Who is the world’s best football player? The beauty of the question is that it will spark a thousand-hour debate among your friends with no objective answer.
Trophies, league strength, raw stats, unquantifiable magic, and various other factors have all contributed to the list’s criteria.
Football fans will never agree on which sports players are regarded as the best in the world. This passion for football is something that will never fade.
1. Lionel Messi
| Lionel Messi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Team | Inter Miami |
| Youth Career | Grandoli (1992–1995) |
Lionel Andrés Messi, also known as Leo Messi, is a professional footballer from Argentina, born on June 24, 1987. He is a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and captain of the Argentina national team. Messi was included in the 2020 Ballon d’Or Dream Team and had seven Ballon d’Or victories and six European Golden Shoes. Messi is regarded by many as one of the greatest players in history. He won the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022 with his country.
He was also named the highest-paid athlete by Forbes in 2019 and 2022. Messi was recognized as one Time magazine’s top 100 global influencers in 2011 and 2012.
2. Kylian Mbappé
| Kylian Mbapp | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kylian Mbappé Lottin |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Playing Style | Dribbling, Speed, Finishing |
| Transfer Fee | €180 million (from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain) |
| Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner (2018) |
| Awards | FIFA World Cup Best Young Player (2018) |
| International Career | France National Team (2017–present) |
| Youth Career | AS Bondy |
| Senior Career | Monaco (2015–2018) |
| Records | Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time top goalscorer |
| Influences | Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, Thierry Henry |
| Family | Father: Wilfried Mbappé (Agent and Football Coach) |
| Education | Attended a private Catholic school in Bondy |
Kylian Mbappé Lottin is a professional footballer from France who was born on December 20, 1998.
He is a forward for the France national team and Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. He is known for his ability to dribble, speed, and finish, making him one of the best players in the world.
Mbappé was named to the FIFA FIFPro World11 in 2018 and 2019, to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2018, and to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season in the seasons of 2016–17, 2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22, respectively. In 2021, he was named Globe Soccer’s Best Player of the Year.
He won the Golden Boy in 2017, was three times Ligue 1 Player of the Year, and spent four seasons as the league’s leading scorer; He became the first player to finish as both the top scorer and the top assist provider in Ligue 1 during the 2021–22 season.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Team | Al Nassr |
| Goalscoring Ability | Renowned for exceptional goalscoring skills |
| Technical Prowess | Demonstrates remarkable technical finesse |
| Physical Prowess | Possesses impressive physical abilities |
| Leadership Skills | Exhibits strong leadership qualities on the pitch |
| Achievements | Five-time Ballon d’Or winner |
| Senior Career Clubs | Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, |
| International Career | Most-capped player for Portugal |
| Marketability | One of the world’s most marketable athletes |
| Family Background | Born in Funchal, Madeira, to a working-class |
| Youth Career | Developed skills at Andorinha and Nacional |
| Early Challenges | Overcame personal obstacles and a heart surgery |
| Manchester United | Signed by Manchester United |
| Real Madrid | Joined Real Madrid for a record transfer fee |
| Juventus | Transferred to Juventus |
| Return to Manchester United | Made a comeback to Manchester United |
| Al Nassr | Current club where he serves as captain |
| Contributions | Recognized for charitable work and philanthropy |
Portuguese professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro GOIH ComM was born on February 5, 1985.
He is a forward who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Professional League and is captain of the club and the Portugal national team. Ronaldo is regarded by many as one of the all-time great players.
Ronaldo, one of the best-marketed athletes of his generation, was named by Forbes as the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2016 and 2017 and by ESPN as the most famous athlete in the world from 2016 to 2019. He was listed by Time as one of the top 100 global influencers in 2014. He became a global cultural icon as the first football player and third athlete to earn $1 billion in career earnings.
4. Neymar
| Neymar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Team | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) |
| Youth Career | Portuguesa Santista (1999–2003), Santos (2003–2009) |
| Senior Career | Santos (2009–2013), Barcelona (2013–2017), PSG (2017–present) |
| International Career | Brazil U17 (2009), Brazil U20 (2011), Brazil U23 (2012–2016), Brazil |
| Achievements | 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Winner, 2021 Copa América Runner-up |
| Individual Awards | FIFA Puskás Award, FIFA FIFPro World11, UEFA Team of the Year |
| Transfer Fee | €222 million (world record) |
| Goalscoring Record | Scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs |
| Comparison | Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and |
Brazilian professional footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, also known as Neymar, was born on February 5, 1992. He plays forward for Paris Saint-Germain of Ligue 1 and the Brazil national team.
He is one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time. Neymar is also regarded as one of the best players in the entire world. He is renowned for making plays and for having a high goal total. Four players, including Neymar, have at least 100 goals between three different teams.
5. Erling Haaland
| Erling Haaland | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erling Braut Haaland |
| Date of Birth | 21 July 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Position | Striker |
| Height | 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Youth Career | Bryne (2005–2016) |
| Senior Career | Bryne, Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City |
| International Career | Norway U15, U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, U21, Senior team |
| Premier League Records | Most goals scored in a single season: 36 |
| Individual Awards | Golden Boy award, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, FIFA FIFPro World11 |
| Champions League Records | Most goals in a single season, First teenager to score in five consecutive matches |
| Transfer History | Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City |
| Notable Achievements | DFB-Pokal winner, Continental treble with Manchester City, Premier League Player of the Season |
| National Team | Made senior international debut in September 2019 |
| Early Life | Born in Leeds, England; Moved to Bryne, Norway at a young age; Participated in various sports |
| Champions League Performances | Impressive goal-scoring record, hat-tricks, and scoring records in Champions League matches |
Erling Braut Haaland, a professional football player from Norway, is a striker for Manchester City of the Head Association and the Norway public team. He was born on July 21, 2000.
In numerous youth competitions, Haaland has competed for Norway. Haaland won the Golden Boot award for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup after breaking the record for the most goals scored in a single game with nine.
September 2019 marked the beginning of his senior international career.
For a price of €60 million (£51.2 million), he joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
Haaland surpassed the top scorers from the previous season, Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min, who both scored 23 league goals over the course of the entire campaign, on January 22, 2023, when Haaland scored a hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers, giving him a total of 25 Premier League goals after only 19 games.
6. Luka Modrić
| Luka Modri | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luka Modrić |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Zadar, Croatia |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Playing Style | Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, Defensive Midfielder |
| Achievements | – Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time |
| International Career | – Captain of the Croatia national team |
| Early Life | – Raised in Zadar, Croatia during the Croatian War of Independence |
| Club Career | – Joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 and led the team to their first UEFA Champions League appearance |
| Honors and Recognition | – Eleven-time Croatian Footballer of the Year (2007-2022) |
Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer born on September 9, 1985.
He is a midfielder for Real Madrid, a La Liga team, and the Croatian national team captain. He can play as an attacking or defensive midfielder but typically as a central midfielder. He is regarded as the greatest Croatian footballer and one of the greatest midfielders ever.
