25 Best Footballers in the World (2025)

Summary
Mohamed Salah is currently regarded as the world’s finest player following his performances for Liverpool under Arne Slot.
The winger narrowly beat Vinicius Junior, Rodri, and Harry Kane to the top spot.
Lionel Messi remains one of the world’s finest players, but Cristiano Ronaldo falls out of the top 25 after a disappointing Euro 2024.
Football is an ever-changing meritocracy, so determining the best player in the world at any one moment is a challenging task. That title might conceivably change hands after any given match depending on an individual footballer’s performance, but permitting opinions to fluctuate so quickly would result in nothing but subjective anarchy.

For those in that category, it comes down to clear evidence of perfect form – whether it’s goals, assists, clean sheets, or passing the all-round eye test – and, perhaps most significantly, who and in what competition that has been delivered against. But it’s also important to consider how much you’ve accomplished by playing well. While skill, form, and overall effect are important factors, winning cutlery is an essential component for these Ballon d’Or hopefuls.

Ranking Factors
So, how do we determine who is currently the best player in the beautiful game? Our criteria are as follows.

Recognised as World-Class: To be the best player in the world right now, first and foremost
Well-respected: Be established as a top-level talent while also having
Consistent: Produced the items consistently over time.

Top 25 Football Players in the World Right Now

Rank

Player

Club

Country

1.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

Egypt

2.

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid

Brazil

3.

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid

France

4.

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

England

5.

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

Poland

6.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

Norway

7.

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

Spain

8.

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

England

9.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

Netherlands

10.

Rodri

Manchester City

Spain

11.

Raphinha

Barcelona

Brazil

12.

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami

Argentina

13.

Jamal Musiala

Bayern Munich

Germany

14.

William Saliba

Arsenal

France

15.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

England

16.

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

England

17.

Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen

Germany

18.

Federico Valverde

Real Madrid

Uruguay

19.

Alisson Becker

Liverpool

Brazil

20.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

Norway

21.

Declan Rice

Arsenal

England

22.

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid

Germany

23.

Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan

Argentina

24.

Antoine Griezmann

Atlético Madrid

France

25.

Alexander Isak

Newcastle United

Sweden

Best Football Players in the World Image Gallery

25Alexander Isak

Newcastle United and Sweden

Five years ago, Newcastle fans could only dream of having such a highly rated player leading the queue at St James’ Park. The Magpies fans should cherish Alexander Isak while they can, as it is difficult to predict how long he will stay at the club.

Despite dealing with injuries earlier in his career, the Swede is now one of the Premier League’s best strikers, having recently become one of the fastest to reach fifty goals in the competition. With big clubs circling for his signature, the former Real Sociedad star’s future looks bright.

2024 & 2025 Achievements

Team

None

Individual

La Liga Premier League Player of the Month (December 2024); Premier League Goal of the Month (December 2024).

24Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid and France

Even though Antoine Griezmann has always been an incredible football player, his lacklustre seasons at Barcelona seemed to push him out of the discussion of the greatest players in the world, even though he placed third in the 2016 and 2018 Ballon d’Or. The former World Cup winner has been able to regain his best form since moving permanently to Atletico Madrid in 2023, and the past 18 months have been very productive for him, as he has set a new goal scoring record for the team. Although winning the trophy to prove it has been more difficult with Atletico, he was the best player in La Liga for the entire prior calendar year. The capital club’s poor away performance has hurt their domestic hopes, and last season they lost to surprise finalists Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League knockout stages. Griezmann, however, looks like a player reborn at 33 and will continue to be an important member of Atleti for a little while more. 2024 and 2025 Achievements Group No Individual The La Liga Season 23–24 Team The all-time top scorer for Atletico Madrid

23Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan and Argentina

After reaching the 20-goal milestone for the third straight season, star striker Lautaro Martinez was at the forefront of Inter Milan’s push for the Serie A championship. For those who have closely watched the Argentine’s career, his success in the last third—scoring goals left, right, and center—is obviously nothing new.

Although he lost importance in Lionel Scaloni’s team as the tournament progressed, “El Toro” has been an incredible player for the Nerazzurri since he was signed from South American football in 2018. He was also a member of the Argentina team that won the World Cup at the end of 2022. Copa America triumph last summer came after this. In his prime, Martinez can be unstoppable, and during the last 24 months, he has improved his reputation at a location that has turned into his domain.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

2024 Copa America, Serie A 23/24, and the Italian Super Cup 23/24

Individual

Copa America Golden Boot 2024, Copa America Team of the Tournament 2024, Serie A Most Valuable Player 23/24, Serie A Top Scorer 23/24, and Serie A Team of the Season 23/24.

22Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid and Germany

Since moving from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2022, Antonio Rudiger has undoubtedly surpassed expectations and is currently regarded as one of the top centre backs in world football. Few would have considered the unorthodox German centre-back to be the best player in his position at the time, but he did display flashes of becoming a top central defender at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old Berlin native has had tremendous success at the Santiago Bernabeu and is a genuine leader on the pitch. Unfortunately, the Germany international, who has 77 caps, played a crucial role in Los Blancos’ 2023–24 La Liga and Champions League victories and has held the fort in the months that have followed.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Spanish Super Cup 2024, FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024, La Liga 2023-24, and Champions League 2023-24.

Individual

The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024, La Liga Team of the Season 23/24, and Champions League Team of the Season 23/24.

21Declan Rice

Arsenal and England

Declan Rice was unquestionably one of the best acquisitions of the previous campaign and, astonishingly, he still appears to be getting better every time he takes one of his big strides across the pitch. The England international has been a vital part of Arsenal’s dominant defensive record, playing tirelessly in the centre of the midfield.

The addition of Jorginho and/or Thomas Partey freed Rice during the second part of the previous season, and he has since become a two-way threat who adds final product to his bursts of effort. According to Mikel Arteta, Rice is Arsenal’s “lighthouse” because he makes his teammates shine. However, the Englishman will only be hoping that the Gunners can acquire a star striker so that he can win some hardware soon.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Not Individual

PFA Team of the Year 23/24 and London Football Premier League Player of the Year 2024

20Martin Odegaard

Arsenal and Norway

If you can call it such, Martin Odegaard and this current version of Arsenal have the same issue. The defensive work is frequently neglected since everyone is so enthralled with their talent and silk on the ball.

Odegaard has been quick to point out that “when you look at our counter-press, it’s so hard for opponents to win the ball back.” The most crucial component of Arsenal’s fierce off-ball strategy is undoubtedly the 25-year-old captain. Every time he steps onto the pitch, Odegaard runs himself into the ground out of duty. He sets an example for his teammates by directing them in a well-practiced strategy to regain possession and display his extraordinary talent. Although the Gunners are nothing without him, his ranking is impacted since he performed marginally worse during the 2024–2025 campaign than he did in prior years.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Not Individual

PFA Team of the Year 23/24 and Arsenal Player of the Season 23/24

19Alisson Becker

Liverpool and Brazil

Alisson, who is considered by many to be among the world’s top goalkeepers, has been the mainstay of Liverpool’s recent successful pursuit of trophies. He consistently demonstrates his elite abilities and is a very well-rounded goalie. In addition to being a superb goalie, he is also a dominant box player who is not afraid to come off his line and is at ease spraying passes about when needed.

Liverpool launches assaults thanks to his poise at the back, and his teammates and coaching staff know they can count on him in case something goes wrong. The Reds’ number one has occasionally been hindered by injury, but he quickly returns to the starting lineup when healthy, and with good cause.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

EFL Cup 2023–2024.

Individual

Not one

18Federico Valverde

Real Madrid and Uruguay

Federico Valverde has given the Los Blancos midfield fresh energy as the Kroos and Modric era at the Santiago Bernabeu draws to a close. The Uruguayan has taken charge and is a vital member of Carlo Ancelotti’s team after learning from some of the best teachers in history.

Valverde offers both defensive steadiness and quality in possession despite his offensive prowess. His adaptability and willingness to play wherever is his biggest strength, though, as he frequently finds himself on the right side of midfield instead than in his more natural central position. When you watch him, you wouldn’t notice since he is that good.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Spanish Super Cup 2024, FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024, La Liga 23/24, and Champions League 23/24.

Individual

Season 23/24 La Liga Team, FIFA Intercontinental Cup Silver Ball 2024.

17Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany

In the 2023–24 season, Florian Wirtz was a key member of Bayer Leverkusen’s victorious campaign. He won the league’s player of the season award after contributing 23 goals in 32 Bundesliga games. Under Xabi Alonso’s coaching, he also won the DFB-Pokal, which earned him a spot in the Germany squad for Euro 2024. Wirtz performed consistently throughout the competition, even though they lost to the eventual victors, Spain, in the quarterfinals.

In the first few games of the 2024–25 season, the midfield player has not displayed any symptoms of slowing down. Wirtz has participated in 36 games, recording 13 assists and 15 goals. Pulheim-born Wirtz will be essential if Leverkusen is to win again, but it has proven to be a difficult task to retain their crown because Bayern Munich has brought in some elite players who have allowed them to regain their supremacy.

