As football writers, we’ve been closely following the game’s evolution, and one thing that never fails to captivate fans is the sheer artistry of skillful players. These are the players who turn matches into spectacles with their flair, creativity, and technical brilliance dribbling past defenders like they’re not even there, pulling off audacious tricks, and leaving us all in awe.
We’ve put together a list of the 15 most skilful footballers in the world right now, based on their current form, stats, and impact in top competitions. This isn’t just about goals or assists; it’s about the players who make the game beautiful with their footwork and ingenuity.
We’ve ranked them from 15 to 1, ensuring every detail, stats, recent performances, and context is included to justify their place. Let’s dive in.
15. Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
At 21, Rayan Cherki is a name that’s been on the radar of football fans for a while, and he’s starting to deliver on his immense potential. Playing for Lyon in Ligue 1, Cherki has been a creative spark in the 2024/25 season, often coming off the bench to change games with his flair. He’s completed 1.7 dribbles per game in Ligue 1 this season, with a success rate of 53%, according to Opta stats. His go-to moves—roulettes, flicks, and nutmegs—have embarrassed defenders, and he’s got a knack for pulling off the unexpected. In a match against Bourgoin in February 2025, he completed 5 dribbles and set up a goal with a cheeky backheel, earning a standing ovation from the Lyon faithful. Cherki’s 2.5 key passes per game also show his vision, but it’s his raw skill that lands him on this list. He’s still raw, which is why he’s at 15, but his ceiling is sky-high.
14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Napoli’s Georgian winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, has been a fan favorite since his breakout 2022/23 season, and he’s still delivering moments of magic in 2025. In Ligue 1 this season, he’s averaging 1.8 dribbles per game with a 48% success rate, per SofaScore. His quick feet and feints make him a nightmare for full-backs, and he’s got a habit of cutting inside with a stepover before unleashing a shot or pass. Against Brest in the Champions League, he completed 6 dribbles and scored a stunning solo goal, weaving through three defenders with a series of body feints. Kvaratskhelia has 7 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances this season, but it’s his flair—those unexpected moves that leave defenders flat-footed—that earns him this spot. He’s slightly lower on the list due to Napoli’s inconsistent form, but his skill is undeniable.
13. Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
Rafael Leão, 25, is the kind of winger who can change a game in an instant for AC Milan. In the 2024/25 Serie A season, he’s averaging 2.3 dribbles per game with a 58% success rate, according to Opta. Leão’s powerful dribbling, combined with quick stepovers and a burst of pace, makes him a constant threat. He’s got a signature move where he fakes a cross, drops his shoulder, and cuts inside—defenders fall for it every time. In a Champions League match against Real Madrid in November 2024, he completed 3 dribbles and assisted a goal with a pinpoint cross after beating two defenders. Leão has 10 goals and 9 assists in 41 appearances this season, but his flair is what stands out. He’s at 13 because, while his skill is elite, his consistency can dip in big games.
12. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Michael Olise, 23, made a big move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, and he’s already showing why he’s one of the most skillful players around. In the Bundesliga this season, he’s averaging 2.1 dribbles per game with a 59% success rate, per SofaScore. Olise is a very good dribbler, which makes him unpredictable—he’ll beat you on either side with a quick stepover or a body feint. Olise has 13 goals and 10 assists in 40 appearances for Bayern in 2024/25, but it’s his silky dribbling and creativity that make him special. He’s at 12 because he’s still adapting to Bayern’s system, but his flair is undeniable.
11. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, 23, has been Arsenal’s star man for years, he’s currently in injured, but has delivered brilliantly before his injury. In the 2024/25 Premier League season, he’s averaging 2.1 dribbles per game with a 53% success rate, according to Opta. Saka’s quick feet and clever dribbling—often using a subtle flick or a change of direction—make him a handful for defenders. Saka has 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances this season, showing his all-around game, but his flair on the wing is what lands him here. He’s at 11 because, while his skill is top-notch, he sometimes prioritizes efficiency over flashiness.
10. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
At 32, Mohamed Salah is still one of the most skillful players in the world, proving age is just a number. Playing for Liverpool under Arne Slot in the 2024/25 Premier League season, he’s averaging 1.8 dribbles per game with a 49% success rate, per WhoScored. Salah’s close control and quick changes of direction like his signature hip swivel, make him a nightmare for defenders. Salah has 32 goals and 22 assists in 25 appearances this season, but it’s his flair that keeps him in this conversation. He’s at 10 because younger players are starting to edge him out in terms of raw skill, but his consistency is remarkable.
9. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé, 26, is often praised for his pace and finishing, but his skill on the ball is just as impressive. Now at Real Madrid in the 2024/25 La Liga season, he’s averaging 2.5 dribbles per game with a 47% success rate, according to Opta. Mbappé’s quick turns and minimal-touch dribbling let him beat defenders effortlessly, and he’s got a knack for keeping the ball glued to his feet at full speed. In a Clasico against Barcelona in the Super Cup, he completed 8 dribbles and scored a goal after a quick stepover that sent a defender the wrong way. Mbappé has 31 goals and 5 assists in 41 appearances this season, but his flair—those moments where he dances past defenders—puts him at 9. He’s slightly lower because his game is more about efficiency than pure trickery.