In addition, between 2007 and 2022, he received the honor of being named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record eleven times.
7. Kevin De Bruyne
| Kevin De Bruyne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin De Bruyne |
| Date of Birth | 28 June 1991 (age 32) |
| Place of Birth | Drongen, Belgium |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position(s) | Midfielder |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Youth Clubs | KVV Drongen, Gent, Genk |
| 2008–2012 | Genk (97 appearances, 16 goals) |
| 2012–2014 | Chelsea (3 appearances, 0 goals) |
| 2012–2013 (loan) | Werder Bremen (33 appearances, 10 goals) |
| 2014–2015 | VfL Wolfsburg (52 appearances, 13 goals) |
| 2015–present | Manchester City (239 appearances, 64 goals) |
| 2010–present | Belgium (99 appearances, 26 goals) |
| UEFA Champions League | Winner (2020–2021) |
| Premier League Titles | 5 (2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020, 2020–2021, 2022–2023) |
| League Cups | 5 (2015–2016, 2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020, 2020–2021) |
| FA Cups | 2 (2018–2019, 2020–2021) |
| FIFA World Cup | Third Place (2018) |
| UEFA Euro | Quarter-finals (2016), Round of 16 (2020) |
| UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season | 2019–2020, 2020–2021) |
| IFFHS Men’s World Team | 5 times (2017–2021) |
| ESM Team of the Year | 4 times (2014–2015, 2017–2018, 2019–2020, 2020–2021) |
| FIFA FIFPRO World 11 | 3 times (2020, 2021, 2022) |
| UEFA Team of the Year | 3 times (2020, 2021, 2022) |
| Premier League Playmaker of the Season | 3 times (2019–2020, 2020–2021, 2021–2022) |
| PFA Players’ Player of the Year | 2 times (2019–2020, 2021–2022) |
| UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season | 1 time (2020–2021) |
| IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker | 2 times (2020, 2021) |
| Belgian Sportsman of the Year | 1 time (2015) |
| Source: | Wikipedia and official club records |
Kevin De Bruyne is a professional footballer from Belgium, born on June 28, 1991.
He is a midfielder for Manchester City in the Premier League and also plays for the Belgium national team. Bruyne is considered one of the world’s best players. He has frequently been referred to as a “complete footballer” by experts.
In 2010, De Bruyne made his full international debut. Since then, he has won over 90 caps for Belgium and scored 25 goals. He addressed Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Belgium won the third spot play-off match against Britain and was named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Group.
Aside from those awards, he has also won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award twice, Manchester City’s Player of the Year award four times, the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season award, the Bundesliga Player of the Year award, the German Footballer of the Year award, the Belgian Sportsman of the Year award, and the IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker award twice.
8. Robert Lewandowski
| Robert Lewandowski | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Lewandowski |
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Warsaw, Poland |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position(s) | Striker |
| Current Team | Barcelona |
| Youth Career | Partyzant Leszno (1996–1997), MKS Varsovia Warsaw (1997–2004) |
| Senior Career | Delta Warsaw, Legia Warsaw II, Znicz Pruszków II, Znicz Pruszków, Lech Poznań, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona |
| International Career | Poland |
| Achievements | Bundesliga Titles, UEFA Champions League, La Liga Title |
| Individual Honors | IFFHS World’s Best International Goal Scorer Award, IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer Award, IFFHS World’s Best Player, European Golden Shoe |
| Records | Fastest five-goal haul in Bundesliga history, second-highest goalscorer in Champions League history, fastest to reach 100 goals in Bundesliga |
| Notable Awards | FIFA Men’s Player Award, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award, Polish Footballer of the Year |
| Total Career Goals | Over 600 goals for club and country |
Robert Lewandowski is a Polish professional footballer born on August 21, 1988. He is a striker for Barcelona, a team in La Liga, and the captain of the Poland national team.
Lewandowski is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and among the most successful players in Bundesliga history for his positioning, technique, and finishing. He scored over 500 goals in his senior career for club and country.
Furthermore, he had won the Bundesliga Top Scorer Award seven times, most notably in the 2020-21 Bundesliga, when he scored 41 goals in a single season, breaking Gerd Müller’s previous Bundesliga record of 40 goals set in 1971-72.
9. Karim Benzema
| Karim Benzema | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karim Mostafa Benzema |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Lyon, France |
| Current Team | Al-Ittihad |
| Position | Striker |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Achievements | Regarded as one of the best strikers of all time |
| International Career | Debuted for France in 2007 |
| Individual Honors | Winner of the UEFA Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022 |
| Club Career | Started career with Olympique Lyonnais |
Karim Mostafa Benzema is a French footballer who was born on December 19, 1987. He is the captain of Real Madrid and plays as a striker. Benzema is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time because he is a creative and prolific forward. He is Real Madrid’s all-time leading assister and second-highest goal scorer. With Real Madrid, Benzema has won 24 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and four La Liga titles.
He is the second-oldest award winner, behind Stanley Matthews, at 34 years and 302 days.
10. Casemiro
| Casemiro | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Henrique Casimiro |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | São José dos Campos, Brazil |
| Current Club | Manchester United |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Strengths | Strength, Work Rate, Aggressive Play |
| Club Career | São Paulo: 2010-2013 (111 games, 11 goals) |
| Trophies | UEFA Champions League: 5 times |
| International Career | Brazil: 2011-2023 (71 games, 7 goals) |
| Major Tournaments | FIFA World Cup: 2018, 2022 |
| Attributes | – Strength |
Brazilian football player Casemiro, real name Carlos Henrique Casimiro, competes for Manchester United and the Brazil national team as a defensive midfielder. February 23, 1992, marked his birth. One of the world’s best defensive midfielders, Casemiro, is regarded as such.
Brazil’s teams that won the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2019 Copa América, included Casemiro, who has been a full international since 2011.
11. Achraf Hakimi
| Achraf Hakimi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Achraf Hakimi Mouh |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Position | Right-back, Left-back, Winger |
| Current Team | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Previous Teams | Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan |
| Professional Career | Real Madrid Castilla (2016–2017) |
| International Career | Morocco U20, Morocco U23, Morocco |
| Achievements | DFL-Supercup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2019) |
| Additional Information | Regarded as one of the best defenders in the world |
A professional footballer from Morocco named Achraf Hakimi Mouh was born on November 4, 1998. He plays for the Morocco national team and Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. Renowned for his speed runs and ability to score goals, He is regarded as one of the world’s best right-backs.
He played for Morocco at various youth levels before making his international debut in 2016 at 17. He was included in Morocco’s squads for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
12. Jude Bellingham
| Jude Bellingham | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jude Victor William Bellingham |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 2003 |
| Place of Birth | Stourbridge, England |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Youth Career | Stourbridge, Birmingham City |
| Senior Career | Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid |
| International Career | England U15, U16, U17, U21, Senior England |
| Notable Achievements | UEFA European Championship Runner-up (2020) |
| Awards | EFL Young Player of the Month (November 2019) |
| Additional Facts | Joined Birmingham City’s senior team at 16 years old |
English professional footballer Jude Victor William Bellingham was born on June 29, 2003. He plays as a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund, a Bundesliga club, and the England national team.
