Tottenham Hotspur’s motto, “Audere est Facere,” meaning “to dare is to do,” has always been central to the club’s ethos. This philosophy encourages players to take risks, challenge defenders, and ignite passion in fans, both at White Hart Lane and their new stadium.
Throughout their history, Spurs have boasted a number of legendary wingers who embodied this daring spirit. These players have thrilled supporters with their flair, skill, and ability to create unforgettable moments. Despite the club’s trophy drought since 2008, these wingers have left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy.
From the iconic double-winning side of 1961 to the current captain, the list of top Tottenham wingers highlights those who have made a lasting impact on the pitch. Here’s a closer look at the standout talents who have graced Spurs’ famous turf over the years.
Aaron Lennon
2005–2015
Aaron Lennon was the epitome of “to dare is to do.” With his nimble feet, fearless approach, and blistering pace—ranking him among the fastest players in Premier League history—he quickly became a fan favorite. Joining Tottenham in the summer of 2005, Lennon consistently provided a dynamic option during a period of inconsistency for Spurs, who often lagged behind their rivals. Despite the challenges, Lennon wreaked havoc on full-backs with his direct runs and thrilling, last-minute changes of direction. Over his 363 appearances for the club, he amassed 30 goals and 76 assists—a remarkable tally for a player whose focus was more on creating opportunities than finishing them.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 363 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 76 |
8.Tony Galvin
1978–1987
Tony Galvin was a cornerstone for Spurs throughout his nine-year tenure in the capital, demonstrating unwavering reliability. His contributions were pivotal in Tottenham’s triumphant FA Cup victories in 1981 and 1982, as well as their UEFA Cup win two years later. Galvin was far from a mere squad player; his prowess on the wing was unmistakable.
As a left winger, Galvin’s relentless energy and stamina offered a consistent outlet in midfield. In an era that also featured stars like Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle, he provided crucial stability and balance to a dynamic team. Though his contributions might have been understated, Galvin’s impact deserves recognition.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 273 |
| Goals | 31 |
| Assists | 11 |
Terry Medwin
1956–1963
Tottenham’s golden era arrived in the 1960s, a decade that every Spurs fan remembers fondly, particularly the pivotal year of 1961 when they clinched both the First Division title and the FA Cup. Under the guidance of Bill Nicholson, the team was filled with talent, and one name consistently featured in the lineup was Terry Medwin.
As a right winger, Medwin was a constant threat, known for his ability to take on defenders and advance into the attacking third. While the team boasted numerous prolific goalscorers, Medwin’s role was crucial, providing unwavering reliability. His contributions were significant, including his part in the 1962 FA Cup victory over Burnley.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 215 |
| Goals | 72 |
| Honours | First Division (1961), FA Cup (1961, 1962) |
6. Terry Dyson
1955–1965
In the same era as Medwin, another Terry plied their trade, this time in the form of Terry Dyson. Spurs were spoilt for choice on the wing in the swinging ’60s — and that’s probably why they won the First Division and FA Cup. Dyson was always praised for his work ethic and ability to never give up. It’s arguably the most important thing for a footballer — and he epitomised that.
In the 2008 edition of the Tottenham Hotspur Player by Player guide, Dyson was described as “a hyperactive beaver who could contribute in all areas of the pitch and who would donate his dying breath to the common cause.” He was even the star of Spurs’ European Cup Winners’ Cup final 5-1 thrashing of Atletico Madrid in 1963, scoring a stunning goal to seal victory.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 209 |
| Goals | 55 |
| Honours | First Division (1961), FA Cup (1961), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1963) |
5. Chris Waddle
1985–1989
Chris Waddle only spent four years at Spurs, yet through those years he was adored by fans who realised he was one of the most naturally gifted players to ever step foot on the pitch at White Hart Lane. The 1985 signing from Newcastle United took a little time to settle, but once he had, his mesmeric dribbling and turns lit up in N17.
By sending defenders crazy, he was always on the turn, whilst he provided a goal-scoring threat as well — picking up 52 goals in 191 matches. As one of the best English players of all time, the only disappointment for Spurs is that he did not stay longer; their financial problems in the late 1980s forced them to sell him to Marseille.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 191 |
| Goals | 52 |
| Assists | 16 |
David Ginola
1997–2000
Eight years after Waddle left, David Ginola was the next winger to take Tottenham by storm. As one of the greatest French players of all time, it’s hardly surprising; the charismatic wideman quickly won the hearts of the fans who travelled every week, as he was capable of causing defenders nightmares with his exemplary crossing, thrilling runs inside or spectacular shooting.
He played a key role in Spurs winning the League Cup in 1999, in the same season that he was awarded the FWA and PFA Player of the Year awards. With 21 goals and as many assists in 125 matches, he was a delight to watch, but in a similar story to Waddle, it was all too brief.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 125 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 21 |
3. Cliff Jones
1958–1968
Although both Dyson and Medwin played a key role in Spurs’ sensational double-winning side in the 1960s, Cliff Jones was truly one of the key men. He was the standout figure in taking the stylish football philosophy of the team and making it sparkle.
The Welshman could operate on either side of the pitch, with his small frame allowing him to take defenders on, quickly burst past them, and dare to dream in the final third. His bravery, coupled with impressive timing and positional sense, contributed to the 159 goals he scored, placing him sixth on the club’s all-time top scorers list.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 378 |
| Goals | 159 |
| Honours | First Division (1961), FA Cup (1961, 1962, 1967), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1963) |
2. Gareth Bale
2007–2013 & 2020–2021
Gareth Bale needs no introduction. Converted from a pacey left-back to one of the greatest wingers of all time, the Welshman was a role model for so many, carrying an inconsistent Spurs team on his back. Across 237 matches, he scored 71 goals and racked up 53 assists, yet it was his game-breaking ability to cut in from the right, beat a defender and then fire a stunning left-footed shot into the top left corner which was so impressive.
It’s what earned him a world-record move to Real Madrid for £85.3m in 2013. Most notably, Bale arrived on the main world stage with a hat-trick away to Inter Milan in 2010. “Taxi for Maicon,” Spurs fans chanted, as he tormented one of the greatest right-backs of all time; that performance foreshadowed his stellar career.
| Tottenham Stats | |
|---|---|
| Matches | 237 |
| Goals | 71 |
| Assists | 53 |
1. Son Heung-min
2015–Present
