Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Xavi Simons, Hugo Ekitike

The 10 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World (2025)

August 25, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Once seen as luxury players, attacking midfielders are now at the heart of modern football. The classic No.10 has returned with new responsibilities: pressing, tempo-setting, and creative brilliance. FourFourTwo asked an expert panel to rank the 10 best attacking midfielders in the world right now – a mix of established superstars and young prodigies redefining the role.

10. Matheus Cunha – Manchester United / Brazil

Cunha’s flair, dribbling and intelligent link-up play made him a standout at Wolves before Manchester United swooped in. Comfortable as both striker and creator, he thrives in tight spaces with close control and agility. His intensity and fighting spirit make him more than just a technician – he’s a player you want alongside you in battle.

9. Scott McTominay – Napoli / Scotland

Few predicted murals of McTominay in Naples, but he became Serie A’s MVP in 2025 after leading Napoli to the Scudetto. Deployed higher up by Antonio Conte, his physical power, timing in the box and relentless running stunned Italy. Long underrated, the Scot now ranks among Europe’s most effective attacking midfielders.

8. Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig / Netherlands

La Masia-raised, PSV-honed and now Leipzig’s jewel, Simons is blossoming into one of the world’s brightest playmakers. Still only 22, he has consistently hit double figures for goals and assists, combining speed of thought with technical finesse. A big move to a European giant feels inevitable.

7. Dani Olmo – Barcelona / Spain

Olmo’s unconventional path through Croatia and Germany gave him a unique blend of grit and elegance. Returning to Barça, he quickly showed his class despite early registration issues. With 12 goals and 7 assists in a season, he’s become a central figure for both club and country, a rare Spanish talent shaped abroad.

6. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City / France

Cherki’s extraordinary technique and flair made him a Ligue 1 sensation at Lyon, and his move to City is the next test. With dazzling dribbles and Cantona-like confidence, he looks set to become a Premier League star. At just 21, his ceiling is sky-high – one of the most exciting French talents of his generation.

5. Cole Palmer – Chelsea / England

Released by Manchester City, Palmer exploded at Chelsea to become one of Europe’s top creators. Elegant on the ball, with remarkable composure and lethal finishing, he makes football look effortless. At 23, he has already become Chelsea’s talisman and one of England’s brightest stars.

4. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United / Portugal

United’s captain and creative heartbeat continues to shine even through difficult times at Old Trafford. Tireless in his work rate and unmatched in chance creation, he drags his team forward in every competition. Often divisive for his antics, but his influence and brilliance are undeniable.

3. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich / Germany

Nicknamed “Bambi” for his graceful dribbling style, Musiala is one of the most exciting players in the world to watch. At 22, he already carries Bayern’s creative burden, blending silky ball control with devastating end product. His ability to evade defenders with body feints makes him a unique attacking midfielder.

2. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid / England

Bellingham’s transformation at Madrid has been breathtaking – from box-to-box midfielder to top scorer in his debut season. A complete player with leadership beyond his years, he combines Steven Gerrard’s engine with Lampard’s goal threat. At 22, he is already one of the best players in the world, destined to dominate a generation.

1. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool / Germany

Wirtz has long been hailed as Germany’s next great playmaker, and his move to Liverpool confirms his rise to superstardom. A dribbler with vision and flair, he was the creative soul of Leverkusen’s double-winning side in 2024. At just 22, he is already considered a Ballon d’Or contender – the jewel in Germany’s footballing crown.