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund in July 2020, and in his first game of competitive play, he scored the team’s youngest goal.
At the under-15, under-16, under-17, and under-21 levels, he represented England. Bellingham debuted for the senior team in November 2020 and represented the nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.
13. Marcus Rashford
| Marcus Rashford | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcus Rashford |
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1997 (age 25) |
| Place of Birth | Manchester, England |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Position(s) | Forward |
| Current Team | Manchester United |
| Youth Career | Fletcher Moss Rangers, Manchester United |
| Senior Career | Manchester United (239 appearances, 76 goals) |
| International Career | England (53 caps, 16 goals) |
| Major Achievements | – Scored on his first-team debut for Manchester United |
| Philanthropy | – Campaigns against racism, homelessness, and child hunger in the UK |
| Early Life | – Born on October 31, 1997, in Manchester, England |
| Education | – Attended Ashton-on-Mersey School and studied BTEC National Diploma in Sport |
English football player Marcus Rashford, MBE, was born on October 31, 1997. Rashford is a forward for both the England national team and Manchester United in the Premier League. He is well-known for his athleticism, attacking, dribbling, and composure.
In the United Kingdom, he campaigns against racism, homelessness, and child hunger. Rashford has received praise for using his philanthropist and political activist position to effect societal change. Rashford has received a lot of praise for his efforts, has been acknowledged by organizations inside and outside of sports, and was the subject of a mural by street artist Akse in Withington.
14. Vinícius Júnior
| Vin cius J nior | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | São Gonçalo, Brazil |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| Position | Winger |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Playing Style | Known for speed, strong dribbling abilities, and playmaking skills |
| Youth Career | Developed at Flamengo |
| Senior Career | Flamengo (2017–2018), Real Madrid B (2018), Real Madrid (2018–present) |
| International Career | Represented Brazil at various youth levels and senior team |
| Transfer Record | Joined Real Madrid in a £38 million deal |
| Achievements | Helped Real Madrid win the 2021–22 La Liga title |
| Notable Performances | Scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 victory over |
Vini Jr., whose full name is Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, was born on July 12, 2000.
He is a Brazilian football player for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team and plays as a winger. Because of his quickness, playmaking skills, and dribbling prowess, he is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world.
15. Son Heung-min
| Son Heung min | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Son Heung-min |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Team | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Youth Career | FC Seoul, Hamburger SV Youth Academy |
| Professional Career | Hamburger SV II, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur |
| Transfer Fees | €10 million (Hamburger SV to Bayer Leverkusen), £22 million (Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham Hotspur) |
| Premier League Records | Top Asian goalscorer, First Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals, Golden Boot winner (2021-22) |
| International Career | South Korea U17, South Korea Olympic (OA), South Korea Asian Games (OA), South Korea National Team |
| FIFA World Cup Appearances | 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| AFC Asian Cup Appearances | 2011, 2015, 2019 |
| Language Skills | Fluent in Korean, German, and English |
| Off-field Achievements | Forbes Korea Power Celebrity, Cheongnyong Medal recipient, Symbol of national pride in South Korea |
Son Heung-min is a professional footballer from South Korea who was born on July 8, 1992.
He is a forward for Tottenham Hotspur, a club in the Premier League, and he is captain of the South Korea national team. He is considered one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time because of his lightning-quick speed, finishing, two-footedness, and play-linking skills. Also considered to be among the best forwards in the world, is he.
16. Harry Kane
| Harry Kane | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harry Edward Kane MBE |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Walthamstow, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Club | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Position | Striker |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Career Goals | Over 350 goals for club and country |
| Achievements | England’s all-time highest goalscorer |
| Youth Career | Ridgeway Rovers, Arsenal, Watford, Tottenham |
| Senior Career | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Loan Spells | Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, Leicester |
| International Career | England U17, U19, U20, U21, and senior team |
Harry Edward Kane MBE, an English professional footballer born on July 28, 1993, is the team captain for England and a striker for the Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur. Kane is regarded as one of the world’s best strikers because he is a strong link player and scores many goals.
At UEFA Euro 2020, he guided England to the runner-up spot, giving them their first appearance in a final at the competition and their first major final since 1966.
17. Sadio Mané
| Sadio Man | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sadio Mané |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1992 (age 31) |
| Place of Birth | Bambali, Senegal |
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Forward, Winger |
| Current Team | Bayern Munich |
| Youth Career | Génération Foot |
Sadio Mané, a Senegalese professional football player who was born on April 10, 1992, is a forward who also competes for Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga and the Senegal national team. He is renowned for his speed, dribbling, and pressing, which elevates him to the status of one of the world’s top athletes and the greatest African Player ever.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final saw Mané score the go-ahead penalty kick to give Senegal their first championship, earning him the tournament’s Player of the Tournament honor.
For the second time in 2022, Sadio Mané received the African Player of the Year honor.
18. Bukayo Saka
| Bukayo Saka | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka |
| Date of Birth | September 5, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Ealing, Greater London, England |
| Position(s) | Right Winger, Midfielder, Full Back |
| Current Team | Arsenal |
| Youth Career | Watford, Arsenal |
| Senior Career | Arsenal (2018–present) |
| International Career | England U16, U17, U18, U19, U21, Senior Team |
| Trophies | FA Cup, FA Community Shield (with Arsenal) |
| Achievements | Arsenal Player of the Season (2020-21, 2021-22) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Parents | Adenike and Yomi Saka (Yoruba Nigerian descent) |
| Education | Greenford High School |
| Notable Features | Considered one of the best young players in the world |
| Contributions | Prolific and influential player for Arsenal |
| Long-Term Contract | Signed new long-term contract with Arsenal in July 2020 and May 2023 |
Bukayo Ayoyinka T. M. Saka, an English football player for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team, was born on September 5, 2001. Saka plays as a winger, left-back, or midfielder.
Saka has played his entire first-team club career for Arsenal, where he has earned two FA Cups and the FA Community Shield. Saka has progressively emerged as one of Arsenal’s most productive and significant players.
At the UEFA Euro 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022, he was a member of England’s team.
19. Ángel di María
| ngel di Mar a | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ángel Fabián Di María |
| Date of Birth | 14 February 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position | Right winger, attacking midfielder |
| Current Team | Benfica |
| Youth Career | Torito, Rosario Central |
| Senior Career | Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, |
| International Career | Argentina U20, Argentina U23, Argentina |
| Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner (2022) |
| Notable Skills | Excellent dribbling ability, exceptional playmaking skills, |
| Club Career Highlights | Primeira Liga and Taça da Liga titles with Benfica, |
| International Success | FIFA U-20 World Cup winner (2007), Olympic Games gold medalist (2008), |
| Personal Life | Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina |
Ángel Fabián Di María, an Argentine professional footballer, was born on February 14, 1988.
