Who are the 20 best left-wingers in the world as of 2023?

Who are the 20 best left-wingers in the world as of 2023?

Kevin Omuya, Jackline Wangare
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:56 PM

Left-wingers used to be left-footed, and their main job was to whip balls into immense forwards. But with the evolution of modern-day football, some of the best left-wingers worldwide now play wide on the left, using trickery, pace, and creativity to light up clubs. Check out some of these best left-wingers in the world as of 2023.

the best left wingers in the world
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The best left-wingers in the world in 2023 are typically described as dribbling, quick, skilful, and upright players. The left-wingers' football poses a significant threat. This article provides a list of the best left-winger of all time.

Who are the 20 best left-wingers in the world?

Wingers are among the most entertaining players to watch on a football field. They play in the most exciting parts of the game. Here is a list of the top 20 left-winger football players.

20. Eden Hazard

Who is the best left-winger in the world?
Eden Hazard of Real Madrid CF looks on during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 matches between CP Cacereno and Real Madrid at Estadio Principe Felipe in Caceres, Spain. Photo: Diego Souto
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Eden Michael Walter Hazard
  • Date of birth: 7 January 1991
  • Age: 32 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: La Louvière, Belgium
  • Current team: Real Madrid

Eden Hazard is an incredibly talented left-winger who has greatly impacted football games. He was regarded as one of the best left-wingers in FIFA 22 and is still one of the best to date. With his speed, skill, and creativity, he is a nightmare for opposing defences and a key player for any team he represents.

19. Dušan Tadić

best left-winger in the world in 2023
Dusan Tadic of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and NEC at Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photo: Peter Lous
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Dušan Tadić
  • Date of birth: 20 November 1988
  • Age: 34 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bačka Topola, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia
  • Current team: Ajax

Dušan Tadić is a Serbian left winger who has been a standout performer for club and country. Tadić possesses excellent technical skills, quick feet, and impressive vision, making him a formidable attacking threat.

He is a skilled dribbler with a great eye for a pass, allowing him to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Tadić has also been an accomplished goal scorer throughout his career and is known for his ability to score goals from free-kicks and penalties.

18. Wilfried Zaha

best left-backs in the world
Wilfried Zaha of Palace in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park in London, England. Photo: Richard Heathcote
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha
  • Date of birth: 10 November 1992
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
  • Current team: Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha is a highly talented left winger who has consistently performed for Crystal Palace and the Ivory Coast national team. Zaha's pace, dribbling ability, and skill make him a difficult player to defend against.

He is a tireless worker on the pitch and is known for his ability to create and score goals. Zaha has also been an important figure in the Ivory Coast national team, and his performances have helped them qualify for major tournaments.

17. Nuno Santos

left-wingers in FIFA 22
Nuno Santos of Sporting CP in action during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Midtjylland and Sporting CP at MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark. Photo: Lars Ronbog
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Nuno Miguel Gomes dos Santos
  • Date of birth: 13 February 1995
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Trofa, Portugal
  • Current team: Sporting CP

Nuno Santos is a Portuguese left winger who has been a standout performer for Sporting CP. Santos is a technically gifted player with excellent control and dribbling skills. He is also an accomplished goal scorer and understands the game well.

16. Hwang Hee-chan

left-winger football
Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool FC at Molineux in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Photo: Charlotte Wilson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hwang Hee-chan
  • Date of birth: 26 January 1996
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea
  • Current team: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Hwang Hee-chan is a South Korean left-winger who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He can play on either wing. He has received several awards, including AFC U-16 Championship top goalscorer in 201 and Korean FA Goal of the Year in 2022.

15. Harvey Barnes

best left-wingers in fifa 23
Harvey Barnes of Leicester in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Harvey Lewis Barnes
  • Date of birth: 9 December 1997
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Burnley, England
  • Current team: Leicester City

Harvey Barnes is a young English left winger who plays for Leicester City. Barnes is known for his pace, skill, and excellent finishing ability. He has been a key figure for Leicester City over the last few seasons, and his performances have helped the club succeed.

