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Top 10 Best Midfielders in the World

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.

How We Ranked the Best Midfielders in the World

Consistency & Current Season’s Form: In order to refine our list, consistency has been crucial. Each player’s 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 season’s form, let’s take a look at the top 10 best midfielders in the world.

Trophies Won: Another factor that divides great players from good players is their ability to perform in high-stakes games for their teams and win trophies for the team. The number of trophies defines how impactful a player is, whether playing as an attacking midfielder, central, or defensive midfielder.

Top 10 Midfielders In The World 2025

RankNameNationalityClubG+A
10Federico ValverdeUruguayanReal Madrid17
9Martin ØdegaardNorwegianArsenal16
8Alexis Mac AllisterArgentineLiverpool13
7Jude BellinghamEnglishReal Madrid27
6Bruno FernandesPortugueseManchester United38
5Joshua KimmichGermanBayern Munich14
4Tijjani ReijndersDutchAC Milan20
3Declan RiceEnglishArsenal18
2Hakan ÇalhanoğluTurkishInter Milan17
1PedriSpanishBarcelona14
Best Midfielders in the World 2025

Also Read : 10 Best Midfielders in Premiet League

Best midfielders in the world 2025

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.

10. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)

Valverde
Federico Valverde of Real Madrid (Image Credit: X/@realmadrid)
  • 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.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances56
Goals9
Assists8
Trophy Won1
Federico Valverde 2024/25 stats

9. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal & Norway)

Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard (Image Credit: X/@Arsenal)
  • 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.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances43
Goals5
Assists11
Trophy Won0
Martin Odegaard 2024/25 stats

8. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool & Argentina)

Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister (Image Credit: X / @LFC)
  • Strengths: Dribbling, versatility, work rate, close control
  • Playing Style: Creative playmaker with high stamina and excellent ball control

Since joining Liverpool after the World Cup-winning campaign with Argentina, he became a prominent player for Liverpool at the centre of the pitch. Mac Allister in his debut season, scored 7 goals and provided 7 assists, which proved that his performance in the World Cup campaign was not a fluke. With his help Liverpool clinched the Carabao Cup that year.

The Liverpool player forever pesters 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 under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. Most importantly, Allister is the man who can remain cool and play great when Liverpool needs a boost to win a game. The player is considered as one of the most underrated players currently.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances49
Goals7
Assists6
Trophy Won1
Mac Allister 2024/25 stats

7. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham for Real Madrid (Image Credit: X/@realmadrid)
  • 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.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances50
Goals13
Assists14
Trophy Won1
Jude Bellingham 2024/25 stats

6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes for Manchester United (Image Credit: X/@ManUtd)
  • Strengths: Creativity, goal-scoring, set-piece expertise, leadership
  • Playing Style: Advanced playmaker with a strong attacking sense

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, 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, but he has also continued his remarkable form in recent years. The Portugal superstar has been one of the best midfielders in the world since 2024, and before.

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 it the most. He has also been a good example on the field, especially due to his hard work. His goal contribution (G/A) in 11 games in 12 appearances of UEFA Europa League reflects how important the player is in the team, which is currently struggling to find their form. He has played a crucial role in driving his team to the UEFA Europa League Final.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances54
Goals19
Assists19
Trophy Won0
Bruno Fernandes 2024/25 stats

5. Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern Munich & Germany)

Joshua Kimmich (Image Credit: X / @FCBayernEN)
Joshua Kimmich (Image Credit: X / @FCBayernEN)
  • Strengths: Defensive awareness, passing, composure
  • Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with strong tackling and distribution skills

Joshua Kimmich has been a great shield for Bayern Munich’s Defensive line. Recently, he won the Bundesliga title with them for the 9th time and extended his contract until 2029. The German player is versatile and lethal in any position he plays. Kimmich’s leadership on and off the pitch has been pivotal, often stepping in as captain in the absence of senior players. His tactical awareness and relentless work ethic embody the ethos of Bayern Munich.

