Best Football Players in 2025: There are many great soccer players in the world, so it’s hard to say who the best are. Some of the top players include Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Neymar Jr., Rodri, and Martinez. These players are famous for their speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, and they have won many awards.
Best Soccer Players 2024
In this article, we will discuss the top 25 Best Football Players in 2025.
NOTE
This list is about the players who are top soccer stars in the 2023/24 season.
25. Alphonso Davies
- Position: Full back
- Nationality: Portugal
Alphonso Davies is a standout Canadian soccer player known for his speed and versatility. Playing as a left-back for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team, Davies is celebrated as one of the top full-backs globally.
His exceptional pace, dribbling skills, and defensive capabilities have earned him many awards.
At just 24, Davies has already achieved significant success and is poised to become one of the world’s best players.
24. Manuel Neuer
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: Germany
Manuel Neuer is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in soccer history. Known for his exceptional athleticism, quick reflexes, and unique role as a sweeper-keeper, Neuer is often regarded as the best in the world.
His speed, strength, and diving abilities make him a standout player in his position.
23. N’golo Kanté
- Position: Defensive midfielder
- Nationality: France
N’Golo Kanté is regarded as one of the world’s top soccer players, known for his remarkable rise from French third division to Ligue 1 with Caen. His time at Leicester City led to a move to Chelsea, where he won the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Kanté was also crucial for France’s 2018 World Cup victory. He now play for Al-Ittihad. Admired for his humility and dedication, Kanté is a role model for young players globally.
22. Alisson
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: Brazil
Alisson Becker is one of the top goalkeepers in 2024, praised for his composure and crucial saves. He has won the Premier League Golden Glove twice (2018-19, 2021-22) and was named the best goalkeeper in the world by IFFHS in 2019.
Since joining Liverpool in 2018 for a record fee, he has helped the team win the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and FA Cup.
Alisson has also made 61 appearances for Brazil and was part of the 2019 Copa América-winning squad.
21. Virgil Van Dijk
- Position:
- Nationality: Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk is a top defender known for his heading, tackling, passing, and leadership. His calm demeanor and game anticipation make him a standout player. With Liverpool, he has won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Premier League.
For the Netherlands, he has earned 57 caps and was part of the team that reached the UEFA Nations League final in 2019.
Currently, at the peak of his career, Van Dijk is a key player for both his club and national team.
20. Thibaut Courtois
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: Belgium
Thibaut Courtois is one of the world’s top goalkeepers, known for his reflexes and commanding presence.
Named the best goalkeeper by IFFHS in 2018 and 2022, he joined Real Madrid in 2018, winning La Liga in 2020 and 2022, the Champions League in 2022, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2018.
Courtois has also been a key player for Belgium, earning 101 caps and helping secure third place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
19. Sadio Mané
- Position: Winger
- Nationality: Senegal
Sadio Mané is one of the top soccer players globally, known for his speed, dribbling, and finishing. He won the African Footballer of the Year awards in 2019 and 2022 and has achieved success with Liverpool, including winning the Champions League and Premier League.
In 2023, he joined Al Nassr, scoring over 7 goals. Mané is also a key player for Senegal, helping them win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022. Off the field, he is recognized for his humility and charitable work in Senegal.
18. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the world’s top soccer players. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and the Champions League five times.
Ronaldo has scored over 800 career goals, making him the leading scorer in men’s soccer. Known for his athleticism, speed, and finishing, he is also Portugal’s all-time top scorer.
Ronaldo’s global impact and legendary status make him a strong contender for the greatest soccer player of all time.
17. Son Heung-Min
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: South Korea
Son Heung-min is a South Korean forward for Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, widely regarded as one of the best players globally and one of the greatest Asian footballers ever.
Known for his incredible speed, finishing skills, and ability to use both feet, Son has accumulated numerous individual and team awards throughout his career.
Son is also a vital member of the South Korean national team, with more than 37 international goals to his name.
16. Mohamed Salah
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Egypt
Mohamed Salah is recognized as one of the top soccer players in the world. Since his senior debut for Egypt in 2011, Salah has scored 51 goals in 90 appearances. He’s also celebrated for his passing and ability to create chances for teammates.
As of 2024, Salah remains a key player for Liverpool and the Egyptian national team, with a bright future ahead and the potential for more awards and achievements.
15. Karim Benzema
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: France
Karim Benzema is widely recognized as one of the best soccer players in the world. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and is known for his passing, dribbling, and leadership on the field.
Benzema has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad on a three-year contract after leaving Real Madrid. Despite being 34 years old, he continues to play at a high level.
Benzema is a true superstar and is likely to keep winning trophies and awards for years to come. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
14. Robert Lewandowski
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Poland
Robert Lewandowski is a top Polish striker who plays for Barcelona in La Liga. Considered one of the best strikers of his generation, he is ranked among the greatest players in soccer history.
Lewandowski began his career at Legia Warsaw before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2010, where he won two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Europa League. He then joined Bayern Munich in 2014 for €45 million and won multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokals, and the UEFA Champions League.
He has twice won the European Golden Shoe (2020, 2021), been named FIFA World Player of the Year, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. Lewandowski is Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 82 goals and is known for his versatile scoring ability.
13. Neymar
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Brazil
Neymar is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world. The Brazilian forward is known for his exceptional skills, agility, and creativity.
His close ball control, quick footwork, and agility allow him to perform dazzling moves. Neymar’s playmaking abilities are top-notch, with excellent vision and passing skills that create scoring chances for his teammates.
