Yaqeen Blog

The beautiful game has reached new heights in 2025. From the tactical battlegrounds of the Premier League to the star-studded arenas of Saudi Arabia and the rising dominance of the MLS, football is more global than ever. Following a year of record-breaking goals and a seismic shift in player power, we’ve crunched the numbers and analyzed the global fan sentiment to bring you the definitive top 10 players of the year.

This list isn't just about trophies; it’s about the players who have captured the imagination of the "connected generation" through clinical performance and sheer influence.

The 2025 Elite: Fan-Voted Rankings

10. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The United captain has enjoyed a resurgence under Ruben Amorim. In late 2025, he leads the Premier League in chances created and has been the creative engine behind United's return to the top four.

• Global Link: Key playmaker for Portugal.

• Wikipedia: Bruno Fernandes

9. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

The "beating heart" of PSG’s midfield. Following their spectacular treble last season, Vitinha has transcended borders, earning comparisons to the great Luka Modrić for his vision and control.

• Global Link: Driving force for the Ligue 1 champions.

• Wikipedia: Vitinha

8. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

The Brazilian remains the ultimate game-changer. Despite the arrival of other stars in Madrid, his 2025 has been defined by clutch performances in the Champions League and his relentless advocacy for justice in the sport.

• Global Link: A global icon for Brazil and La Liga.

• Wikipedia: Vinícius Júnior

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Climbing back into the elite top 10, Salah secured his third PFA Player of the Year award in 2025. Even at 33, his consistency in front of goal remains the benchmark for wingers worldwide.

• Global Link: The Pride of Egypt and Liverpool’s all-time great.

• Wikipedia: Mohamed Salah

6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The "Fierce Norwegian" has spent 2025 obliterating records. He recently became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals and has been even more prolific for Norway, scoring 17 goals in just 9 international appearances this year.

• Global Link: Norway's captain and the Premier League’s most lethal finisher.

• Wikipedia: Erling Haaland

5. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)

At just 18, Yamal has staged his own "coronation." His performances for Barcelona and Spain in 2025 have been nothing short of legendary, showing a maturity that has seen him rise to the #2 spot in several global power rankings.

• Global Link: The new face of Spanish football.

• Wikipedia: Lamine Yamal

4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

The current European Golden Shoe holder. After a transition period in Madrid, Mbappé has found "resurrection," netting 55 goals in the calendar year 2025. He is currently chasing the single-year club record.

• Global Link: France's talisman and Real Madrid’s leading man.

• Wikipedia: Kylian Mbappé

3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)

The ageless maestro. Messi’s 2025 was historic, winning the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and leading the league in assists. His influence has turned the MLS into a global destination for football fans.

• Global Link: Argentina's legendary captain.

• Wikipedia: Lionel Messi

2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Arguably playing the best football of his career at 32. Kane has been "unstoppable" in the Bundesliga, recently hitting his 10th hat-trick for Bayern. His goal contribution rate—one every 39 minutes—is currently the best in Europe.

• Global Link: England's record goalscorer and Bayern's spearhead.

• Wikipedia: Harry Kane

1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

The fan-voted king of 2025. Dembélé has evolved into the most effective attacking player in the world this year. After a prolific start to 2025 with 17 goals in the first two months alone, he led PSG to a historic treble and was the standout performer in the Champions League. His "enigmatic" talent has finally found consistent, world-beating output.

• Global Link: A transformative figure for PSG and France.

• Wikipedia: Ousmane Dembélé

2025 Performance Data: The Real Numbers

The following data reflects the verified totals for the 2025 calendar year (Club & Country).

The Global Perspective

The 2025 rankings prove that "influence" is no longer restricted to Europe's big five. With Lionel Messi dominating the US and Karim Benzema (who narrowly missed the top 10 this year) leading the charge in Saudi Arabia, the "Rewired Globe" is a reality. As we head into the 2026 World Cup year, these ten athletes are the ones setting the standard for the next generation of fans.

Who was your player of the year? Did the fans get it right with Dembélé at number one?

As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America begins, the global footballing landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The "Old Guard" is making way for a generation of hyper-talented teenagers and early-twenty-somethings who aren't just prospects—they are already world-beaters.

