According to ESPN, following the World Cup, ESPN FC 100 celebrated its 10th anniversary by selecting the world's best male football winger of the past year.
Wingers are arguably one of the most dazzling positions in football. These players often dismantle defenses with their dribbling skills and speed. Away from the midfield battles, they are more likely to receive the ball in open spaces, where magic often happens.
Some players prefer to stomp the ball at their feet, cutting inside to find shooting opportunities, or breaking along the sideline before delivering a precise cross. Others are better at receiving the ball, first getting their teammates to the danger zone, then rushing into the penalty area to finish the decisive blow.
Regardless of the attacking strategy, the flanks are where many of the most dazzling stars in football showcase their talents.
All data is provided by ESPN Research; all age and team information is accurate as of August 18.
20. Ismaila Sarr , Crystal Palace/Senegal, 28 years old
What makes him special is that his goals and speed from the flanks are a major headache for opponents, thanks to his unconventional positioning and playing style.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Listed
Number of FC 100 selections: First time selected
A key statistic: He has contributed 5 goal involvements (4 goals, 1 assist) at the 2026 World Cup, the most by a Senegalese player in a single World Cup.
Reason for selection: In an era where wingers frequently cut inside or even seek shots from the center, Sarr appears remarkably traditional. A right-footed player on the right wing with exceptional speed, he evokes a return to a simpler tactical era. Sarr adapts well to this old-school role, giving him a significant advantage against full-backs accustomed to different defensive styles. Year after year, he has consistently outmaneuvered his opponents. While he may not always find the ideal shooting angle and position like Michael Oliese or Yamal, the Senegalese international remains a consistent goal scorer for his club, netting 8 and 9 goals respectively in the past two league seasons. He added 4 goals for the 2026 World Cup, solidifying his place among the top players and drawing more attention to his talent.
Next: Crystal Palace won the Europa League title last season, meaning Sarr will be playing in the 2026-27 season. There's no reason to believe he and the "Eagles" can't do it again. --Sam Tiger
19. Julian Quiniones , Cadisia/Mexico, 29 years old
What makes him special is that he is an all-around winger who excels at efficient finishing and intelligent running, as well as the explosive power of his sprints.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Listed
Number of FC 100 selections: First time selected
A key statistic: He will score 4 goals in the 2026 World Cup, equaling Luis Hernandez's record set in 1998, becoming one of the Mexican players with the most goals in a single World Cup.
Reason for selection: In the Saudi league, Quiniones' goal tally surpasses that of star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toni, and Benzema. He scored 33 goals for Al-Qadicia, becoming the league's top scorer in the 2025-26 season. Including assists, the Colombian-born Mexican international has been involved in 37 goals in 31 league appearances.
Entering the summer with a strong momentum, Quiniones equaled Hernandez's record of four goals for Mexico in a single World Cup, making history. FIFA even called him "one of the biggest surprises" of the tournament. He also scored Mexico's first goal in the round of 16 defeat to England, a game that was quite dramatic in the final stages.
He's not even 30 yet, and he's improving every year. He has at least a few more seasons of top-level performance ahead of him.
Next: Will he stay in the Saudi league? Despite rumors of interest from European clubs, a deal has yet to materialize, and signing the Mexican international will likely be expensive. Many Eltri fans certainly hope to see him play in one of Europe's top five leagues, but he has clearly benefited from joining Saudi Arabia in 2024. What will happen next: another Golden Boot at the club level, or a more prominent star role in Mexico? -- César Hernández
18. Jan Diomande , Real Madrid/Ivory Coast, 19 years old
What makes him special is that he's a fearsome winger who can torment full-backs, create chaos, and score goals.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Listed
Number of FC 100 selections: First time selected
A key statistic: He has contributed 20 goal involvements (12 goals, 8 assists) in the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, ranking second among youth players in Europe's top five leagues, second only to Yamal.
Reason for selection: This Ivorian striker's rise has been incredibly rapid. In just three years, the 19-year-old has gone from the United Soccer League in the US to Real Madrid, with transfer fees reaching as high as €140 million. Last season, he played for RB Leipzig in Germany, his only season in the Bundesliga, and it was during that period that Real Madrid were willing to spend a fortune to snatch Diomande from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.
