Napoli’s story is one of passion and improbable triumph, defined forever by Diego Maradona and revived by a new generation. These are the ten greatest to play for the Partenopei.

1. 1

   Diego Maradona

   Napoli · Argentina

   The god of Naples, who dragged the club to its only two Serie A titles almost single-handedly.

2. 2

   Marek Hamšík

   Napoli · Slovakia

   The long-serving captain and the club’s record appearance-maker and one-time top scorer.

3. 3

   Dries Mertens

   Napoli · Belgium

   A beloved, versatile forward who became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

4. 4

   Ciro Ferrara

   Napoli · Italy

   A commanding homegrown defender at the heart of the Maradona-era side.

5. 5

   Fabio Cannavaro

   Napoli · Italy

   A future World Cup captain and Ballon d’Or winner who emerged in Naples.

6. 6

   Edinson Cavani

   Napoli · Uruguay

   A ferocious, prolific striker who terrorised Serie A defences.

7. 7

   Gonzalo Higuaín

   Napoli · Argentina

   A clinical marksman who set a Serie A single-season scoring record in blue.

8. 8

   Lorenzo Insigne

   Napoli · Italy

   A homegrown captain and the artist of countless curling finishes.

9. 9

   Kalidou Koulibaly

   Napoli · Senegal

   A dominant, elegant defender and one of the best of his era.

10. 10

    Victor Osimhen

    Napoli · Nigeria

    The explosive striker whose goals fired the club to a long-awaited Scudetto.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.