The 15 best midfielders in world football right now (2025)

October 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From tireless ball-winners to graceful creators, the world’s finest midfielders are shaping the game like never before. As the heartbeat of their teams, these players bring control, vision, and flair to the pitch week in, week out. Here's our countdown of the top 15 midfielders on the planet in 2025—starting from number 15 and working our way to the very best.

15. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United and Portugal

Bruno Fernandes remains one of the most productive midfielders in the game. With over 10 goals in every season since joining Manchester United, his creative output and leadership continue to drive the team forward, and he's already sixth in all-time Premier League big chances created.

14. Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool and Hungary

Szoboszlai has added much-needed end product to his immense work rate, netting crucial goals against top opposition. Now thriving in multiple positions under Arne Slot, the Hungarian has become a fan favourite at Anfield thanks to his dynamism and free-kick finesse.

13. Scott McTominay – Napoli and Scotland

After leaving Manchester United, McTominay has completely transformed his career at Napoli. Under Antonio Conte, he scored 13 goals, added six assists, and was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player while helping the club win another Scudetto.

12. Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle and Brazil

A cornerstone of Newcastle's revival, Guimaraes has become the club’s most successful signing post-takeover. The Brazilian’s passion and consistency paid off with a Carabao Cup triumph in 2025, as he captained the Magpies to their first trophy in 70 years.

11. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain and Spain

Fabián Ruiz — Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Though not as flashy as his PSG teammates, Ruiz is vital to the team’s balance and rhythm. His consistent performances were crucial to the club’s treble-winning campaign and Spain’s Euro 2024 success, earning him a top-25 Ballon d’Or finish.

10. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid and Uruguay

Valverde’s versatility has been key to Real Madrid’s continued dominance, playing both in midfield and out wide. With Toni Kroos retired, Valverde is stepping into a leadership role and remains Uruguay’s standout performer on the international stage.

9. Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal

Neves operates quietly but efficiently, offering unmatched press resistance and ball retention. Integral to PSG’s historic Champions League win, the 21-year-old has also proven his adaptability by covering at right-back when needed.

8. Rodri – Manchester City and Spain

Rodri has become the backbone of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, combining defensive steel with goal-scoring ability. He played pivotal roles in Spain’s Euro 2024 win and City’s domestic dominance, culminating in a Ballon d'Or win in 2024.

7. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich and Germany

Still only 22, Musiala has dazzled with his dribbling and attacking flair. Whether on the left or in a central role, the German international continues to elevate Bayern and has become Germany’s creative lynchpin ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

6. Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool and Netherlands

Reborn under Arne Slot, Gravenberch has taken control of Liverpool’s midfield with composure and power. His resurgence has drawn comparisons to Yaya Toure, and his ability to control tempo makes him one of the league's standout performers.

5. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid and England

After starring in the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid, Bellingham’s star has only grown brighter. He’s already a proven match-winner and, at just 22, has a Ballon d'Or trajectory if he stays injury-free and keeps progressing.

4. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal

Vitinha’s rise from Premier League obscurity to midfield superstardom has been meteoric. His technical intelligence and calmness in tight spaces are crucial to PSG’s fluidity, making him one of the most complete midfielders in Europe.

3. Moises Caicedo – Chelsea and Ecuador

After a shaky start, Caicedo has blossomed into Chelsea’s midfield general. The Ecuadorian is now a key cog in Maresca’s system and is repaying his record transfer fee with dominant performances and an ever-growing influence on the pitch.

2. Declan Rice – Arsenal and England

Rice has become the engine of both Arsenal and England, blending defensive solidity with box-to-box energy. As the most expensive English player ever, he’s lived up to the hype and continues to collect silverware and plaudits alike.

1. Pedri – Barcelona and Spain

Pedri has matured into one of the most complete midfielders in world football. With his intelligent movement, incisive passing, and composure, he’s central to Barcelona’s revival and Spain’s resurgence, carrying the torch once held by legends like Iniesta.