He made 36 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 9 assists, his performance on the wing second only to Yamar. In the Bundesliga, he completed 214 dribbles with a success rate of 55.1%, both league-leading. Bayern Munich's Olise ranked second with 160 dribbles and a 40.6% success rate. In fact, no player in the Bundesliga has completed more than 70 dribbles with a success rate exceeding 50%.
Real Madrid not only signed one of the world's most promising attackers, but they also signed a player who can immediately contribute.
Next: The pressure at Leipzig is completely different from that at Real Madrid, especially when you arrive in Madrid with such a high transfer fee. Diomande faces a challenging year, but one can imagine he'll enjoy it. He must perform as well as be worthy of the price Real Madrid paid for him, while also finding a way to coexist with Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham. --Sam Marsden
17. Salah , Trabzonspor/Egypt, 34 years old
What makes him special: through his output and dedication, he became a Liverpool legend and one of the best players of his generation.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 1
Number of FC 100 selections: 9
A key statistic: In the 2025-26 season, he will surpass Andrew Cole to become the fourth all-time leading scorer in Premier League history.
Reason for selection: By Salah's ridiculously high standards, last season was a huge disappointment. He scored only 12 goals in all competitions, his lowest output while wearing a Liverpool shirt. For most of the season, he was also embroiled in conflict with manager Arne Sloot. With both Sloot and Salah now gone from Anfield, the Reds seem to be entering a new era.
For Salah, there is now an opportunity to prove he can still contribute more. His performance at the World Cup already demonstrated this, as captain he led Egypt to their best result in the tournament before being defeated by Argentina in the final moments of the round of 16.
Next: Salah shocked the football world this summer by joining Turkish Super League side Trabzonspor. He will immediately become the team's core player and hopes to lead them to their eighth league title this season, while also going further in the Europa League. -- Beth Lindorp
16. Bryan Mbomo , Manchester United/Cameroon, 27 years old
What makes him special is his speed, his powerful finishing, and his ability to consistently create scoring threats from the flanks.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 20
Number of FC 100 selections: 2
A key statistic: He contributed 5 winning goals for Manchester United in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, the most in the team.
Reason for selection: Many players who joined Manchester United for huge sums in recent years have struggled in their first season, but Mbourneau is not one of them. The player, who joined from Brentford last summer for over $94 million, has scored 12 goals in all competitions, tied for the team's highest. He opened the scoring against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, with the victories against Liverpool and Arsenal both taking place at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium, respectively.
Mbappemo's speed, running, forward runs, and composed finishing kept Manchester United threatening on the right flank, and his goal against Liverpool was a testament to his peak form. While he didn't create as many chances for his teammates as he did at Brentford, his crosses from the wing remained a crucial weapon.
Despite a goal drought lasting more than three months, Manchester United finished the season with 71 points and third place in the Premier League after changing managers in January, and he played a key role in that.
Next: Manchester United's biggest signings this summer are two midfielders, Tielemans and Andre Santos. The team's attack looks very similar to last season, despite their return to European competition and a high probability of going further in the FA Cup and League Cup than last season. This means Mbourneau will get more playing time and more opportunities to continue being a key cog in the team's attack. If he can maintain his goal-scoring efficiency from last season and provide assists like he did at Brentford, other opponents will have to be careful. -- Rob Dawson
15. Anthony Gordon , Barcelona/England, 25 years old
What makes him special is his incredible speed and tireless pressing. He can influence the game whether he has the ball or not, which is something managers love.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Listed
Number of FC 100 selections: First time selected
A key statistic: He provided two assists in England's comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup, becoming the first player in the past 60 years to provide two assists after coming on as a substitute in a World Cup knockout stage match. (Four days later, Norway's Andreas Schöldrup also achieved this feat against Brazil.)
Reason for selection: His 10 Champions League goals clearly attracted our voters and the attention of European giants. His transfer to Barcelona this summer also demonstrates his outstanding performance on the biggest stage last season. According to Gradient Sports, he will be the fastest player in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season, with a top speed exceeding 36 km/h. Coupled with his ability to run throughout the game and his intelligent pressing, it's easy to understand why managers like him.
