Ranking the best British football exports this century
BBC Sport ranks the top 10 British football players who excelled abroad this century, including Kieran Trippier, Fikayo Tomori, and Jadon Sancho.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- British footballers increasingly eye opportunities playing abroad
- Kieran Trippier won La Liga with Atletico Madrid
- Fikayo Tomori won Serie A with AC Milan
- Jadon Sancho scored 50 goals for Borussia Dortmund
While an exotic European escapade for Britain's star footballers was once rare, it is now a well-trodden pilgrimage as an increasing number of players eye opportunities further afield. Eight of England's most recent World Cup squad currently play abroad from Munich to Madrid, and Milan to the Middle East, alongside even more Scottish players predominantly in Serie A.
Acknowledging the groundwork put in by early jetsetters, the review looks at the best British exports since the turn of the century, ranking the top 10 players based on their impactful spells overseas.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Kieran Trippier at Atletico Madrid
Deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham after their Champions League final defeat by Liverpool in 2019, Kieran Trippier renewed his career under Diego Simeone in Spain. The right-back became Atletico Madrid's first English player in almost a century, helping Los Rojiblancos win only their second La Liga title since the turn of the millennium to break the Barcelona and Real Madrid stranglehold, before returning to Newcastle.
Fikayo Tomori at AC Milan
While Aaron Ramsey's Turin expedition was inconsistent and expensive, and Ashley Young's Inter Milan stay lasted only 18 months, the Scudetto winner highlighted here is Milan stalwart Fikayo Tomori.
The England defender lifted the prize in the 2021-22 season, earning a spot in the Serie A team of the season. The 28-year-old is now into his seventh season with the European giants.
The migration of British footballers to continental European leagues like Serie A or La Liga provides crucial tactical exposure distinct from the Premier League. These successful overseas spells pave the way for younger generations to step out of their comfort zones and develop internationally.
Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund
Although Jadon Sancho's career trajectory shifted after departing Germany in a £73m move to Manchester United, his time at Dortmund was an undoubted success. Rejecting Manchester City at 17 to move abroad proved vindicated:
- Second season: Scored 12 goals and added 18 assists in 34 Bundesliga games
- Following term: Netting 17 times
- Overall record: 50 goals and 64 assists across 137 games in all competitions
By the time Sancho left Dortmund aged 21, he had won a German Cup and finished runner-up in both the European Golden Boy prize and the Kopa Trophy.
David Beckham at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG
David Beckham swapped the Galactico comforts of Real Madrid, where he spent four seasons and collected a sole La Liga crown, for a Hollywood welcome at LA Galaxy. Despite questions regarding loan spells in Milan, the England captain brought immense allure to American soccer, leaving with two MLS Cups and Supporters' Shields each, before retiring after a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.
Scott McTominay at Napoli
Lancaster-born Scott McTominay has undergone a remarkable transformation since moving to southern Italy, embracing local Neapolitan cuisine and thriving in the football-obsessed city.
"Firing the club to only a fourth Scudetto in history with 12 goals from midfield during his debut Serie A season."
Scott McTominay's performance
His stellar performance landed him the league's MVP award and etched his name deeply into Napoli folklore.
Owen Hargreaves at Bayern Munich
Born in Canada to a Welsh mother and English father, Owen Hargreaves is an anomaly as the only player to represent England without having previously lived there. He secured a multitude of silverware during his seven seasons in Munich starting from age 16.
Source: BBC Sport
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