The best players in the world change on an almost weekly basis, with form fluctuating and superstars making statements of supremacy.
But there's a group of places who are consistently among the best on Earth: and these are the top 100. We asked our experts at FourFourTwo to provide you with the top century of talents on planet Earth, Ballon d'Or candidates included in each and every position. So here's your complete list from 100 right down to No.1.
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How we chose our list of the 100 best players on Earth
168 players from across the world were voted for in our list, with the top-rated player in world football right now a unanimous pick among our football experts. In our process, we asked our team to consider the top 30 players in the world – just as the Ballon d'Or is decided – but we also asked them to give us their list of the best player in the world in every position. We wanted current ability but also historic achievements in order to reflect brilliance over the last couple of years and not just recency bias.
Lists for the best player in the world are often skewed by attacking talents, however. We rightfully wanted to consider the game-changers and the obvious answers to who may be the most influential and technically gifted, of course – but being an excellently reliable full-back who may never match the output of an inside forward, for example, still deserves consideration among the elite.
So we asked the FourFourTwo team for a list of the 30 best players in the world right now – just as the Ballon d'Or is decided. Players ranked first on a list were given 30 points, second 29, down to those 30th on a list given just one.
Other FourFourTwo lists have played into this selection, however. We have lists of the best goalkeepers, right-backs, centre-backs, left-backs, defensive midfielders, central midfielders, attacking midfielders, right-wingers, left-wingers and centre-forwards – where our experts were asked to rank their top 10. Similarly, we gave 10 points to a player ranked top of a list, down to one point for a player ranked 10th.
100. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
He may be more of a bit-part player these days, but the fact Luka Modric is still regularly turning out for Real Madrid says it all about his quality on the ball.
Few can pull the strings from midfield just quite like Modric. The Croatian may not play every single game for the Spanish Champions, but when he does he still has the fitness, ability and tactical intelligence to influence the big matches.
99. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
The teenage Portugal sensation seems to have already taken his game onto a new level since swapping Benfica for Paris Saint-Germain in a £60 million deal back in the summer.
A tenacious and aggressive midfielder presser, who can create from deep, Neves knows how to draw the opposition in before finding teammates in more space. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez may well regret not using Neves in the knockout stage of the Euros. He looks the real deal.
98. David Alaba (Real Madrid)
The best Austrian player of all-time? Quite possibly. Alaba has, so far, not played in 2024 after tearing his ACL in December of last year.
But the Real Madrid full-back has certainly been consistent enough over such a long time to stay on this list.
97. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan’s rock at the back, Alessandro Bastoni was outstanding last season as his team cruised to a 20th league title. Strong, physical and with an ability to read the game, Bastoni’s sweet left foot his made him a ball-playing centre-half.
If you’re one of the best defenders in Serie A, you’ll always be assured of a place on this list. Bastoni is just that.
96. Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
Arguably the most improved goalkeeper of the past 12 months, Unai Simon was crucial Spain’s fourth European Championship last summer in Germany.
Simon’s form at Athletic Club has improved year-on-year and the 6ft3 stopper is now widely regarded as one of the best in La Liga. His save from Declan Rice’s header in the dying moments of the Euros final is evident of how he relishes the big occasions.
95. Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal)
Only Manchester City could have afforded to let Joao Cancelo leave. Every other club in European football would have desperately tried to hold onto the Portuguese full-back, as Barcelona did before his move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Few can influence an elite game from full-back in the way that Cancelo does, often cutting inside to help create midfield overloads. Hopefully we see him back in the European club game one day.
94. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Has a player ever improved more on the back of winning the World Cup than Emi Martinez? Prior to Qatar 2022, Martinez was an excellent Premier League goalkeeper – as Aston Villa fans will tell you.
But since then, the Argentine has taken his game onto another level becoming one of the best on the planet. Certainly not lacking in confidence, his recent clean sheet display against Bayern Munich showed just where his game is at.
93. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Is it possible to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, yet simultaneously be underrated? Jan Oblak somehow appears to be both.
With outstanding reactions and a physical presence that allows him to dominate his penalty area, Oblak would walk into most teams on the planet. His decade of service at Atletico Madrid is a big part of how Diego Simeone’s side have been able to stay competitive with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
92. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
The dip in form Son Heung-min suffered under Antonio Conte feels a long time ago now. Since Ange Postecoglou rocked up at Tottenham, Son has managed to get back to his best form.
Harry Kane’s departure made him the main man in North London and the South Korean has taken the responsibility in his stride.
90. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
One of the brightest sparks for Barcelona at a time when they are trailing in Real Madrid’s wake. Balde is athletic, explosive but uses the ball in an intelligent way when entering the opposition final third.
He suffered an injury midway through last season for Barça but has bounced back already. Expect to see him become one Europe’s best left-backs in the next two to three years.
89. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
England’s wealth of options in attack can be summed up in one stat from the 2024 European Championships. Anthony Gordon spent a grand total of six minutes on the pitch.
Whilst he does have some tough competition at international level, it is remarkable considering Gordon’s outstanding consistency in 2023/24. Gordon deservedly claimed the Player of the Year award at Newcastle United in his first full season with the Magpies. Ferocious speed and improved decision making has made him one of the best wingers in the top flight.
88. Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
Perhaps the ultimate modern wing-back, lifelong Inter supporter Federico Dimarco has become one of the most important players at the club he loves. Tough tackling, Dimarco also has a powerful engine for covering the hard yards down Inter’s left hand side.
The Italian international also chips in with assists and is more the capable of a spectacular goal on occasion.
87. Gavi (Barcelona)
Imagine Gavi born ten or 15 years earlier and getting to some time to play with Xavi and Andres Iniesta. At times he is a hybrid of both.