His finishing ability occasionally raises questions, but he always manages to provide value in some way: either by making forward runs to create space or by forcing turnovers in the offensive third, allowing his teammates to finish them off.
Next: Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will certainly appreciate his speed and workload, but can his output at one of the world's biggest clubs withstand the scrutiny of expectations? --Sam Tiger
14. Keinan Yildiz , Juventus/Turkey, 21 years old
What makes him special is that at the age of 21, he had almost all the key statistics for this long-established European powerhouse.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Listed
Number of FC 100 selections: First time selected
A key statistic: Last season in Serie A, he ranked second in both shots on target (40) and chances created (76).
Reason for selection: Juventus experienced another stagnant season with a poor start, but after hiring Luciano Spalletti as coach, they ultimately finished sixth in Serie A. A total of 24 different players started in the league, but only two players under the age of 25 started more than five times.
However, with the addition of Yildiz, Juventus almost seems to have successfully rejuvenated its squad. Almost.
Yildiz dominated almost every major attacking statistic: 10 goals, 6 assists, 76 chances created, 97 shots, 40 shots on target, 170 one-on-one attempts, 12 successful one-on-one duels in the penalty area, 56 fouls drawn, 331 ground duels won 160, 124 crosses completed 33 times. He was the team's playmaker, set-piece specialist, scorer, and most crucial player. He could drop deep to participate in the organization, use his speed to attack full-backs on the flanks, handle the ball in tight spaces, and possess excellent finishing ability. With the right teammates, he has the potential to become one of the best playmakers in Europe.
Next: Juventus have been desperately searching for a partner for Yildiz this summer, bringing in veterans Rajandel Kolo Muani and Boga, as well as young players like Kerim Arajbegovic and Jeff Ehator. But we all know that Yildiz will remain the team's new focus. --Bill Connolly
13. Ademola Lookman , Atlético Madrid/Nigeria, 28
What makes him special is that he adapted easily to life in Spain and brought his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring threat to La Liga.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 15
FC 100 attempts: 2
A key statistic: Since joining Atletico Madrid in February, he has contributed 12 goals for the team (9 goals and 3 assists), just one less than Julian Alvarez, who has the most goals in the same period.
Reason for selection: After joining Atletico Madrid in February, Lookman immediately boosted the team's attacking prowess, injecting fresh blood into a squad desperately needing speed and a sharp attack. He integrated quickly without needing an adjustment period and scored 10 goals across La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey in the 2025-26 season, helping Atletico reach the Champions League semi-finals and the Copa del Rey final. In April, when asked about life in Spain, Lookman told ESPN: "Everyone wants to play the football they love here, everyone wants to feel the ball. For me, this is the best way to play football."
Head coach Diego Simeone was satisfied with Lookman's performance but also made it clear that he hoped Lookman could do even better. Atletico Madrid ultimately finished fourth in La Liga, a slightly lackluster end to the season, but Lookman's performance was undoubtedly a highlight of the season.
Next: Given Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup, Lookman is expected to have a strong start to the 2026-27 season after the summer break. With Griezmann leaving Atletico Madrid and Alvarez's future uncertain, Lookman will shoulder more responsibility. He will partner with new signing Grimaldo on the left wing and hopes his teammate Baena can carry over his excellent World Cup form to the club, thereby improving the team's strength. —Alex Kirkland
12. Barcora, Paris Saint-Germain/France, 23
What makes him special is his speed and energy; Bacola is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 13
FC 100 attempts: 2
A key statistic: Last season, when playing as a winger (left or right), he led the top five European leagues with 28 shots.
Reason for selection: Bacola has had a phenomenal few years. As a member of Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain super team, the 23-year-old has won the league and Champions League titles for two consecutive years. He is also a key member of Didier Deschamps' French national team, contributing 3 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances at this summer's World Cup. However, competition within the Paris Saint-Germain squad is extremely fierce, and Bacola is eager to establish himself as a regular starter, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in the transfer market, attracting the attention of numerous top clubs, including Liverpool.
