Vinicius, Saka Among the Best Wingers in World Football Right Now

Vinicius, Saka Among the Best Wingers in World Football Right Now

Isaac Darko
March 20, 2024 at 6:37 PM
In this article:
Phil Foden logo
P.Foden
Manchester City logoMEngland logo
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Heung-Min Son logo
H.Son
Tottenham Hotspur logoFSouth Korea logo
Mohamed Salah logo
M. Salah
Liverpool logoFEgypt logo
Bukayo Saka logo
B.Saka
Arsenal logoFEngland logo
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia logo
K. Kvaratskhelia
Napoli logoMGeorgia logo
  • Lionel Messi continues to excel as one of the best wingers globally
  • Stars like Vinicius and Phil Foden are also on top form this season
  • Sports Brief has ranked the top seven widemen in world football right now

In modern football, players exhibit a diverse range of skills and physical attributes, which adds to the allure of the beautiful game.

Gone are the days of relying solely on skilful wingers to deliver crosses for the focal point to score. Today, wingers see themselves as goalscorers, pressers, inside forwards, and more.

Vinicius Junior, Mo Salah and Phil Foden are among the best wingers currently.
Vinicius Junior, Mo Salah and Phil Foden are among the best wingers currently. Photos by Ion Alcoba Beitia/ Alex Livesey
Source: Getty Images

So, who currently reigns as the top winger in world football?

Sports Brief has ranked the top seven widemen in world football right now.

Best wingers in world football

Mohamed Salah

An ever-present feature in some of Liverpool’s most illustrious sides, Mohamed Salah comfortably earns himself a podium spot among some of the world’s brightest widemen. By virtue of his £34.3 million price tag, Jurgen Klopp’s acquisition of the free-scoring Egyptian can be considered one of the coups of the century.

Salah reigns supreme as the ultimate winger, his goal-scoring prowess unmatched. With two Golden Boots to his name, he's hailed as the Premier League's greatest. Alongside club triumphs, he's claimed numerous individual honours, solidifying his status as Liverpool's leading Premier League scorer.

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid fans initially questioned the £38 million investment in 16-year-old Vinicius Jr, but his dazzling performances have silenced doubters. A standout for Los Blancos and Brazil's prized asset, the winger's speed and skill make him a true sensation.

Vinicius is poised for a future Ballon d'Or, his lightning speed a terror for opponents, making him virtually unstoppable. With 22 goals in 2021/22, including a decisive strike in the Champions League final against Liverpool, the former Flamengo star showcases his knack for scoring when it matters most.

Phil Foden

In a spotlight dominated by Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden often slips under the radar. However, his recent outstanding performances have catapulted him into superstardom alongside the mentioned duo. His two goals in the Manchester derby epitomize his undeniable talent.

While not a conventional winger, Foden excels at turning in tight spaces and poses a constant threat in attack. Having achieved a career-high of 11 goals and seven assists this season, the five-time Premier League champion appears to be hitting his peak.

Bukayo Saka

Under Mikel Arteta's guidance, Arsenal's rising star has flourished, showcasing both graceful dribbling skills and a knack for goal-scoring from wide positions.

Bukayo Saka consistently maintains his high standards, proving indispensable to Arsenal's quest for their first Premier League title since 2003/04.

His evolution from a boy to a key player has captivated Emirates Stadium faithful, and at just 22 years old, he is poised for further growth in the future.

Lionel Messi

Still on our roster is Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer ever. His eight Ballon d’Or trophies and leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 attest to his legendary status.

Now in the twilight of his career at Inter Miami, Messi's prestige remains high, drawing fans who are eager to witness his brilliance on the field, despite not reaching the same heights as he did at Barcelona. Yet, his title as the world's top winger remains untarnished.

Son Heung-min

Since Harry Kane's departure, Son Heung-min has often shifted to a central role for Tottenham Hotspur, though he's most renowned for his work on the left flank. A deadly finisher, the seasoned South Korean has already tallied 13 goals and six assists in the 2023/24 season, aiming to reach the 20-goal mark by season's end.

With consistent stellar performances, barring a dip in 22/23, over nearly five years, Son stands out as one of the most thrilling forwards in world football and one of the Premier League's top players this season based on statistics.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Napoli has successfully retained Khvicha Kvaratskhelia despite interest from top European clubs. Although his goal contributions dipped after a stellar 2022/23 season, Kvaratskhelia's value goes beyond mere statistics.

His exceptional dribbling and ability to navigate pressure make him a formidable presence on the field. As long as he remains with Napoli, he will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success both domestically and in Europe.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)