He plays for Juventus of Serie A and the Argentina national team. He can operate as a winger or an attacking midfielder.
Di María is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and among the all-time greats of Argentina. He is renowned for his cunning, agility, and quickness.
Additionally, Di Mara was a member of the Argentina teams that advanced to the Copa América final in each of the years 2015, 2016, and 2021. He scored the game-winning goal in that final to give Argentina its first trophy in 28 years.
20. Pedri
| Pedri | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pedro González López |
| Date of Birth | 25 November 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Bajamar, Tenerife, Canary Islands |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Position | Central midfielder |
| Current Club | Barcelona |
| Youth Clubs | UD Tegueste, CF Juventud Laguna |
| Senior Career Clubs | Las Palmas (2019–2020), Barcelona (2020–present) |
| Senior Appearances | Las Palmas: 36 |
| Senior Goals | Las Palmas: 4 |
| International Career | Spain U17 Appearances: 5 |
| Individual Honors | Golden Boy Award 2021 |
| Playing Style | Quick, intelligent, creative, and hard-working midfielder |
| Comparisons | Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Michael Laudrup, Lionel Messi |
Pedro González López, better known by his nickname Pedri, is a professional footballer from Spain born on November 25, 2002.
He plays central midfield for both Spain’s national team and La Liga team, Barcelona. He was awarded the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophies in 2021.
Pedri competed for Spain in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Pedri started all four games for Spain, who fell to Morocco in the Round of 16 matches on penalties.
21. Gavi
| Gavi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pablo Martín Páez Gavira |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Los Palacios y Villafranca, Andalusia |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Position(s) | Central midfielder |
| Current Team | Barcelona |
| Youth Career | La Liara Balompié, Real Betis Youth Academy, Barcelona |
| Senior Career | Barcelona B, Barcelona |
| International Career | Spain U15, Spain U16, Spain U18, Spain |
| Individual Achievements | Golden Boy award winner (2022), Kopa Trophy recipient (2022) |
| Notable Performances | Supercopa de España Final Man of the Match (January 2023) Youngest player to represent Spain at senior level Youngest player to score for Spain at senior level |
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, his nickname Gavi, is a professional footballer from Spain who was born on August 5, 2004. Gavi is a central midfielder for Barcelona, a team in La Liga, and for the Spain national team. In 2022, Gavi won both the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award.
Barcelona made the announcement that Gavi would take over the number 6 jersey, which had previously belonged to his coach Xavi, on the same day.
22. Marquinhos
| Marquinhos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar (Marquinhos) |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 2003 |
| Place of Birth | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position(s) | Winger |
| Current Team | Arsenal |
| Senior Debut | Made professional debut for São Paulo in July 2021 |
| Transfer to Arsenal | Joined Arsenal in June 2022 |
| Premier League Debut | Made Premier League debut for Arsenal in September 2022 |
| Loan Spell | Joined Norwich City on loan for the 2022-23 season |
| Norwich City Debut | Made debut for Norwich City in February 2023 |
| Goal and Assist | Scored first goal and registered an assist for Arsenal in a UEFA Europa League match in September 2022 |
| Red Card Incident | Received a red card, but successfully appealed the decision and had the ban overturned in March 2023 |
Marquinhos, also known as Marcos Aoás Corrêa, is a professional footballer from Brazil who was born on May 14, 1994. Marquinhos plays as a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, where he is captain, and for the Brazil national team. Marquinhos can play center back, right back, or defensive midfielder, among other positions.
Additionally, he represented his nation at the Copa América Centenario and Copa América 2015 and received a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
After that, he competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2019 Copa América, the 2021 Copa América, and the 2022 World Cup, claiming victory in the 2019 tournament.
23. Phil Foden
| Phil Foden | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philip Walter Foden |
| Date of Birth | 28 May 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Stockport, Greater Manchester, England |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Breakthrough | FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner |
| Honours | Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield, UEFA European Championship |
| Premier League Records | Youngest Premier League winner, Young Player of the Season, PFA Young Player of the Year |
| England National Team | Debut in UEFA Nations League victory, represented at youth levels |
| Education | St Bede’s College, privately funded by Manchester City |
Philip Walter Foden is a professional footballer from England who was born on May 28, 2000. He plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and for the England national team as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or center forward. He is regarded as one of the world’s best young players.
In December 2017, he was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
24. Zlatan Ibrahimović
| Zlatan Ibrahimovi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zlatan Ibrahimović |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Malmö, Sweden |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Position(s) | Striker |
| Acclaimed Skills | Renowned for acrobatic strikes and volleys, powerful long-range shots, excellent technique, and ball control |
| Achievements | Considered one of the greatest strikers of all time |
| Youth Career | Played for Malmö BI, FBK Balkan, and Malmö FF |
| Senior Career | Played for clubs including Malmö FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan |
| International Career | Represented Sweden with over 100 appearances and scored 62 international goals |
| Notable Achievements | Awarded Guldbollen (the Golden Ball) a record 12 times |
| Off-Field Personality | Known for his brash persona, outspoken comments, and referring to himself in the third person |
| Background | Born in Malmö, Sweden to a Muslim Bosniak father and Catholic Croat mother |
Born in Sweden on October 3, 1981, Zlatan Ibrahimović plays soccer. He plays forward for Serie A club AC Milan as well as the Sweden national team.
Ibrahimović is renowned for his incredible ball control and acrobatic volleys and strikes. He is also known for his lethal long-range shots.
With 34 trophies in his career, he ranks among the most decorated football players currently playing in the world and is thought to be one of the all-time great strikers. He has over 570 goals overall over the past four decades, more than 500 of which have been for clubs.
25. Antoine Griezmann
| Antoine Griezmann | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antoine Griezmann |
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Mâcon, France |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Forward, Midfielder |
| Current Team | Atlético Madrid |
| Youth Career | UF Mâconnais, Real Sociedad |
| Senior Career | Real Sociedad (2009–2014), Atlético Madrid (2014–2019, 2022–present) |
| International Career | France (2014–present) |
| Notable Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner (2018), UEFA Nations League Winner (2021) |
| Records | Atlético Madrid’s all-time third-highest goalscorer |
Antoine Griezmann is a French professional footballer born on March 21, 1991.
He has played as an attacking midfielder, winger, and striker throughout his career.
Griezmann won the Silver Boot as the second-highest goal scorer as France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and he was named Player of the Tournament and the team’s top scorer as France finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2016.