What's next: As of press time, Bacola is still officially a Paris Saint-Germain player, but with Liverpool's growing interest in the striker, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in a Liverpool jersey at Anfield at the start of the new season. — Beth Lindorp
11. Semenyo , Manchester City/Ghana, 26
What makes him special is that he is a powerful, athletic winger who is good at scoring goals, and his form has remained excellent since his mid-season transfer to Manchester City.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Ranked
FC 100 times: New entry on the list
A key statistic: He scored a career-high 17 goals in the Premier League last season (10 for Bournemouth and 7 for Manchester City); in the 2025-26 season, only Erling Haaland (27 goals) and Igor Thiago (22 goals) will have more Premier League goals than him.
Reason for selection: Last season was a turning point in Semenho's career. His outstanding performance in the first half of the season at Bournemouth led to a bidding war among Premier League giants during the winter transfer window. Manchester City ultimately won the bid, and he continued his excellent form at the Etihad Stadium, mirroring his performance at the Vitality Stadium.
He scored 10 league goals for Bournemouth and then 7 for Manchester City, ultimately finishing third in the Golden Boot award, behind only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago. Semenho also scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final, helping Manchester City defeat Chelsea, and Guardiola lifted his last trophy as Manchester City manager.
Next: Semenho's goal is to continue this form. He has adapted easily to Manchester City's pace, and if he can score 15 or more Premier League goals again this season, he will be a major asset to new manager Enzo Maresca. Last season, he struggled against some strong teams, but showed some encouraging signs in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. — Rob Dawson
10. Doku, Manchester City/Belgium, 24
What makes him special is that he is a fast, direct, and extremely threatening winger, and his confidence matches his performance.
2025 FC 100 Rankings: Not Ranked
FC 100 Appearances: New Entry
A key statistic: He led the Premier League in successful dribbles in the past two seasons (82 and 107 respectively).
Reason for selection: In the 2025-26 season, Doku established himself as a regular starter for Manchester City under Guardiola. In November, his performance in the 3-0 victory over Liverpool was stunning, earning him the title of "unstoppable" from former Liverpool manager Arne Sloot. In May, in Manchester City's 3-3 draw against Everton, Doku scored an incredible equalizer in stoppage time, helping his team in their pursuit of the league title.
At just 24 years old, Doku is already one of the world's top wingers. His speed, technique, and dribbling ability are all first-rate, making him difficult for defenders to handle.
Next: Doku himself admits he needs to score more goals. While he provided some spectacular moments for Manchester City last season, his consistency in front of goal needs improvement. If he could get more into easy shooting positions, he could increase his season tally from four or five goals to double digits. Doku has yet to reach 10 goals in a single season across all competitions, but given his ability, it should be a realistic goal. — Rob Dawson
9. Douai , Paris Saint-Germain/France, 21
What makes him special is that he is one of the most exciting players and technically imitates his idol Neymar's dribbling and ball control skills.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 14
FC 100 attempts: 2
A key statistic: At 20 years and 309 days old, Due became the sixth youngest player in Champions League history to score 10 goals, behind only Ramin Yamar, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Karim Benzema.
Reason for selection: Due's progress over the past 18 months for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team has been remarkable. He has already joined the ranks of the world's best U21 players. His superb technique, amazing speed, strong physique, and excellent football intelligence make him a rare player, especially at such a young age.
Coach Enrique appreciates Duet's versatility and has made full use of it to contribute to Paris Saint-Germain. Throughout the season, Duet has played in four or five different positions; whether on the wing, as a false nine, or as a defensive midfielder, the French talent has performed admirably. His professionalism has also improved significantly; after some matches where he might have been too individualistic, he has begun to contribute more to the team. When he focuses more on fighting for the team rather than for the cameras, his decision-making has also improved.
Next: He needs to improve his consistency, not just in goals and assists, but also in his overall performance. But he's still young, and if he continues to impress in Paris, his progress will be undeniable. — Julian Lawrence
8. Rafinha , Barcelona/Brazil, 29
What makes him special is that this Brazilian player combines tireless running and pressing with excellent ability to attack the third.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 3
FC100 attempts: 2
A key statistic: He scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, tied for the second-highest number of goals in the Barcelona squad with Ferran Torres; only Lamin Yamal (24 goals) will have more goals in the 2025-26 season.