2023 and 2024 Achievements

Group

DFB-Pokal 23/24, DFL-Supercup 2024, and Bundesliga 23/24.

Individual

UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season 23/24, UEFA Europa League Team of the Season, Bundesliga Player of the Season 23/24, Bundesliga Team of the Season 23/24, Bundesliga Goal of the Month (January 2025), Bundesliga Player of the Month (February 2024, December 2024, and January 2025).

16Cole Palmer

Chelsea and England

Unquestionably, one of the biggest names in world football over the past year was Cole Palmer. The offensive midfielder scored 22 goals and recorded 11 assists in 33 Premier League games after joining Chelsea from City in the summer of 2023. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad as a result of these performances, albeit he played very few minutes. However, he did have an effect in the final, scoring against Spain off the bench.

Thomas Tuchel and his English heritage.
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Palmer’s contract with the Blues has already been renewed through 2033, and he has mainly maintained his previous level of play. The playmaker is at the centre of everything that looks potential at Stamford Bridge, as usual.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Not one

Individual

London Football Awards: PFA Young Player of the Year 23/24, PFA Fans’ Player of the Season 23/24, Premier League Young Player of the Season 23/24, Chelsea Player of the Season 23/24, and Chelsea Players’ Player of the Season 23/24 England’s 2024 Men’s Young Player of the Year Premier League Player of the Month (April 2024, September 2024), Premier League Goal of the Month (April 2024, August 2024), Men’s Player of the Year 23/24,

15Bukayo Saka

Arsenal and England

Bukayo Saka deserves all the praise for his incredibly remarkable comeback after missing England’s game-winning penalty kick against Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The brilliant star has grown over the past two years and is currently among the most successful wingers in the world. Many players in his position would have fallen apart after going through such a devastating moment, especially since it was followed by some terrible abuse on social media.

The Hale End graduate has put another feather to his bow, becoming the key creator for his team, especially in Odegaard’s absence. In addition to being a top-tier wide forward, Saka is currently one of football’s most well-liked players. The humble, well-behaved 23-year-old Englishman is deserving of all the accolades he is now receiving.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Not Individual

Not one

14William Saliba

Arsenal and France

One of the key players in Arsenal’s comeback under Mikel Arteta over the past two years has been William Saliba. The French defender was a member of a strong partnership with Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, and the Gunners gave up just 29 goals in the Premier League last season, the fewest in the league. Saliba has been named to the PFA Team of the Year for two years in a row due to his steady play, but he is eager to add more local and international awards to his resume soon.

Although France lost to eventual victors Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, he was one of their top players. Didier Deschamps’ team in Germany had no problems defensively, giving up just three goals in six games. Saliba, who is only 23, will have many chances to win trophies for Arsenal and France, but because of his efforts, the Gunners are closer than ever to ending a 20-year Premier League title drought.

2023 and 2024 Achievements

Group

Not one

Individual

PFA Team of the Year 23/24, UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament 2024, The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024

13Jamal Musiala

Bayern Munich and Germany

Jamal Musiala is undoubtedly the best player in the world at the moment when it comes to dribbling past opponents; Messi, who is 37 years old, may still be able to ghost past players, but no one compares to the gifted German in this specific area of sport.

The 21-year-old’s direct, attacking style has supporters and TV watchers on the edge of their seats. He represented England at several junior levels before opting to play for his native nation at the senior level in 2021. With 15 direct goal involvements in 20 Bundesliga games and Bayern Munich sitting nicely at the top, this exceptional young talent is capable of making any defender on the planet look foolish.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Not Individual

The 2023–24 Bundesliga Team of the Year UEFA European Championship Top Scorer 2024, UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament 2024, and Bundesliga Goal of the Month (March 2024, November 2024).

12Lionel Messi

Inter Miami and Argentina

Lionel Messi’s greatest football moment will always be the Qatar World Cup, beyond all else. However, because he currently plays Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, the greatest football player in history is no longer able to be regarded as the finest player in the world. Messi, who turned 37 in June, still often creates beautiful moments on the pitch with his current employers, but it doesn’t imply he can’t do it anymore. Because he led Argentina to World Cup triumph less than a year ago, he also deserved to win a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or award in October.

