Ian Rush

Ian James Rush (born 20 October 1961) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a forward. He is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and one of the greatest Welsh players ever. Rush played for Liverpool from 1980 to 1987 and 1988 to 1996. He is the club's all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 346 goals in all competitions. He also holds the records for being the highest goalscorer in the history of the EFL Cup and in FA Cup finals. At international level, Rush made 73 appearances for Wales and remained their record goalscorer with 28 goals, until 2018. Known for his speed and clinical finishing, Rush is regarded as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players. In 2006 he came 3rd among Liverpool players in an official Liverpool fan poll, 100 Players Who Shook The Kop. Ranked the club's 3rd greatest player in another official poll in 2026, his defensive work from the front was also singled out, with the club stating "he was a relentless pressing machine all rolled into one iconic forward." At Liverpool he won five English league championships, three FA Cups, five League Cups and two European Cups. He was also the PFA Players' Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year and received the European Golden Boot in 1984. Rush also had short spells with Chester, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Sydney Olympic. Since retiring as a player in 2000, Rush has had a stint as manager of Chester City (2004–05), and has worked as a television football pundit.