David James, Peter Harris and Nwankwo Kanu – Top 10 Portsmouth legends every fan should know
Portsmouth are one of the most historic clubs in England, and have a rich history that dates back decades.
John Mousinho’s League One title victory wrote him into Portsmouth’s history books in 2024 as he returned Pompey to the Championship.
Since then, the manager and multiple players have been looking to become Portsmouth’s next legend, with fans dreaming of a return to the Premier League.
As a result, Pompey News has examined 10 legends that every supporter at Fratton Park should know.
Peter Harris – Forward (1945-60)
Appearances: 515
Goals: 211
Part of the double title-winning side of 1949 and 1950, the winger was a prolific goal scorer at his boyhood club.
Peter Harris netted 39 goals across the two league-winning seasons, cementing himself as a legend at the South Coast club.
Nwankwo Kanu – Forward (2006-12)
Appearances: 167
Goals: 28
Nwankwo Kanu is a legendary figure for Portsmouth for his role in Pompey’s FA Cup victory.
Signing for the South Coast club in 2006, he would go on to play at Portsmouth for six seasons, scoring the winner in both the FA Cup semi-final and final.
His goal against Cardiff at Wembley remains one of the most memorable moments in Portsmouth’s history.
David James – Goalkeeper (2006-10)
Appearances: 158
Goals: 0
Another iconic player in Portsmouth’s Premier League era, the former England international was Pompey’s main man between the sticks for years.
During his time at Pompey, the goalkeeper kept 50 clean sheets and was named in the Premier League Team of the Year for the 2007/08 season.
In 2007, he became the first Portsmouth player to be capped by England since 1984.
Alan Knight – Goalkeeper (1978-2000)
Appearances: 801
Goals: 0
Alan Knight is Portsmouth’s second-highest appearance maker and is the only player to represent Pompey across four different decades.
During his time at the South Coast club, he was part of the Blues side to achieve three promotions from Division Four to Division One in the 1980s.
He did return in the 2003/04 campaign as an emergency back-up, although he did not make a single appearance.
Jimmy Dickinson – Midfielder (1946-65)
Appearances: 828
Goals: 10
Jimmy Dickinson is Portsmouth’s current record holder for appearances, making 828 in his nearly two-decade spell, a feat that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
The left midfielder played a major role in Pompey’s two title wins in 1949 and 1950 and won the most England caps of any Portsmouth player at 48.
By his retirement, Dickinson had never been booked or sent off throughout his career.
Arjan de Zeeuw – Defender (2002-05)
Appearances: 118
Goals: 5
Arjan de Zeeuw was fundamental to Portsmouth’s rise back into the top-flight in the early 2000s and maintaining their place in the Premier League.
The centre-back helped Pompey win the second tier before successfully surviving the drop, which subsequently saw him voted the club’s Player of the Year by the Pompey faithful for the 2003/04 campaign.
Jermain Defoe – Forward (2008-09)
Appearances: 36
Goals: 17
While his time was brief, Jermain Defoe made a big impact at Fratton Park.
The striker spent around a year at Portsmouth, netting 17 times, including a goal in Portsmouth’s first-ever European match against Vitoria de Guimaraes, which ended in a 2-0 win.
Linvoy Primus – Defender (2000-09)
Appearances: 219
Goals: 6
Often partnering de Zeeuw was Linvoy Primus, who was vital in Portsmouth’s golden age.
The defender was a prominent figure in the Premier League and shone on multiple occasions.
Primus would eventually retire in 2009 after a struggle with injuries.
Sol Campbell – Defender (2006-09)
Appearances: 111
Goals: 2
Going back to the Premier League era, and Sol. Campbell was the captain of the Portsmouth side that lifted the FA Cup.
The defender joined on a free transfer in 2006 and oversaw a golden age at Fratton Park.
His ability was no doubt vital in ensuring Portsmouth kept their Premier League status for longer on top of their cup victory.
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