26. Theo Hernandez
| Theo Hernandez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Théo Bernard François Hernandez |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1997 (age 25) |
| Place of Birth | Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Position | Left-back |
| Current Team | AC Milan |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Youth Career | Rayo Majadahonda, Atlético Madrid |
| Senior Career | Atlético Madrid B, Alavés (loan), Real Madrid, Real Sociedad (loan), AC Milan |
| International Career | France U18, France U19, France U20, France |
| Notable Achievements | FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2022, UEFA Nations League Winner 2021 |
| Career Highlights | Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world |
| Family Background | Younger brother of Lucas Hernandez, a professional footballer |
| Personal Life | Dating Italian model Zoe Cristofoli |
Théo Bernard François Hernandez is a French footballer who was born on October 6, 1997.
Hernandez plays left back for AC Milan in Serie A and for France’s national team. Hernandez is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world due to his speed, running ability, and goal-scoring potential. He is the brother of fellow professional football player Lucas Hernandez, and their father, Jean-François Hernandez, was also a football player.
He was named to Qatar’s final FIFA World Cup roster in November 2022.
27. Manuel Neuer
| Manuel Neuer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manuel Peter Neuer |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Gelsenkirchen, West Germany |
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper |
| Current Team | Bayern Munich |
| Youth Career | Schalke 04 |
| Years | Team |
| Playing Style | Sweeper-keeper known for his speed and anticipation |
| Awards and Honors | Best Goalkeeper of the Decade (2011-2020) by IFFHS |
| Trophies | – 11 Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich |
| FIFA World Cup | – 2010 and 2014 World Cups with Germany |
| Records | – Holds the Bayern Munich record for most competitive clean sheets in a row |
| Contract | Extended contract with Bayern Munich until 2021 |
Manuel Peter Neuer is a professional footballer from Germany who was born on March 27, 1986.
He is a goalkeeper and captains the Germany national team and Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. Neuer is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the sport’s history. Due to his speed and playing style, Neuer has been referred to as a “sweeper-keeper” when rushing off his line out of the goalkeeper’s box to anticipate opponents. From 2011 to 2020, IFFHS rated him as the best goalkeeper.
28. Gareth Bale
| Gareth Bale | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gareth Frank Bale MBE |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Cardiff, Wales |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m) |
| Position(s) | Winger |
| Youth Career | Cardiff Civil Service, Southampton |
| Senior Career | Tottenham Hotspur (2007–2013), Real Madrid (2013–2022) |
| Total Club Appearances | 394 |
| Total Club Goals | 141 |
| International Career | Wales (2006–2022) |
| National Team Caps | 111 |
| National Team Goals | 41 |
| Achievements | PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2011, 2013) |
| Notable Records | Wales’ most capped player and top goalscorer of all time |
| Retirement | Retired in January 2023 at the age of 33 |
Gareth Frank Bale, a former professional football player from Wales who played as a winger for Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, was born on July 16, 1989. Bale is regarded as one of the best players of his generation as well as one of the best Welsh players of all time.
He scored seven goals, making him Wales’ top scorer during their successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign; He then scored three goals for Wales in the final tournament, where they reached the semi-finals. After that, he played for the team at Euro 2020 and helped Wales qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending a 64-year World Cup absence. A record six times, he was named Welsh Footballer of the Year. Bale announced his retirement from football in January 2023 at 33.
29. Bernardo Silva
| Bernardo Silva | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Position(s) | Attacking Midfielder, Winger |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Youth Career | Benfica (2002-2013) |
| Senior Career | Benfica B (2013-2015), Monaco (loan, 2014-2015), |
| Playing Style | Known for creativity, dribbling, stamina, versatility, |
| Achievements | Premier League Champion, EFL Cup Winner, UEFA Nations |
| International Career | Portugal U19 (2013), Portugal U21 (2013-2015), Portugal |
On August 10, 1994, Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva, also known as Bernardo Silva or simply Bernardo, was born in Portugal. He was born on August 10, 1994.
He represents Portugal’s national team and Manchester City of the Premier League as an attacking midfielder, forward, or winger.
Silva is renowned for his endurance, agility, and work ethic. Silva is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world as well as among the best Portuguese players.
He was a member of the final 26-man Portugal squad that was announced for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in October 2022 after being named to the country’s preliminary 55-man squad.
30. Raheem Sterling
| Raheem Sterling | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raheem Shaquille Sterling |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Nationality | English |
| Current Club | Chelsea |
| Position | Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
| Achievements | Golden Boy Award (2014), Premier League Titles (2) |
| Awards | PFA Premier League Team of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year |
| International Career | Debut in November 2012, 82 caps, 20 goals |
| FIFA World Cup Appearances | 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| UEFA European Championship Appearances | 2016, 2020 |
| Charitable Work | MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) |
| Early Life | Born in Jamaica, moved to London at the age of five |
Raheem Shaquille Sterling MBE is an English professional footballer born on December 8, 1994. He plays as an attacking midfielder and winger for Chelsea, a Premier League club, and the England national team.
Before signing with Liverpool in 2010, he began his professional career with Queens Park Rangers. In 2014, he received the Golden Boy award. In the 2018–19 campaign, Sterling was named FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.
After earning several caps for England’s youth teams at the under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels, Sterling made his senior debut for the country in November 2012. Sterling was included in England’s squads for the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
31. Trent Alexander-Arnold
| Trent John Alexander Arnold | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trent John Alexander-Arnold |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1998 |
| Nationality | English |
| Position | Right-back |
| Achievements | – Winner of the UEFA Champions League (2018-2019) |
| International Career | Made senior debut for England in 2018 |
| Skills and Contributions | – Exceptional range of passing |
Having been born on October 7, 1998, Trent John Alexander-Arnold is an English professional football player. He represents both England’s national team and Liverpool at right back in the Premier League. Alexander-Arnold is one of the top fullbacks in international football thanks to his diversity of passing, crossing, and assists.
Alexander-Arnold made his senior debut in 2018, in addition to having previously represented England at different youth levels.
32. Alphonso Davies
| Alphonso Davies | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alphonso Boyle Davies |
| Date of Birth | November 2, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Buduburam, Ghana |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Position(s) | Left-back, winger |
| Current Club | Bayern Munich |
| Nickname | “The Roadrunner” |
| Skills | Exceptional pace, dribbling ability, and creativity |
| Major Achievements | Bundesliga Rookie of the Season (2019-20) |
| International Success | CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year (2021, 2022) |
| FIFA World Cup | Scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal |
| Humanitarian Efforts | Ambassador for UNHCR |
| Background | Born in Ghana, obtained Canadian citizenship, Liberian heritage |
| Youth Development | Developed at Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency |
| Notable Achievements | First player born in the 2000s to play in MLS |
| Transfer to Bayern | Joined Bayern Munich in 2019 for a record MLS fee |
| Versatility | Adapted to left-back position, considered one of the world’s best |
| Contract Extension | Renewed contract with Bayern Munich until 2025 |
| Champions League | Key performances in UEFA Champions League matches |
| Speed Record | Recorded the fastest speed in Bundesliga history |
| Recognition | Named one of the 60 best young soccer talents in the world (2017) |
Alphonso Boyle Davies is a professional soccer player from Canada born on November 2, 2000.
