Top 10 Nottingham forest best players ever

Nottingham Forest, one of the most prestigious football clubs in England, is not only famous for its long history but also for its talented players, who have contributed greatly to the success of the team. Over the years, this team has witnessed many generations of excellent players, from the legends of the past to the bright stars of the present. Today, let’s refer to the top 10 nottingham forest best players through the article below with Kingsoccertips!

Top 10 Nottingham forest best players

Below are the top 10 best nottingham forest players of all time, who are legends associated with the club’s great history and achievements, who have left an indelible mark on fans through their impressive achievements and performances.

Top 10: Ian Storey-Moore

Ian Storey-Moore is one of the greatest legends in the history of Nottingham Forest. He was not only the club’s top scorer of the 1960s, but also one of the most important contributors to their success during that period. In the 1966/67 season, Forest displayed an impressive performance in their title race against Manchester United for the First Division championship. Although they finished second, four points behind United, Storey-Moore’s team created a thrilling and unforgettable title race in the club’s history.

Ian Storey Moore - The legendary goalscorer, leaving a deep mark at Forest — Ian Storey Moore – The legendary goalscorer, leaving a deep mark at Forest

Storey-Moore scored a total of 24 goals that season, and one of the most memorable moments came when he scored a hat-trick against Everton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 8, 1967. Despite Forest being behind twice, Storey-Moore’s brilliance helped the team make a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 and advance to the FA Cup semi-finals. With a total of 118 goals in 10 years at Forest, Storey-Moore left a deep mark on the club’s history, becoming an enduring icon for The Reds’ supporters.

Top 9: Martin O’Neill

Martin O’Neill is one of the most important players in Nottingham Forest’s history, with a memorable nine-year career at the club starting in 1971. Under the leadership of Brian Clough, O’Neill helped Forest achieve great success both domestically and in Europe. Notably, he played an integral role in winning back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, cementing Forest’s place in European football. In the 1979 European Cup final, Forest defeated Malmo 1-0 in Munich, and the following year, they triumphed over Hamburg with the same scoreline in Madrid.

Martin O'Neill - Hero of two consecutive European Cups — Martin O’Neill – Hero of two consecutive European Cups

In addition to the international trophies, O’Neill also helped Forest claim domestic honors, including the First Division title and two League Cup victories. After retiring from playing, O’Neill had opportunities to return to the club as a manager. Though he did not return immediately, he eventually took the managerial role in 2019. However, after managing 19 matches with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, he was dismissed by owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sabri Lamouchi subsequently took over as head coach.

Top 8: Viv Anderson

Viv Anderson is one of the greatest symbols in Nottingham Forest’s history, not only due to his exceptional talent but also for his significant contributions to the football world. He was the first black player to represent England, which marked the beginning of a new era for English football and inspired generations of future players. Anderson joined Forest in 1975 and quickly became an indispensable part of the team under Brian Clough’s management. He played a crucial role in Forest’s First Division title victory and in their historic European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.

Viv Anderson – Icon of change, England’s first black player

Over his nine years with Forest, Anderson made a total of 425 appearances, making him one of the club’s most capped players. After leaving Forest, he moved to Arsenal, continuing his career at the highest level, and later concluded his playing days at Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup. In addition to his club successes, Anderson was a key figure for England, earning 30 caps and significantly contributing to the development of international football.

Top 7: Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis is one of Nottingham Forest’s iconic players, especially after joining the club in 1979 for a then-record transfer fee of £1 million, making him the first English footballer to surpass a £1 million transfer fee. Though he could not participate in the European Cup semi-finals with the team due to signing too late, Francis was still a key figure in Forest’s journey to win the European Cup. Under Brian Clough’s leadership, the team proved their ability to overcome major challenges, even without Francis in earlier rounds.

Trevor Francis - Hero of the 1979 European Cup Final — Trevor Francis – Hero of the 1979 European Cup Final

In the 1979 European Cup final in Munich, Francis delivered an impressive performance, scoring the only goal of the match. He was placed on the right wing in Clough’s 4-4-2 formation. Although the first half was tightly contested with few chances, John Robertson delivered an excellent cross, and Francis, excelling in aerial duels, headed the ball into the net to give Forest the lead. This goal not only secured Forest’s first European Cup but also highlighted Francis’ value to the club, cementing his place in English football history.

Top 6: Kenny Burns

Kenny Burns had an impressive 22-year playing career, becoming one of England’s top defenders. His time at Nottingham Forest was particularly notable, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award twice. The first came in the 1977/78 season when Forest won the First Division title. With only 24 goals conceded in 42 matches, Burns played a crucial role in Forest’s solid defense as one of the team’s key central defenders.

Kenny Burns - Steely centre-back, key to Forest's defence — Kenny Burns – Steely centre-back, key to Forest’s defence

Burns won his second Player of the Year award in the 1980/81 season, further proving his consistency and importance to the team. After that successful season, he left Forest for Leeds United in 1981 for a £400,000 transfer fee. When he left the City Ground, Burns had amassed seven major trophies, including two European Cups in 1979 and 1980. His legacy at Forest remains as one of the key figures in the club’s golden era.

