Top 10 Best Midfielders in the World | Currently Ranked

It is often said that, in the game of football, the team that emerges victorious in the midfield battle often ends up winning the game. Whether it's a holding or a deep-lying midfielder who can shunt the opposition's attacking transitions, an attacking midfielder who can chip in goals & assists, or a box-to-box midfielder who relentlessly makes an impact on both ends of the pitch. Bottom line, midfielders are usually the key to how a match concludes between two teams. Be it the legendary Zinedine Zidane, the Evergreen Luka Modric, the “Maestro” Andrea Pirlo, or the rising stars of today like Pedri & Jude Bellingham, midfielders have always played a key role in redefining how to dictate the tempo of a match.

With that in mind, we will come back to the present. Now that the 2025 football season has begun in full swing, it's time to have a look at the top 10 early contenders for best midfielders in the world. Our ranking factors include, but are not limited to “goals + assists”, “Passing accuracy”, “Progressive Passes” & “Defensive actions/90”. The purpose behind considering these factors is simple: to avoid any bias while coming up with our list.

List of Best Midfielders in the World 2025

Is it Ryan Gravenberch, Pedri, or Joao Neves? Let's find out in the table below the answer to the question, “Who is the best midfielder in the world?”, which has been compiled based on their on-pitch performance at present & the way they are making fans rejoice with their intrinsic style of play.

How We Ranked the Best Midfielders in the World

As mentioned above, find below the reason behind our choosing the stated ranking factors while making our list of the Best midfielders in the world. Since only 10 matches at max have happened in the 2025 season, we have not considered “Trophies” as a ranking factor for now and only considered the current form & to an extent, his overall form in the past few years.

• Goals & Assists: This is the primary factor in determining the early frontrunners for best midfielders in the world 2025. This is a display of a midfielder's ability to directly influence a match by scoring swashbuckling goals or providing line-breaking passes. The higher the returns, the higher that particular midfielder will be ranked in our list.
• Passing Accuracy: 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)/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.
• (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.

Note: Sources that were considered while compiling this list based on their stats were Transfermarkt, Fbref, and Sportsdunia.

Who is the Best Midfielder in the World in 2025?

Now that we have explained the ranking factors, let's explore in detail the early candidates to be hailed among the top 10 midfielders in the world 2025:

10. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid | England)

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

If not for a 2-month layoff due to undergoing shoulder surgery, English midfielder Jude Bellingham would likely have been among the top 5 in the list of best midfielders in the world 2025, rather than settling for 10th position. Since arriving at Los Blancos, he has been an influential figure despite being only 22. Last season was no different, as he ended up with 30 goal contributions despite his club having an underwhelming season. Often regarded as one of the best well-rounded midfielders in the world, he excels in terms of attacking & well as defensive metrics. He is also very versatile to play in midfield & as well as in attack, with the most notable example being his debut season in the Spanish capital, when he played as a false 9 & seamlessly filled the gaping void created after the departure of Frenchman Karim Benzema.

Starting the 2025/26 season on the injury table means that he couldn't get the jumpstart he wanted to lead the race to be the world's best midfielder. He just made his return to competitive action in September & getting back to full fitness at the moment. But, knowing just how world-class Jude is, it's a matter of “when” rather than “if” concerning the time around which he will be back to it's exploitative best. Come & read our piece after a month or two & for sure, you will find Jude higher up in our list of best midfielders in the world.

9. 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

Yes, Change is a constant, but in football, it's the consistency that is one of the major factors in determining how good a player or a club actually is. Uruguayan national Federico Valverde fits the latter context pretty well. Though now he is very much back playing in his actual midfield position, rather than an emergency right-back, which was the case under Ancelotti last term, his role hasn't changed at all; He is still carrying on the duties like that of a trusted lieutenant under Xabi Alonso. With a combined progressive passes + carries reaching more than 8 per game, he has been relentless in moving the ball up the pitch & towards the opposition's penalty box. Apart from this, he also works tirelessly off the ball as his combined defensive actions of 2.61/90 showcase his ability to shut in the attack of the rival team.

Now that Kroos has retired, & Modric has left the club, Valverde has become more prominent, as he has become the leading light of Madrid's midfield alongside Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Also, he is one of the key players who could propel Uruguay to a better showing in the 2026 World Cup. He played brilliantly in the Copa America 2024 before losing out to eventual runners-up Colombia in the semis. Though the season has just started, Valverde is expected to maintain his current run of form and will continue to be included in the mix among the top 10 best midfielders in the world.

