Best Attacking Midfielder in the World Right Now: The attacking midfield role is seen as one of the most exciting and important positions in football. These players, often called “number tens,” have a special mix of creativity, vision, and goal-scoring skills. Their ability to lead attacks and break through defenses makes them vital for any team.
Best Attacking Midfielder in the World Right Now
In this article, we will look at the best attacking midfielders today. Many talented players are competing for the top spot, including experienced veterans and new stars. This list will highlight the 20 players who are currently the best in this important position.
20. Enzo Millot
- Date of Birth: 17 July 2002
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
At number 20, we have Enzo Millot. He is a rising star in football and plays for AS Monaco. He is known for his dribbling skills and creativity, and he can easily switch between different midfield roles.
On January 12, 2024, Millot extended his contract with Stuttgart until June 2028. His technical skills help him keep the ball under pressure, and his vision allows him to make key passes that break through defenses.
As a young midfielder, he shows a lot of promise and could become an important player for both his club and country in the future.
19. Julian Brandt
- Date of Birth: 2 May 1996
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Left winger, attacking midfielder
At number 19, we have Julian Brandt. He is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a winger.
Brandt is known for his great dribbling and speed, which help him take on defenders and create scoring chances for his teammates. He played in the Champions League final, which ended in a 2–0 loss to Real Madrid. A month later, he got the number 10 shirt for the 2024–25 season.
Brandt is smart on the ball, finding space in crowded areas, and often provides key assists and goals. Under Dortmund’s attacking style, he has become an important part of their offense. He is also the Most Handsome Soccer Players From Germany.
18. Teun Koopmeiners
- Date of Birth: 28 February 1998
- Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
At number 18, we have Teun Koopmeiners. He is a skilled midfielder at Atalanta, known for his strong understanding of the game.
Koopmeiners can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or center-back. He has leadership qualities and was the captain of AZ Alkmaar at a young age.
He was named to the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2024 but had to withdraw due to an injury during a warm-up match against Iceland.
Koopmeiners has a powerful shot and is good at set pieces. His ability to control the game and make precise passes makes him a valuable player.
17. Mohammed Kudus
- Date of Birth: 2 August 2000
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, Right winger
At number 17, we have Mohammed Kudus. He is a rising young star in European football. The Ghanaian midfielder is known for his speed, agility, and technical skills, making him tough for defenders to handle.
He scored an amazing goal against SC Freiburg that was praised as one of the best of the season. He also became West Ham’s top-scoring Ghanaian player with 13 goals after scoring in a match against Newcastle.
Kudus has great dribbling skills and can play in different attacking positions. His flair and creativity help him break through defenses, and he has already made a big impact in the Premier League with West Ham.
16. Dejan Kulusevski
- Date of Birth: 25 April 2000
- Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Winger, Midfielder, Forward
At number 16, we have Dejan Kulusevski. He is a talented attacking midfielder and winger from Sweden, known for his speed and skill in dribbling.
Kulusevski is tall and strong, able to play in many positions, including as an attacking midfielder or winger. He is good at making assists and scoring goals.
He started his career at Atalanta in 2019, then went on loan to Parma. He joined Juventus before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 and signed permanently in June 2023.
Kulusevski is a key player for Tottenham, thanks to his vision and ability to adapt to different roles.
15. Lucas Paquetá
- Date of Birth: 27 August 1997
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder / Winger
Lucas Paquetá is ranked 15th among the best attacking midfielders in the world. He is a Brazilian midfielder known for his creativity and great dribbling skills.
Paquetá began his career at Flamengo in 2007 and moved to AC Milan in 2019. He later played for Lyon before joining West Ham United in 2022, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in his first season.
He has played for Brazil in the Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Copa América in 2019. In the 2021-22 season, he was named the best foreign player in Ligue 1 but missed recent World Cup qualifiers due to a betting investigation.
Paquetá can play in various midfield roles and is known for his smart passing and ability to score from long range. At West Ham, he plays a key role in both attack and defense.
14. James Maddison
- Date of Birth: 23 November 1996
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
James Maddison is the 14th-best attacking midfielder in the world. He started at Coventry City and moved to Norwich City in 2016, with a loan spell at Aberdeen.
