Since rejoining the top flight in the early 2000s, Fulham Football Club has carved out a respectable legacy in the Premier League, marked by flair, resilience, and unforgettable individual performances. While the club may not always dominate the headlines like some of the bigger names in English football, it has nonetheless been home to a series of outstanding talents who have left a lasting mark on both fans and the league itself. In this article, Wintips is celebrating that legacy by ranking the 8 best Fulham players in the Premier League era, each of whom helped define what it means to wear the famous white shirt.
Ranking the 8 best Fulham players in the Premier League era
We look at the top 8 players who have influenced the team over the years, taking into account a variety of criteria:
8. Clint Dempsey
With 232 appearances and a total of 57 Premier League goals, Clint Dempsey remains one of Fulham’s most impactful forwards. The American international joined Fulham in 2007 from Major League Soccer and quickly became an indispensable asset. Not only was he a consistent goal scorer, but his flair and creativity made him a fan favorite.
Dempsey's crowning moment came during the 2009/10 Europa League campaign. He scored a memorable goal against Juventus in the second leg of the last 16, a goal that saw Fulham advance and ultimately reach the final, making Dempsey the first American to play in a major European final. He was the club's top scorer in consecutive seasons (2011 and 2012) and won the Player of the Season award both years.
Aside from his goalscoring feats, Dempsey also recorded 19 assists and played a crucial role in Fulham’s all-around attacking play. His time in West London elevated the status of American footballers in Europe and left an indelible mark on Fulham’s legacy.
7. Aleksandar Mitrović
Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović made 206 appearances and scored 111 goals for Fulham, becoming a talismanic figure in the modern era. Initially signed on loan during the 2017/18 season, Mitrović's move was soon made permanent, much to the delight of the Fulham faithful.
His most iconic achievement came in the 2021/22 Championship season, where he scored a record-breaking 43 goals in a single campaign, the highest tally in the league’s 46-game format. This astonishing feat not only secured Fulham's promotion but also etched Mitrović’s name into English football folklore.
Despite frequent transitions between the Championship and Premier League, Mitrović’s commitment and passion never wavered. He was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve and became a cult hero for fans, young and old.
6. Bobby Moore
Although most famously associated with West Ham United and the England national team, Bobby Moore spent the twilight of his playing days at Fulham, making 150 appearances between 1974 and 1977. Moore brought immense experience, leadership, and a calming presence to Fulham’s backline.
One of his standout contributions came during Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup campaign, where he led the team to their only final appearance at Wembley, ironically facing his former club, West Ham United. Though Fulham lost 2-0, Moore’s efforts in guiding the club to such heights cannot be overstated.
As one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game, Moore’s presence at Fulham added a layer of class and prestige that few players could match.
5. Alan Mullery
Alan Mullery is one of the most versatile and consistent players to have ever represented Fulham. With 412 appearances across three decades, he was an essential part of the club’s core. Mullery first signed a professional contract in 1958 and played a key role in the club’s promotion to the First Division in 1959.
His understanding and synergy with Bobby Moore during their overlapping time at the club led Fulham to that famous 1975 FA Cup final. While he didn't lift silverware with Fulham, Mullery’s later successes with Tottenham Hotspur - including winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup - underline the caliber of player he was.
Mullery is often remembered for his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to the club over his multiple spells.
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4. Gordon Davies
Welsh striker Gordon Davies holds the prestigious title of Fulham’s all-time leading goalscorer, with a staggering 178 goals in 450 appearances. Davies represented the club in two stints, from 1978 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1991, proving his commitment and love for the club.
Davies helped Fulham secure promotion to Division Two in 1982, which remains his only piece of silverware at the club. His form was not always consistent in the early years, but he blossomed into a prolific goalscorer, hitting 20 or more goals in four successive seasons.
What made Davies so endearing was not just his ability to find the net, but his connection with fans and evident pride in wearing the shirt.
3. George Cohen- One of the best Fulham players
Born just over a mile from Craven Cottage, George Cohen was Fulham through and through. He made 459 appearances for the club after joining as part of the ground staff and eventually making his debut at 17.
Cohen was Fulham’s first-choice right-back for more than a decade, helping them reach two FA Cup semi-finals and secure promotion to the First Division. His exceptional performances also earned him a place in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
Cohen's career was tragically cut short at age 29 due to a knee injury, but he continued serving the club by coaching the youth and under-23 teams. His influence went far beyond the pitch, making him a true Fulham legend.
2. Bobby Robson
Before becoming one of the most revered managers in world football, Bobby Robson spent the majority of his playing career at Fulham. In two stints - from 1950 to 1956 and 1962 to 1967 - Robson played 370 games, scoring 80 goals and assisting 18 more.
Robson was a talented right-winger who combined vision with technical excellence. His transfer to West Brom in 1956 was, at the time, a club-record fee of £25,000. After retiring from playing, he briefly managed Fulham, although that tenure was short-lived and ended rather unceremoniously.
Still, Robson’s contributions as a player were immense. His journey from Fulham to international managerial greatness began with the white of Fulham, making him a cherished figure in the club’s history.
1. Johnny Haynes
Often referred to as “The Maestro,” Johnny Haynes is widely regarded as Fulham’s greatest player of all time. His 18-year tenure at the club from 1952 to 1970 saw him make a record 658 appearances and score 157 goals.
Haynes was the first footballer in Britain to be paid £100 per week after the abolition of the wage cap, a reflection of his elite status in the game. He was known for his elegant passing, tactical intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to Fulham, even when the club suffered consecutive relegations.
In recognition of his unmatched service, Fulham erected a statue of Haynes outside Craven Cottage and named a stand after him. He wasn’t just a footballer; he was Fulham’s soul during his playing days and remains so in spirit even after he died in 2005.
In summary
From Clint Dempsey’s fearless goalscoring to Aleksandar Mitrović’s sheer dominance, each of the individuals on this list contributed to the club’s identity in the modern era. While they may not have lifted league titles, their performances brought pride and passion to the Fulham faithful. As fans reflect on the club's evolving history, it's clear that these names are etched into the very essence of what Fulham stands for today. And so, in paying tribute to these footballing heroes, we've honored their contributions by ranking the 8 best Fulham players in the Premier League era - players who didn’t just play for Fulham, but who were Fulham.
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