Introduction to Stoke City Legendary Players
The Legacy of Stoke City
Stoke City Football Club, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world. Known for their passionate supporters and enduring presence in English football, the Potters have enjoyed spells in every division of the Football League, including a memorable decade in the Premier League.
From the Victoria Ground to the bet365 Stadium, generations of Stoke fans have witnessed iconic players grace the pitch—figures whose influence extended far beyond their statistics. Whether it was battling for promotion, fighting relegation, or reaching cup finals, these players carved their names into the fabric of the club’s identity.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Players
To determine the greatest Stoke City players of all time, we’ve considered a combination of longevity, impact, individual brilliance, and contribution to team success. Some players are remembered for their flair and goals, others for their leadership or grit. Appearances, trophies, moments of magic, and fan reverence all play a part.
This list spans generations and positions, acknowledging that greatness comes in many forms—whether you’re a creative midfielder, a rugged defender, or a prolific striker. The following ten players have earned their place in Potters folklore through unforgettable service and exceptional ability.
10. Ricardo Fuller (2006–2012)
Ricardo Fuller was the heartbeat of Stoke City’s attacking line during a transformative era under Tony Pulis. Signed from Southampton in 2006, the Jamaican international brought flair, unpredictability, and moments of genuine brilliance to the Potteries. While his tally of 50 goals in 208 appearances may not seem extraordinary on paper, it was the quality and timing of those goals that cemented his legacy.
Fuller’s mesmeric dribbling, physical power, and eye for the spectacular helped Stoke secure promotion to the Premier League in 2008 after a 23-year absence. In the top flight, he remained an influential figure, often turning tight games with a piece of solo skill or a clinical finish. His iconic solo goal against West Ham in 2008 still ranks among the club’s greatest Premier League moments.
Loved for his passion and charisma as much as his talent, Fuller was the kind of player who could lift a stadium in an instant—an entertainer who thrived on the big stage.
9. Mark Stein (1991–1993)
Mark Stein’s time at Stoke City may have been relatively short, but his impact was nothing short of electric. Arriving from Oxford United in 1991, the South African-born forward quickly became a fan favourite with his pace, composure, and eye for goal. In the 1992–93 season, Stein etched his name into club folklore with a record-breaking run of scoring in seven consecutive league matches, a club feat that stood for decades.
He struck 50 goals in just 88 appearances, playing a vital role in Stoke’s Second Division title win in 1992–93 and their dominance in the Autoglass Trophy, which they lifted in 1992. His combination play with the likes of Nigel Gleghorn and Vince Overson made Stoke a feared outfit in the lower leagues.
Stein’s poaching instincts and lightning acceleration made him a nightmare for defenders, and although he moved on to Chelsea in 1993, his influence on that early-90s revival remains undimmed.
8. Peter Shilton (1974–1977)
Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, Peter Shilton spent a memorable three years at Stoke City between 1974 and 1977. Signed for a world-record fee for a goalkeeper at the time (£325,000 from Leicester City), Shilton brought international pedigree and commanding presence to the Potters’ defence.
His arrival came during a particularly strong period in the club’s history, as Tony Waddington’s side challenged at the top end of the First Division. Shilton’s performances were consistently outstanding, earning plaudits for his athleticism, shot-stopping, and reliability under pressure. He was ever-present in the 1974–75 season as Stoke came within a whisker of a league title push, ultimately finishing fifth.
Although his stay was cut short due to financial difficulties caused by storm damage to the Victoria Ground, Shilton’s legacy as one of the most gifted keepers to don the Stoke jersey remains firmly intact.
7. John Ritchie (1962–1966, 1969–1974)
John Ritchie stands as Stoke City’s all-time leading goalscorer, with an incredible 176 goals across two spells at the club. Signed from non-league Kettering Town in 1962, Ritchie wasted little time in making his mark, scoring 30 goals in his first full season and helping Stoke win promotion to the First Division.
A classic centre-forward with tremendous aerial ability and a thunderous shot, Ritchie was the embodiment of an old-school number nine. His goals helped establish Stoke as a solid top-flight team during the 1960s and early 1970s, and his presence up front was invaluable to Tony Waddington’s side.
