It’s often said that whoever controls the midfield controls the game. Whether through a defensive anchor cutting out danger, a creative spark driving forward with goals and assists, or a tireless box-to-box engine covering every blade of grass, midfielders remain the heartbeat of every team.
With that in mind, here’s a ranking of the 20 best midfielders in world football right now (2025) — a list packed with immense talent. The selections are based on recent form, individual accolades, club and international success, and their tactical importance.
20. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich & Germany)
Still vital for Bayern, Kimmich’s leadership and versatility shine, though his split roles see him lower on a midfield-only list.
19. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid & France)
A physical, intelligent ball-winner who has cemented his place in both Madrid’s and France’s setups.
18. Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli & Belgium)
Injury setbacks aside, De Bruyne remains one of football’s greatest creators. His move to Napoli offers him a fresh stage.
17. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal & Norway)
The Gunners’ captain and creative hub, Ødegaard dictates Arsenal’s rhythm when fully fit.
16. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)
A relentless playmaker with goals and assists in abundance, Fernandes remains United’s talisman.
15. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool & Hungary)
Relentless energy, versatility, and improved end product under Arne Slot have made him a fan favourite.
14. Scott McTominay (Napoli & Scotland)
Reborn in Serie A, McTominay has added goals and steel to Napoli’s Scudetto-winning midfield.
13. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle & Brazil)
The heartbeat of Newcastle, Guimarães combines technical flair with leadership, captaining them to long-awaited silverware.
12. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool & Germany)
A creative prodigy adjusting to the Premier League after back-to-back Player of the Season awards at Leverkusen.
11. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool & Argentina)
World Cup winner turned Premier League champion, Mac Allister offers balance and intelligence in Liverpool’s midfield.
10. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)
Dynamic and versatile, Valverde’s tireless running makes him indispensable for Madrid and Uruguay.
9. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)
Only 20, but already PSG’s metronome. Calm, composed, and crucial in their Champions League triumph.
8. Rodri (Manchester City & Spain)
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner and City’s anchor. His absence proves just how vital he is.
7. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea & Ecuador)
Recovered from a slow start to become Chelsea’s midfield rock, blending aggression with composure.
6. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich & Germany)
At 22, Musiala is dazzling with his creativity and intelligence, destined for superstardom.
5. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool & Netherlands)
Revitalised under Slot, Gravenberch dominates with power and elegance, drawing Yaya Touré comparisons.
4. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)
The unsung hero of PSG’s midfield. Intelligent, press-resistant, and instrumental to their domestic and European success.
3. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)
Arsenal’s enforcer and England’s leader. Combines defensive solidity with driving runs forward.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
Already a Champions League and La Liga winner, the 22-year-old is the face of Madrid’s next era.
1. Pedri (Barcelona & Spain)
Barcelona’s jewel. Compared to Iniesta for his vision and creativity, Pedri is already shaping the future of Spanish football.
World’s Best Midfielders in 2025 – Ranked
- Pedri – Barcelona (Spain)
- Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (England)
- Declan Rice – Arsenal (England)
- Vitinha – PSG (Portugal)
- Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool (Netherlands)
- Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich (Germany)
- Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea (Ecuador)
- Rodri – Manchester City (Spain)
- João Neves – PSG (Portugal)
- Federico Valverde – Real Madrid (Uruguay)
- Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool (Argentina)
- Florian Wirtz – Liverpool (Germany)
- Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle (Brazil)
- Scott McTominay – Napoli (Scotland)
- Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool (Hungary)
- Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United (Portugal)
- Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal (Norway)
- Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli (Belgium)
- Aurélien Tchouaméni – Real Madrid (France)
- Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich (Germany)