Kimmich is also known for his line breaking precise line-breaking through passes. Joshua Kimmich has played almost 50 matches for FC Bayern Munich and has played a crucial role in midfield. In his 49 Appearances, the player has scored 2 goals and provided 12 assists this season. With the given stats, Kimmich is ranked 5th in our ranking of the best midfielders in the world.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances49
Goals2
Assists12
Trophy Won1
Joshua Kimmich 2024/25 stats

Also Read: 10 Best Midfielders in La Liga Currently

4. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan & Netherlands)

Tijjani Reijnders
Tijjani Reijnders (Image Credit: X/@acmilan)
  • Strengths: Goal scoring ability, tactical intelligence, ball retention, defensive acumen
  • Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with an emphasis on control and distribution

Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a key player for AC Milan since his arrival in 2023. With 52 appearances and 15 goals, his contributions have been significant in the 2024/25 season. Reijnders’s ability to drive forward and support attacks from midfield adds a dynamic edge to Milan’s play. His recent contract extension until 2030 reflects the club’s belief in his potential and importance to their future success.

The player is among the top 5 best midfielders in the world right now. What sets him apart is his ability to contribute at both ends. He’s become a pillar in Milan’s midfield setup as well as for his Dutch National side. His consistent performances have gone unnoticed by a major section of football fans, but now he has started getting all the appreciation that he deserves.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances52
Goals15
Assists5
Trophy Won0
Tijjani Reijnders 2024/25 stats

3. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

Declan Rice
Declan Rice of Arsenal (Image Credit: X/@Arsenal)
  • Strengths: Defensive coverage, passing, leadership, physicality
  • Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with robust tackling and strong ball distribution

The re-emergence of Arsenal is greatly precipitated by Rice’s role on the pitch and his 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 best midfielders in the Premier League and the world. He has quickly established himself as one of the best. Declan Rice was a nightmare for Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League defending champions. Rice scored two consecutive free kicks for the Gunners at Emirates Stadium in the first leg. This performance by Declan Rice was enough to eliminate the 17-time European Champions, Real Madrid.

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 player has scored 8 goals and provided 10 assists in this season so far.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances50
Goals8
Assists10
Trophy Won0
Declan Rice 2024/25 stats

2. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan & Turkey)

Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Image Credit: X / @Inter)
  • 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, Hakan Calhanoglu has always been the pillar for Inter Milan, making stupendous passes in the middle of the park. The Turkish player is famous for his excellent performance from deep segments of the pitch and for making decisive passes for players to score. His creativity helps him to act as a central player and constantly move into the spaces of the opponent’s defence when a gap is found. The Inter Milan wizard is one of the best central midfielders in the world right now.

The Turkish international has also shown great durability, rarely missing games and consistently performing at a high level. His adaptability and tactical intelligence have made him a crucial piece in Inter’s resurgence. While still capable of spectacular goals, Çalhanoğlu now plays with more discipline and purpose. His transformation from a traditional No. 10 to a regista has been pivotal in Inter’s domestic success. The player will need to perform at his best while fighting for the Champions League title against Paris Saint-Germain.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances44
Goals11
Assists6
Trophy Won1
Hakan Calhanoglu 2024/25 stats

1. Pedri (FC Barcelona & Spain)

Pedri
Pedri (Image Credit: X / @Pedri)
  • Strengths: Dribbling, agility, goal-scoring, creativity
  • Playing Style: Agile attacking midfielder with a flair for dribbling and creating chances

Pedri Gonazalez is now an established superstar in FC Barcelona, known for his outstanding dribbling and fast movement. Plays as a midfielder most of the time. his mastery of close body control originated from his very nimble feet, and his low center of gravity helps him turn and swirl around players swiftly. While his creative ability and excellent thinking pattern give him the tact of a playmaker, and can penetrate through the rival’s defences. Pedri’s contribution of 6 goals and 8 assists in La Liga was significant for the club’s 28th La Liga title recently.

