The football world is constantly evolving, and with legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stepping away from Europe’s top leagues, a new generation is taking over. Many young superstars are now competing for the title of the Best Football Players in the World. Based on performances, achievements, and recent statistics, here’s our ranking of the Best Football Players in the World in 2025.
List of 10 Best Football Players in the World 2025
10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has already proven himself as one of the Best Football Players in the World. His outstanding performances for Barcelona and Spain have made him a rising superstar. He was one of the standout players at Euro 2024, narrowly missing the Player of the Tournament award but winning the Young Player of the Tournament.
Yamal is a talented right winger with incredible pace, dribbling, and finishing ability. His creativity and vision make him a special talent, and he is expected to dominate football for years to come.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 35 |
Goals | 12 |
Assists | 10 |
Key Passes per Game | 2.5 |
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9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)

Bukayo Saka, at just 23, has cemented his place as one of the Best Football Players in the World. His ability to take on defenders, create chances, and score crucial goals makes him a nightmare for any opponent. Despite struggling with injuries, he has remained a key player for Arsenal and England.
Saka’s dribbling, crossing, and goal-scoring abilities make him one of the most dangerous wingers in football today. Even in an injury-hit season, he continues to deliver exceptional performances.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 30 |
Goals | 14 |
Assists | 12 |
Dribbles per Game | 2.7 |
8. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
For the first time in years, Lionel Messi is no longer the undisputed No.1 among the Best Football Players in the World. Now playing in the MLS, his influence on world football has slightly declined, but he remains one of the most talented players globally.
Messi played a key role in Argentina’s recent Copa America victory, proving that he still performs at the highest level. While MLS is not as competitive as Europe’s top leagues, Messi continues to dominate matches whenever he steps onto the field.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 28 |
Goals | 16 |
Assists | 13 |
Chances Created per Game | 3.2 |
7. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Jude Bellingham, at just 21, has already established himself as one of the Best Football Players in the World. Since moving to Real Madrid, he has taken his game to another level with his strength, skill, and leadership.
Bellingham has added goal-scoring to his game, becoming a major attacking threat from midfield. His ability to control matches makes him one of the most exciting players of his generation.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 36 |
Goals | 18 |
Assists | 9 |
Pass Accuracy | 90% |
6. Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Rodri is the backbone of Manchester City’s midfield and is widely regarded as one of the Best Football Players in the World. His ability to control the tempo of games and contribute with crucial goals makes him a key player for both club and country.
Rodri’s defensive contributions and playmaking ability ensure that Manchester City dominates possession. His presence in midfield makes him one of the most complete players in football today.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 34 |
Goals | 6 |
Assists | 7 |
Tackles per Game | 3.1 |
5. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Vinícius Jr. has become Real Madrid’s main attacking force, making him one of the Best Football Players in the World. His pace, dribbling, and finishing make him a game-changer in every match.
His direct approach and ability to beat defenders make him a nightmare for any defense. He has delivered consistently in big matches, proving his status as a world-class forward.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 33 |
Goals | 19 |
Assists | 8 |
Dribbles per Game | 3.5 |
4. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Erling Haaland has redefined goal-scoring in football and is undoubtedly one of the Best Football Players in the World. Since joining Manchester City, he has broken multiple records and won several Golden Boots.
Haaland’s combination of speed, strength, and lethal finishing makes him the most feared striker in football today. If he maintains this form, he could become the best player in the world.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 32 |
Goals | 29 |
Assists | 4 |
Shots per Game | 4.2 |
3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

Harry Kane is one of the most complete strikers in football and ranks among the Best Football Players in the World. Since joining Bayern Munich, he has continued his goal-scoring dominance.
Kane’s intelligence, positioning, and passing ability set him apart from traditional strikers, making him an all-around attacking threat.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 34 |
Goals | 30 |
Assists | 10 |
Key Passes per Game | 2.1 |
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)

Mohamed Salah has remained one of the Best Football Players in the World, proving his consistency season after season. He continues to perform at an elite level for Liverpool, scoring and assisting regularly.
Despite being in his 30s, Salah’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant goal threat in every competition.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 33 |
Goals | 25 |
Assists | 9 |
Successful Dribbles per Game | 2.8 |
1. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Kylian Mbappé is officially the Best Football Player in the World in 2025. His ability to score, assist, and dominate games makes him the most complete footballer today.
Whether playing for Paris Saint-Germain or France, Mbappé’s impact is undeniable. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability make him a nightmare for defenders.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 35 |
Goals | 32 |
Assists | 12 |
Shots on Target per Game | 3.9 |
Final Thoughts
The competition for the title of the Best Football Players in the World is fierce. While Mbappé leads the race, players like Haaland, Kane, and Vinícius Jr. are close behind. With football constantly evolving, these rankings may change soon!
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