15 Best Wingers in World Football [Ranked]

Footballers today come in all shapes and sizes, and it's this diversity that makes the beautiful game so captivating. In the past, the strategy was straightforward: find a skillful winger with a powerful long pass, watch them outmaneuver a defender, and then deliver a cross for the striker to score.

Now, wingers have evolved into various roles, including goalscorers, pressers, and inside forwards. From the flair of Brazilian players to the reliability of English wingers, a multitude of skill sets is currently lighting up the Premier League and European football.

This evolution prompts the question: who are the best wingers in world football right now? Ranking them is no easy feat, especially with the decline of the traditional 4-4-2 formation and the rise of specialized wide players. Below is a list of the 15 best wingers in the world, ranked based on several criteria:

Ranking Factors:

• Goals: The number of times a player has scored in the past 12 months.
• Assists: The total goals a player has created in the last 12 months.
• Success: The player's contributions to their team's achievements in domestic and continental knockout competitions.
• Notable Moments: Standout performances that have caught the attention of fans.
• Importance to Their Team: The level of reliance their team places on them for success.

A quick note: to qualify for this list, players must be listed as either a ‘Right Winger’ or ‘Left Winger’ on Transfermarkt. This is why Kylian Mbappe, classified as a ‘Centre-Forward,’ is not included.

1. Vinicius Jr

Current club: Real Madrid

Many Real Madrid fans were skeptical when the club invested £38 million in a 16-year-old Vinicius Jr., but the dazzling Brazilian has more than justified that price tag. A standout star for Los Blancos and undoubtedly Brazil’s brightest talent, the electrifying winger possesses incredible skill and blinding speed.

If reports are accurate, Vinicius is poised to claim the Ballon d'Or later this month, which comes as no surprise. His lightning-fast pace can strike fear into any opponent, and when he’s in full stride, he’s virtually unstoppable. The former Flamengo star is also a creative powerhouse, having contributed eight goals and seven assists in all competitions at the start of the 2024/25 season. This highlights his significant impact, both in scoring and setting up his teammates.

2. Mohamed Salah

Current club: Liverpool

A constant presence in some of Liverpool's most celebrated teams, Mohamed Salah firmly secures his place among the world’s top wide players. Jurgen Klopp's signing of the prolific Egyptian for £34.3 million stands out as one of the great deals of the century.

In every sense, there is no more lethal winger than Salah. The two-time Golden Boot winner consistently finds the back of the net at an impressive rate, which is why he is often regarded as the greatest winger to ever play in the Premier League. In addition to clinching all the major trophies at the club level, Salah has accumulated numerous individual accolades while becoming Liverpool's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer. He has also made a strong start under Arne Slot, showcasing his best form once again.

3. Bukayo Saka

Current club: Arsenal

Arsenal’s rising star, Bukayo Saka, has continued to thrive under the leadership of manager Mikel Arteta. Frequently seen gliding across the pitch and leaving defenders behind, Saka also possesses a talismanic presence in the box, resulting in impressive numbers from the wing.

What’s even more remarkable is Saka’s ability to maintain his exceptionally high standards, making him indispensable to his team as they aim to secure Premier League glory for the first time since the 2003/04 season. His transformation from boy to man has been a remarkable journey, especially for supporters at the Emirates Stadium. At just 23, he is well-positioned to develop even further in the years to come.

4. Lamine Yamal

Current club: Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has made a stunning entrance as a teenage sensation over the past year. The young Spaniard shone for La Roja at Euro 2024, playing a key role in one of the tournament's most effective attacking units and recording the highest number of assists (4) as Luis de la Fuente's side lifted the trophy.

At just 17, Yamal has already claimed a La Liga title and stepped into the Champions League, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players of the last two decades. Many now see him as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, thanks to his silky dribbling skills and a left foot reminiscent of a younger Messi. With silverware already to his name, if Yamal achieves even a fraction of what the Argentine maestro has in his illustrious career, he could cement his legacy as one of Spain’s all-time greats.

5. Cole Palmer

Current club: Chelsea

Cole Palmer was always regarded as an exciting young talent at Manchester City, but his move to Chelsea has given him the opportunity to truly shine. The 22-year-old made a remarkable impact in his first full season as a Premier League player, contributing an impressive 33 goals.

Palmer's exceptional vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate's plans for Euro 2024. Although he served as a backup to Bukayo Saka during the tournament, the former Man City academy standout made a significant contribution to England's impressive run to the final, even scoring against Spain to temporarily equalize. He has also started the 2024/25 season strong, racking up six goal contributions in just eight matches.

6. Rodrygo

Current club: Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s left-wing sensation, Rodrygo, often takes a backseat to the dazzling performances of his partner, Vinicius Jr., but it would be a mistake to overlook his contributions. While he may be the quieter half of the duo, his remarkable pace and skill on the ball make him a formidable presence and one of the top South American talents in football today.

With a low center of gravity and the ability to maneuver effortlessly on either foot, Rodrygo proves to be a constant threat to any full-back who faces him. At just 23 years old, the Brazilian has already made over 200 appearances for Los Blancos, boasting two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies on his résumé. Yet, this is only the beginning for the lethal winger.

