The 35 Greatest Central Midfielders Since 1990 – Ranked from 35 to 1
Few positions in football capture the imagination quite like central midfield. These players sit at the heart of the pitch, dictating rhythm, controlling tempo, and often determining whether a team dominates or collapses. Since 1990, the game has produced a remarkable generation of midfielders, blending artistry with tactical intelligence, leadership, and in many cases, raw physicality.
To rank the very best is no simple task. Debates rage endlessly among fans: Is creativity more valuable than consistency? Should goals weigh heavier than defensive solidity? Can one player’s influence eclipse another’s silverware collection? The truth is that every great midfielder brings a unique combination of skill and character to the game.
From orchestrators like Xavi and Andrea Pirlo to warriors like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, from artists such as Zinedine Zidane to modern technicians like Kevin De Bruyne, each has left an indelible mark. They’ve lifted trophies, decided finals, inspired nations, and shaped entire eras of footballing identity.
This list balances individual brilliance with tangible achievement: major honours, iconic moments, leadership, and the intangible aura that makes a midfielder unforgettable. It is not definitive—no list could be—but it is a celebration of excellence.
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Here is our countdown of the 35 greatest central midfielders since 1990, ranked in reverse order.
#35 – Federico Valverde
The Uruguayan dynamo has rapidly risen to become one of the world’s most complete midfielders. At Real Madrid, Valverde’s energy, tactical awareness, and ability to switch seamlessly between roles have made him invaluable. Twice a Champions League winner and three-time La Liga champion already, his future remains bright. Still just in his mid-20s, Valverde represents the modern midfielder: physically imposing, technically sharp, and endlessly adaptable.
#34 – Joshua Kimmich
Germany’s Joshua Kimmich embodies versatility and football intelligence. Capable of excelling as a holding midfielder or at right-back, he has been a linchpin for both Bayern Munich and the German national side. His precise passing, set-piece quality, and relentless engine have earned him comparisons with legends of the past. With a Champions League title and numerous Bundesliga crowns, Kimmich has already cemented his place among the elite.
#33 – Fernandinho
Few players defined Manchester City’s modern dominance more than Fernandinho. The Brazilian served as the glue in Pep Guardiola’s system, balancing defensive duties with crisp distribution. His leadership on and off the pitch was crucial during City’s run of Premier League titles. Though not as glamorous as some contemporaries, his 918 career appearances and over 100 goals underline a career of consistency and influence.
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#32 – Jude Bellingham
At just 22, Bellingham’s career already feels historic. Rising from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and then Real Madrid, he has become one of football’s most complete young stars. A La Liga and Champions League winner by 20, Bellingham combines strength, vision, and goal-scoring ability. His 23 goals in the 2023/24 campaign showed that he is not only a midfielder who dictates games but one who finishes them too.
#31 – Ilkay Gündogan
The German playmaker was at the heart of Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, scoring vital goals in cup finals. With 747 career games and 139 goals, Gündogan has proven himself both reliable and decisive. A leader for club and country, he brings composure under pressure, intelligent positioning, and an uncanny knack for arriving in the box at the right moment.
#30 – Paul Pogba
Mercurial, brilliant, frustrating: Pogba’s career has been all of these. At his best, the Frenchman was unplayable, blending power, vision, and elegance. A World Cup winner in 2018, Pogba shone brightest in international colours. Though injuries and inconsistency marred his club career, particularly at Manchester United, his peak performances remain unforgettable.
#29 – Bastian Schweinsteiger
The heartbeat of Germany’s midfield for more than a decade, Schweinsteiger epitomised determination and resilience. He guided his nation to the 2014 World Cup, producing a heroic performance in the final. At Bayern Munich, he won the Champions League and multiple Bundesliga titles, cementing his reputation as a leader who thrived under pressure.