After a brief stint at Sheffield Wednesday, he returned to the club in 1969 and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 1972—still Stoke’s only major honour. Ritchie’s blend of consistency, power, and loyalty cements his place among the club’s all-time greats.
6. Freddie Steele (1934–1949)
Freddie Steele was one of the most gifted natural goalscorers of his era, and his legacy at Stoke City is reflected in both his remarkable record and his contribution to a golden pre-war period. Scoring 140 goals in 224 league games, Steele was a key figure in a side that included the likes of Sir Stanley Matthews.
Blessed with exceptional positioning and a calmness in front of goal, Steele helped the Potters to fourth place in the First Division in 1935–36—their highest league finish at the time. His 33 goals in the 1936–37 campaign remain one of the most prolific single-season returns in the club’s history.
Steele’s career was disrupted by the Second World War, though he continued to represent the club in wartime fixtures and returned to lead the line afterward. His loyalty, lethal finishing, and enduring popularity make him one of the true icons of Stoke’s early success.
5. Jimmy Greenhoff (1969–1976)
Jimmy Greenhoff was a technically gifted forward whose time at Stoke City coincided with one of the club’s most successful periods. Signed from Birmingham City in 1969, Greenhoff became the creative heartbeat of Tony Waddington’s side, capable of scoring goals, providing assists, and linking play with an elegance rarely seen in English football during the 1970s.
Over seven seasons, he made 338 appearances and scored 97 goals, playing a vital role in Stoke’s historic League Cup triumph in 1972—the club’s only major honour. His intelligence on the ball and unselfish movement brought out the best in teammates like John Ritchie and Denis Smith, while his composure in front of goal made him a constant threat.
Although he never received an England cap, many considered Greenhoff one of the finest uncapped players of his generation. His class, versatility, and devotion to the club make him a firm fan favourite to this day.
4. Denis Smith (1968–1982)
Denis Smith’s name is synonymous with commitment, courage, and loyalty. A one-club man at senior level, Smith made over 480 appearances for Stoke City, captaining the side and anchoring the defence through the 1970s. His uncompromising tackling and fearless attitude made him a natural leader and one of the most respected defenders in the English game.
He was integral to the team that lifted the League Cup in 1972 and helped the Potters to several top-half finishes in the First Division. Smith’s leadership qualities were perhaps most evident in how he continually returned from serious injuries—reportedly breaking nearly every bone in his body across his career, yet always coming back stronger.
After retiring, he went on to enjoy a successful managerial career, but it is his dedication to Stoke as a player that endears him most to fans. Few have embodied the spirit of the club quite like Denis Smith.
3. Ryan Shawcross (2007–2021)
Ryan Shawcross was the cornerstone of Stoke City’s defence for over a decade and one of the club’s most consistent performers in the modern era. Signed from Manchester United in 2007, initially on loan, Shawcross quickly became indispensable—his commanding presence, leadership, and aerial prowess defining Stoke’s rise to and survival in the Premier League.
He captained the side for the majority of his 453 appearances, marshalling a defence that became the bedrock of Tony Pulis’ robust and hard-to-beat philosophy. Shawcross played a pivotal role in Stoke’s 2008 promotion and led them through ten consecutive seasons in the top flight, including a run to the FA Cup Final in 2011 and a Europa League campaign the following year.
Despite occasional controversy, Shawcross’s loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to the club have made him a modern legend. His contribution, particularly in the club’s most sustained Premier League era, places him among Stoke’s elite.
2. Gordon Banks (1967–1973)
Gordon Banks, one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, spent six glorious years at Stoke City following his 1966 World Cup triumph with England. Signed from Leicester City, Banks elevated Stoke’s stature immediately, bringing world-class ability and international experience to the squad.
He made 194 appearances for the Potters and was instrumental in their League Cup triumph in 1972—keeping a clean sheet in the final against Chelsea and securing the club’s first and only major trophy. Banks’s agility, anticipation, and shot-stopping were second to none, and his calm authority behind the defence inspired confidence throughout the team.
