Best Napoli Players: The All-Time Top 10!

Napoli, a club steeped in history and passion, has seen some truly incredible players grace its hallowed turf. From legendary goalscorers to masterful midfielders, the Partenopei have been blessed with talent over the years. So, who are the best Napoli players of all time? Let's dive into a countdown of the top 10, celebrating their contributions, skill, and the unforgettable moments they brought to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Guys, get ready to reminisce about some serious footballing legends!

1. Diego Maradona: The God of Naples

No surprises here, right? Diego Armando Maradona isn't just a Napoli legend; he's a footballing deity in Naples. His arrival in 1984 transformed the club and the city, ushering in an era of unprecedented success. Before Maradona, Napoli was a team with potential but lacking that spark of genius. El Pibe de Oro changed everything. His unbelievable dribbling skills, his vision, his sheer determination – it was all magical. He led Napoli to two Serie A titles (1986-87 and 1989-90), a Coppa Italia (1987), a UEFA Cup (1989), and an Italian Super Cup (1990). These trophies weren't just victories; they were symbols of pride for a city that had long lived in the shadow of the wealthier, more established clubs in the north of Italy. Maradona wasn't just a player; he was a symbol of hope, a rebel, and a savior. His impact extended far beyond the pitch; he became an icon of Neapolitan identity, a figure of almost mythical proportions. Even today, decades after his departure, his name is still chanted in the stands, his image adorns the city walls, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Napoli fans. There will never be another Diego Maradona, and his place at the top of this list is undisputed. He is, simply put, the best Napoli player of all time, and one of the greatest footballers to ever live. His story is intertwined with the soul of Napoli, forever etched in the hearts of the fans. For many, supporting Napoli is supporting the memory of Maradona, a testament to his enduring influence.

2. Marek Hamšík: The Modern Maestro

Marek Hamšík, the Slovakian midfielder, is a true icon of modern Napoli. He spent 12 seasons with the club (2007-2019), becoming their all-time leading appearance maker and, for a long time, their all-time leading goalscorer (later surpassed by Dries Mertens). Hamšík wasn't just about stats, though; he was the engine of the Napoli team, a tireless worker, and a creative force. His signature mohawk made him instantly recognizable, but it was his performances on the pitch that truly defined him. Hamšík possessed incredible vision, an eye for a killer pass, and the ability to score crucial goals. He was the embodiment of consistency, delivering top-quality performances season after season. While he didn't win as many trophies as Maradona, his contribution to the club's resurgence in the 21st century cannot be overstated. He helped Napoli win two Coppa Italia titles (2012 and 2014) and an Italian Super Cup (2014), but more importantly, he helped establish Napoli as a consistent force in Serie A and in European competitions. His loyalty to the club was unwavering, and he became a beloved figure among the Napoli faithful. He turned down offers from bigger clubs to stay in Naples, solidifying his status as a true legend. Hamšík's influence on Napoli extended beyond his playing ability. He was a leader on and off the pitch, a role model for younger players, and an ambassador for the club. He represented everything that Napoli stands for: passion, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. For his consistent brilliance and unwavering commitment, Marek Hamšík rightfully earns his place as one of the best Napoli players ever.

3. Dries Mertens: The Goalscoring Machine

Dries Mertens, the Belgian forward, arrived in Naples in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite. Initially a winger, he was transformed into a center-forward by coach Maurizio Sarri, a move that unleashed his goalscoring potential. Mertens is a diminutive player with incredible speed, skill, and a deadly eye for goal. He became Napoli's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing even Maradona and Hamšík, a testament to his prolificacy. His ability to score from any angle and with either foot made him a nightmare for defenders. Mertens wasn't just a goalscorer, though; he was also a creative player, capable of creating chances for his teammates. His partnership with Lorenzo Insigne and José Callejón formed one of the most exciting attacking trios in European football. While he only won one Coppa Italia title (2020) with Napoli, his goalscoring record and his contribution to the club's attacking prowess cannot be denied. He brought joy and excitement to the Napoli fans with his electrifying performances. Mertens' journey at Napoli is a story of transformation and success. He arrived as a talented winger but left as a club legend, a goalscoring hero, and a beloved figure. His name will forever be etched in the history of Napoli, and he will always be remembered as one of the best Napoli players to ever wear the shirt. His impact on the team's attacking style and his record-breaking goal tally solidify his place among the greats.

