Top 10 Lebanese Footballers of All Time

Football in Lebanon has seen its fair share of highs and lows, but through it all, the country has produced iconic players who’ve left their mark both at home and abroad. From record-breaking national team scorers to stars who played in Europe’s top leagues, Lebanon’s footballing history is rich with talent, grit, and legacy.

This list celebrates the 10 greatest Lebanese footballers of all time—a mix of household names, national heroes, and quiet legends who shaped the country’s football identity.

1. Hassan Maatouk

• Position: Winger / Forward
• Years Active: 2005 – Present
• National Caps/Goals: 109 caps / 23 goals (Lebanon’s all-time top scorer)
• Notable Clubs: Al Ansar, Nejmeh, Fujairah (UAE), Al Ahed

Hassan Maatouk stands as Lebanon’s all-time leading scorer and most capped player, a modern legend who captains the national team with pride. Known for his dribbling, vision, and leadership, Maatouk has consistently performed on the international stage, scoring crucial goals in World Cup qualifiers and Asian Cup campaigns. He’s not only a key figure on the pitch but a symbol of consistency in Lebanese football.

2. Roda Antar

• Position: Central Midfielder
• Years Active: 1998 – 2016
• National Caps/Goals: 65 caps / 20 goals
• Notable Clubs: Hamburger SV, SC Freiburg, 1. FC Köln (Germany), Jiangsu Sainty (China)

Roda Antar is arguably Lebanon’s most successful export, having played over a decade in Germany’s Bundesliga. A midfield powerhouse with exceptional game-reading skills, Antar was known for his versatility, long-range strikes, and calm presence. He captained Lebanon during pivotal moments and later managed the national team, adding to his legacy.

3. Youssef Mohamad

• Position: Centre-Back
• Years Active: 1999 – 2015
• National Caps/Goals: 81 caps / 3 goals
• Notable Clubs: Olympic Beirut, SC Freiburg, 1. FC Köln

Youssef Mohamad made history as the first Lebanese player to captain a Bundesliga side, leading Köln with distinction. A calm and intelligent defender, Mohamad was revered for his positioning and leadership. His dedication to the national team made him one of Lebanon’s most respected football figures.

4. Adnan Al Sharqi

• Position: Midfielder / Manager
• Years Active: 1960s–1980s (player), 1980s–2000s (manager)
• National Team Caps: 20+
• Notable Club: Al Ansar

Though better known for his legendary coaching career, Adnan Al Sharqi was also a standout player. He led Al Ansar SC to 11 consecutive league titles as manager, a record in Lebanese football. As both a player and a tactical mind, Al Sharqi is often considered the father of modern Lebanese football.

5. Abbas Atwi

• Position: Midfielder
• Years Active: 1997 – 2021
• National Caps/Goals: 88 caps / 8 goals
• Notable Clubs: Nejmeh SC

Nicknamed “Onika,” Abbas Atwi was a midfield maestro for Nejmeh SC and the national team. Known for his playmaking ability and calmness under pressure, he helped Nejmeh secure multiple titles and represented Lebanon across three decades.

6. Mohamed Ghaddar

• Position: Forward
• Years Active: 2002 – 2020
• National Caps/Goals: 51 caps / 19 goals
• Notable Clubs: Al Nejmeh, Kelantan FA (Malaysia), Al-Faisaly (Jordan)

Ghaddar was one of Lebanon’s most prolific forwards, with a strong record in domestic and Asian leagues. He earned cult status in Malaysia and Jordan for his scoring ability and was a frequent goal threat for Lebanon’s national team in the 2000s.

7. Walid Ismail

• Position: Left-Back
• Years Active: 2008 – 2020
• National Caps: 68
• Notable Clubs: Al-Ahed, Nejmeh, Al-Ansar

A dependable left-back, Walid Ismail played a key role in Lebanon’s qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Known for his stamina and tackling, he offered consistent performances and became a national team regular for over a decade.

8. Mahmoud El Ali

• Position: Striker
• Years Active: 2004 – 2013
• National Caps/Goals: 46 caps / 12 goals
• Notable Clubs: Al Ahed, Persiba Balikpapan (Indonesia)

El Ali was a strong, physical striker with a knack for scoring in tough situations. Though his career ended prematurely due to match-fixing allegations, he remains one of Lebanon’s most potent forwards during the early 2010s.

9. Rabih Ataya

• Position: Winger
• Years Active: 2008 – Present
• National Caps/Goals: 40+ caps / 4+ goals
• Notable Clubs: Al Ansar, Al-Faisaly (Jordan), Abha (Saudi Arabia)

A gifted winger known for his dribbling and flair, Ataya has represented Lebanon with energy and creativity. His overseas stints in Jordan and Saudi Arabia raised his profile, and he continues to play a valuable role in domestic and international football.

10. Fadi Ghosn

• Position: Forward
• Years Active: 1990s – 2000s
• National Caps/Goals: 50+ caps
• Notable Clubs: Nejmeh SC

A crucial figure during the 1990s, Ghosn was one of Lebanon’s most effective forwards in the pre-2000s era. He brought experience and leadership to a growing national side and contributed to its development in regional competitions.

Honorable Mentions

• Ali Hamam – Reliable full-back who played in Iran and with Al Ansar.
• Abbas Hassan – Swedish-born Lebanese goalkeeper with caps for the national team.
• Noel Talleh – One of the early pioneers from the 1980s generation.

Conclusion

Lebanon’s football journey is a story of resilience, talent, and pride. The players listed here have not only achieved personal glory but helped inspire generations of footballers across the country. From stadiums in Beirut to Bundesliga arenas, these legends have carried Lebanon’s hopes with honor.

Who would you add to the list? Let us know your favorite Lebanese footballer of all time!