Tragically, a car crash in 1972 cost him the sight in one eye and ultimately ended his professional career. Even so, his influence in goal and his impact off the pitch left an indelible mark on the club. Gordon Banks remains one of the most revered figures in Stoke City’s proud history.
1. Sir Stanley Matthews (1932–1947, 1961–1965)
Sir Stanley Matthews is not only the greatest player in Stoke City’s history but also one of the most iconic figures in the global history of football. A true pioneer of the game, Matthews began his professional career with Stoke in 1932 and went on to mesmerise fans with his exceptional dribbling, close control, and sportsmanship.
He made over 300 appearances across two spells with the Potters, first helping them to promotion to the First Division in the 1930s and later returning in the early 1960s—remarkably still performing at the top level in his late forties. Matthews’ influence extended far beyond statistics; he was a symbol of grace, humility, and professionalism.
Knighted while still playing—an honour unheard of at the time—Matthews was the first winner of the Ballon d’Or and remains a benchmark of football excellence. His legacy at Stoke is timeless, embodying the club’s history, spirit, and pride like no other.
Comparison of Stoke City Legends
Playing Styles and Contributions
The evolution of football is clearly reflected in the playing styles of Stoke City’s greatest players. Sir Stanley Matthews dazzled with his dribbling and technique in an era when wingers were expected to hug the touchline and beat defenders one-on-one. In contrast, Ricardo Fuller brought a more modern flair—capable of playing as a lone striker, linking up play, and scoring solo goals at Premier League level.
In defence, Denis Smith’s blood-and-thunder approach during the 1970s was defined by fierce tackling and physical bravery, ideal for the rugged First Division of the time. Ryan Shawcross, while also uncompromising, combined that grit with tactical discipline and leadership in a highly structured Premier League era where positional intelligence was vital.
These differences show how success requires adaptation. Whether it’s Freddie Steele’s instinctive finishing in pre-war football or Jimmy Greenhoff’s cultured link-up play in the 1970s, each player contributed in a style shaped by their footballing context.
Impact on Club Success
Several of the players on this list were instrumental in landmark moments for Stoke City. John Ritchie’s goals drove the club to promotion and stability in the top tier, while Jimmy Greenhoff and Denis Smith were central to the club’s League Cup triumph in 1972.
Gordon Banks brought world-class quality and was pivotal in lifting the club’s only major trophy, while Peter Shilton’s excellence helped maintain top-flight status during the Waddington years. In more recent times, Ryan Shawcross’s leadership was key to ten consecutive Premier League seasons and a first FA Cup Final appearance.
From Mark Stein’s explosive scoring in the lower divisions to Sir Stanley Matthews’ role in both pre-war glory and the club’s 1960s revival, these players left indelible marks—not just through talent, but by shaping the club’s most successful eras.
Records and Achievements
Individual Honours and Awards
Sir Stanley Matthews stands out as the most decorated individual, being the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner and the only footballer knighted while still playing. Gordon Banks was FIFA’s Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions and a World Cup winner with England.
Peter Shilton, another England legend, went on to become the country’s most capped player. Mark Stein earned a club record for scoring in seven consecutive league games, while John Ritchie remains the all-time leading scorer with 176 goals.
Jimmy Greenhoff, despite being uncapped at international level, was widely considered one of the best uncapped players of his generation.
Club Milestones and Championships
Many players on this list contributed directly to silverware and historic moments for the club. The 1972 League Cup win remains Stoke’s sole major trophy, with Gordon Banks, Denis Smith, and Jimmy Greenhoff all key figures. John Ritchie and Freddie Steele were instrumental in securing promotions and strong top-flight finishes either side of the war.
Mark Stein and Ricardo Fuller were talismans in promotion-winning sides, while Ryan Shawcross captained the team to the Premier League, the FA Cup Final in 2011, and into Europe for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Each of these players not only contributed to the club’s standing in their own era but also helped define what success means for Stoke City.