8. Joao Neves (PSG | Portugal)

• Strengths: Quick, inept tackling skills, bravery with & without the ball, aerially strong

• Style of Play: Agile in tight spaces, Ability to drop deep & engineer attacks, dribbling past the opposition

  Since joining PSG from Benfica ahead of the 2024/25 season, Portuguese youngster Joao Neves has been a revelation of sorts. He put himself on the map after arriving at Parc Des Princes & has quickly established himself as a key cog of Luis Enrique's unstoppable team. Though he is primarily a no.6, the way he bosses the midfield is pure unpredictable chaos.

  Depending on the formation, he plays as a double pivot or a No. 6. Thanks to his quick acceleration, he easily escapes his marker without resorting to trickery moves. That propelled him to an outstanding individual debut season, as he registered 14 goal contributions & played a key role in helping PSG win the UCL. He started the 2025/26 season similarly, with 2.45 key passes per game & combined defensive actions of 2.70. Though this is just the start of the new season, he has already solidified his place in the list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world. Wondering why? Then, we would suggest that to please go and watch his hat-trick against Toulouse, which included 2 bicycle kicks & 1 header, and you will get your answer.

7. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City | Netherlands)

If there was a person who stood out despite AC Milan finishing 8th in Serie A, it was none other than the Dutchman Tijjani Reijnders. With 15 goals and 5 assists in all competitions, he, along with Christian Pulisic, was the only performing player in a largely inconsistent season endured by the Rossoneri. With a knack for controlling the tempo in the middle of the pitch, he is also known for dribbling through the tightest of spaces, before making attacking runs into the final third to either score or assist.

Dubbed “Power Reijnders” during his time at Milan, he is equally capable of playing as no.6, no.8, or no.10. Since his defensive work-rate is exceptional, he easily nails it even while playing at no.6. After signing for 10-time EPL winners Manchester City, he instantly made an impact & showcased why the Cityzens think of him as one of the best midfielders in the world. He scored an impressive goal & assisted one in the opening day 4-0 victory against Wolves. He ranks ahead of 94% of midfielders in the EPL this season in terms of progressive carries (2.67 per game), which is no surprise as he often makes darting runs into the final third to create goalscoring opportunities. With City performing better in recent weeks, the Dutch playmaker will only get more chances to influence games. Provided his club becomes consistent, Reijnders will surely climb higher in our list.

6. Declan Rice (Arsenal | England)

• Strengths: Defensive coverage, passing, leadership, physicality

• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with robust tackling and strong ball distribution

  At 6th place, we have English Midfielder Declan Rice on our list. The versatile midfielder has been one of the key players, ensuring that the Gunners remain competitive season after season. By now, it's obvious that if we take a glimpse into the 2024/25 season, it was Rice, whose 2 majestic free kicks bamboozled the perennial winners Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Primarily, a defensive midfielder during his days at West Ham, he has been moved into a box-to-box role gradually after arriving at North London. Season-on-season, since he arrived, his goal contributions have increased as well, with the most crucial goals being scored from dead-ball situations.

  Since his blockbuster move from West Ham two seasons ago, Rice has established himself as one of the best EPL midfielders, & after his UCL exploits last season, is growing into one of the best midfielders in the world as well. Due to his athleticism & tackling ability, he excelled as a DM, but as of late, thanks to his ball-playing ability & knack for shooting long-range goals, he has grown into a complete midfielder. The arrival of the Spanish playmaker Martin Zubimendi gave him more freedom to influence near the opposition penalty area. Still only 26, Rice has several years at the top of the game, during which he will be looking to pick up a few trophies as well. With the World Cup coming, he has the perfect chance to become the best midfielder in the world & cement his legacy among the greatest.

5. Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli | Belgium)

• Strength: Versatility, wide range of passing, crossing accuracy, leadership

• Style of Play: Direct playing style, ability to run at defence

  Though he has been injury-prone in recent years, there is no denying the fact that when fit and in form, Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is among the best midfielders in the world. After a decade spent at Manchester City, where he won 19 trophies overall, he joined Napoli as a free agent. His tactical intelligence & positional sense enable him to take advantage of spaces in the opposition's defence & create chances for himself and his teammates. He put the curtains on his time in England as one of the players with the most assists in EPL history.

  He had a good start in Naples, with 3 goals & 2 assists in all competitions so far. He has been playing as a CAM or advanced no.8 in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation under Italian manager Antonio Conte. He can also make late runs into the penalty area off the ball and score or create goals. His decision to stay in Europe is seemingly paying dividends based on his current stats. If his minutes are managed properly and he maintains his consistency, along with ensuring Napoli keep on competing for top honours, then he will climb higher in the rankings of best midfielders in the world 2025.

