Top 30 best midfielders in the world - Global ranking revealed

Midfielders are considered the backbone of any football squad. The best midfielders in the world are good at building the play, keeping control of the ball, and breaking defences. Many people wish to find out who the no.1 midfielder globally is. Find out the best midfielders in the world and much more about them.

There are different positions that midfielders can play. They act as links between the defence and attack. They can also play in central, defensive, attacking or the flanks. This list of the best midfielders in the world is based on the players' input and achievements for their clubs and national teams. It also considers their overall contribution to football. Note that the list is subjective and only features players from elite teams.

Overview of the best midfielders in the world

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Best midfielders in the world: top 30 list

Below is a look at the best midfielders in the world in 2024. These players have made significant contributions toward the success of their teams.

30. Fabián Ruiz - Paris Saint-Germain

• Full name: Fabián Ruiz Peña
• Date of birth: 3 April 1996
• Age: 28 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Height: 1.89 m
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Fabián Ruiz is one of the best central midfielders in the world today. He plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Spain national team. Ruiz previously played for Napoli, Elche, and Real Betis. Did you know Fabián Ruiz is left-footed?

29. Alexis Mac Allister - Liverpool

• Full name: Alexis Mac Allister
• Date of birth: 24 December 1998
• Age: 25 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Santa Rosa, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine
• Height: 1.76 m
• Club: Liverpool

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Alexis Mac Allister was born to a sporting family. He started his senior career with Argentinos Juniors in 2016, where he won the Argentine second division in his debut season. Mac Allister played for Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Liverpool.

28. Merino - Real Sociedad

• Full name: Mikel Merino Zazón
• Date of birth: 22 June 1996
• Age: 27 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Pamplona, Spain
• Nationality: Nationality: Spanish
• Height: 1.89 m
• Club: Real Sociedad

Merino's full name is Mikel Merino Zazón. He is among the best attacking midfielders in the world. He signed a contract with his current team in 2018, valid until 2025. He was a member of the Spain under-19 team that triumphed in Greece in the 2015 UEFA European Championship.

27. Rúben Neves - Al-Hilal

• Full name: Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves
• Date of birth: 13 March 1997
• Age: 27 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Mozelos, Portugal
• Nationality: Portuguese
• Height: 1.8 m
• Club: Al-Hilal

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Ruben Neves made his first-team debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017 at 17. In England, he has played more than 200 times and won the EFL Championship in his first season. Ruben Neves joined Ruben Neves joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in 2023.

26. Bruno Moura - Newcastle United

• Full name: Bruno Guimarães Moura
• Date of birth: 16 November 1997
• Age: 26 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Height: 1.82 m
• Club: Newcastle United

Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League. He joined the club in 2022, and his contract runs through 2026. Bruno Moura also plays for the Brazilian National Team.

25. Carlos Soler - Paris Saint-Germain

• Full name: Carlos Soler Barragán
• Date of birth: 2 January 1997
• Age: 27 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Valencia, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Height: 1.81 m
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain

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Soler is one of the best young midfielders in the world. He began his professional career at Valencia, where he appeared in 226 games and scored 36 goals. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, and his contract runs until 2027. Carlos Soler made his senior debut in 2021 and was chosen for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

24. Rodrigo De Paul - Atlético Madrid

• Full name: Rodrigo Javier De Paul
• Date of birth: 24 May 1994
• Age: 29 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Sarandí, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine-Italian
• Height: 1.8 m
• Club: Atlético de Madrid

De Paul played his first professional match in February 2013. A month later, he scored his first goal. He signed with his current club in 2021, and his contract runs until 2026. De Paul also plays for Argentina's National Football Team in international competitions, wearing the number 7.

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23. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid

• Full name: Jude Victor William Bellingham
• Date of birth: 29 June 2003
• Age: 20 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Stourbridge, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British-English
• Height: 1.86 m
• Club: Real Madrid

Bellingham is one of the best young midfielders in the world. He joined Birmingham City as an under-8 player and became the club's youngest first-team player when he made his senior debut in August 2019 at the age of 16. Jude Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund in July 2020 and became the club's youngest-ever goal scorer in his first competitive match. His current club is Real Madrid.

22. Jorginho - Arsenal

• Full name: Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavalier
• Date of birth: 20 December 1991
• Age: 32 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Imbituba, Brazil
• Nationality: Italian, Brazilian
• Height: 1.80m
• Club: Arsenal

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Jorginho is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Italy national team. The talented footballer was voted UEFA Men's Player of the Year. Jorginho joined Arsenal on 31 January 2023 for a fee of £12 million.

21. Mateo Kovačić - Manchester City

• Full name: Mateo Kovačić
• Date of birth: 6 May 1994
• Age: 29 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Linz, Austria
• Nationality: Austrian-Croatian
• Height: 1.77 m
• Club: Manchester City

Mateo is undoubtedly one of the Premier League's best footballers. He is well-known for his quick combinations. Earlier in his career, he adapted to playing wide on the left or as an attacking midfielder. Mateo is currently signed with Manchester City as a central midfielder.