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Top 5: Peter Shilton

Peter Shilton is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of English and world football. With 125 caps for the England national team, Shilton remains the most-capped player in England men’s football history. His time at Nottingham Forest from 1977 to 1982 was a key part of his illustrious career. Notably, in the 1977/78 season, he had an outstanding performance, helping Forest win the First Division title. With only 18 goals conceded in 37 league games, Shilton was named PFA Player of the Year, solidifying his place as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.

Peter Shilton - Legendary goalkeeper, defender of European success — Peter Shilton – Legendary goalkeeper, defender of European success

Shilton also made significant contributions to Forest’s European success. He kept clean sheets in both European Cup finals in 1979 and 1980, helping Forest defeat Malmo and Hamburg to win the European Cup. After leaving Forest in 1982 to join Southampton, Shilton continued to win trophies and further enhanced his career. Under Brian Clough’s guidance, he won a total of seven major trophies, including two European Cups, and became one of Forest’s unforgettable legends.

Top 4: John McGovern

John McGovern is one of the legendary figures in Nottingham Forest’s history. As captain, he led the team to victory in both European Cup finals in 1979 and 1980 and played a vital role in Forest’s rise from the Second Division to First Division champions, as well as in the club’s European successes. A central midfielder known for his hard work and physical style of play, McGovern made 335 appearances for Forest, scoring 11 goals, and became an indispensable part of Brian Clough’s squad.

John McGovern - Excellent captain, leading Forest to conquer Europe — John McGovern – Excellent captain, leading Forest to conquer Europe

After retiring, McGovern maintained a close connection with the club. He is currently a Forest ambassador and often visits the City Ground to watch matches. Before the 2024/25 season, the club opened a new VIP area called “McGovern’s Lounge,” located in the lower tier of the Brian Clough Stand, to honor his significant contributions to the club.

Top 3: Des Walker

Des Walker is one of the greatest defenders in Nottingham Forest’s history. With exceptional defensive abilities and outstanding speed, he became a key figure in Forest’s lineup throughout his playing career. Despite not being over 6ft tall, Walker was incredibly agile and strong in aerial duels. The chant “You’ll never beat Des Walker” was frequently heard from Forest fans, reflecting the respect and admiration they had for him.

Des Walker - The agile defender, the impassable wall — Des Walker – The agile defender, the impassable wall

During his time at Forest, Walker made 408 appearances and won the club’s Player of the Year award three times in 1986/87, 1989/90, and 1991/92. He also helped Forest win five cup finals at Wembley, an impressive feat during his two stints with the club. After retiring, Walker briefly worked as the first-team manager at Forest but left when Gary Megson was appointed manager in January 2005. Though he left, Des Walker’s name will forever be tied to Nottingham Forest’s history.

Top 2: Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce is one of the greatest legends in Nottingham Forest’s history, with a 12-year career at the City Ground after joining from Coventry City in 1985. This passionate left-back earned the nickname “Psycho” from the fans due to his relentless playing style and tough tackling. Throughout his time at Forest, Pearce won four major trophies, including two League Cups in consecutive seasons under Brian Clough, as well as the Full Members’ Cup in 1989 and 1992. He was also named the club’s Player of the Year three times in the 1988/89, 1990/91, and 1995/96 seasons, confirming his influence and importance to the team.

Stuart Pearce - The tireless warrior, always giving his all — Stuart Pearce – The tireless warrior, always giving his all

After retiring from playing, Pearce attempted a managerial career, including managing the England U21 team and various other clubs. He returned to Forest as head coach in 2014. In his first season, Pearce led Forest to top of the Championship table in August 2014, but injuries and a lack of confidence within the squad led to his dismissal in February 2015 when Forest was in 12th place. One of the memorable moments during his tenure was a 2-1 victory over Derby County, with Ben Osborn’s dramatic last-minute goal securing the win.

Top 1: John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the greatest players in Nottingham Forest’s history, particularly with his crucial contributions in the club’s back-to-back European Cup wins in 1979 and 1980. Although he did not have the explosive speed of many other players, Robertson was a master dribbler. His ability to control the ball was exceptional, and he frequently left opposing defenders helpless with his skillful moves and feints.

John Robertson - Dribbler, creator of historic moments — John Robertson – Dribbler, creator of historic moments

Robertson was a highly influential left-winger in Brian Clough’s Forest team. He created crucial scoring opportunities and provided sharp crosses, especially in key matches in the European Cup. Former captain John McGovern described Robertson as a brilliant player in an interview with BBC Sport in June 2024, expressing deep admiration for his talent and creativity on the pitch. Forest’s historic victories, especially in European competition, will always be associated with Robertson’s name, making him a true legend of the club.

To Wrap It Up

In conclusion, the above Nottingham Forest best players ever are not only a symbol of Nottingham Forest but also a source of pride for football fans. His excellence on the pitch, his tireless contributions to the team, and his love for the red shirt of Forest are undeniable. Surely, in the coming years, he will continue to write new glorious pages for the club, and be an inspiration for future generations of Nottingham Forest players.