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Top 10 Best Brighton & Hove Albion Players of All Time

From goals to defense, here we will celebrate the top 10 players who have stood out in Brighton & Hove Albion’s history. These individuals have left an exceptional mark on the club, showcasing skill and sheer determination. Keep reading to delve into the tapestry of talent that has graced the Seagulls’ ranks.

Who Are the Best Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Players of All Time?

Lewis Dunk
Glenn Murray
Bobby Zamora
Solly March
Adam El-Abd
Robert Sánchez
Pascal Groß
Danny Cullip
Kazenga Lualua
Adam Lallana

1. Lewis Dunk

2016-17 PFA Team of the Year
416 matches, 27 goals
2019-20 Brighton & Hove Albion Player of the Year

Lewis Dunk, captain of Brighton & Hove Albion, has been a stalwart for the club throughout his career. Starting in Brighton’s youth academy, Dunk quickly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut in 2010. He played a crucial role in the squad’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2016-17 season and was named in the Championship team of the year. Dunk achieved the title of club captain in the 2019-20 season.

Under his guidance, Brighton achieved their first-ever European qualification, securing a place in the UEFA Europa League. Dunk finally made his senior England debut in 2018. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team, showcasing his talent on a broader stage. Known for his defensive prowess and aerial ability, Dunk’s contributions have been invaluable to both Brighton and the national team. His career accomplishments make him arguably the best Brighton player of all time.

2. Glenn Murray

2015 Football League Team of the Decade
287 matches, 111 goals
2012-13 Football League Championship Golden Boot

Glenn Murray enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 19 years, leaving a lasting impact on Brighton & Hove Albion. Starting with non-League side Workington Reds, Murray played for numerous clubs before his spells with Brighton. He scored a record-breaking 30 goals in the 2012-13 Championship season, a milestone later surpassed.

Murray played a crucial part in Brighton’s journey to the Premier League, significantly contributing to crucial goals. His memorable strike against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup resulted in the elimination of his former team. When he returned to Brighton for a second stint, Murray impressively scored two goals in his debut and played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League. Throughout his career, Murray scored 217 times in 624 appearances across 12 different clubs. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a football pundit, sharing his valuable insights with fans. Murray’s goal-scoring records solidified his place in Brighton’s history.

3. Bobby Zamora

2001–02 Football League Second Division top scorer (28 goals)
108 matches, 51 goals
2001–02 English Third Tier Champion

Robert Zamora, although now retired, is one of the most iconic forward players in the club’s history. Zamora began his career at Bristol Rovers but was swiftly transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion. During his three seasons at Brighton, he scored 77 goals and played a key role in the club’s two successive promotions. Zamora went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Fulham, and Queens Park Rangers. He contributed significantly to Fulham’s Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League campaigns.

In 2015, Zamora returned to Brighton, scoring a crucial late winner in his first game back. He retired from football in December 2016. Zamora represented England at various levels, including the under-21 team, before making his senior debut in a friendly against Sweden in 2011. Throughout his career, Zamora played an important role in Brighton & Hove Albion’s success, making him a revered figure among the club’s fans.

4. Solly March

Best-ever top-flight finish
285 matches, 24 goals
2016–17 EFL Championship runner-up

Solomon March has made a significant impact at Brighton & Hove Albion as their most talented swinger. After joining the club in 2011, March quickly progressed through the ranks, scoring a hat-trick in a youth game. In the 2013-14 season, he made his senior debut and scored his first goal in an FA Cup match.

Despite facing injuries in the following seasons, March returned as a key player for Brighton. He played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2016-17, contributing with goals and assists. March’s performances and memorable goals, including a vital free-kick in an FA Cup quarter-final, have solidified his place in the team. In 2022, he signed a contract extension, committing his future to Brighton. March has achieved their highest-ever top-flight finish, contributing goals and assists. March’s journey certainly makes him a valued player in the Brighton & Hove Albion squad.

5. Adam El-Abd

2010-11 Brighton & Hove Albion Player of the Season
342 matches, 7 goals
Two-time English Third Tier champion

Adam El-Abd, the retired defender, left an enduring impact at Brighton & Hove Albion. Having joined their youth department at the age of nine, he signed his first professional contract at 19 and went on to make over 500 appearances in his career. El-Abd’s versatility saw him excel in various defensive positions, displaying his adaptability and commitment. He was an integral part of Brighton’s success, winning the Seagulls Player of the Season award during their victorious 2010-11 League One campaign. El-Abd achieved milestones, making his 250th league appearance in 2012 and his 300th and final league appearance in 2014.

El-Abd’s international aspirations came to fruition when he represented Egypt. In 2012, he earned his first call-up, participating in friendly matches and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His journey symbolizes loyalty, dedication, and resilience. Adam El-Abd’s contributions to Brighton’s rise and his national team’s endeavors make him a revered figure in football history.

