Sport

7 best players from Jamaica in Premier League history

By Andrew Roach

The UK and the Caribbean are tied together historically so it’s not surprising to see these shared bonds transfer over to the world of football. It’s why countries such as Jamaica have seen many of their best players pop-up in the Premier League over the years. The best Jamaican footballers have often shone in the top flight as some opted to embrace their heritage and represent The Reggae Boys despite having been born in the UK itself.

There have been 52 Jamaican-born players in the English top flight since the Premier League formed – but who were the best Jamaican footballers to play in the Premier League?

7 best players from Jamaica in Premier League history

Frank Sinclair (Chelsea, Leicester)

One of the first all-rounders in the Premier League, Frank Sinclair was a dynamic player at the height of his career who could slot in either defence or midfield and able to pass the ball out of trouble or stop it suddenly with a powerful tackle. This versatility made him a Chelsea regular for much of the 1990s as they fought hard to emerge from mid-table mediocrity.

Sinclair would move north in 1998, joining Leicester City and anchoring their backline in their fight for relegation over several seasons before finally dropping down to the second tier in 2004. Sinclair racked up plenty of silverware with both clubs in domestic competitions and his own accolades spilt over into the top flight. Sinclair was named Chelsea’s 1992/93 Player of the Season and remains a crowd favourite in both London and The Midlands

Robbie Earle (Wimbledon)

Before Robbie Earle became a pundit and Wimbledon became the MK Dons, the two were a formidable partnership in the English top flight. The Premier League striker opted to represent Jamaica over England and they would benefit from the striker’s pace and crafty finishing. Not only did he have excellent pace for his era but he maintained a tenacious approach to always press forward with the ball.

It was a trait that served him well where he was the primary striker for Wimbledon for the entire 1990s. His best season came in the 1995/96 season where Earle netted 11 goals in 37 games. It was here where he earned a Premier League Player of the Month award in February 1997 for excellent form as well as the Wimbledon captaincy. He stayed with Wimbledon until they were relegated in 2000 when he retired from football to end a strong relationship benefitting both sides, one of the best Jamaican footballers to play in England.

Jason Euell (Wimbledon, Charlton, Middlesbrough, Blackpool)

Always fighting for the smaller sides, Jason Euell was always ready to explode in the penalty box. Despite being a smaller striker, Euell would use his pace and flashy technical skills to surge through penalty boxes and find the back of the net.

After showing promise as a striker for Wimbledon, Euell was at his best when playing for Charlton in the early 2000s. It was here where Euell would reach double figures in three straight seasons as The Addicks avoided relegation time and time again. After leaving The Valley, Euell had brief cameos with Middlesbrough and Blackpool although he struggled to make an impact in the twilight of his career. A perennial fighter no matter who he played for.

Ricardo Gardner (Bolton Wanderers)

With his signature dreadlocks, Ricardo Gardner was a versatile player who could effectively play anywhere on the pitch. His size made him a handy anchor in defence and midfield but he also had pace and skill on the ball to play as a winger or wing-back. It was why Gardner was always featured in The Trotter’s side no matter what sort of opponent he faced.

His consistency and hard work made him a fan favourite at The Reebok and it played a big part of him winning Bolton’s Player of the Season award for the 2005/06 campaign. With over 240 games in the English top flight, Gardner was always a reliable player who always rose to the big occasion and one of the best Jamaican footballers we’ve seen.

Michail Antonio (West Ham)

It took Michail Antonio time to find his form but as he grew in experience, so did his form in front of goal. With an effective mix of pace and power, Antonio proved to be the ideal target man for the modern game capable of holding up play as well as finishing off moves himself. It’s why Antonio slowly improved his goals to game ratio in the Premier League throughout the 2010s, as he became the main striker for The Hammers.

The patience has paid off though as Antonio netted back to back seasons reaching double figure goal tallies in both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns. This marked improvement has been recognised with two Premier League Player of the Month awards as well as being named West Ham’s Hammer of the Year in 2017 and EA Sports Premier League Player of the Year in 2021. A case which shows hard work pays off over time.

Wes Morgan (Leicester)

Wes Morgan has been a player who has seen it all. The burly centre-back was known for his powerful aerial presence as well as his excellent composure under pressure – a key asset for a top flight defender. It’s why he played a big role in Leicester’s resurgence helping them climb back up the lower leagues and into the top flight.

As their skipper, he kept The Foxes motivated, overcoming a huge relegation fight to become the inspirational skipper during Leicester’s fairytale 2015/2016 title winning campaign. This resulted in Morgan becoming the first Jamaica player to win the Premier League in it’s history. It was the just reward for someone who scraped through the lows to reach the ultimate high.

Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, Manchester City)

Despite being an English international, many people forget that Premier League star Raheem Sterling was born in Jamaica. The tricky winger has proven to be one of the best wingers of the 2010s and 2020s using his flair, pace and skill to destroy defences with ease. His early form with Liverpool showed raw potential before a move to Manchester City saw him become the player everyone knows him to be.

Adding the ability to finish to his skillset, Sterling notched up four straight seasons of double figure goal tallies with the best of 20 goals in 33 games in the 2019/20 campaign. It’s this excellent form that has seen Sterling earn 2 Player of the Month awards from the Premier League as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2019. An excellent form from one of the best Jamaican footballers ever.

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