Football has evolved significantly over the years, and so too has the role of the winger. Traditionally, wide players were expected to beat their markers and whip crosses into the box for a centre-forward to finish. However, modern wingers have developed into diverse attacking threats; some operate as inside forwards, others as goal-scoring outlets, while many are crucial to pressing and defensive structures.
This ranking considers a combination of goal contributions, creative output, overall influence, success at club and international level, and individual brilliance in key moments.
Note: To be included in this ranking, a player must be listed as either a ‘Right Winger’ or ‘Left Winger’ as his primary position and must have played at least 15 matches in that role. This means players like Kylian Mbappé, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden; who are categorised as a centre-forward and attacking midfielders, respectively—are not considered.
15. Son Heung-min (🇰🇷 Tottenham Hotspur)
Despite transitioning into a central role following Harry Kane’s departure, Son remains one of the most lethal wingers in the game. The Tottenham captain has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists so far in the 2024/25 season, demonstrating his enduring quality. With his blistering pace, two-footed finishing, and intelligent movement, Son continues to be the focal point of Spurs’ attack. His ability to operate across the front line while maintaining elite productivity ensures his place among the world’s best.
14. Anthony Gordon (🏴 Newcastle United)
Newcastle’s inconsistency this season has not prevented Gordon from emerging as one of the Premier League’s standout wide players. The 23-year-old has already surpassed his goal tally from last season, contributing significantly to Newcastle’s attacking output. His relentless pressing, quick bursts of acceleration, and improved final-third decision-making have cemented him as a key player under Eddie Howe.
13. Nico Williams (🇪🇸 Athletic Club)
A breakout star at Euro 2024, Williams was instrumental in Spain’s triumph, scoring in the final against England. The Athletic Club winger has continued to elevate his game, and his dribbling ability, close control, and creativity have drawn attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Though his numbers this season have been slightly underwhelming, his direct style of play and ability to stretch defences make him one of the most exciting wingers in world football.
12. Rafael Leão (🇵🇹 AC Milan)
Leão’s numbers took a slight dip in 2023/24 (13 goals, 13 assists), but the Portuguese winger remains one of the most electrifying players in Serie A. This season, he has already recorded 18 goal contributions, reaffirming his importance to AC Milan. His combination of pace, strength, and flair makes him one of the most difficult players to defend against, and he remains Milan’s primary attacking threat.
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (🇬🇪 Paris Saint-Germain)
After helping Napoli win Serie A in 2022/23, Kvaratskhelia made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has quickly adapted to Ligue 1. The Georgian’s technical ability, unpredictable dribbling, and end product make him one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. His Champions League performances, including a dazzling display against Liverpool, have further highlighted his class.
10. Bradley Barcola (🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain)
With Kylian Mbappé departing for Real Madrid, PSG needed a new attacking star to step up—and Barcola has seized the opportunity. The 21-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a crucial figure in PSG’s frontline, showcasing explosive dribbling, quick feet, and composure in the final third. His ability to take on defenders with ease and contribute consistently in Ligue 1 and Europe makes him one of the most promising wingers in the game.
9. Luis Díaz (🇨🇴 Liverpool)
Díaz has rediscovered his best form under Arne Slot, following a period of inconsistency and injury struggles under Jürgen Klopp. The Colombian winger has added 13 goals and 4 assists this season, demonstrating a renewed sharpness in front of goal. His pace, energy, and dribbling ability have made him an integral part of Liverpool’s attacking setup, and he remains a nightmare for full-backs in one-on-one situations.
8. Rodrygo (🇧🇷 Real Madrid)
Often overshadowed by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo is quietly building a reputation as one of La Liga’s most consistent wide attackers. The 23-year-old Brazilian has already amassed 255 appearances for Real Madrid, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. His ability to operate on either flank, dribble in tight spaces, and score crucial goals ensures his place among the world’s best wingers.
7. Michael Olise (🇫🇷 Bayern Munich)
Olise’s performances for Crystal Palace in 2023/24 made him one of the most sought-after wingers in Europe. Bayern Munich secured his signature, and he has wasted no time making an impact in the Bundesliga. The French winger has already registered 26 goal contributions this season, solidifying himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football.
6. Bukayo Saka (🏴 Arsenal)
Arsenal’s talismanic winger continues to grow under Mikel Arteta. Despite struggling with injuries this season, Saka has still managed to register 13 assists, underlining his creative importance. His consistency, work ethic, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a vital player for Arsenal and one of the best right-wingers in Europe.
5. Ousmane Dembélé (🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembélé has thrived in PSG’s attack following Mbappé’s exit, registering 32 goal contributions in all competitions this season. The French winger’s unpredictable dribbling, technical quality, and pace have made him a standout performer in Ligue 1 and Europe. When fully fit, Dembélé is among the most dangerous wingers in world football.
4. Lamine Yamal (🇪🇸 Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Yamal has already won La Liga and starred for Spain at Euro 2024, where he finished as the tournament’s leading assist provider (4). His left foot, dribbling ability, and footballing intelligence have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. With 15 assists already this season, Yamal is rapidly developing into a generational talent.
3. Vinícius Júnior (🇧🇷 Real Madrid)
Vinícius Júnior has firmly established himself as Real Madrid’s most dangerous forward. The Ballon d’Or runner-up has already recorded 18 goals and 10 assists this season, proving his status as one of the game’s elite wingers. His pace, flair, and ability to deliver in clutch moments make him one of the most electrifying players in world football.
2. Raphinha (🇧🇷 Barcelona)
Raphinha has always been a great player and has been performing at the top level since last season, The Barcelona winger has already recorded 41 goal contributions this season, including a hat-trick against Bayern Munich. His combination of skill, precision, and work rate makes him one of the most complete wingers in the game.
1. Mohamed Salah (🇪🇬 Liverpool)
Salah remains the benchmark for modern wingers. The Premier League’s all-time top-scoring winger continues to produce at an elite level, making him arguably the greatest wide forward in English football history.
His goal-scoring consistency, creativity, and longevity at the top level firmly place him at No. 1.
With 52 goal contributions in 40 games so far this season, he is undeniably the best player in the world.
