Football is now brimming with fresh talents and seasoned legends, who are constantly redefining greatness. As we step into 2025, the game has witnessed seismic shifts, young prodigies are challenging established icons, and tactical innovations are reshaping how players dominate the pitch. In this Football Analysis, we spotlight the top five players who are currently setting the standard: Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe.
Who would have thought that, while discussing the best football players in the world in 2025, we’ll not mention or include the two best players in the history of the sport, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? Well, as things progress and the ever-evolving football scenario, we ought to move ahead even if it pains to do so.
Let’s break down what makes these athletes the best football players in the world in 2025 and why they’re indispensable to their teams.
1. Ousmane Dembele
Once labeled “injury-prone” and “unpredictable,” Ousmane Dembele has silenced critics with a career-defining 2025. Now at his peak with PSG, the French winger combines electrifying dribbling with end-product efficiency. The 27-year-old French winger’s partnership with Bradley Barcola has turned PSG’s attack into a nightmare for defenders.
But what truly sets Dembele apart is his ability to dribble past defenders with his insane skills and speed. With 21 goals and 6 assists in Ligue 1 this season, he’s the creative engine behind his club’s resurgence and they are just one step away from fulfilling their dream of winning the UEFA Champions League.
2. Raphinha
Many questioned when Barcelona decided to sign Raphinha from Leeds United. But look at him, he has become the Blaugrana’s attacking heartbeat, thanks to his grit and hardwork. This season, he has surprised everyone with his skill to score bangers and abilities to pick players with pin point passes or crosses.
His work ethic is equally remarkable. Raphinha has not only contributed with his scoring and playmaking skills (32 goals and 22 assists) but he has also made sure to track back and help in defense.
3. Lamine Yamal
At just 17, Lamine Yamal isn’t just a promise, he’s a phenomenon. The youngest player on this list has already become Barcelona’s talisman, breaking records for goals and assists by a teenager in La Liga. His playing style? A blend of Lionel Messi’s close control and Andrés Iniesta’s composure.
Yamal’s 2024/25 stats, 15 goals and 20 assists, speak volumes, but it’s his maturity that astounds. For those debating the best football players in the world in 2025, Yamal’s audacity and skill make him impossible to ignore.
4. Mohamed Salah
At 32, Mohamed Salah continues to prove that age is just a number. The Egyptian icon has adapted his game to stay ahead of the time, trading sheer pace for sharp movement and playmaking abilities. In Liverpool’s revamped 2025 squad, Salah operates as a hybrid winger-striker, drifting centrally to link play and exploit half-spaces.
His 2024/25 Premier League campaign, 25 goals and 15 assists, proves he’s far from declining. Salah’s durability and consistency are unmatched; he’s played over 80% of Liverpool’s matches in the last three seasons. For aspiring wingers, he’s the blueprint for longevity in Football.
5. Kylian Mbappe
When discussing modern Football right now, it’s hard to keep Kylian Mbappe’s name out of it. The French striker has only solidified his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars in recent years. After his blockbuster move to Real Madrid in 2024, the 26-year-old has elevated his game to extraordinary heights. His speed, clinical finishing, and knack for delivering in clutch games make him the big-game player.
In 2025, Mbappe isn’t just scoring goals, he’s redefining his legacy as one of the best players in the world 2025. As Real Madrid’s mainstay, he has been leading the attacking line while maintaining a staggering 40+ goal contribution this season. Whether making speed runs from back to clinical finishes, Mbappe has remained the benchmark for attacking excellence.