Maddison is known for his creativity and goal-scoring. Since joining Tottenham, he has been a key player, linking midfield and attack, and is a threat from set-pieces.
After returning to Norwich, he earned awards and then moved to Leicester City in 2018, winning the FA Cup in 2021. He joined Tottenham in 2023.
Maddison was part of the England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup but didn’t play. He started for England in March 2023 and was in the provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2024 but didn’t make the final team.
His game-reading ability helps him create chances for himself and his teammates.
13. Christopher Nkunku
- Date of Birth: 14 November 1997
- Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
At number 13 is Christopher Nkunku. He is a versatile attacking midfielder and forward known for his speed, dribbling, and finishing. He began his career at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy and debuted professionally in 2015.
Nkunku made a name for himself at PSG, winning three Ligue 1 titles and contributing to two Coupe de France victories. In July 2019, he moved to RB Leipzig, where he scored 70 goals in 172 matches and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2021–22.
In 2023, he transferred to Chelsea for £52 million, continuing to impress with his dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring ability.
Nkunku’s adaptability in various attacking roles makes him a key asset for his team.
12. Dani Olmo
- Date of Birth: 7 May 1998
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, left winger
Dani Olmo is a creative attacking midfielder for RB Leipzig, known for his technical skills and vision. He had a standout performance at UEFA Euro 2024, scoring three goals and helping Spain win the tournament, earning the Golden Boot.
Olmo started his career at La Masia, then made his debut with Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, scoring 34 goals in 124 matches. He joined RB Leipzig in 2020, winning multiple cups before returning to Barcelona in 2024.
His versatility allows him to play in various attacking roles, making him a key player for his team.
11. Eberechi Eze
- Date of Birth: 29 June 1998
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, left winger
Eberechi Eze is an exciting young talent in the Premier League, known for his dribbling, creativity, and flair. He began his senior career with Queens Park Rangers in 2016, making a name for himself in the 2019–20 season by scoring 14 goals and winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
Eze was signed by Crystal Palace for £17 million and has made over 120 appearances for the club. He debuted for the England senior team in 2023 and was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
Eze showcased his skills during the tournament, contributing to key plays in matches against Denmark, Slovakia, and Switzerland. His agility and quick footwork allow him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities, making him a significant attacking threat for Crystal Palace.
10. Martin Ødegaard
- Date of Birth: 17 December 1998
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Martin Ødegaard is ranked as the 10th-best attacking midfielder in the world and is recognized as a top talent in the Premier League. He is the captain of Arsenal and is celebrated for his exceptional passing, vision, and ability to control the game’s pace.
Ødegaard has set several records, including being the youngest player to play in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match.
In the 2023-24 season, Ødegaard excelled, completing over 100 passes in a single match against West Ham and creating the most chances in the league, with 88 total.
His leadership and creativity have made him a vital playmaker for Arsenal, helping secure his place as the club’s Player of the Season for two consecutive years.
9. Bernardo Silva
- Date of Birth: 10 August 1994
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder, right winger
Bernardo Silva is ranked 9th among the best attacking midfielders in the world. The Portuguese international is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and hard work.
He started his career at Benfica before joining Monaco, where he won the Ligue 1 title. In 2017, he signed with Manchester City for £43.5 million. Since then, he has helped City win multiple Premier League titles and the domestic treble in 2022-23.
Silva has represented Portugal in two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019. His versatility allows him to play various roles in midfield and attack, making him a key player for Manchester City.
8. Bruno Fernandes
- Date of Birth: 8 September 1994
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Bruno Fernandes is ranked 8th among the best attacking midfielders. He is known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. The Portuguese playmaker is a crucial player for Manchester United.
In 2017, he joined Sporting CP, where he won multiple domestic trophies and became the highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder in a single season with 33 goals in 2018-19. He signed with Manchester United in 2020 for €55 million.
He played in two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships, helping Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
His vision, precise passing, and goal-scoring prowess make him a game-changer on the pitch. He also has a strong presence in set-pieces, enhancing his team’s attacking threat.
7. Xavi Simons
- Date of Birth: 21 April 2003
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
Xavi Simons is a rising star in European football, currently playing as an attacking midfielder for RB Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. He is Known for his exceptional dribbling and technical skills.
