12 of the top midfielders all time (In no specific order)

October 24, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Central midfielders control the tempo of a match, dictate the rhythm of play, and often serve as the backbone of legendary teams. Their contributions may not always fill highlight reels, but their influence is undeniable.

Here's 12 of the greatest midfielders in football according to personal biased opinion, in no specific order

Jude Bellingham

Still in his early 20s, Bellingham has already won the Champions League and La Liga. His maturity, goal-scoring prowess, and adaptability hint at an all-time great in the making.

Ilkay Gundogan

İlkay Gündoğan — Photo: Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

Gundogan was often the unsung hero of City’s midfield, delivering clutch goals and calm leadership. His tactical awareness and technique have helped him thrive both in England and Germany.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

A pillar of Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, Schweinsteiger brought drive and determination. Injuries affected his later years, but his legacy as a leader remains untouched.

Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder’s 2010 season with Inter Milan was legendary, winning a treble and reaching a World Cup final. A creative maestro, his ability to unlock defenses was close to being unmatched.

Xabi Alonso

Alonso’s passing range was pure artistry, and he excelled in multiple elite clubs. His vision and composure were essential to Spain’s golden generation and European club success.

Toni Kroos

Kroos has quietly built a legendary career with Real Madrid and Germany. His pinpoint passing and control of tempo have made him an irreplaceable midfield metronome.

Sergio Busquets

The master of simplicity, Busquets made the hardest job look easy. His intelligence and positioning underpinned Barcelona and Spain’s golden eras.

Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo’s vision and elegance redefined deep-lying playmaking. Whether at Milan, Juventus or Italy, he controlled games with calm, intelligent brilliance.

Rodri

A modern powerhouse, Rodri is the lynchpin of Guardiola’s Man City. His Ballon d’Or and Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament cement his elite status.

Kevin De Bruyne

A creative genius, De Bruyne’s passing range is second to none. He was the driving force behind Manchester City’s golden era with staggering consistency.

Andres Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta — Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com

Iniesta was football’s poet, scoring Spain’s World Cup-winning goal and dazzling for Barcelona. His dribbling, vision and humility won hearts everywhere.

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi was the brain of tiki-taka, orchestrating Barcelona and Spain’s dynasties. His short-passing mastery and intelligence changed how midfield was played.

Noteable Mentions (In no specific order)

Zinedine Zidane
Luka Modric
Michael Laudrup
Steven Gerrard
Kaka
Frank Lampard