8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer, 22, has been the Premier League’s standout performer in 2025 under Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca. He’s averaging 1.4 dribbles per game with a 53% success rate, per WhoScored. Palmer’s close control and clever feints—like a subtle drop of the shoulder—create space out of nothing. Palmer has 14 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances this season, but it’s his technical skill in the final third that makes him special. He’s at 8 because, while his flair is impressive, he’s not as flashy as some of the wingers above him.
7. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz, 21, is a creative genius in Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, he’s averaging 2.9 dribbles per game with a 54% success rate, according to Opta. Wirtz’s close control and intricate moves in tight spaces—like quick turns and delicate flicks—make him a joy to watch. In a Champions League match against Brest in the Champions League, he completed 6 dribbles and assisted a goal with a no-look pass after a series of feints. Wirtz has 15 goals and 12 assists in 39 appearances this season, but his flair is what sets him apart.
6. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha, 28, has taken his game to new heights in the 2024/25 season, becoming a key part of Barcelona’s attack. In La Liga, he’s averaging 1.5 dribbles per game with a 53% success rate, per WhoScored. His quick footwork and creative flair—think unexpected flicks and turns—have outsmarted defenders consistently. In a match against Atletico Madrid, he completed 2 dribbles and scored two goal and provided 1 assist after a cut that left Valverde on the ground. Raphinha has 27 goals and 19 assists in 42 appearances this season, but his flair on the wing is what lands him at 6. He’s slightly below the top 5 because his skill, while elite, doesn’t quite match the raw creativity of those above him.
5. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Ousmane Dembélé, 27, is the definition of unpredictable. Playing for PSG in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, he’s averaging 1.6 dribbles per game with a 45% success rate, according to Opta. Dembélé is one of the most two-footed players in the game, beating defenders with stepovers, roulettes, and nutmegs on either side. In a match against Liverpool in the Champions League, he completed 7 dribbles across both legs and scored a goal. Dembélé has 30 goals and 6 assists in 37 appearances this season, but his technical skill is what makes him special. He’s at 5 because his end product can be inconsistent, but his flair is top-tier.
4. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala, 22, is a magician in tight spaces for Bayern Munich. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, he’s averaging 3.0 dribbles per game with a 57% success rate, per WhoScored. His quick turns, feints, and close control let him evade defenders with ease, and he’s ambidextrous, which makes him even harder to stop. In a match against Frankfurt in February 2025, he completed 5 dribbles and scored a goal after a series of body feints that left three defenders behind. Musiala has 17 goals and 5 assists in 38 appearances this season, but his creative flair is what puts him at 4.
3. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius Júnior, 24, brings samba flair to Real Madrid with his explosive pace and low center of gravity. In the 2024/25 La Liga season, he’s averaging 2.9 dribbles per game with a 47% success rate, according to Opta. His stepovers, flicks, and chops make him a constant threat, and he’s got a knack for turning defenders inside out. In a Champions League match against Manchester City in February 2025, he completed 5 dribbles, scored a goal and provided an assist across both legs in the Champions League, Vinícius has 19 goals and 10 assists in 40 appearances this season, but his flair is what lands him at 3. He’s just below the top 2 because his decision-making can sometimes let him down.
2. Neymar (Santos)
At 33, Neymar is still one of the most skillful players in the world. He’s averaging 3.5 dribbles per game with a 61% success rate in the 2024/25 season with santos per SofaScore. His signature moves—roulettes, stepovers, rainbow flicks, and chops—are still a spectacle, and he’s got an unmatched ability to keep the ball glued to his feet while moving at speed. In a match against Internacional Limeira in February 2025, he scored directly from a corner, provided two assists and with a rainbow flick over a defender. Neymar has 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 appearances this season, but it’s his flair that puts him at 2. He’s not number 1 because he’s no longer in Europe’s top leagues, but his skill is timeless.
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17, Lamine Yamal is the most skillful player in the world right now, and it’s not even close. Playing for Barcelona in the 2024/25 La Liga season, he’s averaging 4.2 dribbles per game with a 55% success rate, according to Opta. His tight ball control, quick stepovers, and effortless gliding past defenders have made him a sensation, and he’s fearless—taking on anyone in his path. In a match against Real Madrid in the Super Cup final, he completed 5 dribbles and scored a goal with after beating three defenders with a series of feints. Yamal has 13 goals and 16 assists in 38 appearances this season, but it’s his flair that sets him apart. His performances at Euro 2024, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament, showed the world what he’s capable of. At 1, he’s the future of football and the present.
Notable Mention
— Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
— Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
— Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
— Savinho (Manchester City)
— Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
— Antony (Real Betis/Manchester United)
— Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-nassr)
We’ve used stats from Opta, SofaScore and WhoScored to back up their rankings, and we’ve watched countless matches this season to ensure I’m capturing their current form. Every player here has a unique style
