The 50 Best Players of the 2024–25 European Season – Ranked

The 2024–25 European football season delivered unforgettable drama across every major league and competition. From breakout stars to seasoned legends, these are the top 100 players who defined the campaign — starting from number 100 and working up to the very best.

50. David de Gea

David de Gea made a stunning return to football with Fiorentina, defying doubters after a year out. His 11 clean sheets and veteran reflexes were key in their push for Europe.

49. Pau Cubarsi

Still a teenager, Pau Cubarsi anchored Barcelona's defence like a seasoned pro. His composure and ball-playing ability suggest a world-class future awaits.

48. Moises Caicedo

After a rocky debut season, Moises Caicedo emerged as Chelsea’s heartbeat in midfield. His ball-winning and distribution earned him double Player of the Season honours.

Read also: The 10 Fastest F1 Cars in History - Ranked

47. Yann Sommer

Yann Sommer proved crucial for Inter’s Champions League run, pulling off miracle saves in the semis. Underrated and reliable, he had one of the best seasons of his career.

46. Willian Pacho

New to PSG, Willian Pacho immediately slotted into their defence with authority. At just 23, he looks like their long-term successor to Marquinhos.

45. Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood thrived at Marseille with 21 league goals in his Ligue 1 debut. Despite friction with De Zerbi, he broke club records and revived his career.

44. Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde carried Real Madrid through a tough season, contributing defensively and creatively. His relentless energy never faded, even with others struggling.

Read also: The 10 Greatest NBA Teams of All Time – Ranked

43. Chris Wood

Chris Wood became Nottingham Forest’s surprise talisman with 20 league goals. His strength and smart movement lifted Forest into Europe.

42. Denzel Dumfries

A career-best campaign for Denzel Dumfries, who tallied 17 goal contributions. His Champions League semi-final heroics were unforgettable.

41. Nicolo Barella

Though not flashy statistically, Nicolo Barella was Inter’s midfield maestro. He remained calm and composed, guiding them to another European final.

40. Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram silenced doubters with 27 combined goals and assists. His explosive start in the UCL semi-final put Inter in control.

Read also: The 11 Highest-Paid English Footballers Playing Abroad in 2025 - Ranked

39. Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich signed a new Bayern deal after one of his most complete seasons. He covered more minutes than anyone at the club and stayed pivotal under Kompany.

38. Bradley Barcola

Bradley Barcola was a dribbling menace with 39 goal contributions across 57 games. He’s become one of PSG’s most entertaining and productive wingers.

37. Bukayo Saka

Even with a four-month injury layoff, Bukayo Saka delivered iconic moments. His Bernabeu goal sealed his season as one of Arsenal’s brightest lights.

36. William Saliba

William Saliba led Arsenal’s defence with poise and maturity beyond his years. He is already among Europe’s elite centre-backs at just 24.

Read also: The 50 Most Valuable Football Teams in the World – Ranked (2025)

35. Bruno Fernandes

Despite United’s struggles, Bruno Fernandes had 39 goal involvements. He kept the team afloat almost single-handedly from a deeper role.

34. Alessandro Bastoni

Alessandro Bastoni combined defence and distribution like few others. He is the linchpin of Inter’s iconic back three.

33. Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Magalhaes was a rock at the back and a set-piece threat. His transformation into a modern, reliable defender was complete.

32. Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush split his season between Frankfurt and Man City, scoring 28 goals. His long-range efforts and showmanship lit up both leagues.

Read also: Most Expensive Bundesliga Transfers of All Time – Ranked

31. Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes kept elite wingers quiet and scored clutch goals for PSG. His complete performances in the UCL knockout stages were masterclasses in two-way full-back play.

30. Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister was Liverpool’s midfield maestro, always available and involved. His title-sealing goal against Spurs was worthy of a champion.

29. Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala continued dazzling with 26 goal contributions despite late injuries. He’s still Bayern’s most gifted dribbler and creator.

28. Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez exploded in the second half of the season for Atleti with 29 goals. His Champions League heroics erased a slow start.

27. Erling Haaland

“Bad” by his standards, Erling Haaland still scored 31 times. A foot injury limited him, but his output remained world-class.

26. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi reached another level under Luis Enrique with 22 goal involvements. His balanced two-way play pushed PSG into the final.

25. Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui dominated Serie A with 25 league goals for Atalanta. A surprise Capocannoniere, his physical style and finishing were lethal.

24. Desire Doue

Desire Doue started slow at PSG but blossomed into a Neymar-style winger. His 28 goal involvements made him one of the season’s breakout stars.

23. Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham didn’t hit the same heights as last season but still delivered. With 28 goal contributions, he remained Madrid’s most reliable force.

22. Serhou Guirassy

Serhou Guirassy scored 13 Champions League goals and 24 in all competitions. He made a name for himself in Dortmund’s deep European run.

21. Declan Rice

Declan Rice evolved into a dominant box-to-box presence. He scored from free-kicks and bossed Arsenal’s midfield all season.

20. Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz created chance after chance for Leverkusen and notched 31 contributions. At 22, he’s already Germany’s best attacking midfielder.

19. Vinicius Jr

Vinicius Jr matched last season’s numbers with 37 goal contributions. Still dazzling, but Mbappe’s arrival saw him lose top billing.

18. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma produced legendary performances in PSG’s UCL run. Some say he deserves Ballon d'Or shouts after several superhuman saves.

17. Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay reinvented himself as an attacking midfielder under Conte. He scored vital goals and earned MVP honours in Napoli’s title win.

16. Joao Neves

Joao Neves was PSG’s midfield revelation, combining press resistance with invention. At 20, he already looks like a Ballon d'Or contender.

15. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia lit up Ligue 1 after joining PSG mid-season. His dribbling and playmaking added a new dimension to an already elite attack.

14. Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez didn't dominate domestically but was clinical in Europe. His nine UCL goals powered Inter to the final.

13. Vitinha

Vitinha became PSG’s control tower in midfield. His metronomic passing and tireless pressing gave balance to their star-studded squad.

12. Michael Olise

Michael Olise became Bayern’s X-factor with 25 goal contributions. His left foot and flair earned him Bundesliga Rookie of the Year.

11. Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak fired Newcastle back into the Champions League with 23 goals. His Henry-like style and big-game temperament shone through.

10. Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres scored a stunning 53 goals for Sporting, including six hat-tricks. His leap from the Championship to UCL elite was phenomenal.

9. Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool’s iron wall, playing almost every minute of their title win. His dominance in the air and leadership were unmatched.

8. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe outscored Cristiano Ronaldo in his Madrid debut with 41 goals. He reclaimed his place among the game’s elite after a slow start.

7. Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski found top form again with 40 goals. He was Barcelona’s focal point and clutch scorer throughout their double-winning campaign.

6. Harry Kane

Harry Kane lifted his first major trophy with Bayern, scoring 37 goals. He was a consistent match-winner in both the league and Europe.

5. Pedri

Pedri stayed healthy and dominated matches like never before. His 58-game season was filled with tackles, key passes, and control.

4. Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele exploded with 44 goals in all competitions. From forgotten man to Ballon d’Or front-runner, he finally delivered.

3. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah led Liverpool to the title with 28 goals and 18 assists. At 32, he remains one of the game’s most consistent elite performers.

2. Raphinha

Raphinha broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s UCL assist record and helped Barça dominate. He was their most complete and consistent attacker this season.

1. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal shattered every expectation at just 17. With 39 goal involvements, he’s now considered the most feared forward in world football.