Ranking 10 Best Midfielders In The World Right Now (2025)

Football has evolved the role of a midfielder tremendously. The midfielders aren’t limited only to simple passes and covering spaces, but are the backbone of both defensive and attacking transitions. A class midfielder can change the face of the game with his incredible vision, tactical awareness, and defensive ability. The best midfielders in the world tend to have a huge impact on both ends of the field.

From Federico Valverde’s ball retention, Bruno Fernandes’s workrate, to Jude Bellingham’s attacking prowess, central midfielders have demonstrated the diversity and depth of the modern game. Not only, have they achieved individual recognition, but they have been pivotal figures in their team’s success. Central midfielders are rightfully seen as integral cogs of their teams. They set the tempo, are often important in defence, and can set the tone of the entire game.

Here, we look into our comprehensive list of the best midfielders in the world. Some of the best attacking midfielders in the world, along with the best central midfielders in the world, all rank in this list.

Ranking Factors

When it comes to ranking the best midfielders in the world, we have focused on performance under pressure, last season’s form, and contributions to team success. Some might not have scored goals in double digits and some might not have produced impressive assists yet played a pivotal role in their team’s success. Our list of the best central midfielders in the world is based on the following factors:

Performance Under Pressure

One of the primary reasons that divides great players from good players is their ability to perform in high-stakes games for their teams. Often under immense pressure, players break down, but those who manage to deliver top-notch performence in these games are defined as the best in their position.

Consistency & Last Season’s Form

In order to refine our list, consistency has been crucial. Each player’s last season form has also been taken into account, as maintaining peak performance across seasons is difficult. To identify the most reliable and impactful midfielders in today’s game, we have considered this as well.

After evaluating these key factors, consistency, clutch performances, and last season’s form, let’s take a look at the top 10 best midfielders in the world right now:

Best midfielders in the world 2025

10. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

• Strengths: Creativity, goal-scoring, set-piece expertise, leadership
• Playing Style: Advanced playmaker with a strong attacking sense

Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best goal-scoring central midfielder in the world at the moment. Man United has benefited a lot from his goal contributions; he has scored numerous goals from a distance, and mostly, when the team needs the most. He has also been a good example on the field- especially due to his hard work.

The Portuguese international is a crucial player for his club and country, as he takes advantage of the opponent’s wimpy defences through his through balls and passes. He produces serious threats from set pieces. Although Man United struggled in recent times, but his performance rarely dipped apart from a couple of off games. Bruno has not only been one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, he has continued his remarkable form in recent years. The Portugal superstar has been one of the best midfielders in the world since 2024, and before.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	48	44
Goals	15	16
Assists	13	15
Trophies Won	FA Cup	–

9. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal & Norway)

• Strengths: Vision, playmaking, technical skill, leadership
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with a focus on intricate passing.

Martin Odegaard has an excellent view of the game, which is contributing massively to Arsenal’s midfield. At Arsenal, the Norwegian international has established himself to be a creative player with excellent passing and decision-making skills. His technical ability to maneuver through narrow areas with his footballing intelligence, and freeing up the defense.

Odegaard can beat opponents through crowded midfields and defense. The Arsenal captain inspires the team with his leadership, and is easily one of the best central midfielders in the world. His direct involvement is not only limited to playmaking since he is usually one of the main movers during attacking scenarios. Thus, he is considered one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	48	32
Goals	11	5
Assists	11	8
Trophies Won	FA Community Shield	–

8. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid & France)

• Strengths: Defensive awareness, passing, aerial ability, composure
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with strong tackling and distribution skills

Aurelien Tchouameni has become one of the pillars of Real Madrid within a short time. He is strong in terms of his tackling, intercepting skills, and ability to disrupt play in front of the defense. The 25-year-old prospect can execute accurate passes at the center stage under pressure and immediately move from the back line to the forward line, showing his attacking prowess.

Tchouameni is also considered an aerial threat standing tall at 6’2”, and that makes him excel in headers and bring a physical aspect to Madrid’s midfield. Despite being a youngster, he looks so mature and that is seen in the way he moves on the field, making him important to the club. The French International has become one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	38	39
Goals	3	–
Assists	1	1
Trophies Won	La Liga, UEFA Champions League

7. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)

• Strengths: Pace, energy, long-range shooting, versatility
• Playing Style: Energetic box-to-box midfielder with a penchant for powerful shots

Concisely, positioning, pace, and power have bestowed on Federico Valverde a unique spot in Real Madrid. Being admired for his relentless effort, Valverde has been useful in defence too. He also possesses good long-range shooting ability, and has scored spectacular goals from the free-kick box area. Valverde is one of the best central midfielders in the world.

The Uruguayan can play multiple positions, which makes him a very versatile player. His tackling and marking are also important, as he drops deep to help the backline, which keeps Madrid disciplined in defense. The midfielder’s contributions are equally valued which has helped Madrid in winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	54	44
Goals	3	8
Assists	8	7
Trophies Won	La Liga, UEFA Champions League	–

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Strikers in the World Right Now (2025)

6. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium)

• Strengths: Passing range, creativity, crossing ability, goal-scoring threat
• Playing Style: Visionary playmaker with an emphasis on long-range passing and creativity

Over the years, Kevin De Bruyne has always been the reigning creative playmaker for Manchester City, making stupendous passes in the middle of the park. De Bruyne is famous for his excellent performance from deep and wide segments to put through teammates for potential scoring moments. His creativity helps him to act as a central or wide player and constantly move into the spaces of the opponent’s defence. The Man City wizard is one of the best central midfielders in the world.

