one of the most prolific goalscorers in English football. Spending over a decade at Goodison Park after arriving from Tranmere Rovers, Dixie Dean established records that never existed in English football before. 

His record of 60 goals in the 1927/28 season remains one of English football’s unbreakable records. Beyond the famous 60-goal season, he consistently delivered remarkable numbers, scoring 349 league goals in 399 appearances for Everton. He also won multiple First Division titles and the FA Cup. His best goal came against Arsenal, when he scored a header to secure the record of his 60th goal, sending the crowd to delirium. 

2) Neville Southall (1981-1998)

Position: Goalkeeper | Appearances: 751 | Clean Sheets: 269

Widely regarded as one of the best goalies in British football history, Neville Southall was Everton’s main man during their successful modern era. The Welsh international was known for his reflexes, positioning, and shot-stopping ability. He was beyond extraordinary which earned him over 90 Wales international caps and multiple individual honors. 

Southall saved over 50% of spot-kicks that he faced throughout his career. The player was instrumental in winning the FA Cup in 1984 and First Division titles in 1985 and 1987. Southall's dedication to the club was absolute, once famously saying he'd play for Everton for nothing.

3)  Howard Kendall (1967-1974)

Position: Central Midfielder | Appearances: 394 | Goals: 29

Howard Kendall’s legacy at Everton transcends his playing career but his contributions as a midfielder were foundational to the club’s success. As one of the youngest members of Everton’s legendary “Holy Trinity” alongside Colin Harvey and Alan Ball, Kendall provided the creative spark and tactical intelligence that drove the team forward. 

Kendall had a vision and passing range that were beyond exceptional while also dictating the tempo in the midfield. Kendall tasted immediate success with the Merseysiders as helped them secure the 1970 First Division title while he was just in his third season. As a player, Kendall’s work rate and commitment were exemplary, never shirking defensive responsibilities while producing the best creative output. His most significant contribution as a player was his role in establishing the midfield partnership that would define Everton's style for a generation, combining technical ability with an infectious winning mentality.

4) Colin Harvey (1963-1974)

Position: Central Midfielder | Appearances: 384 | Goals: 24

Colin Harvey was the unsung hero of Everton's "Holy Trinity," providing the perfect balance between Ball's dynamism and Kendall's creativity. His technical ability and football intelligence made him the ideal midfield orchestrator, with a passing range that could unlock any defense. 

His contribution to the 1970 First Division triumph was immense, with his ability to control games from deep positions proving crucial in tight encounters. Harvey's vision allowed him to spot passes others couldn't see, while his defensive work rate ensured Everton maintained their shape when opponents had possession. Despite being the least flashy member of the Trinity, many teammates considered him the most important. Harvey's most memorable goal came in a crucial derby victory over Liverpool, a thunderous strike from 25 yards that epitomized his ability to rise to big occasions and deliver when Everton needed him most.

5) Alan Ball (1966-1971)

Position: Central Midfielder | Appearances: 249 | Goals: 78

After arriving at Everton as England’s youngest World Cup winner in 1966, Alan Ball brought a winning mentality to Goodison Park. His energy, passion, and technical ability made him an instant fan favorite. He also played a huge role in driving the side’s title charge in 1970. 

He also had one of the best goal-scoring records with 75+ goals from 249 appearances across all competitions. He was known for his ability to time runs into the box, to strike the ball perfectly to find the net. His partnership with Harvey and Kendall created one of English football's greatest midfield trios, with Ball providing the pace and directness that complemented his teammates' more measured approach.