20. Hakan Çalhanoğlu - Inter Milan

• Full name: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
• Date of birth: 8 February 1994
• Age: 30 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Mannheim, Germany
• Nationality: German-Turkish
• Height: 1.78 m
• Club: Inter Milan

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Hakan Çalhanoğlu is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Inter Milan and captains the Turkey national team. Hakan is well-known as a free-kick specialist, capable of scoring from a variety of angles and distances. He was a member of the squads that competed in UEFA Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

19. Youri Tielemans - Aston Villa

• Full name: Youri Marion A. Tielemans
• Date of birth: 7 May 1997
• Age: 26 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Height: 1.76 m
• Club: Aston Villa

Youri is the youngest Belgian to play in the UEFA Champions League, having made his debut at the age of 16. He is proficient with long passes. Youri is signed with Aston Villa and also plays for Belgium National Football Team.

18. Declan Rice - Arsenal

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• Full name: Declan Rice
• Date of birth: 14 January 1999
• Age: 25 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Height: 1.85 m
• Club: Arsenal

Declan Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He started his professional career at West Ham United, having been released by Chelsea's academy. Arsenal is Declan Rice's current team.

17. İlkay Gündoğan - Barcelona

• Full name: İlkay Gündoğan
• Date of birth: 24 October 1990
• Age: 33 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• Nationality: German-Turkish
• Height: 1.80 m
• Club: Barcelona

lkay Gündoan has emerged as one of the best footballers in history, winning numerous awards throughout his career. He is widely recognised as one of the best midfielders for leading and playmaking skills. İlkay Gündoğan also captains the Germany national team.

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16. Paul Pogba - Juventus

• Full name: Paul Labile Pogba
• Date of birth: 15 March 1993
• Age: 31 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Lagny-Sur-Marne, Seine-Et-Marne
• Nationality: French
• Height: 1.90 m
• Club: Juventus

Paul Pogba is among the best players in the world's all-time ranking. He primarily plays as a central midfielder but can also be a left winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, or deep-lying playmaker. Paul Pogba received a pay cut in October 2023 in the wake of a failed substance-use test.

15. Federico Valverde - Real Madrid

• Full name: Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta
• Date of birth: 22 July 1998
• Age: 25 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Montevideo, Uruguay
• Nationality: Spanish-Uruguayan
• Height: 1.82 m
• Club: Real Madrid

Federico Valverde is an all-around player known for his speed, stamina, and work rate. He can also occasionally play defensive midfielder, right winger, and right-back. Federico Valverde was a member of Uruguay's national youth teams and drew the attention of European clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

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14. Pedri - Barcelona

• Full name: Pedro González López
• Date of birth: 25 November 2002
• Age: 21 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Tegueste, Spain
• Nationality: Spaniard
• Height: 1.74m
• Club: Barcelona

Spaniard Pedro González López, alias Pedri, has surprised many with his dazzling talent and skills. He is a regular starter for Barcelona and the Spanish national football team in the central midfield position. He won the 2021 Golden Boy Award for the best under-21 player in Europe.

13. Parejo - Villarreal

• Full name: Daniel Parejo Muñoz
• Date of birth: 16 April 1989
• Age: 35 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Coslada, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Height: 1.82 m
• Club: Villarreal

Parejo came through Real Madrid's youth system, joining at the age of 14. He represented Spain at all youth levels, earning 43 caps and scoring nine goals. Parejo made his full debut in 2018 at the age of 28. He is among the top 20 best midfielders in the world today.

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12. Thiago Alcântara - Liverpool

• Full name: Thiago Alcântara do Nascimento
• Date of birth: 11 April 1991
• Age: 33 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: San Pietro Vernotico, Italy
• Nationality: Spain
• Height: 1.74 m
• Club: Liverpool

Thiago Alcântara is a technical and creative midfielder in the game of football. He is well-known for his precise passes and technical abilities. In 2020, Thiago Alcântara joined Liverpool for an initial fee of £20 million and won the FA Cup and EFL Cup with Liverpool in 2022.

11. Sergej Milinković-Savić - Al Hilal

• Full name: Sergej Milinković-Savić
• Date of birth: 27 February 1995
• Age: 29 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Lleida, Spain
• Nationality: Serbia
• Height: 1.92 m
• Club: Al Hilal

Milinkovi-Savi began his professional career with the Serbian club Vojvodina. He is versatile and one of the best CAMs in the world who can play in various positions. Sergej Milinković-Savić is the older brother of Vanja Milinkovi-Savi, a goalkeeper who also plays football.

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10. Nicolò Barella - Inter Milan

• Full name: Nicolò Barella
• Date of birth: 7 February 1997
• Age: 27 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Cagliari, Italy
• Nationality: Italy
• Height: 1.72 m
• Club: Inter Milan

Barella is among the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2024. He is an Italian professional footballer known for his strong personality, leadership abilities, and winning attitude. In 2012 and 2013, he was named the best young Italian player. Nicolò Barella is often recognised as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

9. Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool

• Full name: Trent John Alexander-Arnold
• Date of birth: 7 October 1998
• Age: 25 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: West Derby, Liverpool, United Kingdom
• Nationality: English
• Height: 1.75 m
• Club: Liverpool

Trent began playing football at a young age, and his talent has helped him gain international recognition. Trent Alexander-Arnold is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world due to his wide range of passing, crossing, and assists.

