20 Best Midfielders in the World Ranked (2025)

It’s often said that the midfield is the engine room of any football team, and whoever controls it often dictates the outcome of the game. Whether it’s a holding midfielder shutting down opposition attacks, a box-to-box dynamo excelling at both ends, or a creative playmaker delivering goals and assists, midfielders are usually central to how a match unfolds.

With that in mind, here are the 20 best midfielders in the world, ranked based on their outstanding performances and impact. The level of talent on display is remarkable, with stars like Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne earning well-deserved spots.

Ranking Criteria:

• Recent Form
• Individual Honours in 2024
• Team Trophies in 2024
• Importance to Club Team
• Importance to National Team
• Role Played Within Their Teams

10. Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool and Argentina

Alexis Mac Allister played a pivotal role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, cementing his place as one of the brightest midfield talents in world football. Following a stellar 2022/23 season for both club and country, it was no surprise when Liverpool secured his services from Brighton for a substantial fee last summer.

In his debut campaign at Anfield, Mac Allister added the League Cup to his growing list of honors and now has his sights set on more silverware under Jurgen Klopp's successor, Arne Slot. While he may still have ground to cover to match the achievements of other Premier League midfielders on this list, the Argentine's presence among the global elite is well deserved.

Under Slot’s guidance, Mac Allister has elevated his game further, playing a key role in Liverpool’s charge to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.

9. Aurelien Tchouameni

Real Madrid and France

Aurelien Tchouameni edges out his club and international teammate Eduardo Camavinga in these rankings. While Didier Deschamps has yet to fully rely on Camavinga for Les Bleus, the French manager has consistently placed his trust in Tchouameni, a testament to the midfielder's growing stature.

At Real Madrid, Tchouameni continues to cement his place as a vital cog in Carlo Ancelotti's side, playing a key role in their highly successful 2023/24 campaign. Known primarily as a defensive enforcer, Tchouameni excels at breaking up opposition play. However, his skill set extends well beyond that; he is adept in possession, showcases impressive passing ability, and has a knack for driving forward with power and purpose. While much of his work flies under the radar, fans recognize his immense contribution to the team's success.

8. Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City and Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne’s occasional injury setbacks do little to overshadow his status as one of the best players in world football when fit and firing. The Belgian maestro has been a magician during his time at Manchester City, dominating the Premier League with his unmatched vision, passing range, and creativity. Any season where he isn’t leading or near the top of the assist charts feels like an anomaly.

For years, De Bruyne has been the standout player in a Manchester City side that has set the standard in English football under Pep Guardiola. Even for a team as finely tuned as City, his absence is profoundly felt, often leaving them looking like a shadow of their usual selves. While there are hints that age may be catching up with the 32-year-old, his incredible achievements and consistent brilliance firmly secure his place among the top 10 midfielders in the world.

7. Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool and Netherlands

After a challenging second half of the 2023/24 season under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation under Arne Slot this term. Initially not expected to secure a regular starting spot, the Dutch midfielder has seamlessly slotted into the number six role alongside Alexis Mac Allister, silencing any talk of Liverpool needing to invest in a new defensive midfielder.

Gravenberch’s composure, intelligence, and dynamic presence in midfield, coupled with his powerful runs that evoke memories of a prime Yaya Touré, have been a refreshing sight for Liverpool fans. His performances have not only stabilized the Reds’ engine room but also highlighted a return to the form he displayed during his Ajax days. If he maintains this level throughout the season, Gravenberch could soon be mentioned in the same breath as elite midfielders like Declan Rice and Rodri.

6. Federico Valverde

Real Madrid and Uruguay

Federico Valverde has firmly established himself as one of Carlo Ancelotti's most dependable players, showcasing a versatility that makes him invaluable. The Uruguayan international has frequently been deployed as a wide right option to provide defensive cover, but his natural dynamism truly shines when he operates in midfield.

