Top 10 Best Left Wingers In The World | Currently Ranked

In the past, several greats have dominated games playing from the left flank. Several greats of football who have already been given the title of legends, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Franck Ribery, are viewed as of the best left wingers in the world; all tend to drift off to the left side before making inward runs. However, the game has progressed to a more position-based approach in the present day, meaning most wingers are not supposed to cut in as per their team’s setup. In the modern game, wingers usually switch their sides or cut to central positions only in the final third, giving their team an additional option to play the ball during a crossing situation. Multiple big clubs rely on this role as their outlet from being pressured.

The methodology we used to rank the top 10 best left wingers in the world is primarily based on G+A/90 of the players in the ongoing 2024/25 season, which is an important metric for evaluating a player’s direct contribution to the team. Additional metrics included key passes per 90 minutes (indicating playmaking ability), dribbles per 90 minutes (reflecting ball-carrying skill), and crosses/90. These additional factors encompass another aspect that distinguishes a winger from the rest of the players. We have sourced our data from trusted and reputable football analysis sites, which provide us with the above-mentioned data. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best left-wingers in world football.

List of Top 10 Best Left Winger in the World

As the 2024/25 season is about to end with very few matches to be played, we thought of answering the most inquired question on our platform, i.e., who is the best left winger in the world right now. So, on demand, we have named the 10 best left wingers, instead of that too, in a ranking manner.

How We Ranked the Best Left Wingers In the World?

• G+A/90: This factor mainly includes the direct contribution of a player in the team’s overall performance. High goal and assist rates per 90 minutes show a winger’s ability to create and score, which makes him a key part of the team. This factor also reflects how consistent a player was throughout the last 365 days.
• Key Passes/90: This metric shows us the creative ability of a player to set up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. A high key pass rate per 90 shows a winger’s vision and precision in breaking defences, vital for playmaking in tight games.
• Successful Dribbles/90: A winger must have the ability to go one-on-one with an opponent’s defender when he finds himself in a situation with no visible options by his side. It is essential for dynamic wing play in top competitions.
• Cross/90 : This factor will show us how good a player is in providing perfect crosses, which directly land in the opponent’s penalty box, creating chances for players, including the striker. High accuracy enhances team scoring opportunities, especially in attacking systems relying on wide play. Teams seeking a last-minute goal always expect their wingers to provide direct balls in the box to create a scoring opportunity.
• Major Honours & Awards: Last but not least, the awards and honours will confirm their ranking in our list of the top 10 best left winger in the world. Trophies and individual awards (Ballon d’Or, League honours) reflect a player’s impact in major competitions, adding prestige and reliability.

Note: All the players' statistics and individual performance metrics are taken from Sportsdunia.

Who is the Best Left Winger in the World in 2025?

Below is the detailed list of the best left-wingers in the world, completely based on the above weighted ranking factors. From Anthony Godron, Luis Diaz, to Raphinha, let’s see who is the best left winger in the world.

10. Anthony Gordon – England

One of the best left wingers in the world, Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon anchors Newcastle’s left flank, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in the 2024-25 Season. His relentless pressing and direct running help Newcastle to put pressure directly on the face of opponents. He uses pace to exploit gaps, creating opportunities for himself and teammates in the final third of the pitch. He’s adept at winning fouls, drawing defenders out of position. His defensive work rate sets him apart, supporting Newcastle’s backline.

Gordon has been a vital cog in their recent history, and his gritty performances earn him a top 10 spot as the best left winger. His finishing is clinical when chances arise, often capitalising on defensive errors. Newcastle won the Carabao Cup, and the English winger got a huge role to play in it. Anthony Gordon is receiving a good amount of interest from the top table teams of the English Premier League. It will be interesting to see whether the youngster can guide Newcastle United to lift more trophies.

