In modern football, the role of a winger has evolved significantly. Today’s wingers are not just about providing width and supplying assists to strikers; they are also prolific goal scorers, often surpassing traditional strikers in their goal tallies. Their contributions are crucial, stretching opposition defenses and creating scoring opportunities both for themselves and their teammates.
To be effective, wingers need a combination of speed, skill, and dribbling prowess. Some of the game’s legendary wingers include Arjen Robben, Franck Ribéry, Neymar, Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Jesús Navas.
1. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is renowned for his blistering speed, often cited as one of the fastest players in football history. Starting his career as a winger at Monaco, Mbappé has occasionally been utilized as a striker at PSG due to his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. When deployed on the wing, Mbappé’s right-footed play allows him to cut inside from the left, creating scoring chances and providing assists. His dribbling, explosive acceleration, agility, and tactical intelligence make him a formidable winger.
2. Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Junior has become a cornerstone for Real Madrid. Over the past few seasons, he has consistently delivered double-digit goals and assists, helping the team win the Champions League and La Liga titles. Vinicius has refined his decision-making, positioning, and close control, establishing himself as one of the world’s top wingers. In the 2023/24 season, he has scored 24 goals and won the UEFA Champions League.
3. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is a pivotal figure for Liverpool, consistently challenging for the Premier League Golden Boot. Known for his speed, dribbling, and lethal left foot, Salah has been a prolific scorer and assist provider, with the 25 goals and 14 assists 2023/24 season. His ability to cut inside and shoot makes him one of the most feared wingers in the world.
4. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title challenge last season with 16 goals and 9 assists. Saka’s creativity, precision, and end product make him a standout right-winger. His versatility allows him to excel on either flank, with exceptional close control and dribbling skills that enable him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities.
5. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, a rising star, has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performances and technical abilities. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring instincts have seen him emerge as one of the top young wingers in the game.
20 goals plus assists in his first full season and one of the best players at the EURO 2024.
6. Rodrygo
Rodrygo has consistently impressed with his ability to score crucial goals and provide assists. His versatility allows him to play across the forward line, making him a valuable asset for his team.
He scored 17 goals for Real Madrid in 2023/24 season.
7. Heung-Min Son
Heung-Min Son, now the leader at Tottenham, has consistently delivered double-digit goals and assists. Known for his speed, two-footedness, and finishing ability, Son’s performance remains strong even after the departure of his long-time partner Harry Kane.
8. Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão has tormented Serie A defenses with his technical skills and versatility. Awarded the Serie A MVP in the 2021/22 season, Leão continues to impress with his dribbling, speed, and ability to disrupt defenses. His recent seasons have seen him produce significant goal and assist numbers.
9. Leroy Sané
Leroy Sané, a traditional winger for Bayern Munich, leverages his pace and excellent first touch to dominate games. Sané has maintained his influence, contributing significantly to both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
10. Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé, despite his injury struggles, remains a top winger. Now at PSG, Dembélé’s technical skill, speed, and two-footed ability make him a constant threat on either wing. If he can stay fit, he has much to offer both PSG and the broader football world.
Notable Mention:
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Savinho (Manchester City)
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Luis Daiz (Liverpool)
Serge Gnabry (Bayern)
Kingsley Coman (Bayern)