7. Phil Foden

Current club: Manchester City

In a football landscape dominated by Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, players like Phil Foden often fly under the radar. However, his recent form has propelled him into superstardom alongside his more celebrated teammates, highlighted by his brace in the Manchester derby, which perfectly showcases his immense talent.

Though not a traditional winger, Foden excels at playing on the half-turn and has become a significant threat in attacking spaces. After an impressive season in which he won the PFA Premier League Player of the Year award, he has had a slower start to the 2024/25 campaign. Nevertheless, he is expected to regain his rhythm and find his scoring touch soon.

8. Son Heung-min

Current club: Tottenham Hotspur

Since Harry Kane's departure, Son Heung-min has frequently taken on a central role for Tottenham Hotspur, though much of his standout work has come from the left wing. A clinical finisher in the truest sense, the seasoned South Korean international has already notched a couple of goals and assists in the early stages of the 2024/25 season.

For nearly half a decade, he has been delivering exceptional performances for the North London club—except for the 2022/23 season—and his impressive array of finishes makes him one of the most thrilling forwards to watch in world football. Statistically, he was among the best players in the English top flight during the 2023/24 season.

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9. Raphinha

Current club: Barcelona

Raphinha delivered a stunning free-kick for Brazil at Copa America 2024, reminding many fans of his exceptional talent. During his time at Leeds United, he showcased his technical prowess and calmness under pressure.

Since moving to Camp Nou, Raphinha's journey has been a bit inconsistent. He played a role in helping Barcelona clinch La Liga during his debut season, but the following year saw the title slip away to their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. However, this season has begun brilliantly for him, highlighted by a hat-trick against Bayern Munich, bringing his tally to seven goals and eight assists before November.

10. Nico Williams

Current club: Athletic Club

Alongside Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams emerged as one of Spain's standout players this summer. The Athletic Club speedster is a highly coveted talent in world football, having delivered exceptional performances throughout the 2023/24 season and dazzling displays at Euro 2024.

While Yamal has garnered much of the attention due to his young age, Williams’ contributions during La Roja's victory were equally noteworthy. He scored the opening goal against England in the final, earning the title of UEFA's Player of the Match. At just 22 years old, he seems poised to hold down a starting position for the next decade, capable of enhancing any team's attacking prowess with his dribbling skills and energy. As interest from clubs willing to meet his substantial wages continues to grow, he has experienced a slower start to the current season.

11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Current club: Napoli

Napoli have worked wonders to retain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as some of Europe’s top clubs have shown interest in the Georgian star. After playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s domestic success during the 2022/23 season, contributing 25 goals in 34 appearances, his numbers have dipped somewhat. However, Kvaratskhelia’s impact goes beyond just scoring and assisting.

With the ball at his feet, the elusive winger showcases exceptional dribbling skills, effortlessly maneuvering through defenders and evading pressure with remarkable ease. As long as he remains in Italy, Kvaratskhelia will continue to be a vital asset for Napoli in their pursuit of both domestic and European glory.

12. Rafael Leao

Current club: AC Milan

After an outstanding campaign in 2022/23, Rafael Leão solidified his status as a world-class talent at AC Milan. Although his numbers dipped slightly last season, finishing with 13 goals and 13 assists, he has made an impressive start this year with four goal contributions already, showcasing his continued excellence in Italy.

Leão's explosive pace on the left wing presents constant challenges for opposing defenders, and while the past year hasn’t been ideal for Milan, their situation would have been significantly worse without him. At just 25 years old, the Portuguese winger is poised to keep improving, which should be a concerning prospect for everyone else in Serie A.

13. Michael Olise

Current club: Bayern Munich

Michael Olise was anticipated to be the center of a bidding war among Europe's top clubs this summer, following his remarkable form toward the end of the 2023/24 season. Teaming up with Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta at Selhurst Park, Olise captivated many with his silky skills and composure on the ball.

Bayern Munich secured a deal for the Eagles star, outmaneuvering clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United to sign him, and he is already thriving in Germany. The Frenchman has contributed nine goals and assists for the club as Bayern has made a sensational start to the season. The transfer is shaping up to be a major success, with the German media already praising the young talent.

14. Luis Diaz

Current club: Liverpool

If there's one player who has thrived since Jurgen Klopp's departure and Arne Slot's arrival at Anfield, it's Luis Diaz. While the Colombian wasn't underperforming during Klopp's tenure, his form this season has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Diaz is reportedly set to receive a new contract at Anfield after speculation about a potential move to Barcelona or PSG over the summer. He faced a long-term injury during the 2022/23 season, which seemed to hinder his explosive style on the flank, but he appears to have returned to peak form, wreaking havoc on the left wing. His improved finishing is also evident, as he has already netted five goals in just ten games.

15. Leroy Sane

Current club: Bayern Munich

Leroy Sane has made a name for himself by outpacing defenders down the touchline, but these days, he frequently cuts in from the right, showcasing his explosive speed. A key creative force for Bayern Munich, the former Manchester City winger recorded 10 goals and 13 assists in the 2023/24 season.

With the power and finesse to change the course of a game, his partnerships with players like Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane promise to be thrilling for years to come. Now at 28, the German international has harnessed his elite experience to strike a balance between setting up teammates and taking shots himself. Although he has had a slow start to the 2024/25 season with just one goal so far, it's only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.