Introduction to Wigan Athletic Legendary Players
The Legacy of Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic’s rise from non-league football to the Premier League and FA Cup glory is one of the most remarkable stories in English football. Formed in 1932, the club spent decades in the lower divisions before earning Football League status in 1978. Their journey peaked with Premier League promotion in 2005 and a historic FA Cup victory in 2013, defeating Manchester City at Wembley.
Over the years, a host of influential players have left their mark on the club—some as prolific goalscorers, others as leaders, creators, or defensive linchpins. From lower league battles to European nights, Wigan’s best players have embodied the spirit of a club that consistently defied expectations.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Players
To determine the top ten greatest players in Wigan Athletic history, we have considered several key factors: total appearances, contributions to major honours such as the 2013 FA Cup win, performances in the Premier League and lower divisions, individual accolades, leadership impact, and long-term influence at the club.
This list includes players from different eras to reflect Wigan’s journey from the old Fourth Division to the Premier League. Each profile focuses on verified achievements, avoiding speculation or sentiment, to provide a factual and balanced assessment of their legacy.
Top 10 Greatest Players in Wigan Athletic History
10. Ian Gillibrand (1968–1984)
Ian Gillibrand remains Wigan Athletic’s all-time record appearance holder, having played for the club across 16 seasons from 1968 to 1984. A reliable and consistent left-back, he was a mainstay during Wigan’s non-league days and played a crucial role in their transition to the Football League. Gillibrand amassed over 660 appearances for the Latics in all competitions, including a key part in their 1977–78 Northern Premier League title-winning campaign, which led to election into the Football League.
He featured in Wigan’s first-ever Football League fixture in August 1978 and continued to serve the team until his retirement in 1984. Known for his composure and leadership at the back, Gillibrand’s loyalty to the club during a period of transformation helped lay the foundations for future success. His longevity, consistency, and contribution to the club’s rise make him one of the most influential figures in Wigan Athletic history.
9. Victor Moses (2010–2012)
Victor Moses made a significant impact during his two-year spell at Wigan Athletic from 2010 to 2012. Signed from Crystal Palace in January 2010, Moses was a dynamic winger whose pace and dribbling ability added a new dimension to Wigan’s attack. After initially being used sparingly, he became a key player under Roberto Martínez, particularly during the 2011–12 season. That campaign saw Moses flourish, making 38 Premier League appearances and helping Wigan secure crucial victories over the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United to avoid relegation.
His form attracted attention from top clubs, and in August 2012 he earned a move to Chelsea. Moses’ time at Wigan was short but impactful—his attacking flair and maturity in high-pressure games stood out during a pivotal era. Though not part of the 2013 FA Cup-winning squad, his performances played a major role in solidifying Wigan’s Premier League credentials before his high-profile departure.
8. Charles N’Zogbia (2009–2011)
Charles N’Zogbia brought flair and attacking quality to Wigan Athletic during his time at the club from 2009 to 2011. Signed from Newcastle United in January 2009, the French winger quickly became a key figure under manager Roberto Martínez. He was known for his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal, regularly tormenting opposition full-backs.
N’Zogbia’s standout season came in 2010–11, when he scored nine Premier League goals—including decisive strikes in a critical late-season run that helped Wigan avoid relegation. His final goal for the club came on the last day of that season in a 1–0 win over Stoke City, securing Wigan’s top-flight survival. His performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award and a call-up to the France national team. N’Zogbia’s contribution during a precarious period for Wigan makes him one of the club’s most effective and exciting players of the Premier League era.
7. Gary Teale (2001–2007)
Gary Teale was a vital part of Wigan Athletic’s ascent from the second tier to the Premier League, playing for the club between 2001 and 2007. Signed from Ayr United in 2001, Teale operated primarily as a right winger, combining tireless work rate with intelligent wing play. He was a key figure in the team that achieved promotion to the Championship in 2002–03 and later played a significant role in Wigan’s historic rise to the Premier League in 2004–05 under Paul Jewell.
