Who’s the best player in the world right now? As the 2024/25 season nears its end, the spotlight is on those who have dominated Europe’s biggest stages. From Champions League heroes to league-winning leaders, these are the players defining football in 2025.
Here’s our definitive ranking of the top 20 – starting from the bottom.
Back to elite form this season. A huge presence behind Liverpool’s title-winning defense and brilliant in key moments.
19. Denzel Dumfries – Inter MilanVlad1988 / Shutterstock.com Exploded into the conversation with stunning performances against Barcelona, proving decisive from his wing-back role.
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18. William Saliba – Arsenal Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com One of Europe’s most consistent centre-backs. Calm under pressure and dominant in Arsenal’s European run.
17. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpoolviewimage / Shutterstock.com Reasserted his status as one of the world’s top defenders. Led by example as Liverpool returned to the top of English football.
16. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com Flashy, fearless, and technically superb. Delivered key moments and helped drive two clubs toward success this season.
15. Declan Rice – Arsenal ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com Showed true leadership in Europe, especially in Arsenal’s dramatic knockout win over Real Madrid. A midfield general.
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14. Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com Inter’s talisman. Returned from injury to guide his team to another Champions League final, showing resilience and impact.
13. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain Photo: Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com Arguably the best right-back in the world right now, delivering in both boxes and standing out in Europe’s biggest matches.
12. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com The midfield metronome for PSG. Controlled tempo, dictated play, and played a key role in their Champions League run.
11. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com Outstanding at both ends of the pitch. A modern full-back who stepped up in PSG’s toughest knockout battles.
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10. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com Faced an adjustment phase with Mbappé’s arrival but remains Madrid’s midfield maestro with maturity beyond his years.
9. Robert Lewandowski – FC Barcelona Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com Aged like fine wine. Rebounded from Ballon d’Or snub last year and proved he’s still an elite striker despite injury setbacks.
8. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com Had a thunderous start in Madrid but stumbled as the team faded late. Still capable of brilliance at any moment.
7. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich Finally lifted silverware and maintained elite scoring levels. A complete striker who thrives under pressure.
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6. Pedri – FC Barcelona Injury-free and flourishing. Orchestrated Barcelona’s midfield with intelligence and elegance all season.
5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool Javier Borrego / Shutterstock.com Revitalized under new management. Led Liverpool to the Premier League title and reminded everyone of his world-class pedigree.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain Photo: Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com A wall in goal. His Champions League heroics have redefined his legacy and made him PSG’s ultimate clutch performer.
3. Raphinha – FC Barcelona Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com Barça’s most decisive attacker this season. Delivered goals, assists, and moments of brilliance at every crucial stage.
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2. Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com A generational talent. Just 17, yet already dominating top-level matches with composure and skill well beyond his age.
1. Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com The star of 2025 so far. Electric, consistent, and leading PSG toward potential Champions League glory. Ballon d’Or is his to lose.
