Home » Football » International » Scotland

10 Biggest British Traitors in Football History [Ranked]

The 10 biggest traitors in British football history have been named, including Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

By Callum Bishop · Give Me Sport

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 8:00 AM

Key Things to Know

GiveMeSport ranked the 10 biggest British traitors in football history based on controversial rival switches.
Sol Campbell was ranked first following his contentious 2001 move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal.
Ashley Cole and Mo Johnston were ranked second and third respectively.

The Story in 60 Seconds

GiveMeSport's Callum Bishop ranked the 10 biggest British traitors in football history, focusing on controversial switches between rival clubs. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sol Campbell topped the ranking following his contentious free transfer to North London rivals Arsenal under the Bosman ruling in 2001, where he went on to win major honours.

Bishop placed Ashley Cole second following his contentious 2006 move from Arsenal to Chelsea, while former Celtic and Rangers striker Mo Johnston was ranked third. The list also featured Michael Owen, Nick Barmby, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, former Arsenal and Tottenham manager George Graham, Teddy Sheringham, and Alan Smith.

Read the full article on Give Me Sport

10 Biggest British Traitors in Football History [Ranked]

More Scotland Football News

Never Miss a Sports Update