15 best footballers in the world right now (2025)
From breakout stars to the sport’s most iconic names, football in 2025 is stacked with world-class talent. We’ve ranked the top 15 players on the planet based on form, achievements, and impact — starting from number 15 and working our way up to the very best.
15. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France
Since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in 2023, Michael Olise has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s most electrifying forwards. With 12 goals and 18 assists in the Bundesliga last season, plus a red-hot start to 2025/26, he’s become Vincent Kompany’s creative engine.
14. Raphinha – Barcelona & Brazil
Raphinha has gone from a potential Barcelona exit to becoming a cornerstone of their attack under Hansi Flick. With 34 goals and 25 assists in 2024/25, the Brazilian winger silenced critics and proved he belongs at Europe’s top table.
13. Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid & Brazil
After a slow start to 2023/24 due to injury, Vinicius Jr exploded back into form, helping Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League. Though his recent consistency has wavered, his technical brilliance and match-winning ability keep him among the best.
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12. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami & Argentina
Even at nearly 40 and playing in MLS, Lionel Messi continues to dominate. With 29 goals and 17 assists this year alone, his genius still shines, making it impossible to leave the football icon out of the global elite.
11. Achraf Hakimi – PSG & Morocco
Hakimi’s all-action style has made him a force for PSG, contributing 11 goals and 16 assists last season, and playing a key role in their Champions League triumph. Defensively sharp and offensively explosive, he’s become one of the game’s most complete full-backs.
10. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool & Egypt
Despite speculation about a Saudi move, Salah stayed at Liverpool and enjoyed a stunning season, finishing as Premier League top scorer and logging over 50 goal contributions. He’s now extended his deal and remains central to Liverpool’s title push.
9. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England
Bellingham took Spain by storm with an unforgettable debut campaign at Real Madrid, lifting the Champions League and La Liga while scoring key goals in a false nine role. Injuries have slowed him lately, but few players are more influential when fit.
Read also: 10 legendary footballers who never won the Ballon d'Or
8. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona & Poland
At 36, Lewandowski remains a goal machine, netting 42 times during Barcelona’s treble-winning season. He continues to lead the line with precision and power, proving he’s still one of the world’s deadliest strikers.
7. Vitinha – PSG & Portugal
From Premier League misfit to Champions League winner, Vitinha has become PSG’s midfield metronome. His control and passing tempo have made him indispensable, and his influence in Europe’s biggest games only continues to grow.
6. Ousmane Dembele – PSG & France
Dembele finally fulfilled his vast potential last season, racking up 48 goal contributions and leading PSG to their first-ever Champions League title. His creativity, pace, and ambidexterity earned him the Ballon d’Or — and deservedly so.
5. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain
Pedri's intelligence and composure set him apart as one of the top midfielders in world football. His role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Barcelona’s success under Hansi Flick cements his place among the game's elite.
Read also: Champions League 2025–26: Who are the favourites to lift the trophy after matchday 3?
4. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway
With 15 goals already this season and a third straight Premier League Golden Boot under his belt, Haaland continues to shatter records. His physicality and instinct in front of goal make him a nightmare for defenders everywhere.
3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich & England
Kane has thrived since moving to Germany, scoring 36 goals in his debut Bundesliga season and 26 more last year. Now with silverware in hand and 22 goal involvements already this term, he’s in the form of his life.
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona & Spain
Lamine Yamal’s rise has been nothing short of astonishing. From Euro 2024 standout to Champions League history-maker, the teenager has dazzled with maturity, flair, and poise well beyond his years. The future — and possibly the Ballon d'Or — belongs to him.
1. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France
After years of speculation, Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid — and though he started slow, he exploded late last season with 43 goals. Now fully integrated, the Frenchman looks poised to dominate world football in the post-Messi, post-Ronaldo era.
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