With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having entered the twilight of their careers, debates regarding the best footballer in the world are now much more complicated.
There are plenty of Players across the planet, with the bulk of the most talented players plying their trade in Europe, but when it comes to comparing the top performers, the playing field is significantly more level
Here’s 90min’s ranking of the best players in the world right now – and this list is categorically accurate, so don’t even bother complaining.
1.Kylian Mbappe
1. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been in such good form in his final year at the Parc des Princes that he is almost certain to be back in the Spanish capital next season.
The 2018 World Cup winner is known for his incredible speed and impressive finishing, and is also PSG’s all-time leading scorer.
He may not have led the Ligue 1 giants to a Champions League title, but the France national team captain has every chance of finally lifting the trophy once his move to the record-winning side is completed.
2.Jude Bellingham
2. Jude Bellingham
Following his summer move, there were question marks over how quickly Jude Bellingham would settle at Real Madrid, but he has silenced any doubters in his first few games at the Bernabeu.
The England international has scored countless decisive goals for the La Liga leaders this season and, at just 20 years old, is already one of the best midfielders in the world
3.Kevin De Bruyne
3. Kevin De Bruyne
A serious injury at the start of the 2023/24 season sidelined Kevin De Bruyne for several months, but after a lengthy break he bounced back quickly and is back to his best for Guardiola’s team.
Having helped City win four consecutive Premier League titles, the Belgian can play football like no other player and his passing is second to none in the world.
4. Rodri
4. Rodri
When Man City lose – which is rare – it’s usually because Rodri isn’t involved.
The Spaniard is a disruptor of defensive midfield, winning the ball at every opportunity, but also has the ability to break through defences and score decisive goals.
Rodri cemented his place in the club’s history books by scoring the winning goal against the Cityzens in the 2022/23 Champions LeagueFinal
5.Erling Haaland
5. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland broke the Premier League single-season goalscoring record in his debut season with Manchester City, scoring 36 goals in 35 games for the champions last season.
The Norwegian may not be the most technically gifted footballer the world has ever seen, but his ruthlessness in front of goal makes him one of the most devastating strikers in the world.
6.Harry Kane
6. Harry Kane
Harry Lane took no time in adapting to life in Bavaria, quickly finding his goalscoring touch following his move to Bayern from Tottenham.
The England captain almost matched Lewandowski’s record for most goals scored in a Bundesliga season (41) and has quickly won favour with the Allianz Arena crowd – even if his trophy curse has astonishingly continued.
7.Vinicius Junior
7. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has the luxury of playing alongside some of the world’s best all over the field but he is just as integral to record European champions Real Madrid.
The Brazil star’s speed and trickery make him a full-back’s nightmare and he has proven he can play as part of a front two under Ancelotti this term.
8. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah guarantees goals for Liverpool and has even become a more regular provider for his teammates as he’s aged. Now into his early 30s, the Egyptian continues to dominate the scoring charts for the Reds.
With his old forward partners Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino having left Anfield, Salah – arguably the best right winger in the world – is now able to soak up the full adoration of the Liverpool crow
9. Phil Foden
Ever since Pep Guardiola became Man City manager, local lad Phil Foden has been destined to become one of the best players in the world.
While his quality has never been in question, the 2023/24 campaign has seen the England international step up as a clutch performer, and he was deservedly named the Premier League Player of the Season as Man City won the title
14. Lautaro Martinez
After securing another Serie A title for Inter, Lautaro Martinez scooped the division’s Paolo Rossi Award – also known as the Capocannoniere – as the most prolific goalscorer.
The Argentine forward does have the tendency to blow hot and cold at times, but he has been absolutely relentless in the black and blue of Inter for the majority of the campaig