The Winger Position in Soccer: Role, Skills & Top Players
Quick answer: A winger is an attacking player who operates in the wide areas of the pitch, along the left or right touchline. Their main job is to beat defenders, deliver crosses and create chances, though modern wingers are also expected to score goals and press high up the pitch. The role comes in several variations — traditional wingers, inverted wingers, wide forwards and wing-backs — all explained below.
When it comes to building a successful tactical setup, many factors come into play. One of the most important things coaches must consider is the formation they play.
Formations rely on players being able to perform a specific set of tasks that relate to their positions on the pitch. In our other recent posts about the key positions in soccer, we've already touched on roles such as the full-back and the goalkeeper. Today, we'll be focusing on the winger position in soccer.
This role has been hugely important throughout the history of the game, ever since the sport's formal creation in the mid-19th century. However, things have moved on a lot since then. It's time to take a look at the development of the winger soccer position and explore the players who have made this role their own.
How To Play As A Winger In Soccer
The winger soccer position involves several key duties and responsibilities.
Wingers are positioned on the left or right "wing" of the soccer field, operating along the sidelines throughout the game, predominantly in an attacking capacity. They are expected to provide support to forward players, passing and crossing the ball into threatening areas to create goal-scoring opportunities. Dribbling and ball-carrying skills are also crucial, and technical ability is key.
Traditionally speaking, wingers are also expected to perform defensive tasks. In formations such as 4-4-2, wingers need to be able to track back and help out the full-back behind them, marking, tackling, and intercepting the ball from opposition players.
Getting the balance right between these two aspects of the role is key. If wingers aren't able to provide any support to their defense, they'll let down the team; however, on the other hand, their primary role is offensive, so there's no point in them spending the whole game camped in their own half of the pitch.
So what attributes and skills are needed to perform as a winger in soccer?
Types of Winger
The winger is not a single fixed role — modern coaches use several variations:
Traditional winger: A wide player who hugs the touchline, beats the full-back on the outside and whips crosses into the box — usually right-footed on the right, left-footed on the left.
Inverted winger: A wide player using their “wrong” foot (a left-footer on the right, or a right-footer on the left), so they naturally cut inside to shoot or thread passes rather than cross. Mohamed Salah is a classic example.
Wide forward: A more advanced, goal-focused wide player who operates almost as a second striker from a wide starting position rather than as a creator.
Inside forward: Similar to an inverted winger but positioned higher and narrower, drifting into central scoring areas off the flank.
Wing-back: Not a winger in the strict sense, but in formations such as 3-5-2 the wing-back covers the whole flank — providing the width a winger normally would, while also defending.
The Key Attributes Of A Winger
For teams that like to play with a direct style, wingers are a key asset. However, these types of players can be used in other tactical setups too. Regardless of the system, there are a few key skills that are central to the role of the soccer winger.
#1. Speed
Given that their role requires regular bursts up or down the pitch (particularly in counter-attacking moves), a good winger must be able to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds for long distances. Having blistering pace can leave opposition defenders stranded and get you in on goal.
#2. Crossing
The winger position in soccer is largely about ensuring that balls are delivered into the attacking penalty box from wide areas. Therefore, a good winger must be great at crossing the ball. That doesn't just mean lumping it into the box from miles away; it's about accurate, precise passing into goal-scoring areas.
#3. Dribbling
When wingers receive the ball on the side of the pitch, there's often only one thing on their mind — dribbling. Wingers should be able to beat defenders and get in behind the opposing team defense, by controlling the ball smoothly, getting it out of their feet with efficiency, and dribbling into spaces where they can cross, shoot, or pass the ball.
#4. Skill and Trickery
This links to the last point — when it comes to dribbling, one major advantage is having a few tricks and skills in your locker. Whether it's a simple step-over, a Cruyff turn, or something a little more complicated, technical trickery can go a long way for players who operate on the sidelines.
#5. Stamina
Getting up and down the soccer field throughout the 90 minutes of a match requires huge amounts of stamina and energy. Boosting your fitness levels is crucial if you're going to operate effectively in this position.
#6. Decision Making
When wingers beat their opponents and get into dangerous attacking positions, decision making is super important. Knowing when to cut inside, when to make a simple pass to a central midfielder, when to pick out a cross to a forward, and when to shoot yourself is an integral part of wing play.