9. Kaoru Mitoma – Japan

The Japan star Kaoru Mitoma has emerged as one of the best Japanese footballers in the world presently. Ever since Mitoma set foot in England, signing for Brighton & Hove Albion, he has been a key player for the Seagulls. Last season, the Japanese winger bagged 16 goals, including 10 goals and 6 assists in a total of 50 appearances across all competitions. He is known for his stunning ball control, dribbling, finishing and technicality. He has set the English top flight on fire with his spellbinding plays.

Ranks among the top 10 best left winger in the world​ 2025. Kaoru Mitoma, had a below-par last campaign to his standards, yet he has managed to find a place on our list. He is unstoppable when running down the flanks, his on-the-ball movements, and ability to cut inside, take on players in a 1 vs 1 situation and take a shot at goal. He is gradually making his name in Europe; he played a pivotal role in the Seagulls' European campaign.

8. Gabriel Martinelli – Brazil

Next on the list of best left wingers in the world is Arsenal and Brazil attacker Gabriel Martinelli, who was one of the most highly-rated talents in Brazil before he joined Arsenal in July 2019 for a £6 million fee from Ituano. Former manager Unai Emery used him multiple times at the start of the 2019-20 season, playing both as a winger and as a striker on the odd occasion. Martinelli’s relentless pressing and off-ball work rate are vital for Mikel Arteta’s system. The winger's sharp finishing shines in counterattacks, exploiting spaces with precision.

The Brazilian international is blessed with electric pace and quick footwork. Martinelli is a handful for defenders and can beat them on either side. He also has a powerful right foot, which can unleash both curling and lace shots, making him a big threat when he cuts in from the flank. He can also cross the ball well with both feet. Aged just 24, he has already made 225 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 51 goals and providing 29 assists.

7. Nico Williams – Spain

The Spanish prodigy star Nico Williams is the Athletic Club Bilbao's rising star. He plays alongside his elder brother Inaki Williams for the Spanish club Bilbao. He delivered 15 goals and 9 assists in the 2024/25 Season. His pace and smooth dribbling overwhelm defenders at the left wing, creating chances at will. His Euro 2024 final goal for Spain proved his knack for big moments. Williams excels on the left, cutting inside or stretching play with intelligent runs behind the defence of the opponent team.

Nico Williams' elite decision-making skill has matured, balancing flair with precision. He’s a linchpin in Athletic’s attacking setup, driving their European push. Williams’s one-on-one mastery makes him a standout; his trajectory points to superstardom. Due to his speed and dribbling ability, Nico emerged as a key target for Barcelona, and several Premier League teams were ready to sign him by offering huge wages. Regardless, the winger decided to stay and signed a long-term contract extension.

6. Rafael Leao – Portugal

The Portugal international Rafael Leao is probably among the top 10 best left winger in the world​. He plays the game with a sense of nonchalance that makes his actions look effortless. Standing at nearly six-foot-three, Leao is blessed with incredible power and is fairly quick, allowing him to use his long strides to get past opponents on the flank. His flair shines in his creative dribbles and incisive runs down the left. He is also gifted with acrobatic abilities that allow him to score stunning goals or even use his body to control difficult passes.

Still only 26, AC Milan's star forward has plenty of time ahead of him to develop more skills and perhaps even move to another club to progress his career. He joined Serie A side AC Milan in August 2019 from Lille and has made 260 appearances for the club, scoring 70 goals and providing 62 assists. His performance has impressed clubs like FC Barcelona, Arsenal and other big clubs around the globe. Rafael Leao has to make a decision which will either make the star shine brighter or may result in stagnation.

5. Luis Díaz – Colombia

His place in the best left wingers in the world list should not be questioned. The Colombian wizard Luis Díaz was Liverpool’s left-wing engine, driving their 2024-25 title charge and strong performance with 25 goals and 5 assists. His explosiveness and fast dribbling on the left-hand side of the pitch, close control dismantle the defences of opponents in tight spaces. He moves ahead, creating more goal-scoring chances. A four-goal haul against Leverkusen in the Champions League showcases his lethal edge.

