Being a winger these days is like starring in your own action movie explosions, stunts, plot twists, and you better deliver that epic finale or it’s straight to the bench. Some cut inside, others glue themselves to the line, but the real ballers? They’re the playmakers, the finishers, the guys turning defenders into viral memes.
ESPN just lobbed their Top 20 Wingers list into the internet and, surprise, everyone’s got an opinion. We’re skipping the small talk and jumping right into their top 15.
15. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola went from “that guy on loan” to “Mr. Europa League Final Hat-Trick.” If you blink when Atalanta counter, he’s already done a Fortnite dance in your box.
14. Désiré Doué (Rennes)
he’s a cheat code. He dribbles like his controller’s broken and makes grown men question their career choices. The Ligue 1 scouts are drooling.
13. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Barcola basically hit fast-forward on his own career. One minute, he’s a prospect; next minute, he’s running Champions League defenders into existential crises. Stretch Armstrong legs, ice-cold finishing.
12. Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
Díaz is all chaos energy and Colombian sauce. He’ll press you into mistakes and then break your ankles before you can even say “gegenpress.” Injuries? Just a plot device.
11. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise is a wizard and Bayern just handed him the spellbook. Nutmegs, curlers, set pieces—he’s got cheat codes for days. Crystal Palace fans still can’t talk about it.
10. Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo’s got the clutch gene. Big games? He’s the main character. Brazilian flair with the composure of a Bond villain. He scores when scripts say “surely not.”
9. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Nico’s got rocket boosters strapped to his boots. Used to be all speed, but now he’s got that chess-player brain too. If you’re a right-back, you’re calling in sick.
8. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Messi’s still painting masterpieces, just in pastel pink now. He’s 38, but his left foot is still a magic wand. He’s not running; he’s levitating, seeing passes from a parallel universe.
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Kvaradona is football’s glitch in the matrix. He’ll dance through defenders like he’s in a TikTok highlight reel. Napoli might have cooled off, but he’s still straight fire.
6. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka is Arsenal’s golden child. He’s dropping goals, assists, and dabbing on tired fullbacks like it’s his day job (because, well, it is). Relentless, reliable, and somehow still underrated.
5. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Dembélé’s got two feet and zero rules. He’ll beat you left, right, upside down—whatever. Injuries tried to write him off, but he’s back and now he’s just showing off.
4. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vini’s basically the main character in every big game. Lightning fast, always up for a dance, and his celebrations are as deadly as his dribbles. Defenders see him and pray for rain.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha’s the silent assassin. No headlines, just hard work and laser-guided crosses. He’ll chase you down, pinch the ball, and whip it in before you know it. Tactical menace.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Yamal’s 18 and already breaking ankles for a living. ESPN putting him second? Honestly, not even that wild. He’s playing like a seasoned pro and schooling everyone—literally.
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah is football’s metronome. Bangs in goals, never misses a beat, and shrugs off injuries like they’re mosquito bites. He IS the standard—king of consistency, sultan of the six-yard box. Let the others have their moments. Salah’s got the legacy.
