In modern football, playmakers are the heartbeat of any team. These rare talents can unlock defenses with a single pass, a clever dribble, or a moment of magic. As of March 2025, the game boasts a mix of young phenoms and seasoned stars who are dictating play at the highest level. Here’s my take on the top 20 playmakers ruling the pitch today, based on their vision, flair, and sheer impact.
10. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer has become Chelsea’s go-to guy since his move from Manchester City. The 22-year-old Englishman has a knack for finding space where there seems to be none, and his composure in the final third is remarkable. This season, he’s already racked up 8 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League alone. His silky dribbling and pinpoint passing make him a nightmare for defenders. His standout moment was that audacious chip against Tottenham in December 2024 that left fans buzzing. Palmer’s only just getting started.
9. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr’s evolution into a complete playmaker has been something to behold. Once known for raw pace and questionable finishing, the Brazilian has added a layer of creativity to his game that’s turned him into a Ballon d’Or contender. With 10 assists and 12 goals across all competitions by mid-March 2025, he’s pulling the strings for Real Madrid alongside his usual chaos-causing runs. His connection with Jude Bellingham has been lethal.
8. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
At just 22, Jamal Musiala is already one of the smoothest operators in world football. The Bayern Munich star’s close control and ability to glide past defenders make him a joy to watch. He’s notched 17 goals and 5 assists in the Bundesliga this season. His vision in tight spaces stands out. Take his performance against Mainz in the DFB Pokal: three goals, all while dancing through a packed midfield. Musiala’s ceiling seems limitless.
7. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Yes, he’s only 17, but Lamine Yamal is already a playmaking force. Barcelona’s teenage sensation has taken La Liga by storm, blending outrageous skill with a maturity beyond his years. His stats of 13 goals and 16 assists by March 2025 tell part of the story. It’s his ability to create chances out of nothing that lands him here. That Outside-Foot assist for Raphinha against Mallorca in October 2024 was pure class. Yamal’s the future and the present.
6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes remains the creative engine of Manchester United. The Portuguese maestro’s work rate and vision are unmatched, even if his team’s inconsistency sometimes overshadows his brilliance. This season, he’s sitting on 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His long-range passing and set-piece delivery are still top-tier. His Hattrick against Real Sociedad. He reminded everyone why he’s United’s talisman.
5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Age hasn’t dulled Lionel Messi’s genius. At 37, the Argentine icon is still weaving magic, now in MLS with Inter Miami. His numbers of 5 games, 4 goals and 2 assists in the 2025 season so far. It’s the way he does it that keeps him elite. Dropping deep to orchestrate play, threading impossible passes, and still scoring screamers like that Chip goal against Atlanta United, Messi’s playmaking remains timeless.
4. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri’s return to full fitness has been a game-changer for Barcelona. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s ability to control the tempo of a match is uncanny, and his stats reflect it: 5 goals and 7 assists in La Liga this season. His vision and technique, like that scooped pass to set up Fermin Lopez against Sevilla, evoke Xavi in his prime. When Pedri’s on the ball, Barca’s attack hums. He’s only getting better.
3. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz is the poster boy for Germany’s next generation, and he’s delivering week after week for Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old’s 15 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga by March 2025 are jaw-dropping. It’s his intelligence that stands out. He’s everywhere, dropping deep to link play, popping up in the box, or slicing open defenses with killer passes. His hat-trick of assists against RB Leipzig in January was a masterclass. Wirtz is a superstar in the making.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah’s playmaking often gets overlooked because of his goal-scoring exploits, but he’s been Liverpool’s creative hub this season. With 32 goals and 22 assists in the Premier League, the Egyptian king is in scintillating form. His ability to pick out teammates with whipped crosses or clever flicks, like the one that set up Darwin Nunez against Arsenal, shows why he’s more than just a finisher. At 32, Salah’s still at the peak of his powers.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha has emerged as the world’s best playmaker in 2025, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The Brazilian winger has taken his game to another level at Barcelona, combining explosive dribbling with a newfound creative spark. His stats of 27 goals and 19 assists across all competitions are stellar. It’s his consistency that seals the top spot. Whether it’s a pinpoint cross, a through ball, or a solo run like his dismantling of Bayern Munich’s defense in the Champions League, Raphinha’s running the show.
He has created the most chances by any player this season in all competitions.
