The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world are in football’s engine room, possessing an array of qualities, whether that be protecting their defence, dictating the flow of the play or creating goalscoring opportunities for teammates.

With such a range of playing styles across the midfield spectrum, working out the best in this position can be an unenviable task. But we have given it a go anyway, with plenty of star power in this list of the top 15 midfielders in the world today.

Ranking factors

To help rank the players in order, we have considered the following criteria:

• Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months
• Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their teams’ performances
• Role – how unique their skillset is
• Reputation – what others say about them

15

Jamal Musiala

Bayern Munich and Germany

Jamal Musiala’s rise to stardom in Germany has been a rapid one, while his prominence in a Bayern Munich side, of all sides, is an illustration of his current status in the game.

Being able to dominate games for the Bavarians or on the international stage for Die Mannschaft is a sign of his rightful place at the elite level.

Statistically one of the best chance creators in the league from midfield, Musiala will hope to continue to blossom under the wing of Vincent Kompany, but a serious injury has halted his progress for now.

14

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal and Norway

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has had to battle back from numerous injury setbacks over the last 12 months.

In a way, his temporary unavailability to Mikel Arteta’s side only served to prove how vital he is to the Gunners, who suffered creatively during his absence in attacking midfield.

Labelled as “world class” by Paul Merson, the Arsenal star possessed the maturity and level of talent that handed him the captaincy, and could yet be the man to lead the Gunners to their next trophy under Arteta having continued to improve at the Emirates Stadium.

13

Nico Gonzalez

Man City and Spain

Nico Gonzalez joined Manchester City at the beginning of 2025 with the almost impossible task of replacing and eventually succeeding former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The Spain international has brought balance and control to Man City’s engine room, boasting around a 90 per cent pass accuracy despite an extremely high volume of passes.

While he doesn’t have the decorated trophy cabinet of some of the other members of this list, the youngster’s reputation is only going to grow stronger in the coming years, with Pep Guardiola saying he’s going to get “better and better”.

12

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle and Brazil

Bruno Guimaraes is everything fans want in a footballer and leader – tenacious, passionate, and above all a simply sensational and well-rounded player.

The Newcastle star was highly sought-after during his time with Lyon and has only gotten better on Tyneside, leading Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years.

An established international with Brazil, he will be looking to cement himself as one of the greatest midfielders on the world stage this summer at the World Cup.

11

Scott McTominay

Napoli and Scotland

Scott McTominay has shown Man Utd what they have been missing after leaving Old Trafford for Napoli in 2024.

The Scotland international starred in his first season in Italy, being named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player after helping Napoli to the title.

His displays were even recognised at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, where he finished 18th and his sensational bicycle kick helped Scotland reach the World Cup.

10

Joao Neves

PSG and Portugal

Joao Neves’ first full season at the Parc des Princes couldn’t have gone any better, playing regularly under Luis Enrique and lifting all there was to be won, including the Champions League.

The ball-playing midfielder was key to PSG’s success in Europe and has continued to star in the French capital, making his initial £50m move from Benfica look a real bargain.

9

Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool and Hungary

As part of a relentless Liverpool side, Dominik Szoboszlai has become a giant in the Reds midfield.

The Hungarian improved on his goal threat from his first season at Anfield, coming amid a slight change in position, showcasing his versatility in a more advanced role under Arne Slot.

Now looking right at home in England, Szoboszlai is on the path to greatness on Merseyside, with his manager labelling him as “unbelievable” amid his role in Liverpool comfortably sauntering to the Premier League title.

8

Federico Valverde

Real Madrid and Uruguay

A versatile and clinical technician, Federico Valverde hardly looks out of place among the best in the game following his recent performances for Real Madrid.

An almost guaranteed starter for one of the best teams in the world, there’s little to suggest there is anything other than the highest respect from his manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

In fact, the Italian has dubbed the Uruguayan as “the most complete player in football”. As of now, it is difficult to picture a Real Madrid side succeeding without him, as displayed through his vital winner against Athletic Club as the team’s title bid looked set to fall flat.

7

Rodri

Man City and Spain

2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has unfortunately suffered some injury issues, but he is perhaps the epitome of someone who shapes how his team plays and performs, as illustrated by his long unbeaten run when starting for Manchester City, which came to an end after the 2024 FA Cup final.

Man City’s form – and season – fell apart following the Spaniard’s layoff, and there is arguably no player as good as he is in his position of defensive midfield. But having been out for so long, he perhaps relies on returning to top form to reclaim his place as the best midfielder in the game.

6

Bruno Fernandes

Man Utd and Portugal

Bruno Fernandes has been Man Utd’s shining light in recent memory, with the Portugal international arguably the only world-class player on the books at Old Trafford.

At his best in an attacking midfield role, Pep Guardiola has even called Fernandes one of the best creative players he has ever seen.