4. Lorenzo Insigne: The Neapolitan Prince

Lorenzo Insigne, the local boy who lived his dream. Born and raised in Naples, Insigne joined the Napoli youth academy at a young age and rose through the ranks to become captain of his beloved club. He's a technically gifted winger with a wicked shot, incredible dribbling skills, and a pinpoint cross. Insigne embodies the spirit of Naples, playing with passion, flair, and a deep love for his city. He was a key member of the Napoli team for over a decade, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Mertens and Callejón. While he didn't win as many trophies as some of the other players on this list, his connection to the city and his commitment to the club made him a true icon. He lifted the Coppa Italia in 2014 and 2020, but his greatest contribution was perhaps his embodiment of the Neapolitan spirit. Insigne's departure in 2022 was a bittersweet moment for Napoli fans. While they were sad to see him leave, they also understood his desire to explore new challenges. He left behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and incredible skill. He is, without a doubt, one of the best Napoli players of all time, a true Neapolitan prince who will always be remembered with love and affection.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly: The Unbreakable Wall

Kalidou Koulibaly, the Senegalese center-back, was a rock at the heart of the Napoli defense for eight seasons (2014-2022). He is a powerful, commanding, and incredibly athletic defender who was known for his strength, his tackling ability, and his aerial prowess. Koulibaly was one of the best defenders in the world during his time at Napoli, attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He was a leader on and off the pitch, a calming presence in the backline, and a dominant force in both boxes. While he only won one Coppa Italia title (2020) with Napoli, his impact on the team's defensive stability was immense. He transformed Napoli into a team that was difficult to score against, providing a solid foundation for their attacking players to thrive. Koulibaly's departure in 2022 left a huge void in the Napoli defense. He was more than just a player; he was a symbol of strength, resilience, and leadership. He is, without a doubt, one of the best Napoli players of all time, a true defensive colossus who will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment and his exceptional ability.

6. Attila Sallustro: The Early Legend

Attila Sallustro was a legendary figure in the early days of Napoli. A prolific goalscorer and a true icon of the club, Sallustro played for Napoli from 1926 to 1937, becoming one of the first great stars in the club's history. Born in Paraguay but raised in Naples, Sallustro was known for his elegant style, his powerful shot, and his charismatic personality. He was a hero to the Napoli fans, a symbol of hope and pride during a time when the club was still finding its feet. While statistics from that era are scarce, Sallustro is widely regarded as one of the best Napoli players of his generation, a true pioneer who helped lay the foundation for the club's future success. His impact on the early history of Napoli is undeniable, and he remains a revered figure among the club's older supporters.

7. José Altafini: The Brazilian Flair

José Altafini, also known as Mazzola, brought Brazilian flair and goalscoring prowess to Napoli in the 1960s. He was a gifted attacker with exceptional technique, speed, and a deadly eye for goal. Altafini played for Napoli from 1965 to 1972, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Omar Sívori. He helped Napoli compete with the best teams in Italy, contributing significantly to their success during that era. Altafini's time at Napoli was marked by his goals and his exciting style of play. He brought a touch of Brazilian magic to the Stadio San Paolo, captivating the fans with his skill and his creativity. He is remembered as one of the best Napoli players of his era, a true entertainer who left a lasting impression on the club.

8. Omar Sívori: The Argentine Artist

Omar Sívori, the Argentine forward, was a maestro of dribbling and a true artist on the ball. He played for Napoli from 1965 to 1969, bringing his unique brand of South American flair to the Italian game. Sívori was known for his incredible skill, his creativity, and his ability to beat defenders with ease. He formed a dynamic partnership with José Altafini, thrilling the Napoli fans with their attacking prowess. While his time at Napoli was relatively short, Sívori's impact on the club was significant. He brought a touch of magic to the team, inspiring his teammates and captivating the fans with his extraordinary talent. He is remembered as one of the best Napoli players of his generation, a true icon of the beautiful game.

9. Careca: The Brazilian Striker

Careca, the Brazilian striker, was a key member of the Maradona-era Napoli team. He formed a deadly attacking trio with Maradona and Bruno Giordano, helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 1987. Careca was a powerful, skillful, and clinical finisher, capable of scoring goals from anywhere on the pitch. He played for Napoli from 1987 to 1993, becoming a fan favorite for his goals and his infectious enthusiasm. Careca's contribution to Napoli's success in the late 1980s cannot be overstated. He provided the firepower up front, complementing Maradona's genius and helping the team achieve unprecedented success. He is remembered as one of the best Napoli players of all time, a true legend of the club.

10. Gonzalo Higuaín: The Record Breaker

Gonzalo Higuaín, the Argentine striker, had a relatively short but incredibly impactful spell at Napoli. In the 2015-16 season, he broke the Serie A goalscoring record, netting 36 goals in a single season. Higuaín was a prolific goalscorer with exceptional finishing ability. He played for Napoli from 2013 to 2016, becoming a fan favorite for his goals and his passion. While his departure to Juventus was controversial, Higuaín's goalscoring record at Napoli cannot be denied. He is remembered as one of the best Napoli players of his era, a true phenomenon who etched his name into the history books.

These are just ten of the many great players who have graced the Napoli shirt. Each player has contributed to the club's rich history and has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the fans. From the legendary Maradona to the modern-day heroes like Hamšík and Mertens, Napoli has always been blessed with exceptional talent. And who knows, maybe the next Napoli legend is already out there, waiting to be discovered!