6. Robert Sánchez

2020–21 UEFA Nations League runner-up
185 matches, 213 goals conceded
2022 World Cup participant

Robert Sánchez is arguably the best goalkeeper in Brighton & Hove Albion’s history, and he has certainly left a mark in the Premier League. Starting in Brighton’s youth academy, Sánchez signed his first pro contract in 2015. He gained experience on loan at Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale. In November 2020, Sánchez made his Brighton debut and signed a long-term contract in 2021. He played a crucial role in Brighton’s record-breaking 4-0 win against Manchester United with a superb long-range pass.

Despite temporarily losing his starting position, Sánchez made a comeback, impressing in the FA Cup quarter-finals and a penalty shootout against Manchester United. Internationally, Sánchez has played for Spain during the World Cup qualifications, UEFA Euro 2020, and the UEFA Nations League Finals. Inspired by Iker Casillas and David de Gea, Sánchez embodies the best of Spanish goalkeeping. His journey and contributions demonstrate his immense talent at Brighton & Hove Albion.

7. Pascal Groß

2017-18 Brighton & Hove Albion Player of the Year
214 matches, 27 goals
2014-15 German Second Tier champion

Pascal Groß has made a significant impact at Brighton & Hove Albion. After joining the club in 2017, Groß made history by scoring Brighton’s first-ever Premier League goal. Throughout his tenure, he contributed crucial goals, assists, and memorable performances. Groß played a pivotal role in Brighton’s fight for survival, securing their Premier League status with his decisive goals, including the winner against Manchester United in May 2018.

His exceptional performances earned him the title of Brighton’s Player of the Season. Renowned for his versatility, Groß can excel as a midfielder, defender, or even a forward. His ability to operate in multiple positions adds depth and flexibility to the team. In recognition of his contributions, Groß’s contract was extended in 2022, solidifying his commitment to Brighton. With his leadership, Groß has become an integral part of Brighton’s success, helping the team achieve their highest-ever top-flight finish and securing a historic European spot.

8. Danny Cullip

Three-time Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year
155 matches, 3 goals
Two-time Brighton Player of the Year

Danny Cullip left a lasting impact on Brighton & Hove Albion during his career as a center-back. With over 150 appearances, Cullip showcased his defensive prowess and leadership on the field. Crowned Brighton’s Player of the Year twice, he became a hero among the fans. Cullip’s journey began at Oxford United before joining Fulham, where he contributed to their promotion campaign. After stints at Brentford and a successful loan spell at Brighton, he secured a permanent move to the club.

Cullip’s dedication and solid performance earned him a reputation as a valued member of the team. He has also represented Sheffield United, Watford, Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers, Gillingham, and Lewes. Unfortunately, a series of hamstring injuries eventually led him to retirement in 2010. Cullip went on to contribute to the football world as a coach for Brighton & Hove Albion, his expertise and experience providing valuable guidance to the next generation of players.

9. Kazenga Lualua

Two-time English Third Tier champion
183 matches, 22 goals
2009-10 English Second Tier champion

Kazenga LuaLua, the dynamic winger of English-Congolese descent, left an indelible mark on Brighton & Hove Albion during his tenure. Joining on loan from Newcastle United, LuaLua made an immediate impact. His memorable debut included a stunning 25-yard free-kick goal and his signature double backflip celebration. LuaLua’s contributions were pivotal in Brighton’s promotion to the Championship, earning him a permanent deal with the club. Notable goals, such as a long-range free-kick against Millwall and a strike against Liverpool in the FA Cup, highlighted his exceptional abilities. In the 2014-15 season, LuaLua appeared in 38 matches and scored four goals.

He continued to impress in the following season, netting the opening goal of the 2015-16 Football League Championship. However, opportunities became limited during Brighton’s promotion campaign to the Premier League, and LuaLua saw reduced playing time. Despite this, Kazenga LuaLua’s time at Brighton showcased his talent and influence on the team’s success.

10. Adam Lallana

Three-time Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year
74 matches, 4 goals
2016 England Player of the Year

Adam Lallana, the dynamic attacking midfielder, has had an impressive career at Brighton & Hove Albion. Starting in AFC Bournemouth’s youth system, he honed his skills at Southampton and became their captain during their rise to the Premier League. In 2014, Lallana joined Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. In 2020, Lallana signed with Brighton, making an impact from the start. He scored his first goal for the club and played a crucial role in their historic win against Manchester City.

Lallana’s leadership qualities were recognized when he captained Brighton in the absence of Lewis Dunk. On the international stage, Lallana represented England in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016, scoring vital goals for his country. With his technical skills and football intelligence, Lallana continues to contribute to Brighton & Hove Albion’s success. His experience and versatility undoubtedly make him an invaluable asset to the team.