The Belgium midfielder is a lethal weapon from a distance, with his powerful strikes and pin-point accurate shots. It cannot be said enough how much City’s attacking plays hinge on him; he provides the assists and keeps the opponent under pressure in the 2022/23 season. He has occasionally left the pitch with some knocks but remains a key figure in City’s domination in the English Premier League.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	26	30
Goals	6	4
Assists	18	7
Trophies Won	Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup	–

5. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City & Portugal)

• Strengths: Dribbling, versatility, work rate, close control
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with high stamina and excellent ball control

Bernardo Silva can play anywhere between the midfield and winger positions, including the central attacking midfield position, he offers technique and brain to the team’s operations. He seems to possess exceptional ball control and pace to avoid getting marked by defenders, Silva’s creativity to come up with a dribble for teammates.

The Portuguese International forever pestering the opponents, regains the ball, and quickly enjoys an attacking segment. He can play in several positions with ease and has been a key player by the City manager Pep Guardiola. Most importantly, Silva is the man who can remain cool and play great when Man City needs a boost to win a game.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	49	39
Goals	11	3
Assists	10	4
Trophies Won	Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup	–

4. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

• Strengths: Defensive coverage, passing, leadership, physicality
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with robust tackling and strong ball distribution

The transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal has been a game-changer. On the defensive side, Rice is brilliant, which makes him perfect to be placed as a sweeper cover because he has a whole back line in front of him. His physical presence and the way he tackles make him come out successful in several duels, effectively closing down the opponents’ and plays crisp passes.

The re-emergence of Arsenal is greatly precipitated by Rice’s role on the pitch and dominance in the central region offers other players assurance out on the field. The Englishman’s consistent performances show piercing abilities in high-stress situations where he regains the ball and organizes a proper build-up. Rice is gradually developing into one of the English top defensive midfielders and has quickly established himself as one of the best.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	51	40
Goals	7	5
Assists	10	8
Trophies Won	FA Community Shield	–

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Defenders in the World Right Now (2025)

3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich & Germany)

• Strengths: Dribbling, agility, goal-scoring, creativity
• Playing Style: Agile attacking midfielder with a flair for dribbling and creating chances

Jamal Musiala is a rising superstar in Bayern Munich known for his outstanding dribbling and fast movement. Plays as an outright Attacking midfielder most of the time, his mastery of close body control originated from his very nimble feet. While his creative ability and excellent thinking pattern give him the tact of a playmaker and can penetrate through the rival’s defences.

Musiala has also been scoring goals for the team and also always gets in front of the opponent’s goal area. Bavarians love his burst of speed and the way he gets past his marker with ease, he looks more composed in front of goal. The promising midfielder is forming the new wing for his club, and has the potential to go further.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	38	38
Goals	12	17
Assists	8	7
Trophies Won	None	–

2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

• Strengths: Box-to-box presence, attacking runs, dribbling, versatility
• Playing Style: Dynamic box-to-box midfielder with a flair of dribbling

Since joining Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has thrived, scoring crucial goals, and creating opportunities and became one of the highest-paid midfielders in the world. The English midfielder’s ability to make late runs into the box and finish with composure is reminiscent of some of the best attacking midfielders in past. His combination of athleticism with technique helps him frequently outpace opponents and make incisive dribbles that disrupt defenses.

The ex-Dortmund man has shown why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His versatility allows him to function in multiple roles from a playmaker to a goal-scoring midfielder. And knack for timing runs makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his defensive commitment. Bellingham has quickly become a fan favorite at Real Madrid showing a bright future as he continues to grow his influence in both club and international football.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	42	38
Goals	23	11
Assists	13	11
Trophies Won	La Liga, UEFA Champions League	–

1. Rodri (Manchester City & Spain)

• Strengths: Vision, tactical intelligence, ball retention, defensive acumen
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with an emphasis on control and distribution

If there is a complete midfielder currently with both attacking and defensive acumen, then it is Rodri. The Manchester City star player, Rodri, won the 2024 Ballon d’Or for his achievements and success with his country and his club. It’s rare to see a defensive midfielder getting so much fame and value in today’s fast-paced game. But Rodri proved everyone wrong with his skills and technical abilities at the heart of the Man City midfield.

The Spanish midfielder is known for his intelligence which permits him to anticipate opponents’ moves, intercept passes, and dominate possession. Even during high-stakes moments, his calm nature helps him under pressure. Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders and one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Rodri helped Man City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy last year, and this year they won a treble after falling short in the UEFA Champions League. With the Spain national team, he won the UEFA European Championship, where he stamped his authority with his ability to influence high-pressure matches and create a spark in the midfield. Although he expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to his injury, he had a tremendous season with the country and club.

Stats	Season 2023/24	Season 2024/25
Appearances	45	3
Goals	9	–
Assists	14	–
Trophies Won	Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup	–

Top 10 Midfielders In The World 2025

Rank	Name	Nationality	Club
1	Rodri	Spanish	Manchester City
2	Jude Bellingham	English	Real Madrid
3	Jamal Musiala	German	Bayern Munich
4	Declan Rice	English	Arsenal
5	Bernardo Silva	Portuguese	Manchester City
6	Kevin De Bruyne	Belgian	Manchester City
7	Federico Valverde	Uruguayan	Real Madrid
8	Aurelien Tchouameni	French	Real Madrid
9	Martin Odegaard	Norwegian	Arsenal
10	Bruno Fernandes	Portuguese	Manchester United

Also Read: Top 10 Best Goalkeepers in the World 2025 | Ranked

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