Bale to Bellingham: Top British Football Exports Since 2000
British footballers used to be an uncommon sight in foreign leagues. Moves such as John Charles scoring in Turin, Kevin Keegan thrilling crowds in Hamburg, and Glenn Hoddle catching the eye in Monaco gave overseas transfers a sense of adventure.
That picture has been transformed. Leagues across Europe and beyond are now regular destinations for players from the UK, and an increasing number are choosing to build careers away from home.
Below are ten of the most prominent British exports of the century so far, as compiled by BBC Sport on Thursday.
10. Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid
When Kieran Trippier joined Atletico Madrid in 2019, it gave him a fresh start in Spain. The defender became the first Englishman to represent the club in close to a hundred years, and he played a part in Diego Simeone's team capturing La Liga in 2020-21. After spending two and a half years in the Spanish capital, Trippier headed back to England to sign for Newcastle United, with a major trophy to show for his time abroad.
9. Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan
Fikayo Tomori has become one of the longest-serving British players in Serie A. The England centre-back was part of the AC Milan squad that claimed the Scudetto in 2021-22, and he was later included in the Serie A team of the season. His ongoing spell at one of Italy's biggest clubs has turned his move abroad into an important phase of his career.
8. Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund
At 17, Jadon Sancho took a significant risk by leaving Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund. It proved a wise choice: he grew into one of Europe's most exciting young attackers, notching 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 outings during his first stint at the club. He lifted the German Cup and was among the top contenders for the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards. His progress also served as an inspiration for other young British talents to move overseas sooner.
7. David Beckham – Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG
David Beckham's time abroad took him to four countries: Spain, the United States, Italy and France. Having spent four seasons at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga, he signed for LA Galaxy and quickly became one of Major League Soccer's biggest attractions. His presence brought huge worldwide attention to the American league. He collected two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields before loan stints at AC Milan. Beckham closed out his playing days at Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 before hanging up his boots in 2013.
6. Scott McTominay – Napoli
Scott McTominay's switch from Manchester United to Napoli changed how he was viewed in Italian football. The Scotland midfielder wasted little time in becoming a central figure at the club, and he helped Napoli clinch the Serie A title in his first season. McTominay found the net 12 times in the league and was voted Serie A's MVP, making him a favourite with Napoli supporters. His impact in Naples has secured him a notable place among recent British exports.
5. Owen Hargreaves – Bayern Munich
Owen Hargreaves took an unusual path to the top level of European football. He was born in Canada and joined Bayern Munich at 16, going on to claim four Bundesliga titles and several German Cups. His finest hour arrived in the 2001 Champions League final, when Bayern beat Valencia on penalties at San Siro. Hargreaves completed the full 120 minutes in midfield, making him one of a small group of British players to win Europe's premier club competition with a non-British side.
4. Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham took a route similar to Sancho's, departing England as a teenager to join Borussia Dortmund. Three campaigns in Germany turned him into one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders, prompting Real Madrid to seal a transfer worth more than £100m. Bellingham hit the ground running in Spain, scoring 23 goals in all competitions as Madrid lifted both La Liga and the Champions League. That year he also came third in the Ballon d'Or voting.
3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich brought an end to his lengthy spell at Tottenham and handed him the chance to prove himself in another top European league. The England captain has posted remarkable scoring numbers in Germany, hitting 100 Bundesliga goals in less time than any other player in the league's history. His Bayern tenure has also delivered the major team trophies he had chased for so long, including Bundesliga titles and the German Cup. On an individual level, he won the European Golden Shoe in his first season in Germany.
2. Steve McManaman – Real Madrid
Steve McManaman's transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999 was a pioneering move for an English player. He became the first Englishman since Laurie Cunningham to turn out for the Spanish giants, and he made a substantial contribution across four seasons at the Bernabeu. McManaman struck a famous volley in the 2000 Champions League final against Valencia, and he added another Champions League winner's medal in 2002. During his time in Madrid he also won two La Liga titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful English players to thrive in Spain.
1. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid and LAFC
Gareth Bale's nine years at Real Madrid produced one of the most trophy-filled overseas careers of any British footballer. The Wales international claimed five Champions League titles and scored in three Champions League finals. His most memorable final goal came in 2018, when a spectacular overhead kick helped Real Madrid get the better of Liverpool. Bale found the net 106 times in 258 appearances for Madrid and picked up more silverware during a short spell with LAFC, winning the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield. His record in Madrid places him among the most successful British players ever to ply their trade outside the UK.
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