Normally featuring as one of two attacking midfielders at Barcelona, Gavi is one of the best in the world at receiving the ball in the inside channel, between the lines. Could he go onto to be one of the great midfielders of his generation?
86. Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Although injuries remain a thorn in his side, on his day Luke Shaw remains a high quality left-back. Athletic and possessing an excellent left-foot, England suffered without him at the Euros, Shaw only returning for the final against Spain.
His defensive positioning and excellent energy levels make him one of the best in the Premier League.
85. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
It’s no coincidence that Tottenham’s 2023/24 season suffered when Micky van de Ven picked up an injury. His searing pace at the back allows Spurs to play a high line and underpins the teams wider tactical approach.
His incredible assist against Manchester United in September showed just how good he is with the ball at his feet as well. Easily one of the best young defenders in Europe.
84. Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
He may have missed Euro 2024 through injury, but PSG defender Lucas Hernandez remains one of the best left-backs in Europe. Younger brother Theo may be the more attacking of the two, but Lucas’ physicality and aerial power make him an outstanding one-on-one defender.
Currently out of action with an ACL injury, Hernandez often goes under the radar but remains remarkably consistent.
83. Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, on loan from Liverpool)
For so long Alisson has been not only Liverpool’s undisputed number one, but also one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
But next year Giorgi Mamardashvili will have the chance to unseat the Brazilian as Anfield’s top keeper. The signing is testament to Mamardashvili’s ability. The Georgian keeper is 6ft6, quick off his line, and capable of stunning reaction saves.
82. Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain)
Something of a child prodigy, having signed his first sponsor deal aged 13, Xavi Simons looks like someone who will actually live up to the teenage hype.
Brilliant on the ball, Simons is also a very intelligent player without it, with forward runs and movement that shows a wisdom beyond his years. Another brilliant young Dutch talent. Quite why PSG are willing to loan him out to RB Leipzig remains a mystery.
81. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
An untimely ACL injury meant that Arsenal fans didn’t get to see much of Jurrien Timber last season. But Gooners are quickly seeing what he is all about this season, with the Dutch defender already looking a class act.
Speedy, confident at stepping into midfield and an excellent reader of the game, Timber is one of Europe’s top young defenders and can expect to be part of the Netherlands national side for years to come.
80. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Something of a late bloomer, former Exeter City striker Watkins' career has caught fire over the past 12 months. He netted 27 times for Aston Villa last season and was a huge factor in their tour four finish, as everything clicked for a player who has no major weaknesses. His fine 2023/24 campaign was topped off nicely by his Euro 2024 semi-final winner for England against the Netherlands.
79. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese midfielder enjoyed a breakout season in 2023/24 as he began to realise the potential that saw Paris Saint-Germain shell out more than €40m for his services in 2022.
as the ability to sit deep and dictate the play, with his attacking output on display last year when he netted seven goals and assisted four more in his 28 Ligue 1 performances. PSG’s burgeoning midfield set up of Vitnha, Warren Zaire-Emerty and compatriot Joao Neves could quickly develop into one of Europe’s best units.
78. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Injuries slowed the Paris Saint-Germain defender down last season and his presence was missed by the French champions as they lacked his progressive passing and leadership skills when he was absent. The Brazilian turned 30 in the summer, but remains a vital player for PSG as they move out of their Galaticos era following Kylian Mbappe’s departure.
77. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
It’s taken a while, but Mikel Arteta finally appears to have cracked what Kai Havertz’s best position is: a striker. The German international appears hell-bent on proving his club made the right call by not bringing in a big-money number nine in the summer as he looks to take on the role as the Gunners’ centre-forward.
His movement and timing in the box shows he has the footballing brain to excel in this role and if his purple patch continues, he could well find himself in possession of a Premier League winners’ medal by the end of the season.
76. Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
The Frenchman’s headscratchingly-brilliant run of 12 titles in 11 seasons came to an end last year, with the winger’s late-season injury perhaps a clue as to what Bayern were missing during the run-in. Coman will now be keen to prove that last season was a blip and has already shown new boss Vincent Kompany his worth in a star-packed attack.
75. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo enjoyed something of a breakout tournament at Euro 2024 as he announced himself to a mainstream audience with his breakneck attacking displays and eye for a killer pass helped fire Spain to the title.
A €60m move back to his boyhood club followed after he took the scenic route to success following stints at Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig.
74. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
While the Brazilian didn’t hit his 2022/23 heights last season, he still retains the talents that can make him a difference-maker in Mikel Arteta’s multi-faceted Arsenal attack. His pace will always cause defenders issues and his Stakhanovite work ethic won’t always go noticed by everyone but is well appreciated by both his boss and his teammates.
73. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
The Euro 2024 winner was at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list this summer, but opted to stay true to his roots as the San Sebastian native chose to remain at Real Sociedad. Loyalty, then, can be added to his impressive list of attributes that includes composure, control, decision making and the ability to set the tempo against the world’s best midfielders.
72. Benjamin White (Arsenal)
The former Brighton man has successfully pivoted from one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs to one of the best right-backs over the past two seasons and is a big reason why Arsenal have one of the best defences in the Premier League.
With more competition added to the Gunners backline this summer in the shape of Riccardo Calafiori, White will need to up his game to keep his place in Mikel Arteta’s backline – but this is a challenge the classy 26-year-old is more than capable of.
71. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
The Swedish hitman has gone from the Championship to the Champions League over the past 18 months, with Sporting’s €20million move for the former Coventry City man in 2023 paying dividends, as Gyokeres has become one of Europe’s most deadly strikers, netting 43 goals in 50 appearances last term.
With a host of Europe’s biggest clubs showing an interest in him, the prolific 26-year-old’s next move will be fascinating.
70. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
You know you’re always going to get 100 per cent commitment from Robertson, who is as popular now as he has ever been throughout a distinguished spell as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back. That’s in spite of what was, by his own standards, a frustrating 2023/24 campaign, nearly half of which he missed with a shoulder injury – but the Scot now looks to be just as important to Arne Slot as he was to Klopp.