His high-intensity pressing aligns perfectly with Arne Slot-managed Liverpool, disrupting opponents. Luis's clinical finishing has sharpened, converting chances with newfound consistency. After a league-winning campaign, the winger moved to Bayern Munich to bolster their attacking department. He is brilliant in linking up with midfielders and adds fluidity to Bayern's attack. He thrives on the left, cutting in or hugging the touchline. His passion could fuel Allianz Arena's roar. The Colombian player has become a crucial part of Vincent Kompany's set-up, teaming up with the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Ollise and Serge Gnabry,.

4. Vinicius Junior – Brazil

In the top 10 best left winger in the world​ 2025, touted to be the ideal successor for Cristiano Ronaldo at Los Blancos. Vinicius Jr has slowly but surely made that spot his own in the team. A quick winger with the ability to use both feet equally well, he can also dribble the ball well and run past defenders using his pace. Vincius and Real Madrid’s performance is too closely related to each other; it can be proven by his dip in form, which aligns with Madrid’s inconsistent performance this season.

The Brazilian international has a tremendous fighting spirit, which does not let him give up easily, making him one of the best left-wingers of all time to watch in world football. Having come from the favelas of Brazil, he possesses a natural flair and acceleration for the game, which has often seen him get kicked and fouled by frustrated opponents. Aged just 25, he has already achieved great heights in his career. The winger made 316 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 105 goals and providing 82 assists.

3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia

At number 3rd, we have Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who broke onto the scene with Napoli last year as they won the Italian league Serie A in remarkably dominant fashion. His attacking partnership with striker Victor Osimhen helped the team terrorise defences across Europe last season. With 9 goals and 8 assists, he adapted swiftly, and his Champions League exploits, notably against Liverpool, which knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League, highlight his world-class potential.

Kvarastskhelia has incredible pace and directness, which he uses to get into dangerous areas in and around the penalty box. Overall, the 23-year-old has made 107 appearances for Napoli, scoring 30 goals and providing 29 assists. He completed his move to Ligue 1 side PSG, and had changed the entire setup, with his inclusion dependency on players like Ousmane Dembele reduced, resulting in more threat to the opponent’s team from both flanks. His arrival at PSG boosted the team's chances of winning their first quadruple, which includes the prestigious Champions League trophy.

2. Bradley Barcola – France

The French prodigy Bradley Barcola has seized the spotlight at PSG, shining with 21 goals and 14 assists in 2024/25. He is still hidden from the limelight he deserves. He has performed exceptionally for the Paris club. His performance in Ligue 1 tells us that he is a gem of a player. His 35.3 km/h speed makes him a terror down the left flank, outrunning defenders effortlessly and creating chances up top in opponents’ penalty box. He is one of the best left wingers in the world right now.

Barcola’s clinical finishing and creative passing have filled the void left by Mbappe in Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old has scored 33 goals and 40 assists as of now in Ligue 1. He’s become a vital part of Luis Enrique's dynamic attack. All credit goes to Luis Enrique for trusting a young gun, which has helped the team. Barcola’s composure in big moments, like against Manchester City, marks him as a rising star. His versatility enhances PSG’s deadly frontline of Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

1. Raphinha – Brazil

The Brazil star Raphinha has emerged as Barcelona’s attacking cornerstone, driving their attack in the 2024-25 campaign. His left-footed wizardry delivers stunning goals and precise assists in the Spanish top division and the UEFA Champions League. A hat-trick against Bayern Munich and a goal in El Clásico highlight his clutch ability. Raphinha’s agility and quick turns leave defenders reeling, creating plenty of space to exploit the defensive line.

His versatility shines, playing right and centre, but he has excelled on the left wing. The former Leeds United forward leads by example with relentless energy and passion, something his 32-goal involvement and 17 assists in a total of 54 appearances reflect. The Brazilian's extraordinary form and stellar performances have made him the best left winger on our list of the top 10 best left wingers in the world​ 2025. The 28-year-old winger was also named La Liga player of the season for his contribution to FC Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning season.