[FULL LIST] From Bale to Bellingham: Best British football exports since 2000

From John Charles scoring goals in Turin to Kevin Keegan lighting up Hamburg and Glenn Hoddle making an impression in Monaco, overseas moves carried an air of adventure.

That has changed dramatically. European and international leagues have become increasingly familiar destinations for British players, with a growing number seeking opportunities outside the UK.

Here is a look at 10 of the standout British exports since the turn of the century according to BBC Sport on Thursday.

10. Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid

Kieran Trippier’s move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 offered the defender a chance to revive his career in Spain.

He became Atletico’s first English player in almost a century and helped Diego Simeone’s side win the La Liga title in the 2020-21 season.

Trippier returned to England after two-and-a-half years in Madrid, joining Newcastle United with a major trophy on his CV.

9.Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan

Fikayo Tomori has established himself as one of the more enduring British players in modern Serie A.

The England defender helped AC Milan win the Scudetto in 2021-22 and was subsequently named in the Serie A team of the season.

His continued presence at one of Italy’s biggest clubs has made his move abroad a significant part of his career.

8.Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund

Jadon Sancho took a major gamble when he left Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old.

The decision quickly paid off. Sancho developed into one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers, scoring 50 goals and registering 64 assists in 137 appearances during his first spell at Dortmund.

He won the German Cup and finished among the leading contenders for the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards.

His success also helped encourage other young British players to consider moving abroad earlier in their careers.

7. David Beckham – Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG

David Beckham’s overseas career stretched across Spain, the United States, Italy and France.

After four seasons at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy and became one of the biggest stars in Major League Soccer.

His arrival brought enormous global attention to the American game. He won two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields before later spending time on loan at AC Milan.

Beckham finished his playing career at Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 before retiring in 2013.

6.Scott McTominay – Napoli

Scott McTominay’s move from Manchester United to Napoli transformed his standing in Italian football.

The Scotland international quickly became a key figure in midfield and helped Napoli win the Serie A title during his debut season.

McTominay scored 12 league goals and was named Serie A’s MVP, becoming a popular figure among Napoli supporters.

• From Buffon to Ronaldo: Wenger’s list of Arsenal transfer misses
• Yamal brace fires Spain past Croatia, England beat 10-man Czechia
• UEFA Nations League: Olise wonder goal gives France win in Belgium

His success in Naples has given him a prominent place among Britain’s recent football exports.

5.Owen Hargreaves – Bayern Munich

Owen Hargreaves followed an unusual route into elite European football.

Born in Canada, he moved to Bayern Munich at 16 and went on to win four Bundesliga titles and several German Cups.

His greatest achievement came in the 2001 Champions League final, when Bayern defeated Valencia on penalties at San Siro.

Hargreaves played the full 120 minutes in midfield and became one of the few British players to win Europe’s biggest club competition with a foreign team.

4. Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham followed a path similar to Sancho, leaving England as a teenager to join Borussia Dortmund.

Three seasons in Germany established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders before Real Madrid completed a move worth more than £100m.

Bellingham immediately made an impact in Spain, scoring 23 goals in all competitions as Madrid won both La Liga and the Champions League.

He also finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.

3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich ended his long association with Tottenham and gave him the opportunity to test himself in another major European league.

The England captain has produced remarkable scoring numbers in Germany, reaching 100 Bundesliga goals faster than any player in the competition’s history.

His Bayern career has also brought the major team honours he had long sought, including Bundesliga titles and the German Cup.

His individual achievements have included the European Golden Shoe during his first season in Germany.

2. Steve McManaman – Real Madrid

Steve McManaman’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999 was a landmark transfer for an English player.

He became the first Englishman since Laurie Cunningham to play for the Spanish giants and made a major contribution during four seasons at the Bernabeu.

McManaman scored a memorable volley in the 2000 Champions League final against Valencia and also collected another Champions League medal in 2002.

He won two La Liga titles during his Madrid career and became one of the most successful English players to establish himself in Spain.

1. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid and LAFC

Gareth Bale’s nine-year spell at Real Madrid produced one of the most decorated overseas careers by a British footballer.

The Wales international won five Champions League titles and scored three times in Champions League finals.

His most famous final goal came in 2018, when his spectacular overhead kick helped Real Madrid defeat Liverpool.

Bale scored 106 goals in 258 appearances for Madrid and added further silverware during his brief spell with LAFC, winning both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield.

His achievements in Madrid place him among the most successful British players ever to play outside the UK.