69. Gabriel (Arsenal)
The rock around which Mikel Arteta has built an extremely defensive-sound Arsenal side and a menace from set pieces, Gabriel has deservedly and steadily carved out a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs.That partnership with William Saliba has the potential to become a classic pairing at a club with a very long and proud history of centre-back duos.
68. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
The past 12 months have been a mixture of pride and frustration for Dumfries. The right-back helped Inter claim the Serie A title, but found himself mostly playing from the bench in the second half of the season. The new contract Dumfries signed in September suggests they continue to prize him, however.
Dumfries was then given a show of faith by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman at the Euros as he started ahead of the far more prolific Jeremie Frimpong, only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals.
67. Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
The centre-back missed a long spell with an ACL injury last season, which can be extremely difficult for players to come back from without losing a step.But Eder was able to return ahead of schedule to play a cameo role in Real Madrid’s latest Champons League triumph and a more prominent part in seeing out their La Liga title victory. He’s now back to starting every game for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and kept Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes out of the Brazil side throughout their Copa America campaign.
66. Mike Maignan (Milan)
Injury problems have hampered the AC Milan and France goalkeeper this year, but there’s no doubting his importance to either sideMaignan particularly underscored his credentials at this summer’s Euro 2024, where he was the goalkeeper of choice in the team of the tournament after keeping four clean sheets and conceding just three goals in his six outings for his country.
65. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembele is a relative rarity at elite level nowadays: a winger whose assists usually far outstrip his goals. There’s nothing wrong with that when he’s had some of the teammates he has down the years.
Kylian Mbappe’s departure from PSG has increased the impetus on Dembele to contribute more in front of goal – and within just a few games, he has put himself on course to have his best goalscoring season of his career.
64. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
A very modern full-back. And yes, by which we mean he is unbelievably attacking to the extent that his defensive work sometimes leaves a bit to be desired.
But there’s no faulting Porro’s application, and after a difficult start to life at Tottenham, he has become one of the most notable right-backs in the division. At 25 years old, his prime years may still be ahead of him too.
63. Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
Sane has never quite been able to enter the conversation among the world’s very greatest players, as some had hoped in his youth, with a tendency towards hot and cold spells counting against him. Nonetheless, taken from one season to the next, Sane has remained remarkably consistent in his goals and assists output. When he does hit a vein of form, the winger can be genuinely sensational.
62. Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
He may now face a fight for his England future – he’ll be 36 by the time the next World Cup rolls around – but Walker remains a key player for one of the best club sides in the world under the management of this generation’s greatest manager.
Walker’s work under Pep Guardiola continues to set new expectations for full-backs playing under progressive managers, but only a handful have actually been able to do it with the same comfort as Walker.
61. Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Just 18 years old but already being entrusted with a pivotal midfield role at PSG, Zaire-Emery has quickly made a name for himself as an exceptionally promising creative-yet-tidy prospect.
The youngster didn’t play a single minute at Euro 2024 despite being included in Didier Deschamps’ squad, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before we see him nail down a starting berth for himself.
60. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes has endured some difficult periods at Manchester United, not helped by a lack of stability on and off the pitch. But he has, for the most part, been his team’s standout player, racking up double figures in goals and assists every season since he joined the club in 2020.
Creative, technically superb and a strong finisher, Fernandes has often dragged United through difficult periods, producing moments of quality when others couldn’t. While the Portugal international has his critics, he has been a demonstrable success at Old Trafford.
59. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
While occasionally underappreciated slightly at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka appears to be playing the best football of his career in his 30s. The Swiss midfielder enjoyed an exceptional 2023-24 season after joining Bayer Leverkusen, who went on to win the Bundesliga for the first time ever without losing a single game.
Xhaka was an integral part of that success under Xabi Alonso, playing with maturity and real tactical intelligence throughout the campaign. And he has been capped 131 times for Switzerland, cementing himself as one of his country’s greatest ever players.
58. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
Hakan Calhanoglu is in a small group of players to have represented both Milan and Inter Milan, but it is with the latter that he has truly thrived. The technically brilliant Turkey international has helped his side to a Serie A title and two Coppa Italias, and last season netted 15 goals in all competitions from midfield.
Few players in world football take a better set-piece than Calhanoglu, who is particularly potent from direct free-kicks. And his excellent range of passing is key to Simone Inzaghi’s style of play.
57. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
It is easy to forget that Jeremy Doku is still only 22 and has plenty of time to further improve. The Manchester City winger is explosive and almost unplayable at his best, able to surge past defenders with apparent ease and pick out a teammate or fire off a powerful shot.
While his end product is occasionally lacking, with more time under Pep Guardiola he is likely to become more consistent and well-rounded, a frightening prospect for Premier League full-backs.
56. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli)
The summer transfer window might not have gone entirely to plan for Victor Osimhen, but he remains one of the most lethal strikers in the world. A prolific 2022/23 season at Napoli was the highlight of his career so far, and his goals helped I Partenopei to a first Scudetto in 33 years.
Osimhen is now on loan at Galatasaray, but expect the 25-year-old to score goals at the highest level for years to come. Come the end of this season, Osimhen will likely be a wanted man by the European elite.
55. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Manuel Neuer is a household name and without question one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to play the game. At 38, he remains Bayern Munich’s No.1, having made well over 500 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.
The Germany international, who has won 11 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Cup, was arguably the first ‘sweeper keeper’, rushing out of his area to make interceptions or venturing far out to contribute to the buildup. Aside from his influence on the position, Neuer has been remarkably consistent at the top level for almost two decades.
54. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Alexander Isak has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022. The 2023/24 season was the Sweden international’s best yet: he netted 21 goals in just 30 top flight appearances, alerting some of Europe’s biggest clubs and sparking inevitable transfer rumours.