Due to his extraordinary speed, dribbling prowess, and inventiveness, Davies is dubbed “The Roadrunner.” Davies is regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world. Davies became the youngest Canadian men’s national team player in June 2017. In a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup match against French Guiana, Davies scored twice to become the youngest player to ever score for the Canadian men’s national team, the youngest player to ever score at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the first player born in the 2000s to ever score at a major international tournament. He would win the CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year award in 2021. He is regarded as the best player and face of the Canadian men’s national team.
33. Ousmane Dembélé
| Ousmane Demb l | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Masour Ousmane Dembélé |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Vernon, Eure, Normandy, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Position(s) | Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Team | Barcelona |
| Previous Clubs | Rennes, Borussia Dortmund |
| Youth Career | Madeleine Évreux, Évreux FC 27 |
| Senior Career | Rennes II, Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona |
| International Career | France U17, France U18, France U19, France U21, France |
| Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner: 2018, FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 2022 |
| Notable Skills | Exceptional dribbling ability, Clinical finishing and goal-scoring instincts, Two-footed player with great technical skills, Speed and agility in one-on-one situations, Creative playmaking and crossing ability, Threat on counterattacks |
Masour Ousmane Dembélé is a French professional footballer born May 15, 1997. He is a winger for Barcelona, a La Liga club, and the France national team.
In the 2016–17 season, Dembélé scored a goal in the final to help Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal. He signed for Barcelona for an initial fee of €105 million a year later, making him the second-most expensive football player after his fellow countryman Paul Pogba. In his subsequent injury-plagued first season in Spain, he won the Copa del Rey and La Liga.
He made his senior international debut for France in 2016 after winning 20 caps and scoring five goals at the youth level.
Dembélé was a part of the France team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and played at UEFA Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2022.
34. Ederson Moraes
| Ederson Moraes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ederson Santana de Moraes |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Osasco, Brazil |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Youth Career | São Paulo, Benfica |
| Senior Career | Ribeirão, Rio Ave, Benfica B, Benfica, Manchester City |
| International Career | Brazil |
| International Appearances | 21 |
| Major Titles | Copa América 2019 (Winner), Copa América 2021 (Runner-up) |
| Notable Achievements | – Most expensive goalkeeper at the time of his transfer to Manchester City |
| Skills | – Exceptional skill and control of the ball with his feet |
| Career Highlights | – Joined Manchester City for £35 million, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper at the time |
| Notable Records | – Guinness World Record for Longest Football Drop Kick |
| Tattoos | – Covered in tattoos, including a rose, a skull, angel wings, and a Portuguese League trophy |
Ederson Santana de Moraes, also known as Ederson, is a professional footballer from Brazil-born on August 17, 1993. He plays goalie for both Brazil’s national team and Premier League club Manchester City. Moraes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world for his long-range kicks and skill with the ball at his feet.
After earning several caps for Brazil at the under-23 level, Ederson made his senior debut in 2017. He made Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and the Copa América in 2019 and 2021, where Brazil won the 2019 competition.
35. Antonio Rüdiger
| Antonio R diger | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonio Rüdiger |
| Date of Birth | 3 March 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Berlin, Germany |
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Team | Real Madrid |
| Youth Career | VfB Sperber Neukölln (2000–2002) |
| Senior Career | VfB Stuttgart II (2011–2015) |
| International Career | Germany U18 (2010–2011) |
| Notable Achievements | FIFA Confederations Cup Winner (2017) |
| Playing Style | Aggressive playing style, strong aerial presence, tackling ability |
| Social Activism | Speaking out against racism in football |
| Personal Life | Practising Muslim, Afro-German heritage |
Antonio Rüdiger is a German professional footballer born on March 3, 1993. He is a center-back for Real Madrid, a La Liga team, and the Germany national team.
Rüdiger started his career at VfB Stuttgart, playing for the reserves in the 3rd division. Liga and the Bundesliga’s first team. Rüdiger joined Roma in 2015, initially on loan, before signing for €9 million a year later.
Chelsea signed him in 2017 for an estimated £27 million. In his first season there, he won the FA Cup. He won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League in his second and third seasons.
In 2021, he won the UEFA Champions League. Rüdiger signed with Real Madrid 2022, the European champions.
36. Frenkie de Jong
| Frenkie de Jong | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frenkie de Jong |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Gorinchem, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Club | Barcelona |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Youth Career | ASV Arkel, RKC, Willem II |
| Senior Career | Willem II, Jong Ajax, Ajax, Barcelona |
| International Career | Netherlands |
| Medal Record | UEFA Nations League Runner-up 2019 |
| Playing Style | Versatile midfielder known for vision, passing, dribbling, technique, defensive abilities, and attacking prowess |
| Transfer Fee | €75 million (from Ajax to Barcelona) |
| Recognition | FIFA FIFPro World11, Eredivisie Player of the Season, UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022 |
| Youth Development | Product of Willem II’s youth system |
| Shirt Number Tribute | Wears number 21 as a tribute to his grandfather’s birthdate |
| Relationship | Engaged to Mikky Kiemeney since 2022 |
Frenkie de Jong is a professional footballer from the Netherlands born on May 12, 1997.
He is a midfielder for Barcelona, a La Liga club, and the Netherlands national team.
De Jong is known for his vision, passing, dribbling, technique, strong defensive skills, and attacking prowess as a versatile midfielder. De Jong has consistently been ranked among the world’s best midfielders.
37. N’golo Kanté
| Full Name | N’Golo Kanté |
| Date of Birth | 29 March 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Current team | Chelsea |
French professional footballer N’Golo Kanté was born on March 29, 1991.
Kanté currently competes for the France national team and Premier League club Chelsea as a defensive midfielder. Kanté has a well-deserved reputation as one of the top midfielders in the world thanks to his relentless work ethic and defensive prowess.
In 2017, Kanté became the first Premier League player in seven years to win the French Player of the Year award. He was an important member of the squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup one year later.
38. João Cancelo
| Jo o Cancelo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo |
| Date of Birth | 27 May 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Barreiro, Portugal |
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position(s) | Full-back, wing-back |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Youth Career | Barreirense (2002–2007), Benfica (2007–2012) |
| Senior Career | Benfica B (2012–2014), Benfica (2014–2015), Valencia (loan) (2014–2015), Valencia (2015–2018), Inter Milan (loan) (2017–2018), Juventus (2018–2019), Manchester City (2019–present), Bayern Munich (loan) (2023) |
| International Career | Portugal U16 (2010), Portugal U17 (2010–2011), Portugal U18 (2011–2012), Portugal U19 (2012), Portugal U20 (2013–2014), Portugal U21 (2014–2017), Portugal (2016–present) |
| Achievements | UEFA Nations League Winner (2019), UEFA European Under-21 Championship Runner-up (2015) |
| Notable Clubs | Benfica, Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City |
| Transfer Fees | €40.4 million (Juventus), €65 million (£60 million) (Manchester City) |
| Honors | Premier League titles, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League Final |
| Playing Style | Dynamic full-back known for his attacking prowess and versatility |
| Recognition | Regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world |
| Caps | 75 caps for Portugal National Team |
| Goals | Scored three goals for Portugal National Team |
Born on May 27, 1994, João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo is a professional footballer from Portugal who presently represents Portugal’s national team, on loan from Manchester City in the Premier League, for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.
