The new UEFA Champions League format has been the best recent change in football. In every way possible, this format has allowed top clubs and top players to face off in the early stages of the competition, significantly impacting its overall value.
As the year comes to a close, we have decided to rank the top 10 best players in the competition so far, based on statistics, standout performances against big clubs, and their overall contributions to their teams’ success.
10. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
The Argentine forward has seamlessly adapted to Atlético’s system, scoring 4 goals in the competition so far. His intelligence, work rate, and clinical edge make him one of the most exciting forwards in Europe right now.
9. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
Griezmann is back to his best, with 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches. His experience and creativity have been crucial in Atlético’s journey, forming a dangerous partnership with Julián Álvarez.
8. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Gyökeres has emerged as one of the surprise stars of the season. The Swedish striker has 5 goals and 1 assist, including a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City. His performances have been pivotal for Sporting CP in their impressive run.
7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah’s overall contribution has been instrumental for Liverpool, who sit atop their group. With 2 goals and 4 assists, the Egyptian King is proving why he’s not just one of the best in the Champions League but one of the world’s top three players right now.
6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
The young German star continues to impress with 5 goals and 1 assist in 6 matches. His technical brilliance and composure in front of goal have made him one of the standout players in the tournament.
5. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The English striker has made scoring look effortless with 5 goals and 1 assist in 5 matches. His clinical finishing and playmaking ability have made him a vital part of Bayern’s attack as they aim for Champions League glory.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
The Englishman continues to silence doubters with world-class performances. Saka has 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches, including a crucial double against Monaco. His creativity and clinical edge have been pivotal for Arsenal in their return to Europe’s elite competition.
3. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
The ageless striker continues to dominate, topping the scoring charts with 7 goals in just 6 matches. At 36 years old, Lewandowski’s incredible consistency and lethal finishing have propelled Barcelona into the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s favorites.
2. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
After loosing the D’or in for 2023/24 season he’s not backing down again this season . The dynamic Real Madrid forward has been dazzling with 5 goals and 1 assist in just 5 matches. His hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund cemented his status as one of the competition’s most decisive players this season.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona)
The Brazilian winger has been electric, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists in 6 matches. His hat-trick against Bayern Munich was a statement performance, showcasing his ability to shine in big games. Raphinha’s form has been key to Barcelona’s resurgence in Europe.
NOTABLE MENTIONS
Ademola Lookman
Erling Haaland
Serhou Guirassy
Lamine Yamal
