Top 10 all-time best Euroleague players

Who are the greatest players in FIBA’s biggest competition? Since its inception in 1958, the debate over the GOAT of the EuroLeague has been a recurring topic of discussion, generation after generation.

Today, we will attempt to answer this existential question based on five criteria listed in order of importance: impact on the game, presence in big moments, intrinsic talent, leadership and statistics.

10) Anthony Parker : He is quite simply the only player in the history of the competition to have won two regular season MVP awards. So how can we explain Anthony Parker’s high ranking? In terms of achievements, it’s hard to do better than two EuroLeague titles. His impact was also undeniable. No player has dominated Europe in the 21st century as much as the swingman. With a shooting percentage of over 40% from behind the arc, his accuracy complemented his physical superiority perfectly. The problem is that the American only played four seasons in the current format. Although he is undoubtedly in the top three in terms of talent, his lack of longevity – a key factor at the highest level – weighs heavily in this ranking.

9) Miloš Teodosić : When Miloš Teodosić was on the court, he did not go unnoticed. In both a good and bad way, no one could remain indifferent to the Serbian’s play. Don’t be fooled by his appearance! This tall, slender combo guard with his unkempt beard surely embodies the quintessence of creativity in the EuroLeague landscape. Although his talent was never in question, it was difficult to build a competitive team around him. His only EuroLeague title came after seven Final Fours and a devastating partnership with a certain Nando De Colo. The 2010 MVP was an unorthodox artist on the court, brilliant to watch but not necessarily the best choice for winning.

8) Šarūnas Jasikevičius : 4 EuroLeague titles, including one MVP award in the finals with 3 different teams. A phrase that perfectly sums up Šarūnas Jasikevičius. Because yes, before shining as a coach, the former point guard lit up the EuroLeague with his talent with the ball in his hands. Creative and generous in his efforts, this free-throw machine (92.7% in his EuroLeague career) particularly shone in his ability to lead his team to victory. Everywhere he went, he imposed his will to win on his teammates, coaches, opponents and even referees. The archetype of the ultimate soldier, he knows the path to victory like the back of his hand. However, his lack of big individual performances prevents him from aiming higher.

7) Mike James : The uncrowned king, the only player in this Top 10 never to have lifted the EuroLeague trophy. And yet Mike James is a big name on the Old Continent. The competition’s all-time leading scorer, the current Monaco point guard shows no signs of slowing down at almost 36 years of age. From Panathinaikos to Monaco via CSKA Moscow, everywhere he has played, the team has revolved around this 1.82m guard. At the same time, with the ball in his hands, he can do everything. Then, on the other side of the court, he gives his all despite regularly facing unfavourable match-ups. However, his attitude off the court raises questions, even impacting his team’s performance. But watch out ! If they win the final, the 2024 MVP could make a huge leap in the rankings.

6) Juan Carlos Navarro : Juan Navarro isn’t nicknamed ‘La Bomba’ (The Bomb) by chance. An offensive firecracker rarely, if ever, seen before, the Catalan guard scored again and again. Lethal from the parking lot with the second-highest number of three-pointers in the competition to this day, the Spaniard had a whole arsenal at his disposal: extraordinary skill, clutch, devastating floaters… Beyond his MVP title in 2009, Navarro also has seven selections in the EuroLeague’s best five, proof of his longevity. His partnership with Ricky Rubio is legendary. A two-time winner of the Champions League, his injury-plagued end to his career leaves a bad taste of unfinished business in the mouth.

5) Vasilije Micić : Less spectacular, less flashy, less athletic… but so effective! A walking brain, Vasilije Micić took his time before establishing himself as a benchmark in European basketball. The turning point came when he signed with Anadolu Efes, which had yet to win a EuroLeague title. There, he achieved back-to-back titles and was named MVP of the finals twice, a first since a certain Vassilis Spanoulis. The point guard bases his game on a very diverse range of skills. He is a solid and intelligent passer, capable of creating his own shot before delivering a perfect pass to his wing player. No matter what tactics his opponents use, he will find a way through. Now playing for Hapoel, the 1.96m Serbian is not done traumatising European defences.

4) Sergio Llull : He is undoubtedly THE face of the EuroLeague. From his rookie season in 2008 to his last dance in 2026, Sergio Llull has stood the test of time without ageing a bit. This is largely thanks to his style, which is based above all on pure technique and vision. While the Merengues captain certainly has superb stamina, he has never needed to push himself to the limit to win his three EuroLeague titles and regular season MVP award. As the face of the world’s biggest club, his effectiveness on both sides of the court makes him a role model for the new generation of Spanish players.

3) Nando De Colo 🥉 : Our first and last French player in this ranking is on the podium! Before Mike James burst onto the EuroLeague scene, the competition’s top scorer was Nando De Colo. Now relegated to second place in this ranking, ‘The Professor’ is recognised as an elite forward. An exceptional shooter, skilled dribbler and accomplished passer, he also has a basketball IQ rarely seen on the Old Continent. His 2015-2016 season ranks among the most dominant in the modern history of the EuroLeague, as does his double MVP (regular season and Final Four) crowned by his first title in the competition. This campaign was far from his only achievement. For seven consecutive years, De Colo was a member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club (2-point shots, 3-point shots, free throws) – a feat that remains unmatched to this day. But in this highly competitive Top 3, his lack of defensive prowess and epic performances work against him.

2) Dimitris Diamantidis 🥈 : 6 DPOY! Dimitris Diamantidis has won the EuroLeague’s best defender title six times. This is surely the most unattainable record in the competition. ‘Offence wins games, defence wins titles.’ A prophet of this principle, his unique contribution without the ball earned him 1 regular season MVP, 2 Final Four MVPs, and most importantly, 3 EuroLeague titles. The point guard had a mind programmed to disrupt opponents’ offensive plans thanks to his mobility and exceptional positioning. Far from being a mere defensive lock, the Greek had no trouble transforming himself into an elite facilitator, with that decisive touch of composure. Honestly, he deserves first place in this ranking. But in the end, offensive creativity always prevails.

1) Vassilis Spanoulis 🥇 : One cannot exist without the other. When Dimitris Diamantidis comes up in conversation, his long-time rival is never far behind. This long-distance duel between the two Greek point guards is probably the most legendary in EuroLeague history. And in this Top 10, the GOAT is… Vassilis Spanoulis! The reason? His ice-cold clutch play has cooled down every European arena. Add to that his passes and shots that come out of nowhere, and he ticks all the boxes of the ultimate player… ‘Kill Bill’, as some call him, is the kind of player who can transform himself into a playmaker for 35 minutes before carrying his team on his back in crunch time. Here too, his track record speaks for itself: 5 finals for 3 EuroLeagues, 3 Final Four MVPs (all-time record) and 1 regular season MVP. And because basketball remains above all a unique vehicle for emotion, few players have stirred up as much passion as Vassilis Spanoulis.