The best soccer players in the world as of 2025 include a mix of legendary figures and current top performers recognized for their outstanding skills, consistency, and achievements.

Current Top Players (2025)

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) : Ranked as the best player in the world in 2025 due to his consistent goal-scoring ability and leadership

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) : Known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess, Mbappé is considered one of the most complete forwards currently

• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) : The 2024 Best FIFA Men's Player award winner, noted for his ability to beat defenders and deliver in crucial moments

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) : A teenage sensation praised for his dribbling, creativity, and composure

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City) : A prolific goal scorer and record breaker, regarded as the most feared striker in the game

• Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) : Even at 36, remains one of the best goal scorers globally, with excellent positioning and finishing

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) : A prolific scorer and playmaker who has adapted well to Bayern Munich

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) : A rising superstar known for controlling games and scoring crucial goals

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) : Despite his age, Messi remains among the elite, having won the Best FIFA Men's Player award multiple times and the 2022 World Cup

Historical and All-Time Greats

• Lionel Messi : Holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards (8) and Best FIFA Men's Player awards (7). He is widely regarded as the most complete player ever, with numerous records and major trophies including the 2022 World Cup

• Cristiano Ronaldo : A two-time Best FIFA Men's Player winner and one of the most prolific goal scorers in history, known for his athleticism and goal-scoring

• Pelé : Considered the greatest of all time by many, Pelé won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,200 career goals

Summary of Recent Best FIFA Men's Player Award Winners

Year| Winner| Club
---|---|---
2024| Vinícius Júnior| Real Madrid
2023| Lionel Messi| Inter Miami
2022| Lionel Messi| Paris Saint-Germain
2021| Robert Lewandowski| Bayern Munich
2020| Robert Lewandowski| Bayern Munich

Conclusion

The best soccer players in the world today include Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lionel Messi, among others, with Messi still holding a legendary status due to his unparalleled career achievements. Emerging stars like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham also highlight the future of the sport