Cancelo is regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world because he is creative, skilled, strong, and versatile.
Cancelo was selected to play for Portugal in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, which will be played on home soil after his country won the competition’s first iteration.
39. Paul Pogba
| Paul Pogba | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Labile Pogba |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Lagny-sur-Marne, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Current Club | Juventus |
| Position(s) | Midfielder (Central, Left Winger, Attacking, Defensive) |
| Youth Career | US Roissy-en-Brie, US Torcy, Le Havre, Manchester United |
| Senior Career | Manchester United, Juventus |
| International Career | France U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, Senior France |
| Major Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner (2018) |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Notable Awards | Golden Boy Award (2013) |
| Notable Transfers | Joined Juventus from Manchester United (2016) |
| Personal Background | Born to Guinean parents |
On March 15, 1993, Paul Labile Pogba, a professional football player from France, was born. He currently plays for the France national team and Serie A club Juventus. Although he can play as a left winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, or deep-lying playmaker, his primary position is central midfielder.
Internationally, Pogba won the Best Player award for his performances at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he captained France to victory. He made his senior team debut a year later and was recognized with the Best Young Player Award for his performances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He later competed for his nation at the UEFA Euro 2016 on home soil, where Pogba came in second, before scoring in the final to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Paul Pogba is widely regarded as one of the best current soccer players in the world. With his exceptional skills and versatility on the field, Pogba has made a name for himself as a key player for both Manchester United and the French national team. His ability to control the midfield and contribute with goals and assists makes him a valuable asset to any team. If you want to learn more about other top soccer players in 2023, check out this article here.
40. Joshua Kimmich
| Joshua Kimmich | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Walter Kimmich |
| Date of Birth | 8 February 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Rottweil, Germany |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position(s) | Defensive midfielder, Right-back |
| Current Team | Bayern Munich |
| Youth Career | VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig |
| Senior Career | RB Leipzig (2013–2015), Bayern Munich (2015–present) |
| International Career | Germany U17, U18, U19, U21, Senior Team |
| Medal Record | FIFA Confederations Cup Winner, UEFA European Under-19 Championship |
| Accolades | UEFA Team of the Year, FIFA FIFPro Men’s World11 |
| Notable Comparisons | Considered successor to Philipp Lahm |
| Playing Style | Versatile, Aggressive, Playmaker, Excellent Passing and Crossing |
| Family | Two children with girlfriend Lina Meyer |
| Humanitarian Initiative | Co-founder of “We Kick Corona” initiative |
German football player Joshua Walter Kimmich was born on February 8, 1995. He currently represents the Germany national team and Bundesliga club Bayern Munich as a right-back or defensive midfielder.
Because of Kimmich’s comprehensive playstyle, versatility, aggression, and playmaking ability, he is regarded as one of the world’s best and most talented midfielders. Kimmich is viewed as his successor and frequently contrasted with Philipp Lahm, a former captain of Bayern Munich.
Widely regarded as one of this generation’s top midfielders, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and many other coaches and commentators have all given him high praise.
41. Christian Pulisic
| Christian Pulisic | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christian Mate Pulisic |
| Nickname | Captain America |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Chelsea |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Playing Style | Renowned for dribbling abilities and explosive speed |
| Youth Career | Brackley Town, Michigan Rush, PA Classics, Borussia Dortmund |
| Senior Career | Borussia Dortmund (2016–2019), Chelsea (2019–present) |
| International Career | United States U15 (2012–2013), U17 (2013–2015), Senior (2016–present) |
| Major Honors | CONCACAF Nations League Winner (2021, 2023) |
| Individual Awards | U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year |
| Notable Records | Youngest Chelsea player to score a hat-trick |
| Family Background | Parents: Kelley and Mark Pulisic |
| Soccer Idol | Luís Figo |
Christian Mate Pulisic, an American professional soccer player, was born on September 18, 1998.
He is well-known for his dribbling ability and explosive speed, earning him the nickname “Captain America” among teammates and fans.
In 2019, he led the United States to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, and in 2019-20, he won the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League.
He has three Male Athlete of the Year awards to his name, in addition to being named the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year.
42. Thibaut Courtois
| Thibaut Courtois | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Bree, Belgium |
| Height | 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Team | Real Madrid |
| Youth Career | Bilzen V.V., Racing Genk |
| Senior Career | Genk, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid (loan), Real Madrid |
| International Career | Belgium |
| Achievements | FIFA World Cup Golden Glove (2018), Ricardo Zamora Trophy (3 times), Premier League Golden Glove |
| Notable Skills | Excellent reflexes, acrobatic saves, commanding presence in the penalty area |
Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois is a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and the Belgium national team.
Thibaut Courtois is a Belgian professional footballer born on May 11, 1992. He is known for his quick reflexes, acrobatic saves, and command of the penalty area, making him one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
In the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2011–2020), he finished behind Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer as the third-best goalie.
43. Lautaro Martínez
| Lautaro Mart nez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lautaro Javier Martínez |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Bahía Blanca, Argentina |
| Position | Striker/Second-Striker |
| Current Club | Inter Milan |
| Youth Career | Liniers, Racing Club |
| Senior Career | Racing Club (2015-2018), Inter Milan (2018-present) |
| International Career | Argentina U20 (2016-2017), Argentina (2018-present) |
| Notable Achievements | Serie A Champion (2020-2021), Copa América Winner (2021), FIFA World Cup Winner (2022) |
| Youth Accomplishments | Joint-top scorer in 2017 South American U-20 Championship |
| Senior Debut | Racing Club senior debut in 2015 |
| Goals for Racing Club | 28 goals in 60 appearances |
| Transfer to Inter | Joined Inter Milan in 2018 for a reported fee of €22.7 million |
| European Success | Goals in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League |
| International Goals | Hat-trick scored against Mexico (2019) |
| Copa América Success | Helped Argentina to a third-place finish (2019) and won the tournament (2021) |
| World Cup Triumph | Part of the Argentina squad that won the FIFA World Cup (2022) |
| Playing Style | Dynamic, quick, agile, and technically gifted striker |
A striker for the Argentina national team and Serie A club Inter Milan, Lautaro Javier Martínez (born August 22, 1997) is an Argentine professional footballer. Among the best strikers in the world, he is regarded. In 2015, Martínez made his senior debut with Racing Club in Argentina, the country of his birth, where he started his football career.