But the 25-year-old remains at Newcastle, who have ambitions to reach the very top. With Isak leading the line, their chances of success will be significantly higher.
53. David Raya (Arsenal)
When David Raya arrived at Arsenal last year, it was not immediately obvious that he would displace Aaron Ramsdale. But the former Brentford goalkeeper is now without question the No.1 at the Emirates having earned Mikel Arteta’s trust.
Crucially, the Spaniard is excellent with the ball at his feet, a key attribute given Arsenal’s tendency to play out from the back. His long-range passes are excellent and he often plays a big part in his side’s buildup. And Raya’s shot-stopping appears to get better and better. When the Gunners’ strong defence is occasionally breached, the goalkeeper is usually on hand to make a save.
52. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Aurelien Tchouameni has gone from strength to strength since joining Real Madrid from Monaco in 2022. Now 24, the French midfielder was touted as a wonderkid for several years before his move to the Spanish capital, and he has certainly fulfilled his potential in the years since.
Tchouameni was a key figure in last season’s La Liga title win, performing consistently in midfield and providing a platform for the more attacking, glamorous Real Madrid players to thrive. Excellent on the ball and uniquely adept at winning it back, Tchouameni has become an important player for Los Blancos.
51. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Even as a centre-back, you don’t hold down a regular place in a Pep Guardiola side without considerable class on the ball, and that’s what Dias brings.
The centre-back is one the manager’s most trusted players when it comes to providing leadership on and off the pitch, too, saying last year: “Ruben is not playing just his game. He is playing the game for everyone. He has the ability to see and solve the problems for many things. His character is so important. His leadership is huge.
50. John Stones (Manchester City)
The defender (…are we still calling him a defender?) has always been limited in his minutes for Manchester City thanks to long-standing fitness niggles, but the fact that Pep Guardiola still sees such value in him as a squad player regardless speaks volumes of his influence and quality.
If there was anything people actually liked about England at the Euros, meanwhile, it was their overall defensive solidity, and Stones was present for every minute of their excruciating trickle through to the final.
49. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
The goalkeeper has played in the region of 450 competitive games for club and country already – and he’s only 25. That’s a bit ridiculous, isn’t it?
This actually hadn’t been a banner year for Donnarumma, in all honesty, with some high-profile errors putting his PSG place at risk and Italy suffering through a profoundly disappointing Euros campaign. But he’s still good value for a place in the list: his save percentage and performance against expected goals remain sky high overall.
48. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Martinez won the Serie A golden boot at an absolute canter last season, netting 24 times for Inter – 50% more than was managed by his closest rival, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. That marked three years in a row that Martinez had breached the 20-goal mark in a division that has long been notoriously difficult for strikers.
It really has been an outstanding year for Martinez even by his own standards, though. He skippered Inter to the league title in his first season wearing the armband and was the top scorer at the Copa America, with his fifth and final goal of the tournament winning the trophy for Argentina in extra time.
47. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Leave it to a Brazilian defensive midfielder to also be a reliable source of goals and assists. Bruno had an excellent campaign even as Newcastle laboured at times last season, netting a few crucial strikes along the way. That helped make up Eddie Howe’s mind to hand the charismatic Bruno the captain’s armband over the summer.
His performances have suffered a bit over the start of the season, in truth, which Howe puts down to his having had a hectic year playing constantly both on Tyneside and for Brazil. Not surprising if he needs a rest, though: at time of writing, Bruno’s missed just one game for club or country in all competitions since March 2023, and that was for a yellow-card totting up suspension.
46. Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich)
An absolute midfield destroyer for Fulham last season, helping them to maintain one of the best defensive records in the bottom half of the Premier League. And we honestly don’t mean that to be damning with faint praise.
Just ask Bayern Munich, who this summer doubled the money Fulham had paid for Palhinha just two years early to take him to the Bundesliga. At time of writing, his opportunities have been limited, but his time will surely come.
45. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Described by Carlo Ancelotti as ‘the best defensive full-back in the world’, Mendy is quite happy to let others in his position win plaudits for their goals and assists.
Taking a cue from The Rock, Mendy knows his role, which is to help Real keep the back door shut and provide a platform for their more extravagant talents to do their thing…which actually makes it quite surprising that Didier Deschamps, of all people, doesn’t especially fancy him for France.
44. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
We mean, what is there to say anymore? Obviously he’s not the player he once was, but he’s 37 for goodness’ sake, and still comfortably the best player at his level over in MLS with Inter Miami, where his combined goals and assists record is now in excess of one per game.
Messi is still going strong on the international scene, too, skippering Argentina to their Copa America triumph over the summer.
43. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Already well-versed in the Premier League from his time at Brighton, Mac Allister has proven to be an excellent pick-up for Liverpool since his move last summer – despite being given a very different brief.
It’s a bit of a simplification to say the Argentine was primarily a goalscoring attacking midfielder at his former club, but his move to a more deep-lying role at Anfield was unexpected nonetheless. After some initial difficulties, he has adapted superbly, and has been one of the side’s most consistent performers for Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot and Lionel Scaloni alike.
42. Pedri (Barcelona)
An exceptionally well-rounded midfielder at just 21 years old, Pedri is already halfway to feeling like a Barcelona veteran having been in the first-team for over four years.
Recurrent hamstring injuries have continued to hamper his playing time somewhat, but when he is fit he is an automatic starter for his club and for Spain, who he helped get through the early stages of Euro 2024 only to pull up injured in the quarter-finals. He’s started finding the net more regularly over the past few months, too.
41. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
The left-back last season had his most productive season since his 2019 move from Vancouver to Bayern Munich, providing six assists and two goals to their cause in a disappointing Bundesliga campaign.
