25 best midfielders in the world ranked (2025)
Midfielders are the heartbeat of any great team, dictating play, breaking lines, and controlling tempo. In 2025, the level of competition is fierce, with legends still thriving and emerging stars reshaping the role. Here's a countdown of the 25 best midfielders in world football right now, judged on form, influence, and silverware.
25. Luka Modric – AC Milan and Croatia
Even at 40, Modric continues to showcase his brilliance, now in Serie A with AC Milan. His ability to control games and contribute in attack and defence is why he remains among the elite.
24. Sandro Tonali – Newcastle and Italy
Tonali brings a calm presence to Newcastle's midfield, complementing the energy of teammates like Bruno Guimaraes. His tactical discipline and growing influence for Italy make him a key figure in both squads.
23. Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona and Netherlands
De Jong brings control and composure to Barcelona’s young midfield, pulling strings from deep. Injuries limited his impact last season, but his intelligence and consistency remain vital.
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22. Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan and Italy
Barella is Inter’s midfield engine, combining physicality with creativity. This season he’s taken on a deeper playmaking role, proving his tactical versatility under Christian Chivu.
21. Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal and Spain
Zubimendi has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League, offering balance behind Arsenal’s more attacking midfielders. His positional awareness and crisp passing elevate Arteta’s midfield setup.
20. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich and Germany
Kimmich’s leadership and experience continue to be assets for Bayern, whether at right-back or in midfield. While his versatility limits his ranking here, he remains a pillar of consistency.
19. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli and Belgium
Injuries may have taken their toll, but De Bruyne’s vision and passing range are still unmatched. Now in Serie A, he’s finding new life at Napoli after a legendary spell at Manchester City.
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18. Martin Odegaard – Arsenal and Norway
Odegaard is the creative brain behind Arsenal’s midfield and continues to mature as captain. His absence last season was deeply felt, underlining his importance to the Gunners’ title hopes.
17. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United and Portugal
Fernandes’ end product is elite, consistently delivering goals and assists. His vision and tenacity have made him one of the Premier League's most productive midfielders in recent years.
16. Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool and Hungary
Szoboszlai’s energy and adaptability have won over fans at Anfield. With key goals and a tireless work rate, he’s become essential in multiple roles under Arne Slot.
15. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool and Germany
Wirtz has yet to fully settle in at Liverpool, but his talent is undeniable. After dominating the Bundesliga, his creativity and flair promise big things once he finds his rhythm in England.
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14. Scott McTominay – Napoli and Scotland
McTominay has reinvented himself in Italy, earning MVP honours in Napoli’s title-winning campaign. His transformation from squad player at United to Serie A star has been stunning.
13. Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle and Brazil
Guimaraes is the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield, combining flair with relentless pressing. He led the Magpies to their first major trophy in decades and remains central to their ambitions.
12. Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool and Argentina
Mac Allister continues to impress with his composure and range of passing. He’s been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success and remains a key piece in both domestic and international play.
11. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain and Spain
Ruiz may fly under the radar, but his impact at PSG is undeniable. He was pivotal in their treble-winning season and continues to shine for Spain as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
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10. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid and Uruguay
Valverde offers energy, tactical flexibility, and quality in abundance. Whether deployed wide or centrally, his influence for both club and country keeps growing.
9. Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal
Neves is a quiet master in midfield, offering press resistance and intelligent positioning. His contributions to PSG’s historic Champions League win have earned him global recognition.
8. Rodri – Manchester City and Spain
Rodri remains a model of consistency and control in midfield. Though his recent form has dipped slightly, his importance to City and Spain cannot be overstated.
7. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich and Germany
Musiala dazzles with his dribbling and final-third creativity. Despite a recent injury, his trajectory points toward future greatness and possible Ballon d'Or contention.
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6. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid and England
Bellingham has already delivered on the biggest stages, winning both La Liga and the Champions League. Even after injury setbacks, he remains a generational talent in midfield.
5. Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool and Netherlands
Gravenberch has rediscovered his best form at Anfield, dominating midfield battles with elegance and strength. His rise under Arne Slot has silenced doubts about his long-term potential.
4. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal
Vitinha’s tactical intelligence and composure make him the perfect metronome in PSG’s midfield. From Wolves misfit to global star, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
3. Declan Rice – Arsenal and England
Rice is the anchor Arsenal desperately needed, bringing stability and leadership to their midfield. He continues to grow into one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
2. Moises Caicedo – Chelsea and Ecuador
Caicedo has bounced back from a tough debut season to become Chelsea’s midfield rock. Now a central figure in their rebuild, his energy and defensive instincts are elite.
1. Pedri – Barcelona and Spain
Pedri tops the list thanks to his creativity, intelligence, and consistency. The Spanish maestro is already a La Liga and Euro champion, and he’s just getting started.
