The current "king of football" can be interpreted in different ways depending on the criteria: recent awards, popularity, or current performance. Recent Official Recognition:

• The Best FIFA Men's Player 2024 award, considered one of the most prestigious individual honors in football, was won by Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid. This makes him the current official holder of the top individual football award as of early 2025

Current Performance and Popularity:

• Despite Vinícius Júnior's recent award, other players are often regarded as the best or "king" of football based on their consistent high-level performance and influence. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) are among the top-ranked players in 2025 by various football analysts and rankings

• Lionel Messi, with his illustrious career including 8 Ballon d’Or trophies and recent international success, is still widely considered by many as the "King of Football" historically and currently, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles

• Cristiano Ronaldo, though no longer the dominant figure he once was, remains one of the most popular and influential footballers globally and is often mentioned in discussions about the greatest players of all time

Emerging New Era:

• The era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo is considered over, with new talents like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and others leading the game now

Summary

• Officially, Vinícius Júnior is the reigning Best FIFA Men's Player as of 2024, making him the current "king" by formal award standards

• However, in terms of global recognition, historical impact, and fan perception, Lionel Messi is still widely regarded as the king of football

• The football world is transitioning to a new generation including stars like Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappé, who are also considered among the best right now

Thus, the "king of football" right now could be said to be Vinícius Júnior officially, while Lionel Messi remains the iconic figure, and new stars are rising to take the mantle.