4. Arda Guler (Real Madrid | Turkiye)

• Strengths: Dribbling, technical ability, vision & passing

• Style of Play: Left-footed attacking midfielder, can also play as RW

  After experiencing a start-stop career during his first two years at Real Madrid, Turkish sensation Arda Guler is finally getting to showcase his abilities, thanks to Xabi Alonso's decision to give young, talented players opportunities. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Guler can also play as a right-winger, & on the right side of a three-man midfield. In the Club World Cup, he was deployed in midfield to instil some degree of creativity, which has been missing since Toni Kroos' departure. However, since the start of the season, he has found his calling as an out-and-out no.10 just behind Mbappe.

  With 3 goals & 4 assists already to his name in just 10 appearances, this can be the season in which Guler can position himself as one of the best midfielders & as well as best attacking midfielders in the world. The sky is the limit for the young midfielder under Xabi Alonso, who is known for bringing the best out of such players. With Los Blancos currently undefeated in the ongoing campaign and looking to go all-out on winning the UCL and La Liga, Guler's progress needs to be observed. Although he needs to improve his passing skills, which are currently near average, they will likely improve as he continues to play more.

3. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool | Netherlands)

• Strengths: Ball-carrying abilities, passing, athleticism, versatility

• Style of Play: Contributes beyond a deep role, getting involved in both defence and attack

  After enduring a tough debut season under Jurgen Klopp, the Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been sensational since the arrival of Arne Slot as the manager of the Reds. He has effectively gelled in as Liverpool's no.6 and has become the key cog of Slot's team. Not only does he dictate the tempo of the game, but he also has the license to roam forward with the ball and create chances or find opportunities to score himself. His athleticism, ball-carrying abilities, and involvement all over the pitch make him worthy of being called as one of the world's best midfielders right now.

  In the early stages of the ongoing season, he has recorded progressive actions of 8.17 per game & defensive actions of 3.0. Though he couldn't prevent Liverpool's recent slump, it was mostly due to tactical shortcomings rather than individual form. He has 2 goals and 2 assists in all competitions so far, as he is working on improving his goalscoring return as well. Nevertheless, a World Cup is looming, and a significant portion of the 2025/26 domestic season remains to be played. Hence, we can expect Gravenberch to maintain his high standards during this run.

2. Pedri (FC Barcelona | Spain)

• Strengths: Dribbling, agility, goal-scoring, creativity

• Style of Play: Agile attacking midfielder with a flair for dribbling and creating chances, Mezzala

  If not for the incredible performance of the Portuguese midfielder, about whom we will be discussing shortly, then Spanish midfielder Pedri, for sure, would have topped our list. But on the bright side, his impeccable talent means he will play at the highest level for the next 10-12 years and will always be among the world's best midfielders. He uses his nimble legs well to dictate the tempo of the game. He can progress the ball towards the final attacking 3rd even through the tightest of spaces, as his close to 5 progressive carries per game this season showcase that.

  He carried forward his form from the previous season to this season to be considered among the top 10 midfielders in the world 2025. Already considered as one of the best Spanish players currently, he has recorded a combined progressive actions totalling more than 17 per game so far. Since he is only 22, he still has time to improve on some aspects of the game, such as scoring more goals. He exhibits tireless energy, uses his low centre of gravity to turn around players swiftly and then occupies the half space and performs slick one-twos with the players occupying the winger position. With the World Cup on the horizon, and Barcelona still in the race to win major domestic trophies, Pedri for sure can take over the 1st spot in the coming months.

1. Vitinha (PSG | Portugal)

• Strengths: Goal-scoring ability, tactical intelligence, ball retention, defensive acumen
• Style of Play: Midfielder with an emphasis on control and distribution

Well, as you must have seen above, it's a no-brainer why the answer to the question “who is the best midfielder in the world” is none other than PSG midfield maestro Vitinha. He was a key player for PSG in the 2024/25 season when the French outfit won the quadruple. Vitinha’s ability to make darting runs in the attacking third with the ball & support attacks from midfield adds a dynamic edge to Les Parisiens' 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 Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield setup as well as for his Portuguese national team. His consistent performances have gone unnoticed by some section of football fans, even though he was among the top 10 final 2025 Ballon d'Or candidates. Regardless, now he has started getting all the appreciation that he deserves, & as a result, has been included in the Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings list curated by our experts at Sportsdunia.