Prior to moving on to Inter in 2018, he played for the club for four seasons, representing them in the league and Copa Libertadores, and scoring 28 goals in 60 appearances. In his third season there, he also won the Serie A championship.
44. Kyle Walker
| Kyle Walker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Andrew Walker |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Position | Right-back |
| Playing Style | Pace, strength, vision |
| Youth Career | Sheffield United |
| Senior Career | Sheffield United, Northampton Town (loan), Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers (loan), Aston Villa (loan), Manchester City |
| International Career | England U19, England U21, England |
| Honors | UEFA Champions League winner (2023), 5-time Premier League champion, 4-time EFL Cup winner, 2-time FA Cup winner |
| Awards | PFA Team of the Year (2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18), PFA Young Player of the Year (2011–12) |
| Notable Facts | – Known for his pace, strength, and vision on the field |
Kyle Andrew Walker is a professional footballer from England born on May 28, 1990. Kyle Walker plays right back for Manchester City in the Premier League and the England national team.
Walker is frequently regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world for his speed, strength, and vision.
After five more seasons, he left Tottenham for Manchester City for £45 million. Since then, while playing for City, he has won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cup trophies, and one FA Cup.
In addition, he represented Great Britain at the UEFA Euro 2016, FIFA World Cup 2018, and UEFA Euro 2020.
45. Riyad Mahrez
| Riyad Mahrez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riyad Karim Mahrez |
| Date of Birth | 21 February 1991 (age 32) |
| Place of Birth | Sarcelles, France |
| Nationality | Algerian |
| Playing Position | Winger |
| Current Team | Manchester City |
| Youth Career | AAS Sarcelles |
| International Career | Algeria |
| Honors | Africa Cup of Nations 2019 (Winner) |
Professional footballer Riyad Karim Mahrez, who also serves as captain of Algeria’s national team, was born on February 21, 1991. Mahrez plays as a winger for Premier League club Manchester City.
In his first season after joining Manchester City, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
He received the 2016 CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
46. Paulo Dybala
| Paulo Dybala | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paulo Bruno Exequiel Dybala |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Laguna Larga, Córdoba, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder, Winger |
| Current Club | Roma |
| Previous Clubs | Instituto de Córdoba, Palermo, Juventus |
| International Team | Argentina |
| Nickname | “La Joya” (The Jewel) |
| Skills | Exceptional dribbling ability, quick feet, eye for goal |
| Youth Career | Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba |
| Senior Career | Instituto de Córdoba, Palermo, Juventus, Roma |
| Goals (Club) | Instituto de Córdoba: 17 goals |
| Goals (International) | Argentina: 3 goals |
| Achievements | FIFA World Cup 2022 Winner with Argentina |
| Additional Facts | – Grandfather fled from Poland during World War II |
Argentine professional footballer Paulo Exequiel Dybala was born on November 15, 1993. He plays forward for the Argentina national and Serie A teams Roma.
With Instituto de Córdoba, Dybala, also called “La Joya” or “The Jewel,” started his senior club career in 2011. At 18, he signed with Palermo, where he won a Serie B title. Dybala joined Juventus in 2015, winning four Coppa Italia and five league titles. In addition, he was named Serie A Most Valuable Player once, made the Serie A Team of the Year four times, and is Juventus’ ninth-most prolific goal scorer at all-time. He joined the Roma in 2022.
At 21, Dybala made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2015. Since then, he has won over 30 caps, winning the 2022 World Cup, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2019 Copa América.
47. Keylor Navas
| Keylor Navas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keylor Antonio Navas Gamboa |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica |
| Nationality | Costa Rican |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) |
| Youth Career | Saprissa |
| Senior Career | Saprissa (2005–2010) |
| International Career | Costa Rica (2008–present) |
| Major Honors | UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017) |
| Individual Awards | CONCACAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year (2016–2018) |
Keilor Antonio “Keylor” Navas Gamboa, a professional football player from Costa Rica, was born on December 15, 1986. He is the Costa Rican national team captain and plays as a goalkeeper for Nottingham Forest, a Premier League club, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
Between 2016 and 2018, he was named CONCACAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year for three years. The IFFHS named him the best male CONCACAF Player of the Decade 2011–2020. He won the UEFA Club Football Award for best UEFA goalkeeper in 2017–18 for his efforts, and he was also selected to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season in 2018.
48. Toni Kroos
| Toni Kroos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toni Kroos |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1990 (age 33) |
| Place of Birth | Greifswald, East Germany |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current Team | Real Madrid |
German-born Toni Kroos, a professional football player for La Liga team Real Madrid, was born on January 4, 1990.
One of the greatest midfielders ever, Kroos primarily plays as a central midfielder but has also been used as a playmaker in deep positions.
His vision, passing, creativity, crossing, and set-piece skills are well-known.
49. Hugo Lloris
| Hugo Lloris | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hugo Hadrien Dominique Lloris |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Nice, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Team | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Youth Career | Cedac Cimiez (1993-1997), Nice (1997-2005) |
| Senior Career | Nice (2005-2008), Lyon (2008-2012), Tottenham Hotspur (2012-present) |
| International Career | France (2008-2022) |
| Awards and Medals | Three-time UNFP Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year |
| Notable Achievements | – Captained France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup |
Hugo Hadrien Dominique Lloris, a goalkeeper for Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, was born on December 26, 1986 in France.
He has won the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year award from the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) three times.
In addition to leading France to quarterfinal appearances at both the UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, runners-up finishes at the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup victory in Russia, he served as the national team’s captain for the first time in 2010 before taking over as first-choice captain on February 28, 2012.
50. Romelu Lukaku
| Romelu Lukaku | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli |
| Date of Birth | May 13, 1993 |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Position(s) | Striker |
| Current Team | Chelsea |
| Youth Career | Rupel Boom, KFC Wintam, Lierse, Anderlecht |
| Senior Career | Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Chelsea (loan), Inter Milan (loan) |
| International Career | Belgium |
| Notable Achievements | Belgian Pro League title, Premier League Golden Boot, Serie A title, FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot |
| International Tournaments | 2016 & 2020 UEFA European Championships, 2014, 2018 & 2022 FIFA World Cups |
| Transfer Fees | £10 million (Chelsea), £28 million (Everton), £75 million (Manchester United), €80 million (Inter Milan), £97.5 million (Chelsea) |
| Style of Play | Powerful striker known for clinical finishing and physicality |
| Records | Most expensive Belgian player, seventh-most expensive player of all time based on cumulative transfer fees |
Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli, a professional football player who plays for both the Belgium national team and Serie A club Inter Milan on loan from Premier League club Chelsea, was born on May 13, 1993.
Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, Lukaku, made his senior international debut in 2010 and has represented his country in five major tournaments: the 2016 and 2020 UEFA European Championships, as well as 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups, where he finished as joint second-highest goalscorer to win the Bronze Boot.