Midfielders are generally considered the backbone of any squad. The best midfielders in the world are good at building the play, keeping control of the ball, and breaking defences. So, who is the no.1 midfielder globally? Find out some of the best midfielders in football 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. So, who are the best midfielders in the world today? Discover who they are today.

Top 30 best midfielders in the world in 2023

Our list of best midfielders in the world's soccer is based on the players' input and achievements for their clubs and national teams and their overall contribution to football.

30. Fabián Ruiz - Paris Saint-Germain

Full name: Fabián Ruiz Peña
Date of birth: 3 April 1996
Age: 27 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.89 m
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Overall rating: 81

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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.

29. Alexis Mac Allister - Liverpool

Full name: Alexis Mac Allister
Date of birth: 24 December 1998
Age: 24 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Santa Rosa, Argentina
Nationality: Argentine
Height: 1.76 m
Club: Liverpool
Overall rating: 82

Alexis Mac Allister was born to a footballing 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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Pamplona, Spain
Nationality: Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.89 m
Club: Real Sociedad
Overall rating: 83

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Football

Merino's full name is Mikel Merino Zazón. 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

the best cam in the world — Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers applauds fans following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium. Photo: Joe Prior
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves
Date of birth: 13 March 1997
Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Mozelos, Portugal
Nationality: Portuguese
Height: 1.8 m
Club: Al-Hilal
Overall rating: 83

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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.82 m
Club: Newcastle United
Overall rating: 83

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Football

Bruno Guimares Moura 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: 26 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Valencia, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.81 m
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Overall rating: 83

Soler 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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Sarandí, Argentina
Nationality: Argentine-Italian
Height: 1.8 m
Club: Atlético de Madrid
Overall rating: 84

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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.

23. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid

best central midfielders — Jude Bellingham of Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany. Photo: Lars Baron
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jude Victor William Bellingham
Date of birth: 29 June 2003
Age: 20 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Stourbridge, United Kingdom
Nationality: British-English
Height: 1.86 m
Club: Real Madrid
Overall rating: 84

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.

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22. Jorginho - Arsenal

Full name: Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavalier
Date of birth: 20 December 1991
Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Imbituba, Brazil
Nationality: Italian, Brazilian
Height: 1.80m
Club: Arsenal
Overall rating: 84

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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Linz, Austria
Nationality: Austrian-Croatian
Height: 1.77 m
Club: Manchester City
Overall rating: 84

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.

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20. Hakan Çalhanoğlu - Inter Milan

best midfielders of all time — Hakan Calhanoglu of Fc Internazionale looks on during the Coppa Italia quarter-final match between Fc Internazionale and Atalanta Bc. Photo: Marco Canoniero
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Date of birth: 8 February 1994
Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Mannheim, Germany
Nationality: German-Turkish
Height: 1.78 m
Club: Inter Milan
Overall rating: 84

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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Height: 1.76 m
Club: Aston Villa
Overall rating: 84

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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

Full name: Declan Rice
Date of birth: 14 January 1999
Age: 24 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Nationality: British
Height: 1.85 m
Club: Arsenal
Overall rating: 85

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 old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Nationality: German-Turkish
Height: 1.80 m
Club: Barcelona
Overall rating: 85

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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.

16. Paul Pogba - Juventus

Full name: Paul Labile Pogba
Date of birth: 15 March 1993
Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Lagny-Sur-Marne, Seine-Et-Marne
Nationality: French
Height: 1.90 m
Club: Juventus
Overall rating: 85

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

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Full name: Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta
Date of birth: 22 July 1998
Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Montevideo, Uruguay
Nationality: Spanish-Uruguayan
Height: 1.82 m
Club: Real Madrid
Overall rating: 85

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.

14. Pedri

midfielder in football — Pedri Gonzalez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Real Betis Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Sevilla, Spain. Photo: Eric Verhoeven
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Pedro González López
Nickname: Pedri
Date of birth: 25 November 2002
Age: 20 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Tegueste, Spain
Nationality: Spaniard
Height: 1.74m
Club: Barcelona
Overall rating: 85

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. In addition, Pedri won the 2021 Golden Boy Award for the best under-21 player in Europe.

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Football

13. Parejo - Villarreal

Full name: Daniel Parejo Muñoz
Date of birth: 16 April 1989
Age: 34 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Coslada, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.82 m
Club: Villarreal
Overall rating: 86

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.

12. Thiago Alcântara - Liverpool

Full name: Thiago Alcântara do Nascimento
Date of birth: 11 April 1991
Age: 32 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: San Pietro Vernotico, Italy
Nationality: Spain
Height: 1.74 m
Club: Liverpool
Overall rating: 86

Thiago Alcantara 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 joined Liverpool for an initial fee of £20 million and won the FA Cup and EFL Cup with Liverpool in 2022.

