On the football pitch, the midfield position is undoubtedly the most demanding and adaptable. These players act as their teams’ engine rooms, setting the pace, planning attacks, defending the back line, and creating game-changing moments.
Rankings are determined by individual performances, overall career impact, and club and international accomplishments. We’ve tried our best to present a thorough and accurate representation of the current situation, even if no list is ever flawless. The players that have continuously performed at the highest levels of football are featured in our ranking of the top midfielders in the world for 2024.
20. Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella
One of the most successful midfielders in the world, Barella has contributed significantly to Inter Milan’s recent victories. He was instrumental in his team’s 2023 Champions League final appearance and 2023–24 Serie A championship. Barella, who started in the midfield with Jorginho and Verratti, was also essential to Italy’s victory in Euro 2020. Barella’s performances in Serie A and European events consistently demonstrate that he belongs among the elite, even though he hasn’t moved to the Premier League.
19. The Bayer Leverkusen Granit Xhaka
It would have seemed improbable a few years ago that Granit Xhaka would become one of the best midfield players in the world. However, under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, Xhaka has thrived since joining Bayer Leverkusen, helping the team win the DFB-Pokal and the Bundesliga. He almost led Switzerland to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, but a penalty shootout and a last-minute goal from Bukayo Saka stopped him. The incredible change in Xhaka’s career is reflected in his nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
18. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong
Even if Manchester United made a strong push for Frenkie de Jong in 2022, he decided to remain at Barcelona, where he still shows off his elite skill and poise under duress. He is crucial to Barcelona because of his ability to get past defenders, even when he is deep in his own half. De Jong will be essential to the team’s goals if it is to regain its previous level of success in European games.
17. Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić is one of the few players who has characterised a period of midfield greatness. Modrić has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success since joining the team, helping them win six Champions League titles. He led Croatia to a World Cup final in 2018 and another semifinal in 2022, demonstrating his similarly excellent leadership on the international front. Even as his career comes to an end, Modrić continues to have an impact as he approaches his 39th birthday.
16. Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City
Under Pep Guardiola, Ilkay Gündogan transformed from a creative midfielder into one of Europe’s top goal scorers, and he has played a significant role in Manchester City’s recent success. Gündogan returned to City in 2023–2024 after spending a season at Barcelona, where he continued to play at a high level. Even at 33, his class and durability are unrivalled, and he will undoubtedly continue to have an impact in the upcoming seasons.
15. Barcelona’s Dani Olmo
One of the highlights of Euro 2024 was Dani Olmo, who filled in for Spain when they needed him most following Pedri’s injury. Olmo’s reputation as a premier playmaker has already been solidified by his Bundesliga performances, where his vision and dribbling constantly cause opponents issues. A high-profile move to Barcelona, where he still excels, resulted from his impressive performance at the Euros, where he shared the Golden Boot.
14. PSG’s Fabián Ruiz
At Euro 2024, Fabián Ruiz made an impression with performances that led commentators, including Jamie Carragher, to declare him the tournament’s best player. His passing prowess and technical abilities mesh well with Spain’s system, and he has grown in importance for Paris Saint-Germain as well. Even if he hasn’t always been a sure starter at PSG, his performance for Spain has improved his standing as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
13. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni
Because to his reliable performances as a holding midfielder for both Real Madrid and France, Tchouaméni surpasses his partner Camavinga. He is a vital member of Carlo Ancelotti’s team because of his ability to disrupt play and launch attacks. Even though his efforts are frequently overlooked, those who pay careful attention are aware of how important Tchouaméni is to the team’s success.
12. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister
After a stellar 2022–2023 season in which he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Alexis Mac Allister was signed by Liverpool from Brighton. In his first season at Anfield, he won the League Cup, and in 2024, he added a Copa America championship. Mac Allister has earned his spot among the best midfielders in the Premier League with his steady performances, even though he may not yet be on par with some of them.
11. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, a Portuguese midfielder who often contributes goals and assists for Manchester United, has an unmatched attacking output. He is one of the best midfielders in the game right now because of his ability to spot a pass and his desire to take chances. Fernandes has further solidified his position among the top by assuming a leadership role at United.
10. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard
Under Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard has emerged as Arsenal’s midfield maestro, leading the team and contributing significantly to their comeback. Despite missing out on the Premier League title twice, Ødegaard’s impact is indisputable, and he will be essential to Arsenal’s success if they win the trophy again.
9. Arsenal’s Declan Rice
Declan Rice’s status as one of the Premier League’s top central midfielders has only grown since his 2023 transfer to Arsenal. Rice has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level in North London after leading West Ham to a European championship. With more trophies probably in the works, his future appears bright.
8. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde
Valverde is one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most trusted players because of his adaptability and vigour. Real Madrid’s recent success has been largely attributed to Valverde’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, whether he is playing as a winger or in centre midfield. His efforts in the Copa America 2024 for Uruguay cemented his place among the best midfielders in the world.
7. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer
Letting Cole Palmer leave to Chelsea may be one of the few anomalies to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s mostly flawless transfer policy. The 22-year-old winger won Premier League Young Player of the Season after an incredible debut season at Stamford Bridge. After finishing the 2023–24 season with 22 goals and 11 assists, Palmer broke multiple records and was the league’s top goal contributor. Additionally, he broke the records of renowned Chelsea players, such as Frank Lampard’s goal total for a single season in all competitions and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink’s record for the most goal contributions in a debut season.
6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
After football restarted after the COVID-19 break, Florian Wirtz emerged as one of the most promising players in European football. Even though Kai Havertz got the most attention at first, Wirtz quickly became Leverkusen’s main playmaker. The young German had established himself as one of the most promising adolescent football stars in the world by the time he sustained an ACL injury in 2022. Wirtz overcame his injury setback to become Bayer Leverkusen’s preferred attacking option and to keep displaying his exceptional skill.
5. Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has become one of the world’s top midfielders since joining Real Madrid. Bellingham has solidified his status as a potential superstar after winning both La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season in Spain. He is a talent to watch for years to come because of his maturity and ability to impact games.
4. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri might have become Barcelona’s long-term Andrés Iniesta replacement at last. One of Spain’s most promising players, Pedri has shown remarkable vision and ball control since joining from Las Palmas in 2019. Although his injury-related absence from Euro 2024 was devastating, there is no denying his contributions to Spain’s subsequent triumph. He is frequently seen as Barcelona’s and the Spanish national team’s future.
3. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala
One of the greatest young players in the world right now, Jamal Musiala will be the centre of attention for Germany and Bayern Munich for many years to come. Musiala’s attacking productivity is comparable to that of players in their prime despite his youth, and his status as an attacking midfielder is certain.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
When fit, Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best playmaker in world football. His vision and creativity have been central to Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League. Although injuries are starting to take their toll, De Bruyne remains a key figure for both club and country, with no signs of his influence waning just yet.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri is the world’s top midfield player right now. His game-winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final was his greatest career accomplishment to date, and he has played a significant role in Manchester City’s supremacy. He was named Player of the Tournament for his role in Spain’s victory in Euro 2024. He will regrettably miss the remainder of the 2024–2025 season due to a knee injury, which is a significant loss for both the club and the nation.
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