Before his career comes to an end, will he win another Ballon d’Or? Even while it doesn’t seem likely right now, you wouldn’t bet against him if he helps Argentina win the World Cup again in two years. The Barcelona legend’s attendance at that tournament is highly uncertain, but it is certain that he will want to be a member of the team that protects his nation’s world championship. Rule the GOAT out at your own peril because, even at 39, he will still be far superior to the great majority of professional football players worldwide.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

America’s Copa 2023-24

Individual

2024 MLS MVP

11Raphinha

Barcelona and Brazil

This is your biweekly reminder that Raphinha used to play for Leeds United, a team headquartered in Yorkshire. He is currently dominating one of the top teams in Europe on a weekly basis, and he certainly doesn’t look out of place in Barcelona’s all-star squad. But there was a moment when it seemed like his time at Camp Nou was coming to an end.

With 24 goals and 16 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions in 2024–2025, the critic-silencing Brazilian is in the best form of his life under manager Hansi Flick. He has every opportunity to lead Flick and company, along with players like Lewandowski and Yamal, to greatness.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Super Cup Spain 23/24, 24/25

Individual

La Liga Player of the Month (August 2024), Copa America Team of the Tournament 2024, and Spanish Super Cup Player of the Tournament 2025

10Rodri

Manchester City and Spain

Since defensive midfielders frequently don’t receive the recognition they merit, you can tell they’re a unique player when they stand out enough to win the Champions League Player of the Season award and place fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Although Rodri’s performances are always of a high calibre, his almost constant presence during Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign brought attention to his unsung heroes, and his winning goal in the Champions League final—a usually cool finish from the edge of the box—brought him to the forefront.

Rodri, who has performed admirably for club and country over the past two seasons, was also awarded the 2023 Nations League Player of the Tournament as Spain won the trophy. Rodri is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, having continuously delivered exceptional performances and contributed with significant goals for Man City. His absence is definitely noticed as he is currently sidelined due to a chronic knee problem, but his ranking is also significantly impacted.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

UEFA European Championships 2024, FIFA Club World Cup 2024, and Premier League 23/24.

Individual

The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024, the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the 2024 UEFA European Championships Player of the Tournament, the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball, and the PFA Team of the Season 23/24

9Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool and the Netherlands

Virgil Van Dijk has made a name for himself as one of the Premier League’s top centre backs since joining Liverpool in 2018. In his last season as manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp’s team only managed one trophy last season. In an outstanding victory over Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, Van Dijk was named Man of the Match and scored the game-winning goal in extra time to win this trophy, which was the EFL Cup.

Additionally, he was a reliable player in the Premier League, earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. The Dutch defender was disappointed, though, as they lost to England in the semi-final at the last minute at Euro 2024. Van Dijk’s long-term future in the Premier League is uncertain because he has less than a year left on his Liverpool contract. However, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, his employers have proposed a new contract. Given that his team’s recent success has put them in a strong position to win the league for the twentieth time, it’s safe to assume that this is the right move.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

EFL Cup 23–24

Individual

FIFPRO World XI 2024 and PFA Team of the Year 2023–2024

8Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid and England

It’s difficult to recall a player, especially one who is still so young, joining Real Madrid and having such an instant impact as Jude Bellingham did the previous season. On the last day of 2022–2023, Borussia Dortmund lost to Bayern Munich, so the midfield virtuoso was unable to cap off his career with a Bundesliga title. However, he celebrated his first season in Spain by winning La Liga.

Bellingham, who is regarded as one of the best young players in the world, has demonstrated that he is capable of squeezing out bright moments. In addition to regularly impressing in the Champions League and scoring or assisting while playing for England on international duty, Bellingham has frequently offered himself as Real Madrid’s de facto chief goalscorer, excelling in a false nine role. 2024 & 2025 Accomplishments La Liga Player of the Season 23/24, La Liga Team of the Season 23/24, Champions League 23/24, FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024, The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024.

7Lamine Yamal

Barcelona and Spain

La Liga fans won’t have been shocked by Lamine Yamal’s striking performances at Euro 2024. The 17-year-old, who turned 17 on July 13, dazzled everyone with his outstanding Barcelona performances throughout the 2023–24 season, making 50 appearances for the Catalan powerhouses.

In addition to his exceptional technical skills, Yamal’s ability to make decisions sets him apart from the great majority of players his age. The child consistently makes the correct choices when it counts most. It would be shocking if Lamine Yamal, who was once given a bath by Lionel Messi as a baby, didn’t win the Ballon d’Or a day after scoring against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

2024 and 2025 Achievements

Group

Spanish Super Cup 24/25, UEFA European Championship 2024 Individual

Player of the Season 2023–24 for La Liga U23, March 2024: La Liga Goal of the Month team of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, UEFA European Championship young player of the tournament, 2024 Kopa Trophy, 2024 Golden Boy Award, 2024 La Liga Player of the Month (September 2024), and The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024

6Erling Haaland

Manchester City and Norway