#7. Pressing
While not traditionally as big of a part of the winger role, pressing is crucial for wide players in the modern game. Putting pressure on opposition defenders in advanced areas through strategies like gegenpressing allows players to win the ball and create chances in dangerous areas.
The Best Wingers Of All Time
Now, this is an illustrious list. Some incredible players have strutted their stuff on the left and right wing over the years, for numerous elite sides all over the world. Below are a few of the best.
George Best
A highly skillful dribbler who saw himself as an entertainer first and foremost, George Best is regarded as one of soccer's greatest ever players. The Northern Ireland international made over 350 appearances for Manchester United throughout the 1960s and 70s, winning two league titles and a European cup, as well as a ton of individual accolades.
Ronaldinho
Brazil legend Ronaldinho was more than just a winger, but if you had to pin him down to one position, it would usually be on the flanks, cutting inside to boggle opposition defenders with his ridiculous skills and tricks. Winning a Champions League, a Ballon D'or, two La Ligas, and a raft of other awards, in his Barcelona heyday Ronaldinho struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.
Garrincha
A pivotal player in two of Brazil's World Cup victories (1958 and 1962), Garrincha is thought by some to be the greatest winger of all time. With a powerful shot, excellent ball control, explosive pace, and staggering trickery, he helped define the role itself in the mid-20th century. Check out some of his best skills and dribbles here.
Franck Ribery
A slightly more contemporary great, Franck Ribéry was a mainstay of the Bayern Munich side that dominated German and European football in the late 2000s and 2010s. Known for his pace, skill and pinpoint crossing, the French winger was an outstanding dribbler with a long list of honours to his name. He played for Bayern between 2007 and 2019 and retired from playing in 2022.
The Best Wingers In The World Right Now
Far from fading away, the winger has become one of the most prized roles in the modern game. Tactical shifts towards inverted wingers and wide forwards have changed how the position is played, but the best wide players are now among the most expensive and decisive talents in world football.
However, there are still some seriously talented wingers operating at the highest level of the game. Whether they're known for their dribbling skills, blistering pace, or ability to cross the ball, these talents capture everything great about the famous soccer winger.
Lamine Yamal
Still a teenager, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is widely regarded as the best winger in world football. Operating mainly from the right and cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, he combines fearless dribbling, vision and end product well beyond his years, and is already a Spain international and a Ballon d’Or contender.
Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior is one of the most explosive wide players in the game. The Brazilian operates from the left, using searing pace and close control to take on full-backs one against one, and he has been central to Real Madrid’s recent Champions League and LaLiga success.
Neymar
Neymar has always dominated headlines, and his advanced wide position plays a part in that. Famous for his vast array of skills and his desire to take on and beat defenders, the Brazilian won league titles in Brazil, Spain and France during spells with Barcelona and PSG before later moves to Al-Hilal and a return home to Santos. At his peak he was one of the most gifted wide attackers football has seen.
Mohamed Salah
Some would call Salah a forward, others an inverted winger — either way, the Liverpool and Egypt icon has been one of the most consistent wide attackers in the world for years. His habit of starting wide, then cutting inside onto his left foot to shoot or create, has brought him a remarkable goal and assist record in English football.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League. Equally able to create, score, carry the ball and track back defensively, the England international offers exactly the balance modern coaches look for from a wide player.
Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé’s blistering, two-footed dribbling made him the standout wide player of the 2024–25 season, a campaign that earned him the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Comfortable on either flank, he is a constant threat whether cutting inside or going outside his marker.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the role of the goalkeeper in soccer?
Goalkeepers are the last line of defense, a crucial and unique role that requires a specific set of skills that outfield players don't need. Core skills include catching, shot-stopping, footwork, kicking, organization, and demonstrating excellent reflexes and agility. Our article on the role of the goalkeeper has all the detail you need to know.
What are the main positions in soccer?
A functioning soccer team is built around a variety of important positions. Whether you're a central midfielder, a full-back, or a striker, you're expected to fulfill a specific set of duties and tasks. Check out our article on all the key soccer positions explained for more information about the main positions in soccer.
What formation is best for wingers?
There are a few formations that are great for playing speedy, technical wingers, but perhaps the best is 4-4-2. This shape relies on wide attacking midfielders who can get up and down the pitch with speed. Other formations that use winger variations include 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, which converts these wide players to wing-backs. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide to the best soccer formations.
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