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8. Marco Verratti - Al-Arabi

• Full name: Marco Verratti
• Date of birth: 5 November 1992
• Age: 31 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Pescara, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Height: 1.65 m
• Club: Al-Arabi

Marco Veratti is a creative and technically gifted player with quick dribbling skills. He joined Al-Arabi in September 2023. Marco Veratti guided Italy to their second European Championship title in July 2021.

7. Leon Goretzka - Bayern Munich

• Full name: Leon Christoph Goretzka
• Date of birth: 6 February 1995
• Age: 29 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Bochum, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Height: 1.89 m
• Club: Bayern München/ Bayern Munich

Goretzka is one of the best central defenders in the Bundesliga. His career began at the age of four with Werner SV 06 Bochum, where he played and trained from 1999 to 2000, and then at VfL Bochum. Leon Goretzka is regarded as one of Germany's most promising players.

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6. Frenkie de Jong - Barcelona

• Full name: Frenkie de Jong
• Date of birth: 12 May 1997
• Age: 26 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Arkel, Netherlands
• Nationality: Dutch
• Height: 1.80m
• Club: Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong, who plays for Barcelona, is a box-box midfielder known for his vision, passing, and dribbling techniques. De Jong has collected several individual awards, including the 2018/19 UEFA Midfielder of the Season. He is regarded as one of Barcelona's best midfielders in the world.

5. Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich

• Full name: Joshua Walter Kimmich
• Date of birth: 8 February 1995
• Age: 29 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Rottweil, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Height: 1.77 m
• Club: Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich is a German professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or right-back at Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders globally. Joshua Kimmich is known for his aggression, versatility, and playmaking ability.

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4. Luka Modrić - Real Madrid

• Full name: Luka Modrić
• Nickname: Cruyff of the Balkans
• Date of birth: 9 September 1985
• Age: 38 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Zadar
• Nationality: Croatian
• Height: 1.72 m
• Club: Real Madrid

Luka was named the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner. The Real Madrid playmaker is also regarded as the most outstanding Croatian footballer in history. Luka Modrić is among the top 5 best midfielders in the world in 2024. He plays in the central, attacking, and defensive midfield positions.

3. Toni Kroos - Real Madrid

• Full name: Toni Kroos
• Date of birth: 4 January 1990
• Age: 34 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Greifswald, Germany
• Nationality: Germany
• Height: 1.83 m
• Club: Real Madrid

Toni ranks third on the list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world. He has mostly played as a central midfielder in his career, but he has also been used as a deep-lying playmaker. He is well-known for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing, and set-piece ability. Toni Kroos was selected to the squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.

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2. Casemiro - Manchester United

• Full name: Carlos Henrique Casimiro
• Date of birth: 23 February 1992
• Age: 32 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Height: 1.85 m
• Club: Manchester United

Casemiro's full name is Carlos Henrique Casimiro. The defensive midfielder plays for Premier League club Manchester United and captains the Brazil national team. He is a physically strong, intelligent, mobile, hard-tackling, and aggressive player.

1. Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City

• Full name: Kevin De Bruyne
• Date of birth: 28 June 1991
• Age: 32 years (as of April 2024)
• Place of birth: Drongen, Ghent, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Height: 1.81m
• Club: Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne tops the list of best midfielders of all time. The Belgium and Manchester City star is considered the best attacking midfielder in world football. Did you know Kevin De Bruyne is the only player besides Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry to have won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award back to back?

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Who are the top 10 midfielders in football?

The best midfielders globally include Kevin De Bruyne, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Joshua Kimmich, Frenkie de Jong, Leon Goretzka, Marco Verratti, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Nicolò Barella.

Who are the best defensive midfielders in the world?

The best defensive midfielders globally include Joshua Kimmich, N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, Wilfred Ndidi, Marcelo Brozović, Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice, and Sergio Busquets.

Who is the best defensive midfielder in the world?

Joshua Kimmich is arguably the best defensive midfielder. Other players giving him a run for the title are N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, Wilfred Ndidi, Marcelo Brozović, Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice, and Sergio Busquets.

How does Matuidi rank among the best midfielders in the world?

Blaise Matuidi is a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He was one of the best before retiring.

Who is the best midfielder in Premier League history?

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Kevin De Bruyne is considered the midfielder in the Premier League. He plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester City.

Who is the No 1 midfielder in football?

Kevin De Bruyne is considered the midfielder in football. He plays for Manchester City.

Who is the best CM in history?

Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes all place high on the list of the best central midfielders in the history of football.

The best midfielders in the world are known for their power, strength, aggressiveness, and intelligence on the field. These players have boosted the overall performance of the clubs they are signed with.

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