Reason for selection: This Barcelona striker's performance in the 2024-25 season was enough to easily win him the Ballon d'Or, but injuries prevented Rafinha from reaching even greater heights last season. While he continued to perform brilliantly on the pitch, the problem lay in his limited playing time, which negatively impacted Barcelona. In the 33 matches he played, Barcelona lost only two, while in the 24 matches he missed, they lost eight. In those 33 appearances, he contributed 21 goals and 7 assists.
Beyond the statistics, Rafinha's most outstanding quality lies in his leading by example, guiding a team primarily composed of young players: he aggressively presses and harasses, never giving the opponents a chance to breathe.
Unfortunately, his injury problems also plagued him at the World Cup. Due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury, he withdrew from the tournament after two group stage matches, and could only watch helplessly as Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the round of 16.
Next: It's hard to imagine Rafinha surpassing his performance in the 2024-25 season—when he scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists—but if he can stay healthy this season, Barcelona will be a contender for all titles. However, after signing Anthony Gordon for €70 million this summer, he may need to fight for his place on Barcelona's left flank. Nevertheless, he currently holds a clear advantage in the competition with the Englishman, and his goal is to lead Barcelona to the Champions League title. —Sam Marsden
7. Saka , Arsenal/England, 24
What makes him special is that when he's healthy, he creates more chances than almost anyone in the world's best leagues.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 6
FC 100 attempts: 4
A key statistic: wingers created the most chances in the Premier League last season (40).
Reason for selection: Injuries and a persistent slump have almost made us forget Saka's ability. In the 2025-26 season, he only started 25 Premier League matches – compared to only 20 in the 2024-25 season – and went 10 games without scoring between December 6 and February 12, despite attempting shots and accumulating a high expected goals (xG) of 2.3. This resulted in his total goals and assists (12) this season being the lowest since the 2020-21 season (his 18-year-old season).
However, despite Saka ranking only 131st in Premier League playing time, he still ranks among the top 20 in several statistical categories, including tackles in the attacking third (first), one-on-one wins in the penalty area (fourth), free kicks won in the attacking third (fourth), chances created (sixth), crosses completed (ninth), shots on goal (sixteenth), and assists (seventeenth). When he starts, Arsenal's average points per game is 2.44; when he is absent, the average points per game is only 1.85 (and even lower at 1.71 when he doesn't play at all).
If Saka could play more at Arsenal, their title challenge would be much easier, and he remains one of the most active and exciting playmakers in the world.
What's next? Saka, a graduate of Arsenal's youth academy and the club's highest-paid player in history, is unlikely to leave. However, the club has been actively seeking high-caliber players to bolster the squad during the short off-season. Regardless of who remains with the Gunners when the August transfer window closes, if Saka can start 30 or more games again, it will be tantamount to signing a superstar. — Bill Connelly
6. Vinicius Junior , Real Madrid/Brazil, 26
What makes him special is that, combining the talent, speed, and never-give-up mentality of Brazilians, Vinicola remains a powerful and efficient attacking force.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 4
FC 100 attempts: 6
A key statistic: Since the beginning of 2026, he has scored 7 goals in all competitions, the second-highest number of goals scored by a player in Europe's top five leagues during that period, second only to Harry Kane (28 goals).
His inclusion is due to the following reasons: Why is Real Madrid so eager to keep Vinicius, and why is Arsenal so desperate to sign him – before he renews his contract? Because he is one of the most explosive and decisive strikers in football today, and a player who has won the Champions League multiple times, capable of tearing apart any defense in any match with a magical moment.
Vinicius' performance in the 2025-26 season wasn't his best, but even so, he still scored 16 goals in La Liga and 5 in European competitions. At the beginning of the season, he faced unprecedented challenges—being dropped from the starting lineup by then-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and losing his starting position—and his response was less than enthusiastic, most notably being substituted in El Clásico. However, Vinicius rebounded strongly in the second half of the season, regaining his place and form at Real Madrid.
His summer ended with Brazil's defeat at the World Cup, but he still managed to score four goals in the group stage, including a brilliant one against Morocco in New Jersey. He then became one of the most talked-about figures in summer transfer rumors, ultimately signing a six-year contract extension with Real Madrid.
