Ranking the 10 Best Left Wingers in the World | 2025

Left-wingers are some of the most exciting players on the pitch because of the natural attributes they possess that make them suitable for the role. Usually, these players are pacey, direct, and have some lovely dribbling moves up their sleeves.

In the past, several greats have dominated games playing from the left side. Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Franck Ribery all had the tendency 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 pressed, so without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best left wingers in the world football.

Ranking Factors

Goal Contributions: The most important factor while determining ranks of the best left wingers in the world is their goal contributions. A winger without goals and assists is like a clown who use to do tricery just to impress people. This factor evaluates the total number of goals scored and assists provided in club competitions during the season. Left wingers who consistently find the net or set up teammates demonstrate their attacking prowess and are ranked above players with less goal. This factor highlights tangible results from a winger.

Overall Impact on Team Success: A left winger’s value extends beyond personal stats to their influence on their team’s achievements; he must be someone who contributes in the winning cause of the team. This factor assesses how players drive their club’s objectives and vision ahead, whether chasing league titles, European glory, or other competitive goals. It considers their role in pivotal matches, consistency, and ability to elevate teammates. It will help us to figure out the list of best left wingers in the world.

Technical and Physical Attributes: The craft of a left winger on the flanks on their technical skill and physical gifts, sets them apart in one-on-one battles and open play. This is an important factor in determining the best left wingers in the world. This factor evaluates dribbling, passing accuracy, speed, strength, and positional flexibility. Wingers who dominate defenders with flair, outpace opponents, or execute precise plays under pressure stand out.

Top 10 best Left Winger in the World​

10. Anthony Gordon – Englnd

Anthony Gordon anchors Newcastle’s left flank area, contributing 9 goals and 7 assists in 2024/25 Season. His relentless pressing and direct running helps Newcastle to bring pressure directly on the face of opponents. Gordon’s pace exploits 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. Gordon’s defensive work rate sets him apart, supporting Newcastle’s backline. He’s a vital cog in their European chase. His gritty performances earn him a top-10 spot.His finishing is clinical when chances arise, often capitalizing on defensive errors. Newcastle won Carabao cup and Anthony Gordon got a huge role to play in it. Anthony Gordon is receiving a good amount of interest from top table teams of Premier League

9. Nico Williams – Spain

Nico Williams is Athletic Club’s rising star , he play along his elder brother Inkaki Williams at Athletic Club. delivering 11 goals and 7 assists in 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 defense of opponent team.

His decision-making 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, many Premier League teams are ready to sign him by offering huge wages. He is an important part of Bilbao and usually steps up in the absence of his brother Inaki Williams.

8. Luis Díaz – Colombia

Luis Díaz is Liverpool’s left-wing engine, driving their 2024/25 title charge and strong performance with 15 goals and 8 assists. His electric fast dribbling on the left hand side of the pitch and close control dismantle defenses of opponents in tight spaces and he move ahead creating more goal scoring chances. A four-goal haul against Leverkusen in the Champions League showcases his lethal edge. Díaz’s high-intensity pressing aligns perfectly with Arne Slot’s system, disrupting opponents.

His finishing has sharpened, converting chances with newfound consistency. Díaz’s ability to link with midfielders adds fluidity to Liverpool’s attack. He thrives on the left, cutting in or hugging the touchline. His passion fuels Anfield’s roar. The Colombian player is a crucial part of Liverpool and creates impact by combining with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah up top.

7. Bradley Barcola – France

Bradley Barcola has seized the spotlight at PSG, shining with 18 goals and 17 assists in 2024/25. He is still hidden from the limelight he deserves, He has performed exceptionally for Paris Saint-Germain. 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 Mbappé’s central shift in PSG. The 22-year-old has scored 13 goals and 11 assists as of now in League 1. He’s become a vital part of PSG’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, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

6. Gabriel Martinelli – Brazil

Gabriel Martinelli 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 as well as a striker on the odd occasion. Martinelli’s relentless pressing and off-ball work rate are vital for Mikel Arteta’s system. His sharp finishing shines in counterattacks, exploiting spaces with precision.

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 22, he has already made 168 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 41 goals and providing 24 assists.

5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia

At number 5 we have Kvaratskhelia 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 terrorize defenses across Europe last season. With 9 goals and 8 assists, he’s adapted swiftly since his January move from Napoli. His Champions League exploits, notably against Liverpool which knocked them out from UEFA Champions League, highlight his world-class potential.

The Georgian has incredible pace and directness, which he uses to get into dangerous areas in and around the penalty box. From there, he can either attempt shots on goal or play the ball to a teammate with his passing ability. Last season, he made 43 appearances for Napoli across competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists. Overall, the 23-year-old has made 83 appearances for Napoli, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists.

4. Rafael Leao – Portugal

Rafael Leao is probably among the best left wingers in soccer. 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. Leão’s flair shines in his creative dribbles and incisive runs down the left. His 3 goals and 4 assists in Serie A, plus 2 goals and 2 assists in the Champions League, show his impact.

Despite having a big frame, the Portuguese is amazingly agile and uses that to his benefit. 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 24, Leao has plenty of time ahead of him to develop more skills, and perhaps even move to another club to progress his career. He joined AC Milan in August 2019 from Lille and has made 204 appearances for the club, scoring 56 goals and providing 49 assists.

3. Vinicius Junior – Brazil

Touted to be the ideal successor for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Vinicius has slowly but surely made that spot his own in the team. A quick winger with the ability to use both feet equally well, Vinicius can also dribble the ball well and run past defenders using his pace.

He has a huge 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 for the game which has often seen him get kicked and fouled by frustrated opponents. Aged just 23, he has achieved great heights in his career already. Vini Jr. has made 256 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 77 goals and providing 74 assists.

2. Kylian Mbappe – France

The undisputed number one left winger in the world is undoubtedly Kylian Mbappe. Earlier touted as a striker, he has preferred sticking to the left flank and drifts inwards to create goalscoring opportunities. The Frenchman’s style of play is remarkably similar to Thierry Henry’s in terms of movement, finishing and positioning. The major difference between the two being their frames and how they used them.

However, Mbappe’s pace and attacking smarts allow him to beat defenders with ease as he runs into space behind them. He can strike the ball well with both feet but is not very good in the air. Mbappe is most effective when he plays facing the goal and hence mostly plays as a winger. The 25-year-old has made 302 appearances for the Parisians, scoring an eye-watering 253 goals and providing 107 assists as well.

1. Raphinha – Brazil

Raphinha has emerged as Barcelona’s attacking cornerstone, driving their 2024/25 campaign. His left-footed wizardry delivers stunning goals and precise assists in La Liga and the 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 space for teammates.

His versatility shines, occasionally playing centrally but excelling on the left. As vice-captain, he leads by example with relentless energy. His 29 goal involvements in 29 left-wing games mark a career peak. Raphinha’s dynamic form makes him a Ballon d’Or contender. With that unimaginable performance Raphinha hold the number 1 spot in our list of best left wingers in the world.

List of 10 Best Left Winger in the World Right Now