Teale made 28 appearances in Wigan’s debut Premier League season, helping the club secure a remarkable tenth-place finish and a run to the 2006 League Cup final. His consistency and selflessness often went under the radar, but he was a trusted figure throughout a transformative period. Teale’s longevity and presence during one of the most successful spells in the club’s history earn him a deserved place among Wigan’s best.
6. Andy Liddell (1998–2004)
Andy Liddell was a prolific and consistent performer for Wigan Athletic during his six-year spell from 1998 to 2004. Signed from Barnsley, the versatile forward was capable of playing across the front line and became a key attacking asset for the Latics. Liddell scored 70 goals in 217 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers in the club’s Football League era.
He was the team’s top scorer in multiple campaigns and played a crucial role in their 2002–03 Second Division title-winning season, which saw Wigan promoted to the second tier for the first time in their history. Liddell combined pace, power, and finishing ability with consistency and professionalism. His performances made him a fan favourite, and he finished as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Football League at the time of his departure. Liddell’s impact was both immediate and enduring, making him a standout figure in Wigan’s modern rise.
5. Derek Temple (1970–1971)
Derek Temple’s spell at Wigan Athletic may have been brief—just a single season in 1970–71—but his reputation as a top-level player and his contribution during a crucial period elevate his status in the club’s history. Temple joined Wigan after an impressive Football League career with Everton and Preston North End, where he was best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1966 FA Cup Final for Everton.
Although Wigan were still a non-league side in the Northern Premier League at the time, Temple brought immense experience and professionalism. He scored 14 goals in 40 league appearances for Wigan, providing leadership and a goalscoring threat as the club continued its push for Football League status. While not a long-term servant, Temple’s influence on and off the pitch made a significant short-term impact, and his presence at the club is still recognised as a marker of ambition during a formative era.
4. Wilson Palacios (2008–2009)
Wilson Palacios was a standout performer in Wigan Athletic’s midfield during a short but memorable stint from January 2008 to January 2009. Signed by Steve Bruce after a brief spell at Birmingham City, the Honduran international brought tenacity, composure, and relentless energy to the centre of the park. His box-to-box presence quickly caught the eye, with Palacios becoming a key figure in a Wigan side that finished 11th in the 2008–09 Premier League season.
Though he only made 37 league appearances for the Latics, his impact was immediate and significant. Palacios’ commanding displays in midfield earned him a £12 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2009, one of the highest transfer fees received by the club at the time. His development at Wigan laid the foundations for a successful Premier League career and he remains one of the most talented central midfielders to have worn the Wigan shirt.
3. Harry Lyon (1962–1969)
Harry Lyon is Wigan Athletic’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 273 goals during his time at the club from 1962 to 1969. Operating primarily as a centre-forward, Lyon was a fearsome striker who consistently delivered across multiple seasons in the non-league Northern Premier League. In total, he made 262 appearances in all competitions, meaning he averaged more than a goal per game—an astonishing ratio that remains unmatched in the club’s history.
Lyon’s goalscoring exploits made him a legend among supporters and a central figure in Wigan’s ambitions to become a Football League side. Though he never had the chance to play for Wigan in the Football League, his contribution during the formative years was foundational to the club’s progress. His records still stand today, and his name is synonymous with Wigan’s pre-league era. Lyon’s place in Latics folklore is assured through his incredible goal tally and unwavering service.
2. Leighton Baines (2002–2007)
Leighton Baines came through the youth system at Wigan Athletic and developed into one of the most consistent left-backs in the country during his five-year senior spell from 2002 to 2007. He made 145 league appearances for the Latics, contributing to the club’s historic rise to the Premier League in 2005. Baines was an ever-present figure in the 2004–05 promotion-winning side and played a key role in Wigan’s impressive debut top-flight campaign, which saw them finish 10th and reach the League Cup final.
Known for his pinpoint crossing, defensive reliability, and calmness under pressure, Baines quickly became one of Wigan’s standout players. His performances earned him a £6 million move to Everton in 2007, where he would go on to earn international recognition. Baines remains one of Wigan’s most successful academy graduates and a vital part of the club’s most successful era, making him one of the best players in their history.
