Ranked: The Top 10 Best Wingers in World Football

In the modern era of football, players come in various shapes and sizes, adding to the captivating nature of the beautiful game. Gone are the days when the role of a winger was simply to deliver a long pass, outwit a defender, and cross the ball into the box for a striker to score. Wingers today possess a range of skills and roles, including goalscorers, pressers, and inside forwards. This diverse group of players, from agile Brazilians to determined Englishmen, are illuminating the Premier League and European football.

This led us to ponder: who are the best wingers in world football at present? It is no easy task, considering the decline of the traditional 4-4-2 formation and the emergence of sub-categorized wide players. However, at Betimate, we have given it our best effort. From the absolute cream of the crop to those who narrowly make the top 10, we have ranked them below, taking into account various factors.

Ranking factors 

The rankings of the best wingers in world football take into consideration the following factors:

• Goals: The number of goals a player has scored in the 2023/24 season.
• Assists: The number of goals a player has created for their team this season.
• Success: Whether the player has contributed to their team's success in terms of trophies and progress in domestic and continental competitions.
• Notable moments: Whether the player has had standout moments that have captured the attention of fans.
• Importance to their team: How crucial the player is to their team's succes

It is important to note that for a player to be included, their primary position must be listed as either 'Right Winger' or 'Left Winger' on Transfermarkt. Therefore, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, who is classified as a 'Centre-Forward', is excluded from the list.

1. Lionel Messi

Current Club: Inter Miami

At the top of the rankings sits Lionel Messi, often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. With an unprecedented eight Ballon d'Or awards to his name, Messi's accomplishments speak for themselves. The Argentine maestro further solidified his legacy by leading his national team to World Cup glory in 2022.

Now in the twilight of his career at Inter Miami, Messi's reputation remains untarnished. Fans are still eager to pay a substantial amount to witness the legendary player in action. While he may not reach the same heights he did during his time at Barcelona, Messi's status as the world's best winger has not yet waned.

2. Mohamed Salah

Current Club: Liverpool

Mohamed Salah, a key component of Liverpool's most successful teams, secures himself a spot on the podium among the world's brightest wingers. Jurgen Klopp's acquisition of the prolific Egyptian at a bargain price of £34.3 million is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable coups of the century.

Salah stands as the epitome of a potent winger. As a two-time Golden Boot winner, his goal-scoring prowess continues to impress at an extraordinary rate. It is for this reason that he is considered the greatest winger to have graced the Premier League. In addition to his contributions to Liverpool's major trophy wins, Salah has also earned numerous individual honors, while holding the record for the most Premier League goals scored by a Liverpool player.

3. Vinicius Jr

Current Club: Real Madrid

When Real Madrid signed 16-year-old Vinicius Jr for £38 million, many of their fans had reservations. However, the sensational Brazilian winger has proven his worth and then some. He has emerged as one of the standout stars for Los Blancos and is undoubtedly Brazil's prized asset. With his magical skills and blistering pace, Vinicius strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents.

Expected to contend for the Ballon d'Or in the near future, Vinicius' lightning-quick speed is a nightmare for defenders to handle. When he is in full flow, he becomes virtually unstoppable. Not only does he possess incredible speed, but he also has a knack for scoring goals. In the 2021/22 season, Vinicius found the back of the net 22 times, including a match-winning goal in the Champions League final against Liverpool.

4. Phil Foden

Current Club: Manchester City

Amidst the attention garnered by players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden often flies under the radar. However, his recent performances have propelled him into superstardom alongside these renowned figures. Foden's standout display in the Manchester derby, where he scored two goals, showcased his undeniable talent.

Although he may not fit the mold of a traditional winger, Foden excels at operating in tight spaces and poses a constant threat in the attacking third. This season, he has reached new heights in terms of goalscoring, achieving a career-best tally of 11 goals along with seven assists. As a five-time Premier League champion, Foden appears to be entering the prime of his career, showcasing immense potential.

5. Bukayo Saka

Current Club: Arsenal

Under the guidance of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka has continued to flourish and develop into a star player. The Englishman's graceful movement on the pitch often leaves defenders trailing in his wake. Additionally, Saka possesses a natural instinct in the box, resulting in impressive goal-scoring numbers from a wide position.

What sets Saka apart is his consistency, as he rarely lets his high standards drop. He has become an indispensable player for Arsenal, as they strive to win the Premier League for the first time since the iconic 2003/04 campaign. Saka's journey from a young prodigy to a mature player has been a joy to witness, particularly for Arsenal fans. At just 22 years old, he is poised to continue his growth and make even greater strides in the years to come.

6. Rodrygo

Current Club: Real Madrid

While often overshadowed by his partner in crime, Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid's Rodrygo should not be overlooked. Despite his introverted nature, the Brazilian winger possesses an impressive turn of pace and exceptional skill on the ball. He is considered one of the best South American players currently plying their trade.

Rodrygo's combination of a low center of gravity and ambidextrous ability makes him a constant threat for opposing full-backs. At just 23 years old, he has already amassed over 200 appearances for Real Madrid, including two La Liga titles and a Champions League triumph. These achievements are just the beginning for the talented winger, as he continues to establish himself as a deadly force in the game.

7. Son Heung-min

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Since the departure of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min has often been deployed centrally for Tottenham Hotspur. However, his most notable contributions have come from the left flank. As a lethal finisher, the experienced South Korean international has already scored 13 goals and provided six assists in the 2023/24 season. It is highly likely that he will aim to reach the 20-goal mark by the end of the season.

Son has been delivering outstanding performances for Tottenham Hotspur for almost five years, with the exception of the 2022/23 season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him one of the most thrilling forwards to watch in world football. Based on statistics, he is also one of the top players in the English Premier League this season.

8. Leroy Sane

Current Club: Bayern Munich

Leroy Sane's trademark move of sprinting down the touchline and beating defenders has been a staple of his game over the years. However, he is now frequently seen cutting in from the right with his devastating turn of pace. As a creative outlet for Bayern Munich, Sane has already contributed 9 goals and 12 assists in the 2023/24 season.

Sane possesses both power and control, allowing him to single-handedly change the course of a game. The prospect of him combining with talented players like Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane is exciting and holds promise for the future. At 28 years old, the German international has gained valuable experience at the highest level, enabling him to make the right decisions between creating chances for teammates and taking shots on goal himself.

9. Gabriel Martinelli

Current Club: Arsenal

While Bukayo Saka continues to impress on the right-hand side, Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as Arsenal's most notable success story in recent memory. Rising from relative obscurity in Brazilian football, Martinelli has become an integral part of Arsenal's attacking unit. While he may lack consistency at times, his directness and ability to create space for his teammates are exceptional.

It is true that Martinelli's performances have dipped since the 2022/23 season. However, there have been glimpses of his brilliance throughout the current campaign, and it is only a matter of time before he returns to his best form. Once he finds his rhythm again, he will be firing on all cylinders and showcasing his true potential.

10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Current Club: Napoli

Napoli deserves credit for managing to retain the services of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as numerous top European clubs have shown interest in the talented Georgian player. Although his numbers have somewhat declined after playing a crucial role in Napoli's domestic triumph in the 2022/23 season, with 25 goal contributions in 34 appearances, Kvaratskhelia's impact extends beyond scoring and creating chances.

Kvaratskhelia's ability to dribble with feints and navigate through pressure effortlessly is truly impressive. His skill and composure on the ball make him a frightening prospect for opponents. As long as he remains with Napoli, he will be a vital presence in their quest for success in both domestic and European competitions.