A regular fixture in Real Madrid's starting XI for several seasons, Valverde's role is set to grow even more significant alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, especially with Toni Kroos now retired. On the international stage, Valverde has emerged as Uruguay's biggest hope, delivering outstanding performances during the 2024 Copa América. Although Marcelo Bielsa's side fell short of lifting the trophy, Valverde remains a pivotal figure for both club and country. If his contributions can help Real Madrid achieve their objectives, he's well-positioned to claim silverware in 2025.

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5. Declan Rice

Arsenal and England

After securing a high-profile move to Arsenal in 2023, Declan Rice has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's top central midfielders. The England international capped his time at West Ham by leading them to Europa Conference League glory before making an immediate impact at the Emirates. In his debut season, Rice played a key role as Arsenal came agonizingly close to securing the league title.

Still in his prime years, Rice is poised for a glittering career and will undoubtedly target more silverware in the seasons ahead. A linchpin in the midfield for both Arsenal and England, the former Hammers captain has the tools to evolve into the world's best holding or box-to-box midfielder. Ultimately, his trajectory will be defined by his drive and determination to reach the pinnacle.

4. Jamal Musiala

Bayern Munich and Germany

Jamal Musiala is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, with a ceiling that seems limitless. The Bayern Munich star has already established himself as a pivotal figure for both club and country, demonstrating maturity and end product well beyond his years. With six Bundesliga goals to his name this season at the time of writing, the Germany international is proving to be a decisive force in the final third.

If Musiala maintains this trajectory, it's only a matter of time before he enters the Ballon d'Or conversation. While he has occasionally shone from the left flank, it's clear that his long-term future lies in an attacking midfield role, where his creativity and vision can truly flourish. Musiala is poised to be a dominant force in football for years to come.

3. Martin Odegaard

Arsenal and Norway

Martin Ødegaard first made headlines as a prodigious teenager, hailed as one of the most promising talents in world football. After a high-profile move to Real Madrid that didn’t pan out as hoped, he has truly found his stride at Arsenal, where he is adored by the fans. Now the club captain, Ødegaard has embraced the responsibility, proving that the armband suits him perfectly—even if he wasn’t the most obvious choice for the role at first.

Though Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, Ødegaard remains pivotal to their ambitions. Should the Gunners eventually claim the league crown, there’s no doubt the Norwegian playmaker will have been instrumental. His absence from the team is always keenly felt, underscoring his influence on the pitch. This season, no midfielder has rivaled his ability to link up with Bukayo Saka, a partnership that evokes shades of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry in their heyday.

2. Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid and England

Jude Bellingham quickly adapted to life at Borussia Dortmund, impressing everyone with his rapid development and becoming one of the most talked-about players in the Bundesliga before sealing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. In his first season at the Bernabéu, he made an immediate impact, helping Los Blancos secure a La Liga title and lifting the Champions League trophy after a victory over his former club, Dortmund, in the final at Wembley.

With over a decade of his career ahead of him and his prime years still to come, Bellingham has the potential to position himself as a future Ballon d'Or contender. While he may not have hit the same extraordinary heights this season, it's important to recognize that he has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a challenging campaign for Real Madrid.

1. Rodri

Manchester City and Spain

Currently, Rodri is the best midfielder in the world in terms of both importance and quality. When he made the move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City, many expected him to be the long-term successor to Fernandinho, a holding midfielder who would break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball to more creative players. Instead, the Spaniard has become an irreplaceable force at the heart of City’s midfield.

In recent years, he has added a goal-scoring dimension to his game, including netting the decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final, securing City's first-ever victory in the competition. Rodri is a serial winner, having been named Player of the Tournament during Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, just months after playing a pivotal role in City's record fourth consecutive Premier League title win. His performances led to him claiming the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Unfortunately, Rodri will miss most of the 2024/25 season due to a knee ligament injury sustained against Arsenal. However, City's struggles, with only one win in their last 13 games, highlight just how vital and exceptional the Spaniard truly is.