14. Luis Sinisterra

best left-winger of all time
Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United in action during the FA Cup 3rd round replay between Leeds United and Cardiff City at Elland Road in Leeds, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Luis Fernando Sinisterra Lucumí
  • Date of birth: 17 June 1999
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Santander de Quilichao, Colombia
  • Current team: Leeds United

Luis Sinisterra is a Colombian left winger who currently plays for Leeds United. Sinisterra possesses excellent dribbling skills, pace, and finishing ability, which make him a dangerous attacking threat. He joined Leeds United in 2022 on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of £21 million.

13. Ferran Torres

Who was the best LW during the World Cup 2022?
Ferran Torres of Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Son Moix in Mallorca, Spain. Photo: Cristian Trujillo
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ferran Torres García
  • Date of birth: 29 February 2000
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Foios, Spain
  • Current team: Barcelona

Ferran Torres is a Spanish left winger who plays for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team. He has previously played for Manchester City and Valencia. Torres is renowned for his close control while moving quickly, ingenuity, and pace, all of which help him take on opponents.

12. Oyarzabal

Who is the best left-winger in the world?
Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Granada CF at Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain. Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mikel Oyarzabal Ugarte
  • Date of birth: 21 April 1997
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Eibar, Spain
  • Current team: Real Sociedad

Oyarzabal is a Spanish left winger who plays for Real Sociedad in La Liga. He has won numerous awards, including the silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics and the La Liga Player of the Month award in 2020. He also won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2019.

11. Rafael Leão

Who was the best LW during the World Cup 2022?
Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão
  • Date of birth: 10 June 1999
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Almada, Portugal
  • Current team: AC Milan

Rafael Leo is a young Portuguese left winger who plays in Serie A for AC Milan. He is a skilled and technically gifted player widely regarded as one of the world's best. Because of his vision, he can also create chances and assist teammates from the left.

10. Leroy Sane

best left-winger in the world in 2023
Leroy Sane of FC Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Bayern München at Borussia Park in Moenchengladbach, Germany. Photo: Lars Baron
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Leroy Aziz Sané
  • Date of birth: 11 January 1996
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Essen, Germany
  • Current team: Bayern Munich

Fans questioned Sane's performance after Bayern Munich signed him. He was sidelined due to injuries but returned with confidence and had his greatest performance by scoring goals and making assists.

9. Marcus Rashford

Who is the best left-winger in the world?
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Marcus Rashford
  • Date of birth: 31 October 1997
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Current team: Manchester United

Rashford's explosive bursts, eye for goal, and growing creativity have been a constant bright spot for United in both excellent and terrible times. The 25-year-old has matured into one of Europe's top strikers in the last three years.

8. Ansu Fati

best left-winger in the world in 2023
Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona in action during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Silvestre Szpylma
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Anssumane "Ansu" Fati Vieira
  • Date of birth: 31 October 2002
  • Age: 20 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
  • Current team: Barcelona

At 20, Fatu has already made over 50 appearances for Barcelona's first team, scoring 25 goals. He has been given the no.10 shirt, which Lionel Messi only recently donned, and is tasked with leading the Catalan giants into a bright new era. He can finish well and maintain his composure while on the ball, demonstrating he has what it takes.

7. Jack Grealish

best left-winger in the world in 2023
Jack Grealish of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Photo: Lexy Ilsley
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jack Peter Grealish
  • Date of birth: 10 September 1995
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Current team: Manchester City

The former Aston Villa captain Grealish shone in EURO 2021 and England World Cup qualification games. He has been a consistent performer for Manchester City and is one of the team's goal scorers.

6. Lorenzo Insigne

best left-backs in the world
Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC runs with the ball during the 2022 Canadian Championship Final soccer action in Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo: Rich Lam
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lorenzo Insigne Cavaliere
  • Date of birth: 4 June 1991
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Naples, Italy
  • Current team: Toronto

With his quickness and close control, Lorenzo Insigne was one of Italy's key Euro 2020 winning squad performers. He scored twice on his way to Wembley, including the game-winning goal against Belgium in the quarter-finals. The Napoli captain has continued his excellent form this season, scoring five goals and assisting four others in 13 games.

