Best Central Midfielders in the World Right Now: Football has many talented midfielders who play important roles in their teams. These players are good at controlling the game, stopping the other team’s attacks, and setting up goals. From experienced pros to up-and-coming stars, these midfielders are making a big impact in both club and international football.
Best Central Midfielders in the World Right Now
In this article, we focus on some of the top central midfielders, sharing their careers, achievements, and what they’ve done for the game.
1. Federico Valverde
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 26
- Nationality: Uruguay
- Club: Real Madrid
Federico Valverde is the best central midfielder in the world. Primarily a central midfielder, Valverde is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or even as a right-back. He made his first-team debut for Real Madrid in 2017 and has since played over 250 matches, securing three La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and the Copa del Rey.
Valverde made his international debut for Uruguay in 2017, representing the country in three Copa América tournaments and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was named to the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022–23 and 2023–24 and won La Liga in 2023–24, the Supercopa de España in 2024, the UEFA Champions League in 2023–24, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2024.
2. Declan Rice
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 25
- Nationality: England
- Club: Arsenal FC
Declan Rice is ranked 2nd among the best central midfielders in the world. He started at Chelsea’s youth academy but moved to West Ham United, where he became a key player known for his defensive skills and leadership. In 2023, he joined Arsenal and continues to be one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
Rice is known for his strength, stamina, ball-carrying, tackling, and set-piece skills. He played for the Republic of Ireland before switching to England in 2019. He has represented England in UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024.
In 2024, he won the London Football Premier League Player of the Year.
3. Eduardo Camavinga
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 22
- Nationality: France
- Club: Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga is one of the best central midfielders in the world. He started at Stade Rennais and joined Real Madrid in 2021. He won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season.
He is good at tackling and moving around the field. He made his debut for France at 17 and helped them reach the 2022 World Cup final.
Camavinga won La Liga Team of the Season in 2023-24, La Liga, Supercopa de España, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.
4. Gavi
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: FC Barcelona
Gavi is ranked 4th among the best central midfielders in the world. A product of FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, he made his senior debut at just 17 and quickly became a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Gavi is Known for his work ethic, passing range, and dribbling skills. He has already won La Liga and has a bright future ahead.
He won the Supercopa de España in 2023 and was named to the IFFHS Men’s World Youth (U20) Team and the IFFHS Men’s Youth (U20) UEFA Team in 2023.
5. Pedri
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: FC Barcelona
Pedri is ranked 5th among the best central midfielders in the world. He joined FC Barcelona from Las Palmas at a young age and quickly became one of Europe’s top young talents.
Pedri is Known for his ability to control the game, create chances, and break through defenses. He won the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and was named La Liga U23 Player of the Month in October 2024.
6. Nicolò Barella
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 27
- Nationality: Italy
- Club: Inter Milan
Nicolò Barella is ranked 6th among the best central midfielders in the world. He started his career at Cagliari before moving to Inter Milan in 2019. He was a key player in Inter Milan’s Serie A title win in 2021 and played an important role in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.
Barella is known for his ability to dribble through defenses, score long-range shots, and quickly win back possession. He has been compared to Steven Gerrard for his technique, stamina, and ability to break down opposition plays.
He won Serie A in 2023–24, the Supercoppa Italiana in 2023, and was named to the Serie A Team of the Year for 2023–24. He also received Serie A Goal of the Month in August 2024.
7. Enzo Fernández
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Argentina
- Club: Chelsea FC
Enzo Fernández is ranked 7th among the best central midfielders in the world right now. He started his career at River Plate in Argentina, where he quickly gained attention. His strong performances led to a move to Benfica in Portugal, and in 2023, he joined Chelsea.
He plays as a central midfielder but can also play as a defensive or attacking midfielder. He made his senior debut for Argentina and played a key role in their 2022 World Cup win, earning the Young Player Award. He also won the 2024 Copa América.
8. Alexis Mac Allister
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 25
- Nationality: Argentina
- Club: Liverpool FC
Alexis Mac Allister is ranked 8th among the best central midfielders. He won the Argentine second division with Argentinos in 2016, then joined Brighton in 2019. He was loaned to Boca Juniors, where he won the 2019-20 Primera División.
After a successful season with Brighton, he joined Liverpool. He won the EFL Cup in 2023-24 and Premier League Goal of the Month in December 2023.
Mac Allister represented Argentina at under-23 level and made his senior debut in 2019. He won the 2022 World Cup, 2022 Finalissima, and 2024 Copa América with Argentina.
9. Dominik Szoboszlai
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 24
- Nationality: Hungary
- Club: Liverpool FC
Dominik Szoboszlai is ranked 9th among the best central midfielders in the world right now. He started his career at FC Salzburg in Austria, then moved to RB Leipzig in Germany, where he became known as a creative and powerful midfielder.
In 2023, Liverpool paid his €70 million release clause, making him their fourth-most expensive signing. He won the EFL Cup in 2023-24.
Szoboszlai has represented Hungary at both youth and senior levels. He made his senior debut during the Euro 2020 qualifiers and played a crucial role in helping Hungary qualify, scoring a last-minute goal against Iceland in the play-offs.
10. Frenkie de Jong
- Position: Central Midfield
- Age: 27
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Club: FC Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong is ranked 10th among the best central midfielders in the world right now. He started his career at Willem II, then moved to Ajax, where he became one of Europe’s top midfielders.
In January 2019, De Jong signed with Barcelona for €75 million. He was selected for the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World11.
De Jong made his debut for the Netherlands in 2018 and became a starter in the UEFA Nations League, where the Netherlands finished as runners-up. He also played in UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, and won the Supercopa de España in 2023.