Top 10 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World - 2026 (Ranked)

The creative midfielders are the key assets to any team in football, connecting the attack and defence. Some of the best attacking midfielders in the world are experts in doing so and make it the most fancy position in football. Prominently called as CAMs and number 10, tasked with the creative and playmaking duties for their team, and often control the tempo of the match with their ability.

Attacking midfielders not just create chances up top but are very crucial in breaking the attack of the opponent in the initial phase. Generally, they are expected to be technically brilliant and must possess excellent vision and game intelligence, along with stunning dribbling and passing prowess, to have an edge over their opposition. On that note, we are listing the top 10 best attacking midfielders in the world who are displaying their magic around the world in top leagues.

List of Best Attacking Midfielders in the World 2026

We have picked a list of the 10 best attacking midfielders in the world 2026 based on their current form and performance across the top leagues in the world: Check out the top consisting best attacking midfielders in the world 2026.

How We Ranked the Best Attacking Midfielders?

Below are the ranking factors explained as per the weightage considered to assemble the top 10 best attacking midfielders in the world. Key factors include goal contributions, key passes, progressive passes and successful dribbles.

Note: All the mentioned stats and data are taken from reliable sources such as Transfermarkt, Sportsdunia & Fbref.

Who is the Best Attacking Midfielder in the World in 2026?

After understanding the role and importance of the attacking midfielder and CAMs. Let's get a brief explanation on how these names have performed in the ongoing 2025-26 season and find out who is the best attacking midfielder in the world.

10. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)

The Hungarian star Dominik Szoboszlai became a key member of Liverpool's midfield set-up after joining the team from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in 2023. He helped the Reds to win the English Premier League under Arne Slot's reign in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a vital role as an attacking midfielder. He has been a vital member of the Liverpool team, consistently pressing the opposition, getting the ball back, and swiftly relishing an offensive phase.

Additionally, Slot has made use of Szoboszlai as a full back and a wide midfielder, since he can play a variety of roles with ease. Currently, the player is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the English top flight. So far this season, amid Liverpool's struggle, Szoboszlai has demonstrated his class with his 10-goal contribution in all competitions. He has cemented his place as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world solely based on his talent and skills.

9. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nott. Forest)

The English playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White had an impressive season for Nottingham Forest, cementing his place as one of the finest creative minds in the English Premier League. His tremendous vision, strong technicality, ball progressive ability and close control are what stand out, when he takes the field for Tricky Trees. White's impressive figures of 7 goals and 8 assists for his team in 38 games across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, attracted attention from big suitors for a move.

The 25-year-old maintained a pass accuracy of 80.7%, complementing his creativity in the box, as he is averaging 1.63 key passes per 90 minutes in the EPL. Despite being one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, Morgan Gibbs-White can play in several positions across the field, like a deep-lying centre midfielder as well as a right winger, showing his versatility as a player.

8. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

The Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is one of the most gifted midfielders of this generation and over the years has garnered a substantial reputation as a commanding figure. Even though the Gunners failed to win the English title, Odegaard has remained their orchestrator in the midfield. The Norwegian midfielder's graph dipped throughout 2025 due to constant injury hardships, missing a significant number of matches. Yet, Martin is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world 2026.

The Norway international has cemented himself as the creative heart for Arsenal with his excellent vision to pick out players in the box. The ex-Real Madrid man can beat the defender through his footballing IQ and by freeing up the defence. The 26-year-old playmaker is gradually finding his form after returning from a knee injury, showing a glimpse of his true form. His direct involvement is not limited to playmaking since he is usually one of the main movers, making late runs.

7. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Ending the 2024-25 season without a major title, the midfield sensation Jude Bellingham inclusion in the list of best attacking midfielders in the world might come as a surprise for many. Last campaign, Jude made a staggering 58 appearances for Los Blancos, netting 15 goals and as many assists playing as a central attacking midfielder. His desire to win and strong mentality, along with superior technicality, are what set him apart.

He typically occupies attacking areas, half spaces and likes to roam around the box, has a high work rate and moves freely with the ball to create spaces. Physicality paired with elegance is what truly makes him one of the best right now. His dedication to not giving up and giving his best for 90 minutes made him a trusted figure under Xabi Alonso. In this term, Bellignham has recorded 9 goal involvements in 22 outings.

6. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

One of the most talented attacking midfielders Florian Wirtz has proved himself at the highest level as a creative and skilful player. The German youngster's vision, composure and passing into the final third, complemented by his sharp movements, make him a complete attacking midfielder. Wirtz was a vital cog in Leverkusen's Bundesliga and DFB Pokal-winning 2023-24 campaign and helped them reach the UEFA Europa League final.

One of the best German footballers currently, Florian, put on an impressive display throughout the season with Leverkusen over past few seasons. His exceptional ability cemented his place as one of the best attacking midfielders this season. The 22-year-old sealed a record-breaking transfer to Liverpool. However, the German star is adjusting to a new country, league and facing challenges to unlock his true nature as a free-flowing number 10.

5. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer cemented his place as one of the best attacking midfielders after delivering a fantastic 2024-25 season. Palmer guided Chelsea to lift the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, while helping the Blues return to Europe following a top-four finish in the Premier League. He has been a remarkable figure, winning the PFA player of the year accolade thanks to 33 goal contributions in 52 games played across all competitions.

However, in the ongoing season, the Englishmen suffered several injury setbacks. Palmer continued where he left off, although he has slowed down a bit. The ex-Man City player is an expert in dribbling past players, vision to pick players, not only that, he is well capable of finding the back of the net with his clinical finishing and poacher-like instinct. Irrespective of his younger age, he has shown a mature side, leading the club’s attacking line.

4. Rayan Cherki (Man City)

Man City's latest addition, Rayan Cherki is unpredictable for defenders to hold on with his quick feet, trickery, skills, and vision is unmatched. The 22-year-old Frenchman is winning hearts by flashing spellbinding dribbles and creativity on the ball. He ranks 4th among best attacking midfielders in the world, is one of those players who forced Pep Guardiola to include an orthodox playmaker in his side who prefers to play in a certain manner.

Arrived with a lot of promises from his stay at Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyon, the Sky Blues on a transfer fee of £34 million to sign him for six years. Rayan's ability to beat defenders with his vision and through balls, movements, is impressive. Not to mention his ability to create threats from set pieces, delivering accurate crosses and long balls. After recovering from a thigh injury, the France international is up and running in Man City colours.

3. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers is single-handedly running the show in claret and blue for Aston Villa. Under Unai Emery's the Englishman is achieving new heights as an attacking midfielder, creating chances, scoring goals, and ability to link up in the final third. Ever since moving to Villa Park from the Championship, Rogers has evolved his game, adding layers to it through ball carrying and finishing

Thanks to his thrilling form in the Premier League, the England international was voted as the EPL player of the month in December 2025. Overall, Aston Villa attacking midfielder has scored 7 times and made 6 assists in a total of 28 appearances during the 2025-26 season. One of the best attacking midfielders in the world, Rogers possesses substantial talent, as many big clubs will hope to secure his signature.

2. Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

The Barcelona prodigy Fermin Lopez had enjoyed his breakout 2024-25 with the Barcelona first team. He amassed 18 goal contributions in 46 outings in all competitions, as Hansi Flick's men lifted La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. The Spanish attacking midfielder has shown his ability to find himself in the right position to convert half-chances. Fermin's talents have shone through in a talent-laden Barcelona midfield speaks volumes about his calibre as a player.

Whether you put him in the midfield or in a much more attacking area, he turned out to be more dangerous with his off-the-ball movement, clinical finishing and composure. Meanwhile, in this campaign, Lopez has already scored 8 times and assisted as many goals across all competitions. In a short span, the 22-year-old won the trust of Hansi Flick with his talent and earned a place on the list of best attacking midfielders in the world right now.

1. Nico Paz (Como)

The Real Madrid youth product Nicolás Paz Martínez, who goes by the name of “Nico Paz”, is currently the most promising and finest number 10 in world football. He is making a name for himself in the Italian top division, playing for Cesc Fabregas-managed Como, renowned for tactical discipline and defensive severity. Paz is the top assist provider and amongst the leading goal scorers in Serie A during the 2025-26 campaign.

The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe following his outstanding performances. The Argentine is a natural playmaker who is a joy to watch when dribbling and making turns and tricks with sharp agility, coupled with his vision to pick teammates and exquisite finishing In total, 19 outings across all competitions, the ex-Real Madrid talent has scored six goals and provided six assists to mark his place as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.