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#28 – Wesley Sneijder
Sneijder’s 2010 season with Inter Milan remains one of the greatest ever by a midfielder, culminating in a treble under José Mourinho. Known for his lethal shooting and vision, the Dutchman also played pivotal roles for Real Madrid and the Netherlands, reaching the World Cup final in the same year. With 154 career goals from midfield, Sneijder was as dangerous as he was creative.
#27 – Michael Essien
Nicknamed “The Bison,” Essien brought raw power and relentless energy to Chelsea’s midfield during their rise under José Mourinho. His thunderous long-range goals, combined with tireless defensive work, made him a fan favourite. Injuries curtailed his later years, but at his peak, Essien was among the most dominant midfielders in the Premier League.
#26 – Claude Makélélé
So influential that his name became a tactical term, Makélélé redefined the holding midfield role. At Real Madrid and later Chelsea, he provided balance and discipline, shielding defences while allowing creative players to flourish. Though he scored few goals, his 800+ appearances highlight his consistency. Football before and after Makélélé is not quite the same.
#25 – Xabi Alonso
The Spanish metronome dictated games with elegance and vision. Alonso’s passing range was unmatched, whether threading through balls at Liverpool or launching switches of play at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He won two European Championships and a World Cup with Spain, alongside Champions League triumphs at both Liverpool and Madrid.
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#24 – Cesc Fàbregas
One of the finest passers of his generation, Fàbregas was a midfield prodigy who broke into Arsenal’s first team as a teenager. His creativity and intelligence shaped matches, later bringing success at Barcelona and Chelsea. A two-time European champion and World Cup winner with Spain, he delivered at every level of the game.
#23 – Mesut Özil
A true artist with the ball, Özil’s vision and weight of pass were unmatched. At Arsenal, he consistently ranked among Europe’s top chance creators, while with Germany he helped deliver the 2014 World Cup. With 114 career goals and over 200 assists, Özil’s genius lay in unlocking defences with apparent ease.
#22 – Frank Rijkaard
Rijkaard straddled two eras, excelling as both a defensive midfielder and ball-playing orchestrator. With AC Milan, he won multiple European Cups, anchoring one of the greatest sides in history. He added a European Championship with the Netherlands in 1988, combining elegance with steel in midfield.
#21 – Roy Keane
Manchester United’s ferocious captain embodied determination and authority. Keane was a warrior who inspired fear in opponents and respect among teammates. His leadership drove United to multiple Premier League titles and a famous treble in 1999. More than stats, Keane’s legacy is defined by his sheer willpower and presence.
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#20 – Toni Kroos
Kroos mastered control like few others, dictating games with composure and flawless technique. At Real Madrid, he was central to five Champions League triumphs, while for Germany, he played a vital role in their 2014 World Cup win. His intelligence and range of passing made him the consummate midfield conductor.
#19 – Juan Román Riquelme
The Argentine magician was a joy to watch. With vision, balance, and creativity, Riquelme turned matches into performances. At Villarreal and Boca Juniors, he produced moments of genius that defined games. Though sometimes underappreciated, his artistry and unique style ensured his lasting influence.
#18 – Yaya Touré
Touré was a force of nature. His surging runs from midfield powered Manchester City to Premier League glory, while his time at Barcelona brought Champions League success. Combining technique with immense physicality, he dominated games like few others, especially during City’s 2013/14 title-winning season.
#17 – N’Golo Kanté
Modest off the pitch but immense on it, Kanté was the engine behind Leicester City’s miracle title win and Chelsea’s Champions League triumph. Tireless, humble, and always in the right place, he redefined the art of interception and recovery. A World Cup winner with France, his influence went far beyond numbers.
#16 – Patrick Vieira
Arsenal’s captain during their golden era, Vieira embodied strength and leadership. His duels with Roy Keane defined a Premier League generation. A three-time league champion and World Cup winner with France, Vieira was the complete midfielder, blending defensive steel with forward drive.
