The 30 Best Footballers in the World in 2025 (Ranked by Fans)

World football is overflowing with talent in 2025. From rising prodigies to aging legends still defying time, fans have had their say on who they believe are the very best players in the world right now. While official awards like the Ballon d'Or spark annual debate, this ranking is powered entirely by supporters who have followed every pass, tackle, and goal throughout the 2024/25 season.

The result? A compelling mix of youth and experience, established megastars and new names breaking into the elite. These are the 30 players who, in the eyes of fans, stood above the rest in 2025 — ranked from 30 to 1.

30. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco

The dynamic full-back remains one of the fastest and most explosive players in world football. At PSG, he continues to be a constant attacking threat down the right flank and a leader for Morocco’s national team.

29. Federico Chiesa – Liverpool, Italy

Despite a turbulent year with injuries and transfer speculation, Chiesa’s dribbling and direct play keep him among the elite. Even as he eyes a move back to Serie A, fans still recognize his class.

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28. João Cancelo – Al-Hilal, Portugal

Now starring in the Saudi Pro League, Cancelo’s versatility and flair make him stand out in any system. Whether as a left or right back, his attacking contributions remain top-tier.

27. Declan Rice – Arsenal, England

Rice has grown into a true midfield general for Arsenal and England. His defensive strength and leadership have been crucial to Arsenal’s title push and stability in 2025.

26. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City, Portugal

Silva’s intelligence on and off the ball continues to shine in City's fluid attack. Whether dictating tempo or scoring key goals, he's a consistent performer in one of the world’s best squads.

25. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia

Nicknamed “Kvaradona,” the Georgian winger dazzles with his footwork and unpredictability. His recent move to PSG has only elevated his profile and influence on the global stage.

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24. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich, Germany

Kimmich remains one of the most complete midfielders in the game. His tactical awareness and passing accuracy anchor Bayern's system and the German national team.

23. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal, Norway

Arsenal’s captain is a creative force with vision and precision. Ødegaard’s leadership and ability to unlock defenses with ease keep him at the top level.

22. Phil Foden – Manchester City, England

Foden has blossomed into one of England’s brightest stars, combining flair, intelligence, and a growing goal tally. A true product of the Guardiola system, he’s thriving in 2025.

21. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona, Spain

Still a teenager, Yamal is already electrifying crowds with his pace and confidence. Seen as the future of Barcelona and Spain, his potential seems limitless.

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20. Alisson – Liverpool, Brazil

The only goalkeeper in the top 30, Alisson remains the gold standard for modern shot-stoppers. His reflexes, distribution, and consistency keep Liverpool’s defense rock-solid.

19. Rodri – Manchester City, Spain

Rodri is the heartbeat of City’s midfield, dictating play with calm and precision. His control in possession and positional sense make him indispensable for club and country.

18. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool, Germany

Wirtz’s creativity and eye for goal have quickly made him a fan favorite at Anfield. The young German playmaker is rapidly becoming one of the best in his position.

17. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid, Uruguay

Valverde’s blend of energy, aggression, and technical quality makes him vital for Real Madrid. He covers ground like few others and contributes at both ends of the pitch.

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16. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal, England

Saka continues to mature into one of the Premier League’s most consistent wingers. Despite setbacks with injuries, his productivity and work rate remain elite.

15. Son Heung-min – Tottenham, South Korea

Even at 32, Son remains a vital leader and clinical finisher for Spurs. His consistency and versatility make him one of the most respected forwards in the Premier League.

14. Pedri – Barcelona, Spain

Pedri’s intelligence, composure, and movement continue to define Barcelona’s midfield. Despite his young age, he’s already a key figure for club and country.

13. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli, Belgium

Now starring in Serie A with Napoli, De Bruyne’s world-class passing and vision remain unchanged. He continues to dictate games with unmatched creativity and control.

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12. Luka Modrić – AC Milan, Croatia

Even in his late 30s, Modrić still oozes class. Now anchoring Milan’s midfield, his experience, calmness under pressure, and leadership are second to none.

11. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich, England

Kane’s goalscoring instincts helped Bayern secure Bundesliga glory. With 26 league goals in 2024/25, he remains one of the most lethal strikers in the world.

10. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona, Poland

Lewandowski continues to defy age with his elite finishing. At 36, he led La Liga in goals, proving he's still a nightmare for defenders across Europe.

9. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool, Netherlands

Back to his dominant best, Van Dijk led Liverpool to another Premier League title. Aerially unstoppable and positionally flawless, he’s the gold standard for center-backs.

8. Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid, Brazil

Vini remains one of the world’s most electrifying wingers. His flair, acceleration, and attacking output make him an irreplaceable piece of Real Madrid’s front line.

7. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami, Argentina

Messi’s European days may be behind him, but he still produces magic in the MLS and for Argentina. His legacy continues to grow as he builds toward a final World Cup run.

6. Erling Haaland – Manchester City, Norway

Haaland remains a goalscoring machine, netting 22 league goals despite a dip in City’s overall form. His pace, power, and positioning are unlike anything in the game.

5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool, Egypt

Salah added another Premier League title and Golden Boot to his legacy. He’s now tied with Thierry Henry for most Golden Boots in league history—an all-time great.

4. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid, England

At just 22, Bellingham has become the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield. With over 60 goal contributions in 100 appearances, he’s already a world-class talent.

3. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid, France

Mbappé’s first full season in Spain saw him top the La Liga scoring charts. His blistering pace and clinical finishing make him a global icon and Madrid’s new talisman.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr, Portugal

Still going strong at 40, Ronaldo is a physical marvel and continues scoring at a high rate. With over 900 career goals, his longevity and drive are unmatched.

1. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich, Germany

Musiala tops the fan rankings in 2025 after a sensational season. His dribbling, vision, and influence at both club and international level have cemented him as one of football’s brightest superstars.