The 25 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World – Ranked

June 20, 2025 Oliver Obel

Attacking midfielders remain among the most valuable assets in modern football. Their ability to dictate tempo, unlock defences and score goals makes them irreplaceable in top teams. From young breakout stars to established veterans, these are the 25 best in the world right now.

25. Enzo Millot

Millot has impressed for Stuttgart under Sebastian Hoeness, playing a key role in their Champions League push. The young Frenchman offers both creativity and box-to-box energy.

24. Nico Paz

On loan at Como, Paz has developed rapidly into a standout in Serie A. With strong dribbling and work ethic, he's already attracting interest from Real Madrid for a return.

23. Oihan Sancet

Sancet contributes more as a second striker than a pure creator, often arriving in the box with precise timing. He plays a central role in Athletic Club’s attack.

22. Justin Kluivert

After an inconsistent start to his career, Kluivert has found form at Bournemouth. A move to a central role has brought the best out of his attacking instincts.

21. Charles De Ketelaere

Struggling at Milan, De Ketelaere found new life at Atalanta where his technical quality and height give him an edge. He has regained confidence with goals and assists.

20. Alex Baena

Baena has become a creative hub for Villarreal, drifting inside from the flank to influence the game. His vision and final pass make him a key figure in La Liga.

19. James Maddison

Maddison brings flair and risk-taking in the final third, adding goals and assists for Tottenham. While not always dominant, his creativity is still crucial to their attack.

18. Mohammed Kudus

Kudus has shown versatility and power at West Ham, producing goals and assists from multiple positions. He remains raw, but his potential is evident.

17. Rayan Cherki

Cherki plays with flair and imagination, standing out in a system-driven era. Still just 21, he continues to grow as a creative force for Lyon.

16. Bernardo Silva

Silva remains a vital player for Manchester City, with his intelligence and technical quality making him reliable in big matches. His form has dipped recently but his class endures.

15. Morgan Rogers

Rogers has excelled under Unai Emery at Aston Villa after moving into a central role. His ability to carry the ball and influence the game has brought international recognition.

14. Eberechi Eze

Eze — Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Eze lights up matches with his dribbling and free-kick ability. Now an England international, he’s expected to move to a bigger club soon.

13. Paulo Dybala

Though affected by injuries, Dybala still contributes with goals and creative touches. His style is more suited to a past era, but his quality remains high.

12. Morgan Gibbs-White

A key figure in Nottingham Forest’s recent progress, Gibbs-White offers control and transition play. He combines flair with discipline in a balanced role.

11. Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne has struggled with injuries, but his peak level is still world-class. His range of passing and ability to break lines are unmatched when fit.

10. Xavi Simons

Back in the Bundesliga, Simons has impressed with his vision and control in tight spaces. Now a permanent Leipzig player, he’s one of the league’s standout talents.

9. Dejan Kulusevski

Kulusevski has shown his best form in a central role at Tottenham. His ball-carrying and creative movement have made him a key figure this season.

8. Martin Odegaard

Martin Ødegaard — Photo: Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Odegaard continues to lead Arsenal with intelligence and precision passing. While 2024/25 hasn’t been his best season, his playmaking ability is top class.

7. Phil Foden

Foden reached new heights in 2023/24 and remains one of the most complete attacking midfielders. He can operate in multiple roles and is always technically sharp.

6. Dani Olmo

Now at Barcelona, Olmo has shown his flexibility and creativity across various roles. He was also instrumental in Spain’s recent Euro triumph.

5. Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes remains central to Manchester United’s attack, often producing key moments in difficult games. His output and leadership continue to define his time at the club.

4. Cole Palmer

Palmer has exploded at Chelsea, delivering goals and assists with remarkable consistency. His awareness and composure belie his age, making him one of the top performers in England.

3. Jamal Musiala

Musiala is an elegant dribbler with sharp instincts near the box. Already a star at Bayern, he continues to develop into one of Europe’s most dangerous playmakers.

2. Florian Wirtz

Wirtz led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and has become their most important player. His creativity, maturity, and decision-making stand out at a young age.

1. Jude Bellingham

Bellingham transformed Real Madrid’s midfield in his debut season, winning both club and league awards. With power, intelligence, and finesse, he defines the modern attacking midfielder.