Best Football Player in 2025

In football, identifying the best football player is a challenge that has sparked debates for decades. For many years, the conversation centered around two icons: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their rivalry and exceptional careers set a standard that seemed almost impossible to surpass. However, as their careers wind down and a new generation emerges, the question arises: Who truly holds the title of the best football player in 2025?

This article aims to explore the current landscape of world football, analyzing the top contenders for the best football player spot in 2025. We will evaluate their performances, achievements, skills, and potential to determine who deserves this coveted recognition. The list is curated based on a mix of recent form, overall contributions, international success, and influence on the game.

How the Criteria for the Best Football Player Are Set in 2025

Before diving into individual profiles, it’s essential to understand the basis for ranking the best football player in 2025. This year’s list considers:

Current season performances: Goals, assists, key passes, defensive contributions, and overall influence.
Achievements in domestic and international competitions: Titles, awards, and milestones.
Consistency and longevity: Ability to maintain high standards over multiple seasons.
Impact on team success: How much a player elevates their team.
Technical, physical, and mental attributes: Skills, athleticism, tactical intelligence, leadership qualities.
Potential for future dominance: Emerging talents and their trajectory.

With these factors in mind, we present a detailed look at the world’s top candidates for the best football player in 2025.

The 10 Best Football Players in the World in 2025

10. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Position: Forward

Achievements & Impact:

Despite shifting to MLS with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi remains a significant figure in world football. His influence transcends league boundaries, and his performances for Argentina continue to demonstrate why he’s regarded as one of the all-time greats. Though his pace has diminished with age, his footballing intelligence, vision, and dribbling skills remain extraordinary. Messi’s ability to manipulate the game, create opportunities, and inspire teammates keeps him in the conversation for the best football player.

His recent career highlights include leading Argentina to Copa America and World Cup victories, and his transformation of Inter Miami from a struggling franchise into a competitive side in MLS has shown his leadership qualities. While the MLS level may not match European standards, Messi’s performances against top international opposition prove he can still operate at a high level.

Additional insights:

Messi’s influence on the pitch isn’t just in goals or assists but in how he elevates everyone around him. His passing accuracy, decision-making, and ability to produce moments of brilliance remain unmatched. As a player approaching his late thirties, his longevity and continued excellence are testaments to his dedication and footballing genius.

9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Position: Central Midfielder

Achievements & Impact:

Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the most complete midfielders in world football. His rise from a promising teenager at Borussia Dortmund to a star at Real Madrid has been meteoric. His performances on both club and international stages have caught the eye of fans and analysts alike.

Bellingham’s all-action style combines physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. He is capable of scoring crucial goals, dictating play from midfield, and providing leadership despite his age. His confidence in claiming the iconic No.5 shirt at Real Madrid reflects his status as a key player for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Additional insights:

Bellingham’s versatility allows him to adapt seamlessly to different midfield roles, making him an invaluable asset. His maturity on the pitch, combined with relentless work ethic, positions him as a future Ballon d’Or contender. His trajectory suggests he can dominate the best football players for years to come.

8. Rodri (Manchester City)

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Achievements & Impact:

Rodri has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential midfield anchors in world football. His role at Manchester City is pivotal, serving as the team’s engine and defensive shield. His ability to control tempo, break up opposition attacks, and initiate offensive plays makes him a key figure.

His leadership and composure under pressure are traits that set him apart. Rodri’s knack for scoring decisive goals, including in high-stakes matches like the Champions League final, underscores his importance. His milestone of a 50-match undefeated streak with City highlights his consistency and impact.

Additional insights:

Rodri’s influence extends beyond statistics; his positioning, game intelligence, and ability to read the play make him indispensable. His absence is often felt deeply, and his return boosts the entire team’s confidence. His recent Ballon d’Or nomination reflects recognition of his contributions.

7. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

Position: Winger

Achievements & Impact:

Vinicius Jr has become one of the most electrifying talents in the sport. His blistering pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess make him a constant threat on the wing. Since debuting for Flamengo in 2017, Vinicius has accumulated over 400 appearances, showcasing his durability and growth.

His drive and audacity on the ball have earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Despite occasional inconsistencies, his influence on matches is undeniable. His ability to create scoring chances out of thin air and his knack for performing in big moments keep him firmly in the conversation for the best football player.

Additional insights:

Vinicius’s development in recent seasons indicates he’s on the cusp of becoming a global superstar. His tactical awareness and improved finishing make him a more well-rounded player. As he continues to mature, he could soon challenge the very top of this list.

6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder

Achievements & Impact:

Lamine Yamal has caught the football world’s attention at just 18 years old. His performances at Euro 2024 and his early appearances for Barcelona reflect a talent far beyond his years. Yamal’s quick feet, creative mindset, and goal-scoring ability place him among the most exciting young players globally.

His style blends technical finesse with explosive acceleration. Despite his youth, Yamal already demonstrates maturity in decision-making and positioning. His goal contributions are impressive for his age, and he’s on track to become a leading figure in world football.