#15 – Sergio Busquets
Quietly brilliant, Busquets was Barcelona and Spain’s metronome during their dominance. Rarely flashy, always effective, he read the game like few others. His positioning, intelligence, and composure under pressure allowed teammates to shine, proving that subtlety can be as powerful as spectacle.
#14 – Andrea Pirlo
A maestro with the ball at his feet, Pirlo orchestrated games with elegance and grace. His free-kicks and long-range passing were works of art. At AC Milan, Juventus, and with Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning side, Pirlo showed that intelligence and technique can outshine athleticism.
#13 – Rodri
The Spanish powerhouse has become the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. With unmatched composure and tactical awareness, Rodri dictates games and shields the defence. Winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or and the Euros with Spain confirmed his status as the finest holding midfielder of his era.
#12 – Paul Scholes
The Englishman’s passing range and striking technique were extraordinary. At Manchester United, he was central to 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs. Revered by peers, Scholes was admired for his intelligence, timing, and ability to score crucial goals from midfield.
#11 – Frank Lampard
Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer despite being a midfielder, Lampard combined intelligence with relentless drive. His late runs into the box produced 268 career goals, while his leadership brought domestic and European success. A model of consistency, Lampard epitomised the modern attacking midfielder.
#10 – Kaká
The Brazilian was pure elegance. In 2007, he won the Ballon d’Or after guiding AC Milan to Champions League glory. Kaká’s dribbling, vision, and finishing made him unstoppable at his peak. Though injuries shortened his prime, his brilliance remains unforgettable.
#9 – Kevin De Bruyne
Perhaps the finest playmaker of his generation, De Bruyne’s vision and technique have defined Manchester City’s dominance. His range of passing, combined with goalscoring ability, make him one of the most complete midfielders ever seen in the Premier League. Few can match his consistency and creativity.
#8 – Clarence Seedorf
The Dutch legend remains the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. A powerful runner and intelligent passer, Seedorf combined elegance with determination. His longevity at the top level speaks to his extraordinary quality.
#7 – Steven Gerrard
Liverpool’s talisman embodied loyalty, leadership, and passion. Gerrard’s ability to drag his team forward in crucial moments—most famously in the 2005 Champions League final—cemented his legacy. Though he never won a league title, his influence and brilliance remain beyond question.
#6 – Michael Laudrup
The Danish playmaker was revered for his vision and balance. At Barcelona and Real Madrid, he inspired some of the greatest sides of the 1990s. His 16 major trophies, combined with an ability to unlock any defence, ensured his status as one of football’s greatest artists.
#5 – Lothar Matthäus
A Ballon d’Or winner in 1990, Matthäus was Germany’s midfield general during their World Cup triumph. Equally comfortable defending and attacking, he scored 227 goals in a remarkable career. With Bundesliga and Serie A titles, as well as international honours, Matthäus was the complete midfielder.
#4 – Andrés Iniesta
The embodiment of grace, Iniesta combined technical brilliance with unerring composure. He won 40 major trophies with Barcelona and Spain, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. His partnership with Xavi remains one of the greatest in football history.
#3 – Xavi Hernández
Barcelona’s metronome and Spain’s conductor, Xavi defined an era with his passing, intelligence, and positioning. With four Champions League titles and a World Cup, he orchestrated the greatest midfield dynasty of modern football. Few players have influenced the game’s style as profoundly as Xavi.
#2 – Luka Modrić
The Croatian maestro defied time and expectation. A six-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a Ballon d’Or recipient in 2018, Modrić guided Croatia to a World Cup final. His longevity, creativity, and relentless work rate confirm his place among the very best.
#1 – Zinedine Zidane
Graceful, powerful, decisive: Zidane was the ultimate big-game player. A World Cup and European Championship winner with France, a Champions League icon with Real Madrid, and a Ballon d’Or laureate, he combined artistry with effectiveness. From his two goals in the 1998 World Cup final to his legendary volley in 2002, Zidane defined footballing genius. For many, he remains the greatest central midfielder of all time.
