10 Best Football Players in the World (2024)

Phil Foden has elevated his game this season under Pep Guardiola's management at Manchester City. The 24-year-old surpassed his previous personal bests for goals and assists, stepping up in De Bruyne's absence and while Haaland struggled, earning him the Premier League Player of the Season award.

As one of the most talented players England has produced in years, Foden has the potential to cement his status as one of the very best of his generation. If he stays grounded, works hard, and remains focused on football, the sky is the limit for this exceptionally gifted attacking midfielder.

4. Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid and England

It's hard to recall any player making as immediate an impact at Real Madrid as Jude Bellingham has this season—especially one who is only 21 years old. Although it was unfortunate that he couldn't end his Borussia Dortmund career with a Bundesliga title, missing out to Bayern Munich on the final day of the campaign, Bellingham marked his debut season in Spain with a La Liga title.

In addition to consistently impressing in the Champions League and contributing goals and assists for England on international duty, Bellingham has remarkably become Real Madrid's primary goalscorer, excelling in a false nine role. While an injury has cooled his hot streak since the turn of the year, he still manages to deliver bright moments. Widely regarded as the best young player in the world, the sky truly is the limit for this English phenomenon.

3. Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid and France

Kylian Mbappe has concluded his spell with Paris Saint-Germain and is set to begin a new chapter at Real Madrid, having completed a dream move to the Bernabeu this summer. As expected, Mbappe will don the No. 9 shirt in the Spanish capital.

Even though he knew his time at PSG was nearing its end, Mbappe remained focused during the final months of the 2023-24 campaign, once again ranking as the most prolific forward in the French top flight. Although the world-class forward had a disappointing showing for France at Euro 2024, it was largely due to a broken nose he suffered early in the tournament.

2. Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid and Brazil

Vinicius Junior has been pivotal to Real Madrid's recent success with his flair and skill on the wing. Despite a disrupted start to the season due to injury, Vinicius delivered some of his best performances in the latter part of the campaign. He effectively filled the void left by Karim Benzema's summer departure and emerged as one of Madrid's key figures, alongside Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham, during Madrid's La Liga celebrations, praised Vinicius as "the best player in the world," a sentiment that’s hard to contest given Vinicius’s standout performances. Looking ahead, Vinicius will likely aim to lead Brazil to victory in the upcoming Copa America.

1. Rodri

Manchester City and Spain

Defensive midfielders often fly under the radar, but when one receives the Champions League Player of the Season award and ranks fifth in the Ballon d'Or standings, their impact is undeniable. Rodri's performances have been consistently exceptional, but his pivotal role in Manchester City's treble-winning season brought his contributions into the limelight. His decisive goal in the Champions League final, a composed finish from the edge of the box, further highlighted his importance.

Named Player of the Tournament in the 2023 Nations League as Spain clinched the title, Rodri has been outstanding for both club and country in recent seasons. As a leading candidate for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, he continues to deliver remarkable performances and crucial goals for Manchester City.