Premier League launches Hall of Fame for first two inductees in March

Logo of Premier League /VCG

English top football league, the Premier League on Thursday announced that it will launch its official Hall of Fame to recognize the greatest players in the league, which was started in 1992.

"Since 1992, the Premier League has been home to world-class players who have defined generations and provided us with compelling football season after season. A place in the Premier League Hall of Fame is reserved for the very best. It will be an occasion for our fans around the world to look back over the years and help us celebrate some truly exceptional playing careers," said Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League.

The league said a shortlist of nominees will be released and fans are invited to vote to help select the first two inductees whose names will be revealed on March 19.

Only retired players make eligible candidates and only the "Premier League" part of their careers will be considered for their candidacy.

L-R, upper: Alan Shearer, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ryan Giggs and Rio FerdinandBottom. L-R, lower: Steven Gerrard, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, David Beckham and Thierry Henry. Feng Yuan/CGTN

That means legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsène Wenger will not be in the race, even though they are greater than most players in history.

However, the competition will still be fun because the following names are out there for fans to vote for including Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, and John Terry.

The league defines the membership of Hall of Fame as "the highest individual honor awarded to players."

A personalized medallion, engraved with the year of their induction, will be given to each of the inductees.