The Canadian is in the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena, but opted to stay put over the summer despite speculation linking him with moves elsewhere. As he told ESPN: “As of now, my full focus is to stay healthy and to play the game with the club I'm with right now. I'm not focused on what's going on in the future. Just focusing on staying healthy and helping my team win."
40. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
The famously quiet Londoner-turned-French superstar stepped from Croydon to Bavaria over the summer and has managed the step up superbly. Michael Olise has been a complete player for Vincent Kompany, playing both centrally and on the right-wing to earn himself a senior call-up for Les Bleus. He's only going in one direction.
39. Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
When Luis Diaz arrived at Liverpool in January 2022, he helped reinvigorate an attacking unit that needed some refreshment. Energetic, tricky and direct, the Colombian proved a menace for Premier League defenders from the off, immediately endearing himself to the Anfield faithful.
There have been dips in form since but Diaz has always been a constant threat, as well as a selfless team player, capable of performing his role within a system while producing moments of outrageous flair. Few players in the Premier League dribble with as much confidence and aggression as the 27-year-old, who has hit new heights so far under Arne Slot in 2024/25.
38. Ederson (Manchester City)
Ederson was one of the first and most important ingredients in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City team. Without a goalkeeper capable of passing the ball like a midfielder, all of the titles might not have been possible. And Ederson, since his move from Benfica in 2017, has set new standards for ball-playing goalkeepers.
The Brazilian is completely unflappable and often takes what appear to be outrageous risks. But his ability to play out of trouble and find teammates all over the pitch with unerring accuracy has made him indispensable at City, where he has won six Premier League titles. He’s not a bad shot-stopper either.
37. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Antoine Griezmann may as well be remembered as a one-club man of Atletico Madrid – even if that's twisting the truth to omit the rise (Real Sociedad) and the fall (Barcelona) – but the many masks he's worn over the years are staggering. Truly, he is the David Bowie of the modern game.
A space invader behind Diego Costa, a frontman in his own right for Diego Simeone, a midfield workhorse at international level. Griezmann has done it all, and as though sun looks like setting on his club career in the coming years, he's still captivating, whatever he chooses to be. It's been a pleasure: just gonna have to be a different man for Simeone soon…
36. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga is still only 21 but already he has racked up well over 100 appearances for Real Madrid. Having been identified as a precocious and uniquely talented teenager at Rennes, the France international has lived up to the billing. He made 40 appearances in his first season with Los Blancos, clearly not overawed by the significant step up.
In the years since, Camavinga has continued to mature and improve, looking more composed in possession and mopping up loose balls in midfield. Alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, he has proved to be an excellent addition for a Real Madrid side looking to rebuild their midfield for a future without Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
35. Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Alex Grimaldo has not only transformed Bayer Leverkusen, he's terrorised the Bundesliga – all from full-back. Not bad for someone who was rejected by Barcelona and seemingly overlooked by the whole of Europe while at Benfica.
Grimaldo is one of the most complete players in Europe, able to attack and defend with equal ferocity, while positionally, he's sound on and off the ball. He was integral in Leverkusen's unbeaten title tilt and really should have played more at the Euros. The best free signing of all time? He's up there.
34. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for a long time. Rangy and lanky, the Belgian might appear a little unwieldy, but he uses his size to his full advantage. Countless players have watched a shot that appears destined for the top corner only to see a long arm fly through the air and tip the ball away.
Courtois first made an impression at Atletico Madrid, helping Diego Simeone’s side to an unexpected La Liga title in 2013-14. That success was built on a strong defence, and Courtois was key again as Chelsea won the Premier League in both 2014-15 and 2016-17. That earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he has won three more La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues, putting in a man-of-the-match display in the 2022 final against Liverpool.
33. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich has been at Bayern Munich for almost a decade and seems to get better each year. The versatile midfielder, who has often played as a full-back, is among the most technically-proficient players in Europe, having made his breakthrough under Pep Guardiola.
The Catalan’s influence has been clear, with Kimmich’s eye for a pass and positional intelligence matched by very few others. At 29, he has eight Bundesliga titles to his name and 93 Germany caps. Few players can claim to be as reliable or as consistent as Kimmich, who has recorded over 100 assists for Bayern since 2015.
32. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lightning fast and with an unrelenting engine up and down the right flank, Achraf Hakimi has quickly become one of the best right-backs in world football. His CV speaks for itself: he started at Real Madrid, before a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, a move to Inter and now a successful period with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
A threat in attack and extremely difficult to beat for opposition wingers, Hakimi is a huge asset for his team. The 25-year-old has excelled on the international stage, too, playing a big part as Morocco unexpectedly reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.
31. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Josko Gvardiol arrived at Manchester City as one of the brightest young centre-backs in the world after impressing for RB Leipzig. Pep Guardiola, of course, saw things differently. He has used the Croatia predominantly as a left-back, and it has worked perfectly.
Technically-gifted and athletic centre-backs are now regularly being converted to full-backs and Gvardiol is perhaps the best example. After a shaky start at City, he has become a key figure, contributing to buildup on the left and more often than not getting the better of the opposition’s attackers. He has also made a habit of chipping in with important goals.
30. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
His stocks have dropped since Napoli's title tilt but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showed the world exactly what he's about in Germany over the summer. The Georgian dragged his nation to the knockouts of their first-ever tournament and was the undisputed superstar of the side.
Even still, he's ridden the waves in southern Italy, still providing the spark at the Stadio Maradona. Kvaratskhelia is a deadly force of nature, able to beat players for fun and create and score with equal aplomb.
29. Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gundogan arrived as Pep Guardiola's first signing. If the Catalan departs at the end of his contract next summer, Gundo may well be his last.
