Swansea City Association Football Club, a Welsh association football club based in the city of Swansea, was founded in 1912 under the name of Swansea Town and joined the Second Division of the Southern Football League. Following the First World War, the Southern League dropped its Second Division, and with many clubs droppin out due to financial difficulties, Swansea were placed in the First Division. After four seasons in the Southern League, Swansea Town became founder members of the new Third Division of the Football League in 1920. During the club's 106-year existence, it has competed in a number of nationally and internationally organised competitions, and all players who have played in 100 or more such matches are listed below.
Roger Freestone holds the club record for most appearances in all competitions, having played 676 times in all competitions during two different spells spanning from 1989 to 2004. Wilfred Milne holds the record for the most league appearances, having made 583 appearances in his time at Swansea from 1920 to 1937. Ashley Williams holds the record for the number of international caps attained whilst playing for Swansea City. He represented Wales 64 times before he transferred to Everton in 2016.
The all-time goalscoring record is held by Ivor Allchurch. He scored 163 league goals, and 188 goals in all competitions during his two spells at Swansea. The nearest player that comes close to his tally, is Robbie James who scored 117 league goals in a Swansea career that began in 1972 and ended in 1990.
Key
The list is ordered first by number of appearances in total, then by number of League appearances, and then if necessary by date of debut.
Statistics are correct up to and including the match played on 31 March 2018. Where a player left the club permanently after this date, his statistics are updated to his date of leaving.
Playing positions are listed according to the tactical formations that were employed at the time. Thus, the change in the names of defensive and midfield positions reflects the tactical evolution that occurred from the 1960s onwards.
Club career
Club career is defined as the first and last calendar years in which the player appeared for the club in any of the competitions listed below.
League appearances and goals comprise those in the Football League and the Premier League. Due to the onset of the Second World War, appearances and goals from the first three games of the 1939–40 Football League season are excluded.
International selection
Countries are listed only for players who have been selected for international football at senior level.
Caps
For players having played at full international level, the caps column counts the number of such appearances during his career with the club.
Players with 100 or more appearances
A one-club man, Wilfred Milne holds the club record for most appearances in the Football League. He appeared in 583 league games between 1920 and 1937
Roberto Martínez joined Swansea in 2003, and helped save the club from dropping out of the Football League. Martínez eventually became the club's manager and won the 2007–08 Football League One title
Gylfi Sigurðsson scored 34 league goals for Swansea during his two spells at the club. This is club record for the most goals scored by a single player in the top flight of English football. He also holds the record for being Swansea's most expensive sale when he joined Everton for a fee believed to be £45 million
List of Swansea City A.F.C. players with 100 or more appearances in all competitions.
P Player moved to Swansea permanently following a loan spell.
References
General
Jones, Colin (2012). Swansea Town & City Football Club: The Complete Record 1912-2012 From Southern League to the Barclays Premier League. Dinefwr Publishers. ISBN978-1904323-26-6.
Clubs are grouped by their division in the 2024–25 season. Includes the Welsh clubs where lists have been created. 'POTY' = 'Player of the Year / Season'.