Best Midfielders in the World 2025 | Currently Ranked

Football has evolved the role of a midfielder tremendously. The midfielders aren’t limited only to simple passes and covering spaces, but are the backbone of both defensive and attacking transitions. A class midfielder can change the face of the game with his incredible vision, tactical awareness, and defensive ability. The best midfielders in the world 2025 tend to have a huge impact on both ends of the field.

From Federico Valverde’s ball retention, Bruno Fernandes’s work rate, to Jude Bellingham’s attacking prowess, central midfielders have demonstrated the diversity and depth of the modern game. Not only have they achieved individual recognition, but they have also been pivotal figures in their team’s success. Central midfielders are rightfully seen as integral cogs of their teams. They set the tempo, are often important in defence, and can set the tone of the entire game.

After a great 2024/25 footballing season, you may ask who is the best midfielder in the world? Here, we look into our comprehensive list of the best midfielders in the world. Some of the best attacking midfielders in the world, along with the best central midfielders in the world, all rank in this list.

How We Ranked the Best Midfielders in the World

Goals + Assists per 90 (nG + A/90): This factor measures the direct contributions of midfielders in terms of goals and assists per 90 minutes of the game. It reflects a midfielder’s ability to advance play and break lines, essential for dictating tempo and creating opportunities. The higher the Goals + Assists per 90 (nG + A/90), the higher the player has ranked in our list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world.

Pass Completion Rate: Pass completion rate reflects a player’s ability to keep possession of the ball and the high accuracy of passes made by the player. It helps rank midfielders by highlighting their technical ability on the pitch and composure under pressure.

Progressive Passes + Carries per 90: We have used Progressive Passes + Carries per 90 data to compare players before ranking the best midfielders in the world. This factor focuses on passes and dribbles that move the ball significantly toward the opponent’s goal.

Defensive Actions (Tackles + Interceptions / 90): To know the work rate and defensive contribution of a midfielder, defensive actions are necessary to be taken into account to see the complete impact of the player while he stays on the pitch. Top midfielders often balance offensive roles with defensive duties, making this metric crucial for assessing players in defensive or hybrid roles.

Awards and Trophies: One of the most important factors while listing down the 10 best midfielders in the world was the awards and trophies on their names. It reflects a midfielder’s impact on successful teams and peer recognition. Personal trophies like the Ballon d’Or and titles like UCl or domestic league win had a great impact on the ranking.

Top 10 Best Midfielders in the World

Best Midfielders Right Now: Detailed Profiles

When it comes to ranking the best midfielders in the world, we have focused on performance under pressure, last season’s form, and contributions to team success. Some might not have scored goals in double digits, and some might not have produced impressive assists, yet played a pivotal role in their team’s success.

10. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan & Netherlands)

• Strengths: Goal-scoring ability, tactical intelligence, ball retention, defensive acumen
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with an emphasis on control and distribution

Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a key player for AC Milan since he arrived in 2023. With 52 appearances and 15 goals, his contributions have been significant in the 2024/25 season. Reijnders’s ability to drive forward and support attacks from midfield adds a dynamic edge to Milan’s play. His recent contract extension until 2030 reflects the club’s belief in his potential and importance to their future success.

The player is among the top 5 best midfielders in the world 2025. What sets him apart is his ability to contribute at both ends. He’s become a pillar in Milan’s midfield setup as well as for his Dutch National side. His consistent performances have gone unnoticed by a major section of football fans, but now he has started getting all the appreciation that he deserves.

9. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan & Turkey)

• Strengths: Passing range, creativity, crossing ability, goal-scoring threat
• Playing Style: Visionary playmaker with an emphasis on long-range passing and creativity

Over the years, Hakan Calhanoglu has always been the pillar for Inter Milan, making stupendous passes in the middle of the park. The Turkish player is famous for his excellent performance from deep segments of the pitch and for making decisive passes for players to score. His creativity helps him to act as a central player and constantly move into the spaces of the opponent’s defence when a gap is found. The Inter Milan wizard is one of the best central midfielders in the world right now.

The Turkish international has also shown great durability, rarely missing games and consistently performing at a high level. His adaptability and tactical intelligence have made him a crucial piece in Inter’s resurgence. While still capable of spectacular goals, Çalhanoğlu now plays with more discipline and purpose. His transformation from a traditional No. 10 to a regista has been pivotal in Inter’s domestic success. Player performance against FC Barcelona in the UCL semi-final was one of the highlights of his 2024/25 season.

8. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal & Norway)

• Strengths: Vision, playmaking, technical skill, leadership
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with a focus on intricate passing.

Martin Odegaard has an excellent view of the game, which is contributing massively to Arsenal’s midfield. At Arsenal, the Norwegian international has established himself to be a creative player with excellent passing and decision-making skills. His technical ability to maneuver through narrow areas with his footballing intelligence, and freeing up the defense.

Odegaard can beat opponents through crowded midfields and defense. The Arsenal captain inspires the team with his leadership and is easily one of the best central midfielders in the world. His direct involvement is not limited to playmaking since he is usually one of the main movers during attacking scenarios. Thus, he is considered one of the best central midfielders in the world.

7. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

• Strengths: Defensive coverage, passing, leadership, physicality
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with robust tackling and strong ball distribution

The re-emergence of Arsenal is greatly precipitated by Rice’s role on the pitch, and his dominance in the central region offers other players assurance out on the field. The Englishman’s consistent performances show piercing abilities in high-stress situations where he regains the ball and organizes a proper build-up. Rice is gradually developing into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and the world. He has quickly established himself as one of the best. Declan Rice was a nightmare for Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League defending champions. Rice scored two consecutive free kicks for the Gunners at Emirates Stadium in the first leg. This performance by Declan Rice was enough to eliminate the 17-time European Champions, Real Madrid.

The transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal has been a game-changer. On the defensive side, Rice is brilliant, which makes him perfect to be placed as a sweeper cover because he has a whole back line in front of him. His physical presence and the way he tackles make him come out successful in several duels, effectively closing down the opponents and playing crisp passes. The player has scored 8 goals and provided 10 assists this season so far.

6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

• Strengths: Creativity, goal-scoring, set-piece expertise, leadership
• Playing Style: Advanced playmaker with a strong attacking sense

The Portuguese international is a crucial player for his club and country, as he takes advantage of the opponent’s wimpy defences through his through balls and passes. He produces serious threats from set pieces. Although Man United struggled in recent times, his performance rarely dipped apart from a couple of off games. Bruno has not only been one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, but he has also continued his remarkable form in recent years. The Portugal superstar has been one of the best midfielders in the world 2025.

Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best goal-scoring central midfielder in the world at the moment. Man United has benefited a lot from his goal contributions; he has scored numerous goals from a distance, and mostly, when the team needs it the most. He has also been a good example on the field, especially due to his hard work. His goal contribution (G/A) in 11 games in 12 appearances of UEFA Europa League reflects how important the player is in the team, which is currently struggling to find their form. He has played a crucial role in driving his team to the UEFA Europa League Final. However, he was unable to bring the cup to Old Trafford.

5. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool & Argentina)

• Strengths: Dribbling, versatility, work rate, close control
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with high stamina and excellent ball control

Since joining Liverpool after the World Cup-winning campaign with Argentina, he became a prominent player for Liverpool at the centre of the pitch. Mac Allister in his debut season, scored 7 goals and provided 7 assists, which proved that his performance in the World Cup campaign was not a fluke. With his help, Liverpool clinched the Carabao Cup that year.

The Liverpool player forever pesters the opponents, regains the ball, and quickly enjoys an attacking segment. He can play in several positions with ease and has been a key player under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. Most importantly, Allister is the man who can remain cool and play great when Liverpool needs a boost to win a game. The player is considered one of the most underrated players currently. Mac Allister also won the 2024/25 Premier League title with Liverpool.

4. Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern Munich & Germany)

• Strengths: Defensive awareness, passing, composure
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with strong tackling and distribution skills

Joshua Kimmich has been a great shield for Bayern Munich’s Defensive line. Recently, he won the Bundesliga title with them for the 9th time and extended his contract until 2029. The German player is versatile and lethal in any position he plays. Kimmich’s leadership on and off the pitch has been pivotal, often stepping in as captain in the absence of senior players. His tactical awareness and relentless work ethic embody the ethos of Bayern Munich.

Kimmich is also known for his line breaking precise line-breaking through passes. Joshua Kimmich has played almost 50 matches for FC Bayern Munich and has played a crucial role in midfield. In his 49 Appearances, the player has scored 2 goals and provided 12 assists this season. With the given stats, Kimmich is ranked 5th in our ranking of the best midfielders in the world.

3. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)

• Strengths: Pace, energy, long-range shooting, versatility
• Playing Style: Energetic box-to-box midfielder with a penchant for powerful shots

Concisely, positioning, pace, and power have bestowed on Federico Valverde a unique spot in Real Madrid. Being admired for his relentless effort, Valverde has been useful in defence too. He also possesses good long-range shooting ability and has scored spectacular goals from the free-kick box area. Valverde is one of the best central midfielders in the world.

The Uruguayan can play multiple positions, which makes him a very versatile player. His tackling and marking are also important, as he drops deep to help the backline, which keeps Madrid disciplined in defense. The midfielder’s contributions are equally valued, which has helped Madrid in winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in the 2023/24 season. Despite a turbulent season for Real Madrid, the player stood up on several occasions and saved Madrid from getting exploited.

2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

• Strengths: Box-to-box presence, attacking runs, dribbling, versatility
• Playing Style: Dynamic box-to-box midfielder with a flair for dribbling

Since joining Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has thrived, scoring crucial goals, creating opportunities, and has become one of the highest-paid midfielders in the world. The English midfielder’s ability to make late runs into the box and finish with composure is reminiscent of some of the best attacking midfielders in the past. His combination of athleticism with technique helps him frequently outpace opponents and make incisive dribbles that disrupt defenses.

The ex-Dortmund man has shown why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His versatility allows him to function in multiple roles, from a playmaker to a goal-scoring midfielder. And knack for timing runs makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his defensive commitment. Bellingham has quickly become a fan favorite at Real Madrid, showing a bright future as he continues to grow his influence in both club and international football.

1. Pedri (FC Barcelona & Spain)

• Strengths: Dribbling, agility, goal-scoring, creativity
• Playing Style: Agile attacking midfielder with a flair for dribbling and creating chances

Pedri Gonazalez is now an established superstar at FC Barcelona, known for his outstanding dribbling and fast movement. Plays as a midfielder most of the time. His mastery of close body control originated from his very nimble feet, and his low center of gravity helps him turn and swirl around players swiftly. While his creative ability and excellent thinking pattern give him the tact of a playmaker, and can penetrate through the rival’s defences.

Pedri’s contribution of 6 goals and 8 assists in La Liga was significant for the club’s 28th La Liga title recently. Pedri has also been scoring goals for the team and always gets in front of the opponent’s penalty area. Culers love his burst of speed and the way he gets past his marker with ease, with swift turns and those one-twos with Raphinha and Olmo, and Frenkie De Jong.