Next: This year, Vinicius must prove that Real Madrid's trust in him and the efforts made to extend his contract were worthwhile. Real Madrid has failed to win any major trophies for two consecutive seasons, and this situation cannot continue. The key to turning their fortunes around lies in the attacking partnership of Vinicius, Mbappe, and new signing Yann Diomande. If Real Madrid can find the right combination, they will create an unstoppable attacking force.
As for the Brazilian team, head coach Carlo Ancelotti greatly admires Vinicius and hopes to play an important role in preparing for the 2028 Copa America. —Alex Kirkland
5. Lionel Messi , Inter Miami/Argentina, 39
What makes him so special: a single sentence is insufficient to define this greatest footballer of all time. He possesses unparalleled vision, technique, dribbling, ball control, composure, and the talent to change the game... you know what I mean.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 8
Number of appearances for FC 100: 10
A key statistic: At the 2026 World Cup, he set career highs in both World Cup goals (8) and assists (4), ranking second in both categories. Furthermore, he created the most chances, and also had the most successful one-on-one dribbles and crosses at the 2026 World Cup.
His inclusion is so well-deserved that it's hard to even begin to explain. In 2025, he won the MLS Cup with Inter Miami, earning the league MVP and Golden Boot awards. In 2026—as of this writing, MLS will resume on August 15—Messi has continued his excellent form at club level, having already made 15 appearances for Inter Miami this season, contributing 20 goals or assists.
Despite failing to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title, Messi can still hold his head high, as he guided the team to this summer's final, ultimately losing 0-1 to Spain. With 8 goals and 4 assists, he not only won the Silver Ball award but also the World Cup Silver Boot.
However, all of this only reveals the tip of the iceberg for this 39-year-old player, who continues to break records. He is the first player to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches, the first player to reach 12 assists in the World Cup (since assist statistics began being recorded for the 1966 World Cup), and the first player to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award back-to-back—and if space permits, we could list even more of his achievements.
What's next: He's almost 40, but don't expect him to retire anytime soon. This October, he signed a contract extension with the Miami Heat until 2028, meaning he'll continue to be a nightmare for opposing guards.
As for the national team? We'll wait and see. Before the World Cup, he stated that he would only join the Argentine team when he was 100% fit, suggesting that as he gets older, he is beginning to reconsider how to balance his club and national team duties.
Messi, at 43, certainly won't be at the 2030 World Cup, right? Right?! Things are unpredictable… — César Hernandez
4. Luis DÍAZ , Bayern Munich/Colombia, 29
What makes him special is that Diaz is unstoppable and explosive, and after several impressive seasons, he is now at his peak.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 12
FC 100 attempts: 3
A key statistic: Last season he contributed 39 goals (22 goals and 17 assists) in the league and the Champions League, ranking fifth among players in Europe's top five leagues.
Reason for selection: Diaz's move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich was one of the most successful transfers of last summer. The Colombian international had an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, contributing 15 goals and 14 assists in 32 league appearances, helping Bayern win the league title. Furthermore, he displayed remarkable talent in the crucial Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool's decision to let Diaz go backfired, proving that the 29-year-old striker remains a valuable asset to the team. He also contributed a goal and an assist for Colombia, helping them advance to the World Cup Round of 16.
What's next: Diaz has been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian professional league, but his performances last season showed he still has the ability to shine at Bayern Munich or another top European club. — Beth Lindorp
3. Kvalatskhria , Paris Saint-Germain/Georgia, 25
What makes him special is that he's the kind of player you'd pay to watch; his dribbling, talent, and scoring will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 7
FC 100 attempts: 4
A key statistic: He became the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive Champions League knockout stage matches in a single season.
His selection is based on the fact that at just 25 years old, he's been dubbed "Kvaradona," leading Paris Saint-Germain to consecutive Champions League titles and making him a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. This nickname originates from his time at Napoli—a tribute to another Napoli legend, Diego Maradona—and his performance certainly lives up to the title. Last season, he contributed an astonishing seven goals and four assists in nine Champions League knockout stage matches. Currently, there is no more crucial player in the world. He loves big games and always steps up in critical moments, leading his team forward with decisive plays and tireless effort.
