The 25 Greatest Debut Seasons in Football History Since 2010 – Ranked
A player’s first season at a new club can define their career, setting the tone for greatness or disappointment. This list ranks the most outstanding debut campaigns since 2010, based on goals, influence, and silverware. From unexpected stars to world-record signings, here are 25 unforgettable debut seasons in reverse order.
25. Antoine Griezmann – Atlético Madrid (2014/15)
Griezmann made an instant impact after joining from Real Sociedad, netting 22 goals in La Liga. He quickly became Simeone’s most potent attacking weapon, blending work rate with flair to lead Atlético’s frontline.
24. Carlos Tevez – Juventus (2013/14)
Tevez brought aggression and leadership to Juventus, scoring 21 goals in his first campaign. His tireless efforts helped the club maintain domestic dominance and reestablish themselves in Europe.
23. Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig (2019/20)
Nkunku’s creativity and adaptability shone in his first year at Leipzig, contributing 13 assists. He became a key figure in the team’s exciting attacking play and future title aspirations.
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22. Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund (2012/13)
Returning to Dortmund, Reus scored 19 goals and led the club to the Champions League final. His chemistry with Götze and Lewandowski turned BVB into one of Europe’s most thrilling sides.
21. Kylian Mbappé – PSG (2017/18)
Mbappé dazzled in his first season in Paris with 21 goals and 15 assists. Still a teenager, he was instrumental in a treble-winning season and formed a devastating trio with Neymar and Cavani.
20. Pedri – Barcelona (2020/21)
Barely out of his teens, Pedri played an astonishing 52 games and impressed with maturity and vision. Despite no trophies, his debut marked the rise of a generational talent in Barcelona’s midfield.
19. Alexis Sánchez – Arsenal (2014/15)
Sánchez lit up the Premier League with 25 goals and 12 assists, winning Arsenal’s Player of the Season. His energy, creativity, and goals powered the Gunners to FA Cup success.
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18. Neymar – Barcelona (2013/14)
Neymar settled in well at Barcelona, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists in his debut. He quickly formed a lethal understanding with Messi, laying the foundation for the legendary MSN trio.
17. Victor Osimhen – Napoli (2020/21)
Osimhen arrived with high expectations and delivered with 10 goals in just 24 games. His strength and speed gave Napoli a new attacking edge and set the stage for future glory.
16. Cesc Fàbregas – Chelsea (2014/15)
Fàbregas led the league in assists as Chelsea stormed to the Premier League title. His control and passing from midfield were vital to Mourinho’s pragmatic and effective system.
15. Luka Modrić – Real Madrid (2012/13)
Modrić didn’t start with fireworks, but his calm control became crucial. He earned the Supercopa and laid the groundwork for a decade of midfield mastery at Madrid.
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14. Zlatan Ibrahimović – PSG (2012/13)
Ibrahimović scored 35 goals in all competitions and became the face of PSG’s new era. His charisma and consistency helped turn the club into a European powerhouse.
13. Luis Suárez – Atlético Madrid (2020/21)
Suárez, seen as past his peak, answered critics with 21 La Liga goals. His goals were decisive as Atlético beat both Madrid and Barcelona to the title.
12. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United (2019/20)
Arriving in January, Fernandes transformed United’s attack with 12 goals and 8 assists. He immediately became the creative heartbeat of the team and a fan favorite.
11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal (2017/18)
In just 13 games, Aubameyang scored 10 goals and lifted Arsenal’s morale. His explosive pace and finishing signaled a new threat in the Premier League.
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10. James Rodríguez – Real Madrid (2014/15)
Fresh from a dazzling World Cup, James tallied 17 goals and 18 assists. He added flair and creativity to Madrid’s already star-studded lineup.
9. Diego Costa – Chelsea (2014/15)
Costa’s aggressive play and 21 goals led Chelsea to the Premier League title. He embodied Mourinho’s ruthless edge, bullying defenders and scoring crucial goals.
8. Michu – Swansea City (2012/13)
Signed for just £2 million, Michu scored 22 goals and won the League Cup. His breakout season remains one of the best-value transfers in Premier League history.
7. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (2023/24)
Kane scored 42 goals in 42 games, despite Bayern’s trophyless season. His individual brilliance and consistency proved world-class quality in a new league.
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6. Sergio Agüero – Manchester City (2011/12)
Agüero scored 30 goals, including the legendary title-clinching strike. His debut campaign laid the foundation for a decade of dominance at City.
5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (2017/18)
Salah set a Premier League record with 32 goals in a 38-game season. He became an instant icon at Anfield, combining pace, skill, and lethal finishing.
4. Thomas Müller – Bayern Munich (2009/10)
Müller burst onto the scene with 19 goals and 16 assists, winning the domestic double. His intelligence and movement marked the arrival of a modern attacking midfielder.
3. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid (2013/14)
Bale delivered instantly with iconic goals in two major finals. His pace and power added another dimension to Madrid’s attack and secured La Décima.
2. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (2023/24)
Bellingham became the heartbeat of Madrid, scoring 21 goals from midfield. His leadership, maturity, and clutch performances helped win La Liga and stole global headlines.
1. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (2022/23)
Haaland’s 52 goals in 53 games shattered records and delivered a historic treble. A generational striker, his debut was one of the most dominant in modern football history.