Simons has made a name for himself as one of the best young talents. He started at Barcelona’s La Masia, then moved to PSG, where he won a Ligue 1 title. After a successful stint at PSV, where he was the Eredivisie’s top scorer, he returned to PSG before joining Leipzig.
Simons has also debuted for the Netherlands national team and is recognized for his smart decision-making and influence in matches, showcasing great potential for the future.
6. Cole Palmer
- Date of Birth: 6 May 2002
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
Cole Palmer is an exciting young talent in the Premier League, known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and playmaking skills. He made his senior debut for Manchester City in 2020 and was part of the squad that won a continental treble in 2023.
In 2023, he signed with Chelsea for £40 million and quickly became a standout player. He had a breakout season, scoring 27 goals and providing 15 assists, making him the most involved player in the Premier League.
He won multiple awards, including the PFA Young Player of the Year and Premier League Young Player of the Season.
Palmer’s versatility allows him to excel in multiple attacking roles, showcasing his potential as a key player for both club and country.
5. Jamal Musiala
- Date of Birth: 26 February 2003
- Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
Jamal Musiala is a rising star at Bayern Munich, known for his exceptional dribbling and creativity. The young German midfielder is often called “Bambi” for his graceful style and ability to glide past defenders, making him a constant threat in attack.
Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Musiala moved to England at seven. He played for both England and Germany’s youth teams but chose to represent Germany in 2021 and also played in the Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Musiala not only excels in dribbling but also possesses a deep understanding of the game, knowing when to pass, shoot, or break through defenses.
In Euro 2024, Musiala scored three goals, earning the Golden Boot in a six-way tie and showcasing his talent on an international stage. His vision and awareness make him one of the brightest young talents in football today.
4. Florian Wirtz
- Date of Birth: 3 May 2003
- Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Florian Wirtz is one of the most talented young attacking midfielders in the world, playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He combines skill and intelligence, making him a key player in midfield.
In the 2023–24 season, Wirtz scored 13 goals, including 10 in the Bundesliga. He made history as the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at 17 years old.
Despite missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury, he debuted for Germany in 2021. At Euro 2024, he scored the opener against Scotland and an important equalizer against Spain.
Wirtz is a rising star with a bright future in football.
3. Jude Bellingham
- Date of Birth: 29 June 2003
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Jude Bellingham is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, currently playing for Real Madrid. He is known for his exceptional ball control, vision, and game-changing ability.
Despite his young age, Bellingham shows great maturity on the field and scores crucial goals in important matches.
In 2023, he won both the Golden Boy Award for the best young player in Europe and the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he played 132 matches and was a key player in their DFB-Pokal victory.
Bellingham moved to Real Madrid in 2023 for €103 million and has also been important for the England national team since his debut in 2020. His impressive dribbling and precise passing make him a standout talent in football.
2. Kevin De Bruyne
- Date of Birth: 28 June 1991
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Kevin De Bruyne is considered the best attacking midfielder in the world. The Belgian star is known for his incredible passing, vision, and ability to create goal-scoring chances. He can score from long range and is skilled at set pieces, making him a key player for Manchester City.
De Bruyne helped City achieve a historic continental treble in the 2022–23 season and aims for more titles in 2024. He began his career at Genk, then moved to Chelsea, and later thrived at Wolfsburg before joining Manchester City in 2015.
With over 100 caps for Belgium and 30 goals, he has played in multiple World Cups and European Championships.
De Bruyne has won many awards, including PFA Players’ Player of the Year and UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season, establishing himself as one of football’s all-time greats.
1. Lionel Messi
- Date of Birth: 24 June 1987
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Forward, Attacking midfielder
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest attacking midfielder and player of all time. Even at Inter Miami, he showcases incredible dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
Messi excels in creating scoring opportunities and is known for his finishing and quick reactions. He ranks fifth all-time in direct free-kick goals and is an excellent penalty-taker.
Playing for Inter Miami and as captain of Argentina, Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards and holds numerous records for goals and titles. He has won 45 team trophies, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined Barcelona at 13 and became their all-time top scorer. After a successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he moved to Inter Miami in 2023.
As Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, Messi has a remarkable international career, winning the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, with over 850 career goals to his name.