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11. Sergej Milinković-Savić - Al Hilal

Full name: Sergej Milinković-Savić
Date of birth: 27 February 1995
Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Lleida, Spain
Nationality: Serbia
Height: 1.92 m
Club: Al Hilal
Overall rating: 86

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.

10. Nicolò Barella - Inter Milan

Full name: Nicolò Barella
Date of birth: 7 February 1997
Age: 26 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Cagliari, Italy
Nationality: Italy
Height: 1.72 m
Club: Inter Milan
Overall rating: 86

Barella 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.

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9. Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool

Full name: Trent John Alexander-Arnold
Date of birth: 7 October 1998
Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: West Derby, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Nationality: English
Height: 1.75 m
Club: Liverpool
Overall rating: 86

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

8. Marco Verratti - Al-Arabi

Full name: Marco Verratti
Date of birth: 5 November 1992
Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Pescara, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Height: 1.65 m
Club: Al-Arabi
Overall rating: 87

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

Top 30 best defensive midfielders in the world as of 2023 ranked

Football

7. Leon Goretzka - Bayern Munich

Full name: Leon Christoph Goretzka
Date of birth: 6 February 1995
Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Bochum, Germany
Nationality: German
Height: 1.89 m
Club: Bayern München/ Bayern Munich
Overall rating: 87

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 is regarded as one of Germany's most promising players.

6. Frenkie de Jong - Barcelona

Full name: Frenkie de Jong
Date of birth: 12 May 1997
Age: 26 years (as of February 2022)
Place of birth: Arkel, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.80m
Club: Barcelona
Overall rating: 87

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.

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5. Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich

Full name: Joshua Walter Kimmich
Date of birth: 8 February 1995
Age: 28 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Rottweil, Germany
Nationality: German
Height: 1.77 m
Club: Bayern Munich
Overall rating: 88

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.

4. Luka Modrić - Real Madrid

Full name: Luka Modric
Nickname: Cruyff of the Balkans
Date of birth: 9 September 1985
Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Zadar
Nationality: Croatian
Height: 1.72 m
Club: Real Madrid
Overall rating: 88

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is undoubtedly one of the most talented players of his generation. Modric can play in the central, attacking, and defensive midfield positions. The Real Madrid playmaker is also regarded as the most outstanding Croatian footballer in history.

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3. Toni Kroos - Real Madrid

Full name: Toni Kroos
Date of birth: 4 January 1990
Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Greifswald, Germany
Nationality: Germany
Height: 1.83 m
Club: Real Madrid
Overall rating: 88

Toni 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.

2. Casemiro - Manchester United

Full name: Carlos Henrique Casimiro
Date of birth: 23 February 1992
Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.85 m
Club: Manchester United
Overall rating: 89

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.

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1. Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City

Full name: Kevin De Bruyne
Date of birth: 28 June 1991
Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
Place of birth: Drongen, Ghent, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Height: 1.81m
Club: Manchester City
Overall rating: 91

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?

Summary of the best midfielders in the world

Here is a summary table of the best midfielders in the world, their teams, and overall rating as of 2023.

Ranking	Name	Current club	Overall rating
1	Kevin De Bruyne	Manchester City	91
2	Casemiro	Manchester United	89
3	Toni Kroos	Real Madrid	88
4	Luka Modrić	Real Madrid	88
5	Joshua Kimmich	Bayern Munich	88
6	Frenkie de Jong	Barcelona	87
7	Leon Goretzka	Bayern Munich	87
8	Marco Verratti	Al-Arabi	87
9	Trent Alexander-Arnold	Liverpool	86
10	Nicolò Barella	Inter Milan	86
11	Sergej Milinković-Savić	Al Hilal	86
12	Thiago Alcântara	Liverpool	86
13	Parejo	Villarreal	86
14	Pedri	Barcelona	85
15	Federico Valverde	Real Madrid	85
16	Paul Pogba	Juventus	85
17	lkay Gündoan	Barcelona	85
18	Declan Rice	Arsenal	85
19	Youri Tielemans	Aston Villa	84
20	Hakan Çalhanoğlu	Inter Milan	84
21	Mateo Kovačić	Manchester City	84
22	Jorginho	Arsenal	84
23	Jude Bellingham	Real Madrid	84
24	Rodrigo De Paul	Atlético Madrid	84
25	Carlos Soler	Paris Saint-Germain	83
26	Bruno Moura	Newcastle United	83
27	Rúben Neves	Al-Hilal	83
28	Merino	Real Sociedad	83
29	Alexis Mac Allister	Liverpool	82
30	Fabián Ruiz	Paris Saint-Germain	81

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Who are the best midfielders in the world?

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's the best midfielder in the Premier League?

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

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.

Sportsbrief.com recently published a list of the best football teams in the world right now. Since the 20th century began, many European and South American football teams have emerged from obscurity to dominance.

The world has seen players with a great array of skills and a high degree of fitness join and leave the sport. The best teams have maintained top positions in the highly competitive national, intercontinental, and global leagues for years.

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