Best Soccer Players of 2025: Who’s Dominating the Pitch?

Author's profile image Futbor September 7, 2025
Who are the best players in the world are. Old legends are still playing great, but new, young players are also rising to the top.
Best Soccer Players of 2025: Who’s Dominating the Pitch?

The 2024-2025 soccer season has been full of amazing moments. As we get further into 2025, everyone is talking about who the best players in the world are. Old legends are still playing great, but new, young players are also rising to the top.

This article looks at the players who have been the best this season, from top scorers to creative playmakers and strong defenders.

The Rising Football Stars

Young talents have taken the soccer world by storm in 2025. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona winger, has emerged as a prodigy with his dazzling pace and vision. His 18 goals and 21 assists in the 2024-25 season, coupled with a pivotal role in Spain’s success, mark him as a future icon. Similarly, Jude Bellingham, now 21, has solidified his status at Real Madrid with 14 goals and 14 assists, showcasing maturity beyond his years in midfield.

Ousmane Dembélé leads the pack as the top player, according to rankings from Sportsdunia, with an impressive 34 goals and 13 assists for PSG. His leadership in securing multiple trophies underscores his dominance. These young stars are redefining the game

Top Players for the Ballon d'Or

The Ballon d'Or is the biggest award a player can win. This year, the race for the award is very close. Here are the top players people are talking about.

  • Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain): Many people see Dembélé as the best player in the world right now. He had a fantastic season, helping PSG win big titles at home and in Europe. He was the top scorer in France's league and was named the best player in the league.
  • Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Mbappé's move to Real Madrid was a huge success. He continued to score tons of goals, becoming Real Madrid's top scorer in his first season. Even though his team didn't win the league, his individual play was incredible.
  • Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): This young star has become one of the most exciting talents in the world. Even at a young age, Yamal has played so well that he's a top choice for the Kopa Trophy, which is for the best young player.

Top Goal Scorers: The Strikers

Strikers are all about goals, and these players have been scoring them all season long.

  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): The English captain had the best season of his career, winning his first major title as Bayern Munich won the German league. Kane proved he's a top player with a record-breaking first season in Germany.
  • Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Some people might say Haaland had a "bad" season for him, but his numbers were still amazing. He kept scoring goals consistently, showing everyone he is still one of the best and most feared strikers around.

Who’s Dominating?

Based on stats, trophies, and fan sentiment, Ousmane Dembélé edges out as the best player of 2025, followed closely by Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah. Youngsters like Yamal and Bellingham are hot on their heels, signaling a thrilling shift. As the sport evolves, these football athletes are setting new standards, captivating millions worldwide. Whether you’re rooting for a veteran’s experience or a rookie’s potential, 2025’s pitch is dominated by these exceptional talents.

Midfield Leaders: The Heart of the Team

These players control the game, create chances, and connect the defense and attack.

  • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): After a great first season, Bellingham kept showing off his world-class talent. His ability to both score and help set up goals makes him a game-changer for Real Madrid and the English national team.
  • Declan Rice (Arsenal): The complete midfielder has become even better, leading Arsenal's push for the league title. His good number of goals and assists, along with his strong defense, make him one of the most complete players in the sport.
  • Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Voted the Premier League's Young Player of the Season, Palmer had a great first year at Chelsea. His creativity and calm play in big moments have made him a fan favorite and a key player for his team.

Defensive Walls and Top Goalkeepers

A great team is built on a strong defense. These players have been the foundation of their teams' success.

  • Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): The captain is still the top defender in England's Premier League. His leadership, ability to win headers, and perfect tackles make him a powerful force for Liverpool.
  • Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain): The fast PSG player has been amazing on the side of the field. His strong attacking and solid defense make him one of the best full-backs in the world.
  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain): The Italian goalkeeper's great saves were a big reason for PSG's success. His ability to stop shots makes him a top choice for the Yashin Trophy, which is for the best goalkeeper.

Rising Stars and Old Legends

The future of soccer is bright with new young players making their mark, while some older players are still playing at the highest level.

  • Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): The young German midfielder has continued to impress, playing a key role in his team's success after a big transfer.
  • Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Even at 38, the legendary Argentine still shows his incredible skills. His move to Inter Miami has put the team in the spotlight, and he keeps putting up great numbers of goals and assists in the MLS.
  • Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain): The young midfielder's amazing performance in the Champions League final, with two goals and an assist, showed that he is a player to watch for many years.

As the season goes on, some players might rise or fall, but these players have already left their mark on the 2024-2025 season. The race for awards and trophies is not over, but this list of the best soccer players of 2025 shows the amazing talent in the sport today.

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