The 25 Best Attacking Midfielders in World Football – Ranked
In the era of high pressing and positional discipline, the traditional No.10 is often said to be fading. But the truth is, attacking midfielders are simply evolving—becoming hybrid creators, goal threats, and tactical disruptors in equal measure. From overlooked magicians to record-breaking prodigies, here are the 25 best attacking midfielders in world football, starting from number 25 all the way to the top.
25. Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham Hotspur
Kulusevski found his best form when allowed to roam centrally under Postecoglou, bringing his blend of strength, clever movement and creativity to life. Although Spurs’ inconsistency held him back, his individual impact was undeniable.
24. Álex Baena – Atlético Madrid
Baena blossomed into a top-tier creator at Villarreal and is now aiming to replicate that magic at Atlético. His intelligence in drifting inside from the wing and his vision in tight areas make him a true creative outlet.
23. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City
Though his influence is starting to decline with age, Silva’s football IQ and composure remain unmatched. A consistent performer under pressure, he still slices through defenses with ease when given the freedom.
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22. Pedro Gonçalves – Sporting CP
Gonçalves has quietly posted elite numbers year after year in Lisbon, often overshadowed despite being Sporting’s central creative engine. His goal and assist tallies prove he belongs in Europe’s elite midfield conversation.
21. Paulo Dybala – Roma
Injuries have plagued Dybala’s rhythm, but when fit, his left-footed artistry is spellbinding. A romantic throwback to the classic No.10, he remains capable of magical moments in a structured era.
20. Justin Kluivert – Bournemouth
Once written off, Kluivert has rejuvenated his career in the Premier League by taking on a more central role. Under Iraola, he now combines intensity with maturity and flair with productivity.
19. Fermín López – Barcelona
López brings something different to Barcelona’s midfield—a chaotic energy and fearless forward thrust. His pressing and instinctive attacking spark have made him a fan favorite and a game-changer.
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18. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli
Even with age and injuries slowing him down, De Bruyne’s passing range remains unmatched. His move to Napoli allows him to control games at a calmer tempo, where his brilliance still shines through.
17. Charles De Ketelaere – Atalanta
Reborn under Gasperini, De Ketelaere has re-emerged as a creative powerhouse in Serie A. His goal and assist contributions helped fuel Atalanta’s European success and prove his elite football IQ.
16. Phil Foden – Manchester City
Foden has the talent to be unplayable, but his form has fluctuated. When in rhythm, he can dominate games with breathtaking control and lethal finishing—but consistency remains the question.
15. Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
Rogers combines brute strength with silky touches, bulldozing through defenders while delivering clever passes. Though his decision-making is still maturing, his upside is massive.
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14. Oihan Sancet – Athletic Club
Sancet is more of a shadow striker than a classic playmaker, using his spatial awareness to ghost into scoring positions. He finished as La Liga’s top-scoring midfielder in 2024/25.
13. Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace
Eze glides through defenders with an effortless grace, often looking like he’s in a training ground drill. After leading Palace to an FA Cup win with the decisive goal, he’s finally getting his due recognition.
12. Isco – Real Betis
Thought to be past his prime, Isco has defied expectations with back-to-back stellar seasons at Betis. His creativity, experience, and footballing intelligence have reached new heights late in his career.
11. Morgan Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest
Gibbs-White blends finesse with physicality, driving forward with precision and never slowing the tempo. He stands out not just for his skill but for his unrelenting drive and leadership.
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10. Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool
Szoboszlai’s thunderous strikes and composure on the ball helped guide Liverpool to a title. With end-product and work rate, he’s more than flair—he’s a midfield engine with style.
9. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
Cherki’s raw talent and dribbling flair evoke comparisons to Mahrez and even Messi. Now at City, he’s set to dazzle on a bigger stage with his fearless, unpredictable play.
8. Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig
After proving himself in the Eredivisie, Simons has become a Bundesliga star. He’s electric in attack and continues to exceed expectations with his creativity and work ethic.
7. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal
A technical maestro and Arsenal’s captain, Ødegaard knits the midfield together with his passing and vision. He needs more consistency and silverware to reach the absolute top tier.
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6. Dani Olmo – Barcelona
Olmo’s blend of Spanish flair, Croatian discipline, and Bundesliga energy makes him uniquely versatile. A key figure in Barcelona’s treble season, he’s both a creator and a match-winner.
5. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Through United’s chaos, Fernandes has been the one constant—scoring, assisting, and fighting. His passion and productivity have kept the club afloat in turbulent times.
4. Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Palmer exploded after his move from City, becoming Chelsea’s creative and scoring talisman. When given freedom, his confidence and flair make him nearly unstoppable.
3. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool
Wirtz combines intelligence, technique, and consistency, making him the most complete young No.10 in football. Now at Liverpool, he’s ready to dominate the Premier League.
2. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
Musiala is a one-man highlight reel, capable of slaloming through tight defences with grace. His dribbling and directness make him a unique threat in any system.
1. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Bellingham’s mix of skill, fire, and leadership make him the best attacking midfielder in the world. He drives games with intensity, scores decisive goals, and plays with unmatched passion.