12. Nico Williams
- Position(s) Winger
- Nationality:
Nico Williams is a Spanish winger who played for Athletic Bilbao. He joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2013 and moved up to the first team in 2021, playing alongside his older brother Iñaki.
Known for his speed and dribbling, Williams made his senior debut for Spain in 2022. He was part of Spain’s squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, scoring and being named man of the match in the Euro 2024 final, helping Spain win the tournament.
11. Harry Kane
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: England
Harry Kane is one of the top soccer players in the world, known for his goal-scoring prowess, strong work ethic, and leadership.
As a striker, Kane excels at scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates. His teamwork and leadership make him a standout player. At 29, he continues to be mentioned alongside legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and has many years left to demonstrate his exceptional skills.
10. Lamine Yamal
- Position(s) Winger
- Nationality: Spanish
Lamine Yamal is a Spanish right winger played for Barcelona. At just 17, he is known for his dribbling, speed, and technical skills, making him one of the top young talents in football.
Yamal is versatile, capable of playing as a forward, attacking midfielder, or winger, with a preference for using his left foot on the right flank. He is often compared to Lionel Messi and has been inspired by Neymar.
9. Erling Haaland
- Position: Striker
- Nationality: Norway
Erling Haaland is a striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team, and he is widely considered one of the top players in the world.
At just 23 years old, Haaland has already scored over 200 goals in about 250 matches for club and country. He recently won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City in the 2022/23 season.
Haaland is known for his goal-scoring ability and is expected to continue breaking records and winning trophies. He inspires young players and is set to be a major force in soccer for years to come.
8. Lautaro Martinez
- Position(s) Striker
- Nationality: Argentine
Lautaro Martínez is an Argentine striker for Inter Milan, where he is the team captain. Known as one of the best strikers in the world, Martínez excels in work rate, positioning, link play, and finishing.
He began his career with Racing Club in Argentina, scoring 28 goals in 60 appearances before joining Inter Milan in 2018. With Inter, he has won two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and reached the finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2020 and the UEFA Champions League in 2023. He was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player and top scorer in one of his league-winning seasons.
Martínez made his senior debut for Argentina in 2018 and has since played in the Copa América and FIFA World Cup. He was a key player in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América win, was the top scorer in the 2024 Copa América, and scored the winning goal in the final. He was also part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
7. Kevin De Bruyne
- Position: Midfielder
- Nationality: Belgium, United Kingdom
Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian midfielder for Manchester City in the Premier League. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
De Bruyne has won three Premier League titles, four League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup with Manchester City. He is known for his exceptional passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.
His strong work ethic, fitness, and stamina make him a key player for both Manchester City and the Belgium national team. De Bruyne is expected to remain among the top players for years to come.
6. Emiliano Martinez
- Position(s) Goalkeeper
- Nationality: Argentine
Damián Martínez is an Argentine goalkeeper for Aston Villa and the Argentina national team. Known as “Dibu,” he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Martínez began his career at Independiente and joined Arsenal in 2010. After several loan spells, he became Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper in 2019, helping them win the FA Cup and FA Community Shield. In 2020, he moved to Aston Villa for £20 million and set a club record with fifteen clean sheets in his first season.
Martínez won the 2021 Copa América and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. He also helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, receiving the Golden Glove award at both tournaments. He was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2022 and won the Yashin Trophy in 2023.
5. Jude Bellingham
- Position(s) Midfielder
- Nationality: English
Jude Bellingham is an English midfielder for Real Madrid and the England national team. He is considered one of the best players in the world.
Bellingham started his career at Birmingham City, becoming their youngest first-team player in 2019. He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, where he quickly became their youngest goalscorer and won the DFB-Pokal. He was named Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2022–23 and won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards that year.
In 2023, Bellingham joined Real Madrid for €103 million. He was the club’s top league scorer in his first season, helping them win the league and the Champions League, and was named La Liga Player of the Season.
He has also played for England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2020, representing the country at UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024, and the 2022 World Cup.
4. Kylian Mbappé
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: France
Kylian Mbappé is one of the top soccer players in the world. At just 25, he has already won the Golden Boy award in 2017 and the World Cup in 2018 with France. Known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring talent, he is often compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
With many years ahead of him, Mbappé is expected to break records and win more trophies. He inspires young players and is likely to remain a major figure in soccer for years to come.
3. Vinicius Jr
- Position(s) Left winger
- Nationality: Brazilian
Vinícius Júnior is a Brazilian left winger for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Known for his speed and dribbling, he’s considered one of the world’s best players.
He joined Real Madrid in 2018 after a standout spell at Flamengo. At Madrid, he played a crucial role in winning the Champions League in 2022 and 2024, scoring the winning goals in both finals.
Vinícius also excelled with Brazil, helping them reach the final of the 2021 Copa América and playing in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
2. Rodri
- Position(s): Defensive midfielder
- Nationality: Spanish
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City and the Spain national team. He is praised for his versatility, accurate passing, and tactical skills.
He played for Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before joining Manchester City in 2019. At City, he helped win four Premier League titles in a row from 2020–24 and scored the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. He was named Player of the Season for that tournament.
Rodri has been part of Spain’s senior team since 2018, playing in UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
1. Lionel Messi
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Argentina
Lionel Messi is considered the best soccer player ever and is ranked first in 2024. He has won 8 Ballon d’Or and many FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He’s won many trophies with FC Barcelona and led Argentina to a World Cup win in 2022.
Messi has scored over 800 goals and made 400+ assists. He’s great at dribbling and passing. Even at 35, he still plays at a top level and inspires young players.