A man who was previously Jurgen Klopp's linchpin reinvented himself time and again to become whatever Pep need: a box-crasher, a holding midfielder or a tempo-setter. In the absence of Rodri this season, his importance is even greater: it's good to have him back in the Premier League.
28. Theo Hernandez (Milan)
The work of a full-back is now much more than tracking wingers and stopping crosses. At the top of the modern game, they must also be able to offer something in attack. Theo Hernandez fits perfectly into the expanded role, and his combinations down the left flank with Rafael Leao is enough to give any right-back nightmares.
His flair going forward makes for unpredictable overlaps and underlaps with Leao, something which opposition teams struggle to track. But he can also defend, and is capable of filling in at centre-back when required. When operating there, his speed can make for a frustrating afternoon for forwards. The combination of Hernandez’s attributes leaves manager Paulo Fonseca with a number of defensive and attacking options depending on the threat posed by the opposition of the day.
27. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard revolutionised Arsenal’s midfield when he arrived from Real Madrid in 2021, and his absence has been keenly felt at the Emirates in the early part of this season. His command of the ball at his feet makes the Norwegian one of those special players who seems to have endless time, knowing precisely where each of his team-mates are and who’s currently providing the best option.
The 25-year-old is just as comfortable turning defence into attack in a flash, or patiently working away to find any weaknesses of an opposition low-block. Having rose to the role of captain under Arteta, he’s the glue that knits the playing squad together both on and off the pitch. His game doesn’t rely on pace either, so the Gunners may well have one spot in their midfield sewn up for the next decade.
26. Rafael Leao (Milan)
Rafael Leao possesses everything a top coach wants in a winger: speed, dribbling ability, good on the counter, composure when a goalscoring opportunity presents itself and an eye for a killer pass.
The eye test tells you that much, but the stats back it up to, he consistently registers double figures for both goals and assists in Serie A for AC Milan – he’s almost halfway there as a provider this season already. But he is more malleable than traditional wingers can sometimes be, evidenced by Milan boss Paulo Fonseca putting him through defensive drills, and seeing positive results.
“We’re worked hard, also individually on defensive things with Rafa,” the manager told reporters in September. “And it is clear to everyone that Leao is growing. He can do better, but he is improving defensively.”
25. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Speedy, skilful and explosive wingers are back. You can be assured of that if even tiki-taka-tastic Spain are getting in on the act.
Nico Williams, with Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank, became one of the most feared duos at Euro 2024. He’s much more than raw pace, but that was the trait most playing on England defender Kyle Walker’s mind ahead of the Berlin showdown.
“I saw him run the other day and I’ve never seen something so quick,” the right-back told talkSPORT, not known as a slow coach himself. It was Spain’s wide pair who linked up to unlock the Three Lions’ defence for the opener in the final, with Williams dispatching a perfect first-touch finish through the legs of Walker, proving he has a lethal killer instinct to make his athletic attributes all the more fearsome.
24. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Once renowned as the position you’d field your least able player, full-backs, or wing-backs, are now regularly some of the most important operators on the field, a fact true for German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
A nightmare for writers of line-ups and designers of team graphics, Jeremie Frimpong essentially does the work of two players, expected to be back defending the wing out of possession before, in the blink of an eye, shuttling down the flank to create and even finish attacks. Despite his withdrawn notional position, Frimpong managed to register 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last term, and was already up to three assists in two games in this campaign’s Champions League.
It takes a rare mix of agility, stamina, workrate and technical ability to perform this role, and there’s few better than Frimpong currently doing it.
23. Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
In a star-studded Galacticos line-up now featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo finds himself in just about the only team where he can fly under the radar. It looked like Rodrygo’s minutes may suffer when Mbappe landed in Madrid, but it’s a testament to the Brazil international’s ability that the Frenchman has been deployed as a sole striker at times, in part to protect Rodrygo’s right-wing berth.
Although Carlo Ancelotti has experimented with Rodrygo-less XIs, the 23-year-old remains among the club’s top scorers. His ability to retain the ball in tight areas, beat opponents and score important goals make him a key attacking tool, if not the headline name in the cauldron of Madrid.
It may be that noisy environment, however, that has pushed him on to quietly become one of the best.
22. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz is fast becoming one of the hottest midfield properties in the game – and he's currently one of the world’s most sought-after players. He was a key component of Bayer Leverkusen’s unlikely Bundesliga triumph in 2023/24 and hasn’t taken his foot off the gas in the new campaign.
Not only has the 21-year-old proven to be a precise passer of the ball, carving out inch-perfect deliveries through tight spaces to accelerate attacks, but he also has the tactical nous to carry out Xabi Alonso’s devious plans.
If he’s not playing line-breaking passes, he’s popping up in pockets to drag defenders out of position to create space elsewhere, a trait that will become even more important as his stature in the game grows. The German champions will do well to keep him away from prying eyes.
21. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
In a Manchester City side constantly evolving under Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva seems comfortable carrying out whatever new instruction is thrown at him. Needed on the wing? Fine. A job up front? No problem. Deeper in midfield? Sorted.
There is no limit to the way the master technician can mould Silva to his needs, and the Portuguese playmaker completes each assignment with a mix of dogged workrate, athleticism and elegance rarely seen in a single player. This season, he’s been a perfect partner for Kevin De Bruyne, but has also appeared on the right wing when an intricate locksmith is required over the brute-force speed of Jeremy Doku.
“He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen in my life,” Guardiola told journalists last season. “I’ve trained a lot and he’s one of the best.” Strong praise, Pep.
20. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
Arguably one of the most underrated defenders of the modern era, Antonio Rudiger continues to prove his credentials in terms of Europe’s standout central defenders. Winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Rudiger’s superb aggression and reading of the game make it hard for forwards to even fathom a way past him before he is charging out of defence quicker than you can say: ‘Auf Wiedersehen’.
A serial winner and a Carlo Ancelotti favourite, it’s been another remarkable twelve months for the 31-year-old German star.
19. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Moving for a fee of £105m was never going to be an easy burden to shake, but we must admit Declan Rice looks like a vital puzzle piece Arsenal have needed since the days of Patrick Vieira.
Mikel Arteta knew what Rice could bring to the Gunners and boy, has he proved it over the last 12 months. He's one of the game's most controlled midfielders – but not in the sense you think. He loves marauding box-to-box but he's disciplined to sit as a No.6 and defend, too. It takes maturity to do so and he's one of the biggest leaders in Arsenal's ranks.
Pipped to the title by Manchester City, the 21-year-old played 51 times for the north Londoners in all competitions and alongside the likes of Martin Odegaard and Jorginho, you could almost be forgiven for thinking he had played the game for 15+ years already. Cool, calm, with an underrated forward pass, most Premier League sides could only dream of having him in the pivot of their midfield, and that very statement says it all.
18. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
It is always hard to move away from the club who you owe so much to, but Cole Palmer proved all that matters so little when you are as talented as he is.
Dominating the Premier League in his breakthrough season, the Blues magician danced his way through defences week in week out to help his new side Chelsea, becoming their new hero in the process.
His often care-free demeanour makes you question if he really understands the talent he possesses, so much so, he had the nation on its feet with a rocket in the Euro 2024 final. Rewarded with a new contract, we have a feeling Palmer’s name will be on this list for many years to come.
17. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
When talking about boys to men, the last 12 months will easily be remembered as Phil Foden’s coming of age campaign. The talented Manchester City man scored 27 goals and registered 12 assists as Pep Guardiola’s men once again claimed Premier League success, with Foden’s form dazzling to say the least.
In perhaps the highlight of the season for him, Foden netted a wonderful hat-trick as City beat Aston Villa 4-1, popping up absolutely everywhere to torment the Villans. His summer also almost ended in glory for England at Euro 2024, but it wasn’t to be this time. Still only 24, there is so much more to come and we can’t wait to witness it all.
16. Alisson (Liverpool)
Still standing firm as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, Alisson Becker’s place in this list holds plenty of weight given he has helped Liverpool to another trophy in the past twelve months. Jurgen Klopp’s outfield additions have earned credit but having brought in the Brazilian from Roma in 2018, his shot-stopping abilities, coupled with his exquisite distribution make him a rock between the sticks that the Reds can time and time again look to count on.
His outrageous save to deny Miguel Almiron at St. James’ Park in August 2023 will long be remembered, as he continues to impress aged 32. Where will he be next season? We still don't know for sure…
15. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Is Virgil van Dijk only getting better with age? The Dutch centre-back had a tricky few years following his ACL injury back in late 2020. But now he is returning to his dominant best.
Physically van Dijk is still able to boss his opponents, but with an extra edge to his positioning and communication that naturally comes with experience of six years at the club. The Liverpool defence is only at it’s best – and certainly most organised - when van Dijk is calling the shots. He is also one of the best passers of the ball to have played centre-half.
Since Jordan Henderson’s departure, van Dijk has also stepped up by taking on the armband, which seems to have brought back his best form.
14. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid have the ability to tempt pretty much any player on the planet to sign for them. But versatile midfielders probably aren’t top of their list at the moment. That is because Los Blancos can call upon the ever-consistent Federico Valverde, who remains one of the best in the world.
The master of versatility, Valverde can go box-to-box, sit and hold the midfield together or even do a job at full-back. The Uruguayan is defensively sharp, a master at retaining possession, but also has an engine allowing him to cover every blade of Bernabeu grass. In an era at Real where Carlo Ancelotti is often having to switch formation and tactical approach to suit his superstars, Valverde remains an underrated wheel in the machine.
Over the last 12 months, he has become one of Ancelotti’s most important players.
13. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
There's a reason that everyone compares their right-winger to Bukayo Saka. Since the England star made the move from left-back to a move attacking role, no one has delivered the consistency that Saka has.
Often misprofiled as a speedster, Saka's best trait is his brain. He's become the ultimate threat in attack for Mikel Arteta by beating players outside and inside, learning how to pick a pass and creating deadly separation. In two title challenges, he's been the Gunners' best player – or there abouts – and he's become integral to England for his versatility, work-rate and end product.
Saka always makes the right decision on the pitch and he's always delivering for Arsenal. He's a superstar already and primed to get even better across his career.
12. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Could we have a late challenger to be leader of the post Messi-Ronaldo football world? You never want to put too much pressure on a teenage prodigy. But then Lamine Yamal is no ordinary teenage prodigy.
Having made his La Liga debut in the famous Barcelona shirt at just 15 years old, in April 2023, 2024 has proven the year where Yamal became a truly global superstar.
At the Euros, the Spanish sensation won the Young Player of the Year award. His stunning curling goal in the semi-final win over France also won the Goal of the Tournament, Yamal giving a performance way beyond his years. A right-winger who can drop a shoulder with ease and a devastating left-foot, Yamal is already the main ingredient in the Barcelona and Spain attacking set-ups.
Simply put, this kid has the potential to be the very best in the world.
11. Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
For years he has had to deal with accusations of his defensive capabilities. But 2024 and particularly his form since Arne Slot arrived at Anfield shows that Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best right-backs in the world.
So much of Liverpool’s build-up still comes directly from Alexander-Arnold, even in the post-Jurgen Klopp era. His passing range and vision remain unmatched from that position. It is why Gareth Southgate wanted to play him in midfield just to get him in midfield.
But at heart Alexander-Arnold is just a world-class performer. It will be interesting to see how his game develops in 2025, with becoming England’s first choice right-back and a move to Real Madrid both realistic propositions. Liverpool fans will hope the latter remains merely a rumour, but the club will have to pay him the big bucks to sign him up for another four years.
10. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne is a modern day Premier League legend. In a team containing the best goalkeeper in the world in Ederson, the best defensive midfielder in Rodri and the best goalscorer in Erling Haaland, De Bruyne is still the player Manchester City miss the most when not available.
Take 2024 as a perfect example. Having missed months through injury, De Bruyne returned to the squad as City faced Newcastle.
Trailing 2-1 with twenty minutes to play, City were staring at a defeat and falling behind Arsenal in the title race. De Bruyne came on and equalised within four minutes. He subsequently produced the assist of the season for Oscar Bobb’s late winner, a crucial moment in the title race.
It is only one game and one example. But it sums up perfectly why De Bruyne is still one of the world’s best.
9. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala announced his arrival on the world stage at Euro 2024 earlier this year with a series of dominant performances.
He managed to score one of the best goals of the tournament in the opening night win against Scotland, before lighting up the finals on numerous occasions. The leader of Germany’s new generation, Musiala attacks and dribbles with a purpose and precision that make him something of a throwback to watch.
The fact he can play on both wings or across the midfield, with equal success, shows he is far from one-dimensional. Bayern Munich’s failure to win the title in 2023-24 can’t be attributed to one single issue, but Musiala playing nine fewer league games certainly had an impact.
Who knows. England may well even be European Champions had Musiala not decided to switching his allegiance back to Germany in 2021.
8. William Saliba (Arsenal)
The best footballers in the world have an inevitability about them. Whether you know that they're going to put the ball in the net before they do, or whether you know they're going to stop it.
William Saliba is still young but has already entered that category as a defender. It's not just his considerable physique that makes you back in a duel, it's a combination of everything: his speed, his intelligence to read the play and his incredible composure. He could play in midfield, surely, were he not one of the best defenders on Earth.
There aren't many who get the better of Erling Haaland. It looks like a battle that will long continue, too.
7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The age of 32 is often when lightning quick wingers or forwards may just start to lose a bit of their magic, ever so slightly. But that is not the case with the Egyptian king Mohamed Salah.
There is a reason Liverpool fans of every generation say he is one the very best to play for the club. And why so many fret about the possibility of him not agreeing a new contract and leaving at the end of this season.
Earlier in his career, Salah was all about his rapid pace and remarkable balance when cutting inside. These days his game is far more advanced.
His razor-sharp movement and intelligence around the box remains unrivalled in the Premier League. Salah will also probably go down as the greatest African player in history.
6. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
He may still be chasing that elusive major trophy after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. But make no mistake about it, Harry Kane has taken his game onto another level since his move to Bayern Munich.
Kane has actually managed to improve the German powerhouse, with his intelligent link-up play and ruthless finishing ability that makes him the best pound-for-pound number nine on the planet. He was unlucky that, unlike most other seasons, Bayern had some actual competition last year with the machine-like Bayer Leverkusen deservedly winning the Bundesliga Meisterschale.
Although at times he looked sluggish during England’s run to the final in Germany, Kane was coming off the back of an extremely gruelling season – and yet still scored three goals at the finals, enough to share the golden boot.
He remains a goalscoring phenomenon, and a leader for both club and country. There are few teams in the world that wouldn’t want Harry Kane.
5. Rodri (Manchester City)
He is the only player that Manchester City miss for a game or two. That Rodri will be out for the season is the most transformational thing that's happened so far this season.
The Spaniard is simply irreplaceable. He dictates play, he breaks it up – and if the chips are down, it's usually Rodri who comes up with a moment from nowhere, such as the Champions League final in 2023. His mentality is unbreakable and City have taken on a new air of unbeatability since he replaced Fernandinho in their setup.
His consistency is staggering and it says a lot that he's receiving Ballon d'Or shouts as a No.6. An excellent footballer and a force of nature.
4. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
2024 could well be looked back on as the year Kylian Mbappe began a long reign as the perhaps the world’s best player. He left PSG with over 250 goals, a staggering achievement for a 25-year-old.
It seems crazy for the best player at the last two World Cups to still have another level to reach for, but that is why Mbappe has headed for Real Madrid. If he can deliver the Spanish giants yet another European Cup, few could argue there is a better player in the world right now.
We’ve seen his explosive speed and ridiculous dribbling ability for years now, but over the last 12 months Mbappe has become more ruthless in the penalty area. Who knows where a full season at Real, playing for the best club side in the world, may take his game to.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
It’s easy to forget Jude Bellingham is still only 21 years old. Already in his young career, the Brummie has shone at Borussia Dortmund, become England’s talisman and set La Liga alight at the biggest club in the world.
The exciting teenager has developed into a mature all-round dominant force and one of the best footballers on the planet.
After helping Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double, the Euros were always going to tough, carrying the weight of England’s expectations on his shoulders.
Yet he helped them very nearly go all the way, coming extremely close to ending the Three Lions’ years of hurt. As he said after that dramatic win over Slovakia, he writes his own scripts. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
100 Manchester City goals in just 105 games. You almost become immune to the impact of football records when talking about Erling Haaland.
But the speed of his goalscoring is a freak of nature. The Norwegian missile is capable of anything. His power, strength and speed make him almost unplayable on his day.
If he stays at City for another four to five years, Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record will be in danger. Perhaps there is no higher compliment than that.
Haaland is a force of nature. It’s laughable to think he was ever doubted when coming to the Premier League.
1. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian forward is one of the most watchable players in the world. With pace, power and an ice-cool finish in his locker, at his very best Vinicius Jr remains one of the best forwards in world football.
Jude Bellingham may have taken the plaudits last season and Kylian Mbappe may end up grabbing the headlines this year. But don’t be surprised if Vinicius once again ends the season as Real’s best player.
He continues to get better, almost game-by-game. Teammate Bellingham himself said the Brazilian was “probably the best player in the world,” last season.
