The role of a midfielder is arguably the most versatile and demanding on the football pitch. They dictate the tempo and orchestrating attacks, protecting the backline, or producing game-changing moments, these players serve as the engine rooms for their teams.
The rankings are based on club and international achievements, individual performances, and overall career impact. While no list is ever perfect, we’ve done our best to provide a comprehensive and accurate reflection of the current landscape. Here is our ranking of the best midfielders in the world in 2024, showcasing the players who have consistently excelled at the highest levels of football.
20. Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Barella has emerged as one of the world’s most accomplished midfielders and has been instrumental in Inter Milan’s recent successes. He played a pivotal role in helping his side reach the 2023 Champions League final and win the 2023-24 Serie A title. Barella was also crucial to Italy’s success at Euro 2020, starting alongside Jorginho and Verratti in the midfield. While he hasn’t made the switch to the Premier League, Barella’s performances in Serie A and European competitions continually prove he belongs among the elite.
19. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
A few years ago, it would have seemed unlikely that Granit Xhaka would emerge as one of the world’s top midfielders. Yet, since joining Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka has flourished under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, leading the team to both a Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal victory. He nearly guided Switzerland to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, only to be thwarted by Bukayo Saka’s last-minute goal and a penalty shootout. Xhaka’s nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or reflects the remarkable turnaround in his career.
18. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Despite being heavily pursued by Manchester United in 2022, Frenkie de Jong chose to stay at Barcelona, where he continues to display his top-tier dribbling and composure under pressure. His ability to evade defenders, even deep in his own half, makes him invaluable to Barcelona. If the club is to return to its former glory in European competitions, De Jong will be central to their ambitions.
17. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
Few players have defined an era of midfield excellence like Luka Modrić. Since moving to Real Madrid, Modrić has been at the heart of the club’s success, helping them win six Champions League titles. His leadership on the international stage is equally impressive, guiding Croatia to a World Cup final in 2018 and another semi-final in 2022. As he nears his 39th birthday, Modrić remains a player whose impact is still felt, even as his career winds down.
16. Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gündogan has been a key figure in Manchester City’s recent success, evolving from a creative midfielder into one of Europe’s top goal-scoring midfielders under Pep Guardiola. After a season at Barcelona in 2023/24, Gündogan returned to City, continuing to play at an elite level. Despite being 33, his durability and class remain unmatched, and he will no doubt remain influential in the seasons to come.
15. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo became one of the stars of Euro 2024, stepping up when Spain needed him most after Pedri was sidelined with an injury. Olmo’s performances in the Bundesliga already cemented his reputation as a top playmaker, with his dribbling and vision causing constant problems for opponents. His standout showing at the Euros, where he shared the Golden Boot, led to a high-profile move to Barcelona, where he continues to shine.
14. Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
Fabián Ruiz stood out at Euro 2024, delivering performances that had pundits, including Jamie Carragher, calling him the best player of the tournament. His technical skills and passing ability fit perfectly into Spain’s system, and he has become increasingly important for Paris Saint-Germain as well. While he hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter at PSG, his form for Spain has elevated his reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders.
13. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
Tchouaméni edges out his teammate Camavinga, thanks to his consistent performances as a holding midfielder for both Real Madrid and France. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks has made him indispensable for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. While his work often goes unnoticed, those who watch closely know how vital Tchouaméni is to the team’s success.
12. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Having helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Alexis Mac Allister had an outstanding 2022/23 season, which saw Liverpool sign him from Brighton. He won the League Cup in his debut season at Anfield and added a Copa America title in 2024. While he may not yet be on par with some of the Premier League’s top midfielders, Mac Allister has certainly earned his place among the elite with his consistent performances.
11. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes’ attacking output is unrivalled, with the Portuguese midfielder consistently delivering goals and assists for Manchester United. His eye for a pass and willingness to take risks make him one of the most effective midfielders in the game today. Fernandes has also taken on a leadership role at United, further cementing his place among the elite.
10. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Ødegaard has become Arsenal’s midfield maestro, captaining the side and playing a crucial role in their resurgence under Mikel Arteta. Though he has missed out on the Premier League title twice, Ødegaard’s influence is undeniable, and if Arsenal do lift the trophy in the future, he will be at the heart of their success.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal in 2023 has only enhanced his reputation as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. After leading West Ham to a European title, Rice has continued to impress in North London, showing he can compete at the highest level. His future looks bright, with more trophies likely on the horizon.
8. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Valverde’s versatility and energy make him one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most trusted players. Whether playing as a winger or in central midfield, Valverde’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has been key to Real Madrid’s recent success. His performances for Uruguay in Copa America 2024 further solidified his status as one of the world’s top midfielders.
7. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City rarely make mistakes in their transfer dealings, but letting Cole Palmer go to Chelsea might be one of the few exceptions. The 22-year-old winger had a phenomenal first season at Stamford Bridge, being named Premier League Young Player of the Season. Palmer set numerous records, ending the 2023/24 campaign with 22 goals and 11 assists, making him the player with the highest goal contributions in the league that season. He also broke legendary Chelsea figures’ records, including Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink’s for the most goal contributions in a debut season and Frank Lampard’s goal tally for a single season across all competitions.
6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz burst onto the scene as one of the most exciting talents in European football, especially after football resumed following the COVID-19 break. While Kai Havertz initially captured the attention, it wasn’t long before Wirtz established himself as Leverkusen’s key playmaker. By the time he suffered an ACL injury in 2022, the young German had already made his mark as one of the brightest teenage stars in world football. Despite his injury setback, Wirtz bounced back stronger, becoming Bayer Leverkusen’s go-to attacking force and continuing to showcase his elite talent.
5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has seen him develop into one of the best midfielders in the world. After winning La Liga and the Champions League in his first season in Spain, Bellingham has firmly established himself as a future superstar. His maturity and ability to influence games make him a player to watch for years to come.
4. Pedri (Barcelona)
Barcelona may have finally found their long-term replacement for Andrés Iniesta in Pedri. Since joining from Las Palmas in 2019, Pedri has showcased exceptional vision and ball control, becoming one of Spain’s most exciting talents. His absence through injury during Euro 2024 was a huge blow, but his contributions to Spain’s eventual success were undeniable. He is widely seen as the future of both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala is already among the best young players in the world and is set to be the focal point of both Bayern Munich and Germany for years to come. Despite his youth, Musiala’s attacking output rivals that of players in their prime, and his future as an attacking midfielder is assured.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
When fit, Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best playmaker in world football. His vision and creativity have been central to Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League. Although injuries are starting to take their toll, De Bruyne remains a key figure for both club and country, with no signs of his influence waning just yet.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
On current form, Rodri is the best midfielder in the world. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s dominance, and his match-winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final was the crowning achievement of his career so far. His influence on Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Sadly, a knee injury will keep him out for the rest of the 2024/25 season, a huge loss for both club and country.
