Top British Football Players Who Made an Impact Abroad Since 2000

British footballers used to be rare in other countries.

From John Charles scoring goals in Italy to Kevin Keegan shining in Hamburg, moving abroad was exciting.

Things have changed a lot. More British players are looking for chances outside the UK. They are joining clubs in European and international leagues.

Here are 10 of the best British players who have played abroad since 2000, based on BBC Sport's list from Thursday.

1. Kieran Trippier, Atletico Madrid

Kieran Trippier joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 to boost his career in Spain.

He became the first English player at Atletico in nearly a hundred years and helped the team win La Liga in the 2020-21 season.

After two and a half years in Madrid, Trippier returned to England to join Newcastle United with a major trophy to his name.

1. Fikayo Tomori, AC Milan

Fikayo Tomori has made a name for himself as a strong British player in Serie A.

The England defender played a big role in helping AC Milan win the Scudetto in the 2021-22 season and was selected for the Serie A team of the season.

His time at one of Italy’s top clubs has been an important part of his career.

1. Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund

Jadon Sancho took a big risk when he left Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund at just 17.

This decision paid off quickly. Sancho became one of Europe's most exciting young players, scoring 50 goals and getting 64 assists in 137 matches at Dortmund.

He won the German Cup and was a top contender for the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards. His success also inspired other young British players to move abroad earlier.

1. David Beckham, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG

David Beckham’s career took him to Spain, the US, Italy, and France.

After four seasons with Real Madrid, where he won La Liga, he moved to LA Galaxy and became a huge star in Major League Soccer.

His presence brought a lot of attention to American football. He won two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields before going on loan to AC Milan.

Beckham ended his career at Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 before he retired in 2013.

1. Scott McTominay, Napoli

Scott McTominay’s transfer from Manchester United to Napoli changed his status in Italian football.

The Scotland international quickly became a key player in midfield and helped Napoli win the Serie A title in his first season.

McTominay scored 12 league goals and was named Serie A’s MVP, winning the hearts of Napoli fans.

1. Owen Hargreaves, Bayern Munich

Owen Hargreaves took a unique path into top European football.

Born in Canada, he joined Bayern Munich at 16 and won four Bundesliga titles and several German Cups.

His biggest success was in the 2001 Champions League final, where Bayern beat Valencia on penalties. Hargreaves played the full match and became one of the few British players to win Europe’s top club competition with a foreign team.

1. Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham followed a path like Sancho’s, leaving England as a teenager for Borussia Dortmund.

After three seasons in Germany, he became one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. Real Madrid signed him for over £100m.

Bellingham made an immediate impact in Spain, scoring 23 goals as Madrid won both La Liga and the Champions League. He also finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.

1. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich

Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich ended his long time with Tottenham and gave him a chance to try a new major European league.

The England captain has been scoring goals at an impressive rate in Germany, reaching 100 Bundesliga goals faster than anyone in the league’s history.

His time at Bayern has also brought him the team trophies he wanted, including Bundesliga titles and the German Cup. He won the European Golden Shoe in his first season there.

1. Steve McManaman, Real Madrid

Steve McManaman’s transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999 was a major step for an English player.

He became the first Englishman since Laurie Cunningham to play for Real Madrid and made a big impact in his four seasons there.

McManaman scored a famous volley in the 2000 Champions League final against Valencia and won another Champions League medal in 2002. He also won two La Liga titles in his time at Madrid.

1. Gareth Bale, Real Madrid and LAFC

Gareth Bale spent nine years at Real Madrid, having one of the most decorated careers for a British footballer abroad.

The Wales international won five Champions League titles and scored three goals in Champions League finals.

His most famous goal came in 2018, when his amazing overhead kick helped Real Madrid beat Liverpool. Bale scored 106 goals in 258 matches for Madrid and added more trophies during his short time with LAFC, winning both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield. His achievements make him one of the most successful British players ever to play outside the UK.