It’s okay not to agree with everything, a lot of it boils down to perceptive. – For example, GMS fans are more concerned about Cristiano Ronaldo than I am.
The world of football today is enjoying a golden age of exceptional talent in all positions. From the Premier League to La Liga and the Saudi Pro League, there are countless players who can be described as elite.
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Here is the official top 20 list, ranked from 1 to 20 with number 1 as the best player (last update July 16, 2025):
Top 20 List
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany) – The 22-year-old who dominates the Bundesliga
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal) – 40 years old and over 900 career goals
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France) – La Liga’s top scorer with 31 goals
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England) – 22 years old and already world class
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) – Premier League legend in the build-up
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway) – The goal machine with 22 PL goals
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina) – The legend who still enchants
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil) – Unstoppable on his day
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands) – The role model for centre-backs
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland) – 36 years old and just as sharp with 27 goals
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) – 26 Bundesliga goals
- Luka Modrić (AC Milan, Croatia)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli, Belgium)
- Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham, South Korea) – Europa League winner
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England) – 16 assists despite injury
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, Germany) – New signing
- Rodri (Manchester City, Spain) – Ballon d’Or winner
- Alisson (Liverpool, Brazil) – Only goalkeeper on the list
Key observations:
- German Musiala tops the list ahead of established stars
- Ronaldo impresses in 2nd place despite age (40) and Saudi league
- Only one Norwegian on the list (Haaland in 6th place)
- Most Real Madrid players in the top 10 (3
- Liverpool best represented with 4 players in total
)
The list shows that the future of football is in good hands, while some of the biggest names of previous generations are still performing at a high level. Which player is your personal favorite?
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