Pedri has also been scoring goals for the team and always gets in front of the opponent’s penalty area. Culers love his burst of speed and the way he gets past his marker with ease with swift turns and those one-twos with Raphinha and Olmo, and Frenkie De Jong.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances57
Goals6
Assists8
Trophy Won3
Pedri 2024/25 stats

Honorable Mentions & Rising Talents

Gavi ( FC Barcelona & Spain)

Gavi
Pablo Gavi (Image Credit – X/@FCBarcelona)

Gavi is an active and fearless midfielder who has become a key player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team at an incredibly young age. Known for his aggressive pressing, quick feet, and never-say-die attitude, the way he goes for the ball without giving a second thought makes him fearless on the pitch, and the way he always stands for his teammates is also impressive at this age. Due to injury, his appearances were fewer. However, he has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists for the Catalans this season.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances40
Goals3
Assists3
Trophy Won3
Gavi 2024/25 stats

Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern Munich & Germany)

Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala (Image Credit: X/@FCBayernEN)

The ‘Bambi’ of Bayern Munich is one of the best midfielders in the world right now. The German player has added 18 goals to the club’s goal tally and has provided 8 assists so far. Musiala’s main strength is his dribbling skills; the way he glides past defenders can make anyone admire him from the second he sees it. At Bayern Munich, he’s become a key figure, operating mostly as an advanced midfielder or attacking playmaker.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances40
Goals18
Assists8
Trophy Won1
Jamal Musiala 2024/25 stats

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen & Germany)

Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz for Bayer Leverkusen (Image Credit: X/@bayer04_en)

Florian Wirtz is another midfielder produced by the Bundesliga who has brilliant dribbling skills, pace, and the vision to find players in the final third or in the penalty box. At just 21 years of age, he has scored 16 goals and 15 assists so far for Bayer Leverkusen. The player’s style of play and Leverkusen’s game style back each other, and it will be interesting to see him in another league or club.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances44
Goals16
Assists15
Trophy Won1
Florian Wirtz 2024/25 stats

Joao Neves (PSG & Portugal)

João Neves
João Neves (Image Credit: X/@PSG_English)

João Neves is already getting compared to the likes of João Moutinho and Bernardo Silva after he emerged as one of the best midfielders in PSG. The player is Benfica Academy graduate and has played alongside some greats of the game. What stands out most is his maturity; he’s barely 20 but already a starter in one of Europe’s most demanding tactical systems under Luis Enrique in Paris Saint Germain.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances49
Goals5
Assists9
Trophy Won1
Joao Neves 2024/25 stats

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool & Netherlands)

Ryan Gravenberch (Image Credit: X / @LFC)
Ryan Gravenberch (Image Credit: X/@LFC)

Ryan Gravenberch is still raw, but he has that potential which can make him one of the best midfielders, and maybe in our next update of the top 10 best midfielders, you can find him competing for those top 5 spots. The Dutchman is best used as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of breaking lines with his dribbling and contributing both defensively and offensively.

Key StatsFigures
Appearances47
Goals0
Assists4
Trophy Won1
Ryan Gravenberch 2024/25 stats

Also Read: 10 Best Midfielders in the History of Football

FAQs

Who is the best midfielder in 2025?

Pedri is the best midfielder of 2025 with the given stats, skills, and contribution to the team.

Who is the top 5 best midfielder in the world?

Pedri, Hakan Calhanoglu, Decaln Rice, Tijjani Reijnders and Joshua Kimmich are top 5 midfielders in the world right now.

Is Pedri one of the best midfielders in the world?

Yes, Pedri is one of the best midfielders in the world.

Who is the best Manchester United midfielder of all time?

Paul Scholes is the best Manchester United midfielder of all time.

Who is the best midfielder in La Liga 2024/25 season?

Pedri is the best midfielder in La Liga 2024/25 season.