Additional insights:

Yamal’s potential extends beyond individual brilliance; he’s capable of transforming matches with his vision and flair. If he maintains his development trajectory, he could become the best football player in the coming years, challenging established stars for top honors.

5. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)

Position: Winger / Forward

Achievements & Impact:

Ousmane Dembele’s journey to the top has been marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of inconsistency. His move to PSG has allowed him to showcase his full range of skills without the shadow of former teammates. His dribbling, pace, and creativity make him a constant threat.

In the past season, Dembele scored 29 goals and provided 12 assists across Ligue 1 and the Champions League, highlighting his offensive impact. His ability to beat defenders with quick changes of direction and explosive acceleration makes him a nightmare for opponents.

Additional insights:

Dembele’s resurgence demonstrates how environment and confidence can unlock a player’s true potential. If he sustains this form, he could position himself as one of the best football players in the world, especially if he continues to influence high-profile matches.

4. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Position: Striker

Achievements & Impact:

Erling Haaland’s arrival in the Premier League revolutionized expectations for a striker. His goal-scoring rate is staggering, and he’s already setting new benchmarks for what a prolific goal scorer can achieve in England’s top flight. His physical presence, combined with precise finishing, makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Haaland’s current scoring ratio — approximately a goal per game — remains extraordinary, and he’s on course to claim yet another Golden Boot. His ability to score in a variety of ways, from instinctive finishes to powerful shots, showcases his adaptability.

Additional insights:

Haaland’s continued development suggests he’s still honing his craft. As he gains more experience and physical strength, he might evolve into a complete striker who can perform in every situation. If his consistency persists, he’s likely to top this list of the best football player in 2025.

3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Position: Striker / Playmaker

Achievements & Impact:

Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich marked a turning point in his career, revealing his true versatility as a top-class footballer. His goal-scoring record remains impressive, with 36 goals in just 34 Bundesliga games last season. Kane combines clinical finishing with creative playmaking, making him a dual threat.

Despite the rising prominence of goal scorings from other players, Kane’s all-around game stands out. His ability to drop deep, pick out passes, and provide assists adds layers to his game. His influence on Bayern’s attacking play has been immediate and profound.

Additional insights:

Kane’s adaptability and intelligence on the field make him one of the best football players currently. His leadership qualities and consistent output reinforce his status. As he continues to adapt to the Bundesliga and European competitions, his case for the best football player in 2025 remains solid.

2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Position: Winger / Forward

Achievements & Impact:

Mohamed Salah has transitioned from being a Premier League standout to a legendary figure in the sport. His consistency over the past five seasons, with goal tallies often reaching the 30-goal mark, speaks volumes about his quality. Salah’s unique style—simple yet highly effective—makes him a persistent threat.

His ability to drive past defenders, combined with his pinpoint crossing and finishing, keeps him among the top contenders for the best football player. His record of goal contributions, including matching Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 47 assists in a single season, emphasizes his significance.

Additional insights:

As Salah approaches the 200-goal milestone in the Premier League, his place among the all-time greats becomes clearer. His influence extends beyond goals; his leadership and consistency make him a cornerstone for both Liverpool and Egypt.

1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): The Current Crown Holder for Best Football Player

Position: Forward

Achievements & Impact:

Kylian Mbappé continues to set the standard for the best football player in 2025. His performances on both club and international levels have kept him at the top of the game. His heroics during the 2022 World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the final, sealed his reputation as a clutch performer.

His speed is among the fastest ever seen in football, allowing him to burst past defenders with ease. His shooting technique—powerful, precise, and versatile—makes him a constant goal-scoring threat. During his first season at Real Madrid, Mbappé netted 31 goals in 34 La Liga matches, along with seven goals in 14 Champions League appearances.

Additional insights:

Off the pitch, Mbappé’s leadership qualities and mental toughness have been evident in his performances under pressure. His ability to perform on the biggest stages, combined with his exceptional athleticism, secures his position as the best football player in 2025.

The Future of the Best Football Player Race

While the current list reflects the top performers in 2025, the landscape of world football is constantly evolving. Young talents like Gavi, Pedri, and Jamal Musiala are beginning to challenge established stars. Emerging players often surprise us with rapid development, making the race for the best football player an ongoing narrative.

The influence of tactical systems, coaching, and team dynamics also shape individual performances. The best football player isn’t solely determined by goals or assists but also by how they adapt, inspire, and elevate their teams.

Final Thoughts: Who Truly Deserves the Title of the Best Football Player?

The debate about the best football player is subjective, and opinions vary widely among fans, analysts, and players themselves. However, based on current achievements, consistency, and overall impact in 2025, Kylian Mbappé currently holds the edge. His performances in critical moments, combined with his raw athleticism and technical skill, make him the standout contender.

Still, the race remains open. Players like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Jude Bellingham have compelling cases, and their ongoing development suggests they could challenge for the top spot in the near future.

Final Word

Determining the best football player in 2025 is a complex task that involves analyzing many facets of a player’s game. It’s a pursuit that will continue to evolve as new talents emerge and established stars refine their craft. For now, the name at the top of this list exemplifies excellence, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that define the very best football players in the world today.