1. Antonio Valencia (2006–2009)
Antonio Valencia’s time at Wigan Athletic from 2006 to 2009 was instrumental in launching a highly successful Premier League career. Initially joining on loan from Villarreal before signing permanently, Valencia quickly established himself as a powerful and direct right winger. Over three seasons, he made 83 Premier League appearances for the Latics, scoring seven goals and becoming a key attacking outlet with his pace and strength. Valencia’s ability to drive forward and create chances from wide areas made him a constant threat and a fan favourite at the DW Stadium.
His standout performances at Wigan caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 2009 for a reported fee of around £16 million. Valencia went on to enjoy a decade-long career at Old Trafford, but his rise began in earnest at Wigan. His contributions during a formative time in the club’s Premier League journey secure his place among their greatest ever players.
Comparison of Wigan Athletic Legends
Playing Styles and Contributions
The players who make up Wigan Athletic’s greatest-ever list span vastly different eras and competitive levels, demanding different skills and attributes. For example, Ian Gillibrand, a mainstay in the club’s non-league days from 1968 to 1984, was a composed and reliable full-back whose success relied on positioning, discipline, and durability across heavy, physical fixtures in the Northern Premier League and early Football League. In contrast, Leighton Baines, who emerged during Wigan’s Premier League era, thrived with his technical ability, overlapping runs, and precise deliveries—attributes essential in the top flight’s more tactical and fast-paced environment.
Similarly, Harry Lyon’s prolific scoring in non-league football required power and instinct in often challenging playing conditions, while Antonio Valencia’s success in the Premier League was built on pace, athleticism, and positional versatility. These contrasts highlight how Wigan’s greatest players adapted to the demands of their time, with their styles reflecting the evolution of football and the club itself.
Impact on Club Success
Each player on this list contributed directly to significant periods of growth or stability for Wigan Athletic. Andy Liddell and Gary Teale were key figures during the club’s rise through the Football League, culminating in Premier League promotion and top-half finishes. Charles N’Zogbia and Victor Moses played decisive roles in keeping Wigan in the Premier League, with N’Zogbia scoring vital goals during relegation battles.
At the other end of the timeline, Harry Lyon and Ian Gillibrand were indispensable in Wigan’s push for Football League election, with Lyon’s 273 goals and Gillibrand’s appearance record helping to build the club’s stature in the 1960s and 70s. Derek Temple’s presence at the club, despite being short-lived, symbolised ambition during Wigan’s formative years. The collective impact of these players not only brought silverware and survival but also helped shape the club’s identity at different levels of the football pyramid.
Records and Achievements
Individual Honours and Awards
Several players on this list earned personal accolades during their time at Wigan Athletic. Charles N’Zogbia was named the club’s Player of the Year for the 2010–11 season, recognising his crucial role in preserving Wigan’s Premier League status. Leighton Baines earned a place in the Championship PFA Team of the Year during the 2004–05 promotion campaign, reflecting his status as one of the most promising full-backs in the country.
Andy Liddell, while not decorated with awards, was Wigan’s top scorer across multiple seasons, a feat that speaks to his consistent excellence. Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia may not have received individual club honours at Wigan, but both earned high-profile transfers—testament to their standout contributions and the recognition they attracted from top Premier League clubs.
Club Milestones and Championships
These legends were central to some of the most important milestones in Wigan’s history. Ian Gillibrand played in Wigan’s first-ever Football League fixture in 1978, while Andy Liddell was a key part of the squad that won the Second Division title in 2002–03. Gary Teale and Leighton Baines helped deliver promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 2005.
Charles N’Zogbia and Victor Moses were central to late-season survival runs, with N’Zogbia’s final-day winner in 2011 particularly iconic. Although Harry Lyon and Derek Temple never played League football for Wigan, Lyon’s goalscoring record and Temple’s professionalism during the club’s non-league era were foundational to their rise. The diversity of milestones—from first league matches to top-flight success—highlights the importance of players across all stages of Wigan Athletic’s development.