He stands out on this list because he can dribble long distances while running at high speed and skillfully use different parts of his feet to maintain his pace. As Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal all demonstrated last season, Kvalatechelia is unstoppable once he has possession and enough space to run.
Next: In the 2026-27 season, Kvara will once again play a crucial role on the left wing for Paris Saint-Germain, causing significant trouble for opposing defenders. He only turned 25 last February, meaning he's currently in the prime of his career. — Julian Lawrence
2. Yamal , Barcelona/Spain, 19
What makes him special is that he is a once-in-a-century, one-of-a-kind player whose creativity and imagination while running with the ball always excite fans, and his career is far from over.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 2
FC 100 times: 2
A key statistic: He is the youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup (19 years and 6 days old), and he has completed the most dribbles in Europe's top five leagues in the 2025-26 season.
Reason for selection: This young prodigy's performance continues to rise. At only 19 years old, he is already considered Barcelona's most important player and a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. Last year, he finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting, behind Ousmane Dembélé. This year, he won his third La Liga title with Barça and lifted the World Cup trophy with the Spanish national team. People expect him to come closer to this coveted individual honor once again.
Statistics only tell one thing—last season he made 45 appearances for Barcelona, contributing 24 goals and 17 assists—but you have to see him play in person to truly appreciate his ability. When he has the ball, the stadium erupts. His dribbling is terrifying; combining speed and skill, he is one of the best wingers in the world. Last season in La Liga, he completed a staggering 285 dribbles, a record unmatched—Vinicius came in second with 241, but he played 600 more minutes.
After recovering from a hamstring injury in April, Yamar made a timely return to play in all eight of Spain's World Cup matches, helping the team ultimately win the title. Although not fully recovered, he still scored a goal and remained active on the right wing, drawing the opponent's attention and creating space for his teammates. Spain thus gained their second star player in North America.
Next: Over the past 20 years, Messi and Ronaldo have set such high standards that expectations are placed on players like Yamar, hoping they will produce astonishing statistics. His goal and assist numbers last season were impressive, but people want him to do more—especially in terms of goals.
It's foreseeable that as he matures, he will continue along a natural development curve. While people may sometimes exaggerate his youth, it's important to remember that he is, after all, still a teenager—despite carrying the heavy responsibility of ending Barcelona's 11-year Champions League drought. —Sam Marsden
1. Olise , Bayern Munich/France, 24 years old
What makes him special is that two years ago, he was just a promising winger for Crystal Palace; now he may be the most creative and talented player in the world.
2025 FC 100 Ranking: 11
FC 100 attempts: 2
A key statistic: He contributed 7 assists at the 2026 World Cup, surpassing Pelé (6 assists in 1970) to become the player with the most assists in a single World Cup in recorded history (over the past 60 years).
His selection is based on the fact that Olise's immense potential has always been evident: at 18, he contributed 12 assists while playing for Reading in the Championship; in his last two seasons at Crystal Palace, he achieved double-digit assists in one season and double-digit goals in the other. It's no surprise that a powerhouse like Bayern Munich was willing to pay €60 million for him; two years later, €60 million was practically a steal.
During his two seasons with Bayern Munich, Olisse contributed 42 goals and 46 assists across all competitions. His attacking partnership with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz formed one of Bayern's most dangerous attacking lines in the 2025-26 season. Undoubtedly, the German giants have boasted countless breathtaking attacking combinations over the years. Furthermore, in Olisse's debut World Cup campaign, he helped France reach the semi-finals, contributing 7 assists—3 more than any other player.
Olise has developed almost overnight into one of the world's best passers; he's also a prolific scorer, and he won't turn 25 until December. He's a truly gifted player.
What's next: This summer, after Olise trained with Mbappe for a few weeks, rumors quickly spread that "Olisé is joining Real Madrid?". It might eventually happen, but his contract with Bayern doesn't expire until 2029, his transfer fee would be astronomical, and he could at least play alongside players like Harry Kane in Bayern's attack for another season. —Bill Connelly
