The 30 World-Class players in 2025
Each year, GOAL unveils its prestigious World-Class Club — a select group of 25 footballers who’ve consistently delivered elite performances across all competitions. To ensure balance, at least three players from each position are included. The 2025 list welcomes rising stars, celebrates veterans still at their peak, and honours football's most complete performers.
Alisson Becker
Despite dealing with recurring muscle issues, Alisson continues to set the standard for modern goalkeepers. His outstanding display against PSG in Paris was a clear reminder of his world-class reflexes and composure under pressure.
Thibaut Courtois
After missing most of the season with an ACL injury, Courtois returned just in time to lead Real Madrid to Champions League glory. His five consecutive clean sheets to close the season proved that he remains among the very best.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma has bounced back in style, playing a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League campaign and leading the clean sheet charts at the Club World Cup. The Italian giant looks every bit the elite keeper he was at Euro 2021.
Read also: The 20 Most Expensive Teenage Football Transfers in History - Ranked
Alessandro Bastoni
Bastoni further established himself as the most complete centre-back in football, even stepping in at left wing-back during a Champions League match. His blend of defensive skill and passing range earned him back-to-back Serie A Defender of the Year awards.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal continues to defy age and injuries to hold his place at Real Madrid. His consistency and big-game mentality make him one of the most reliable right-backs in modern football.
Ruben Dias
Though City didn’t dominate this season, Dias was a rock for Portugal, helping them win the Nations League. His leadership and defensive solidity still make him one of the top centre-backs in the world.
Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi delivered an outstanding campaign, contributing to 21 goals and leading all defenders in ball recoveries. His role in PSG’s treble triumph solidified his status as the most complete right-back in football.
Read also: The 10 NFL Quarterbacks Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Marquinhos
The Brazilian captain was PSG’s defensive anchor throughout their treble-winning run. A natural leader, he played nearly every minute of their Champions League journey and remained a calming presence at the back.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger had a mixed season, but his consistency in recent years and key role in Real Madrid's success keep him among the elite. His physicality and intensity remain vital to Los Blancos.
Virgil van Dijk
Back to his commanding best, Van Dijk led Liverpool to the Premier League title with dominant performances. Even when errors crept in, he responded with match-winning moments that reminded everyone of his quality.
William Saliba
Saliba stepped up as Arsenal’s defensive cornerstone during their Premier League title challenge. Composed under pressure and strong in duels, the Frenchman has developed into one of the most complete centre-backs in Europe.
Read also: The 50 Most Influential Footballers of All Time - Ranked
Jude Bellingham
While Bellingham experienced a dip in numbers and positional adaptation, he still managed 27 goal contributions. His shoulder injury limited his impact, but his talent and presence in Real Madrid’s midfield remain undeniable.
Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich continues to excel as one of football’s most complete midfielders. Ranked near the top for both chance creation and ball recoveries, he remains an irreplaceable figure for Bayern Munich.
Jamal Musiala
Before suffering a serious injury, Musiala had already recorded a career-best 21 goals. His dribbling, vision, and ability to carry the ball through midfield make him one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Pedri
Finally overcoming injury issues, Pedri delivered his most complete season to date with 59 appearances. He led Europe in ball recoveries and looked every bit like the next Barcelona midfield great.
Read also: The 20 Most Expensive South American Football Transfers of All Time - Ranked
Rodri
City’s struggles in Rodri’s absence speak volumes about his importance. He remains one of the most influential players in football, impacting games with and without the ball.
Fabian Ruiz
Ruiz was key in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and PSG’s treble-winning campaign. With 10 assists and vital Champions League goals, he has finally received the recognition his class deserves.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo’s quiet brilliance continues to shine for both club and country. He presses, controls tempo, and rarely puts a foot wrong — the ultimate team player.
Vitinha
Vitinha has emerged as the best central midfielder in the world this season. His intelligence, work-rate, and control made him the beating heart of both PSG and Portugal’s midfield.
Read also: The 30 Most Skilful Players in Football History – Ranked
Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister's first season at Liverpool was a masterclass in balance and control. Whether deployed deeper or further forward, his passing vision, composure, and tactical discipline made him essential to their title-winning setup.
Erling Haaland
Even in a season interrupted by injuries and dips in form, Haaland still scored over 30 goals. His ability to find the net in any circumstance makes him a perennial Golden Boot contender.
Harry Kane
Kane finally ended his wait for a league title with Bayern and continued scoring at an elite level. With 26 league goals and 11 in the Champions League, he remains among the world’s best.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia thrived after his move to PSG, rediscovering the form that won Napoli the Scudetto. His flair, creativity, and European heroics proved vital to PSG’s historic season.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe scored 43 goals in 56 matches during his first Real Madrid season. Despite team balance issues, he did exactly what he was brought in to do — score goals and win the Golden Shoe.
Mohamed Salah
Salah topped the Premier League in both goals and assists, proving age is just a number. He remains Liverpool’s most important attacker and the league’s most consistent performer.
Bukayo Saka
Saka has firmly cemented himself as one of the world’s most dynamic right-wingers. His productivity, creativity, and consistency for Arsenal make him an indispensable figure in both club and country setups.
Ousmane Dembélé
Dembélé’s form at PSG has finally matched his immense talent, with dazzling displays on the wing throughout their treble season. Injury-free and focused, he’s now delivering end product and defensive work to match his flair.
Cole Palmer
Palmer emerged as Chelsea’s undisputed talisman in 2024–25, with goals, assists, and swagger in equal measure. His breakout season saw him directly involved in over 30 goals — a rare feat for a 22-year-old.
Vinicius Jr
Vinicius may not have fulfilled his Ballon d’Or promise this season, but his 36 goal contributions still speak volumes. His dynamism and past brilliance ensure he remains among football’s elite.
Lamine Yamal
The 18-year-old sensation broke records at Euro 2024 and lit up the Champions League. Already drawing comparisons to legends, Yamal looks set to dominate this list for the next decade.