5. Raheem Sterling

left-wingers in FIFA 22
Raheem Sterling of Chelsea FC chases the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo: Chloe Knott
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Raheem Shaquille Sterling
  • Date of birth: 8 December 1994
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Kingston, Jamaica
  • Current team: Chelsea

Raheem Sterling is lethal in the last third, has flawless movement and has world-class speed and awareness. Sterling has been praised for his versatility and ability to play wide, at the tip of a midfield diamond, and centrally.

4. Son Heung-min

left-winger football
Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux in Wolverhampton, England. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur FC
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Son Heung-min
  • Date of birth: 8 July 1992
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Chuncheon-si, South Korea
  • Current team: Tottenham Hotspur

Son Heung is regarded as one of the best left-wingers in FIFA 23 and one of the greatest Asian footballers ever. He is known for his quickness, finishing ability, two-footedness, and ability to link play.

3. Vinicius Junior

best left-backs in the world
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid gestures during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Betis and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain. Photo: Fermin Rodriguez
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
  • Date of birth: 12 July 2000
  • Age: 22 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: São Gonçalo, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Current team: Real Madrid

Real Madrid recruiting Vinicius Jnr has transitioned the team's expectations to produce better results. Vini has been one of the team's targets besides Benzema's left flank. This is because he uses his samba skills aggressively in his position, which makes him one of the best wingers in the world. He also demonstrates his consistency in the game, becoming a growing talent to watch constantly.

2. Neymar

best left-wingers in FIFA 23
Neymar Jr of Paris SG during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC at Parc des Princes on February 19, 2023, in Paris, France. Photo: Sylvain Lefevre
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Mogi das Cruzes, State of São Paulo, Brazil
  • Current team: Paris Saint-Germain

Neymar has mastered the pitch, as he can easily humiliate his opponents by passing through them and scoring unexpected goals. He is widely considered one of the best left-backs in the world and has won numerous individual awards, including the Copa América Team of the Tournament.

1. Sadio Mane

best left-winger of all time
Sadio Mane of FC Bayern München in action during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern München at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. Photo: Fantasista
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sadio Mané
  • Date of birth: 10 April 1992
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bambali, Senegal
  • Current team: Bayern Munich

Sadio Mane led Senegal to glory in the 2022 AFCON tournament. He still stays a threat in central and international games. Sadio Mane is a performer in Liverpool's squad and has led the team to lift the champions league and premier league. He is regarded as the best left-winger in the world in 2023.

Who is the best left-winger in the world?

Here is a summary list of the best left-wingers in the world.

  1. Sadio Mane
  2. Neymar
  3. Vinicius Junior
  4. Son Heung-min
  5. Raheem Sterling
  6. Lorenzo Insigne
  7. Jack Grealish
  8. Ansu Fati
  9. Marcus Rashford
  10. Leroy Sane
  11. Rafael Leão
  12. Mikel Oyarzabal
  13. Ferran Torres
  14. Luis Sinisterra
  15. Harvey Barnes
  16. Hwang Hee-chan
  17. Nuno Santos
  18. Wilfried Zaha
  19. Dušan Tadić
  20. Eden Hazard

Who is a left winger in football?

A left winger is a player who primarily operates on the left side of the field, typically in the midfield or forward positions. The primary role of a left winger is to create goal-scoring opportunities for their team by dribbling, crossing the ball, or making passes to their teammates. Left-wingers are known for their speed, agility, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

Who was the best LW during the World Cup 2022?

Some of the best LW during the World Cup 2022 include Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Son Heung-min, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish.

The left-wing position in football has produced some of the most skilful and influential players in the game's history. It remains a vital component of modern football. These players have been recognized for their abilities with numerous awards and titles.

READ ALSO: Who is the richest football team owner in the world as of 2023?

Sportsbrief.com recently published an article highlighting the world's wealthiest football team owners. Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and a multi-billion-dollar industry that draws some of the world's wealthiest investors.

Football team owners come from various backgrounds, including billionaires, royalty, and celebrities. The value of football teams has skyrocketed due to the sport's global popularity, making team ownership a lucrative venture for those with the resources to invest.

Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
Jackline Wangare photo
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).