With data from Transfermarkt and expert insights from the BBC, we’ve analyzed the most promising young footballers poised to explode on the world stage. Whether they are creative maestros or clinical finishers, these are the names that will dominate your social media feeds in 2026.

1. The Crown Prince of Spain: Lamine Yamal

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has already transitioned from "wonderkid" to a vital cog in the Spanish national team. Following a historic Euro 2024 campaign and a 2nd place finish at the 2025 Ballon d'Or, Yamal is arguably the most searched young athlete in the world.

• Market Value: €150M+ (Transfermarkt)

• The "Wow" Factor: Elite 1v1 dribbling and vision that defies his age.

• 2026 Outlook: Expect him to be the focal point of Spain’s attack. His ability to cut inside from the right wing makes him a tactical nightmare for any fullback.

Profile: Lamine Yamal Wikipedia

2. England’s Midfield Engine: Jude Bellingham

While he feels like a veteran, Jude Bellingham will be just 23 during the 2026 World Cup. Already a Real Madrid legend and a leader for the Three Lions, Bellingham is the prototype for the modern "box-to-box" midfielder.

• Market Value: €180M

• Key Stats: Ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals and progressive carries among midfielders.

• Impact: He is England’s emotional and tactical heartbeat. Under Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham is expected to occupy a "free-roaming" #10 role.

Profile: Jude Bellingham Wikipedia

3. Brazil’s New "Starboy": Estêvão Willian

The conveyor belt of Brazilian talent never stops. While Endrick has garnered much of the hype, Estêvão Willian (affectionately known as "Messinho" in his early years) has exploded since his move to Chelsea.

• The Hype: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly been "blown away" by the 18-year-old’s transition to European football.

• Statistical Peak: In late 2025, he lead the Brazilian league in goal involvements before his Premier League debut.

• World Cup Role: With Neymar’s fitness always a question mark, Estêvão is tipped to be Brazil’s breakout creative spark on the flanks.

Profile: Estêvão Willian Wikipedia

4. The German "Space Interpreter": Florian Wirtz

Germany’s "Wunderkind" Florian Wirtz is the architect of the new-look Nationalmannschaft. After leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in 2024, his stock has only continued to rise.

• Style of Play: A "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) with elite technical skills.

• Market Data: Consistently ranked in the top 5 most valuable attacking midfielders globally.

• Watch Out For: His partnership with Jamal Musiala; the "Wirtziala" duo is predicted to be the most creative midfield pairing of the 2026 tournament.

Profile: Florian Wirtz Wikipedia

5. The "Silent" Leader: João Neves

Portugal’s transition away from the Ronaldo era is being anchored by João Neves. The PSG midfielder possesses a tactical maturity that has seen him replace veterans in the national starting XI.

• Versatility: Capable of playing as a lone #6 or an 8.

• Why he's a breakout candidate: In a Portugal team filled with flashy attackers, Neves provides the "bite" and ball retention necessary for deep tournament runs.

Profile: João Neves Wikipedia

Data Snapshot: The €100M+ Club (U23)

The "Wildcard" to Watch: Cavan Sullivan (USA)

As the co-host, the United States is looking for a homegrown hero. Cavan Sullivan, the youngest player in MLS history, is already signed by Manchester City and could be the "Freddy Adu" success story the USMNT has waited for. By 2026, he will be 16—could he be the tournament's youngest participant?

Profile: Cavan Sullivan Wikipedia

The debate over the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) is the lifeblood of football. While every generation believes their heroes are the best, 2025 has brought a definitive shift in the rankings. Following a year of historic performances and legendary retirements, millions of fans worldwide have cast their votes to settle the score.

From the trickery of the streets of Brazil to the clinical precision of modern-day icons, these are the 10 greatest football players in history as voted by the fans.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Achievements: 8 Ballon d'Ors, 1 World Cup (2022), 4 Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles.

For the majority of fans in 2025, the debate is over. Lionel Messi sits alone at the summit. His 2022 World Cup triumph was the final piece of the puzzle, but it is his two decades of consistent "alien" performance that won the fans' hearts. Whether at Barcelona or Inter Miami, Messi’s ability to manipulate the ball—and the outcome of games—remains unparalleled in the history of the sport.

2. Pelé (Brazil)

Achievements: 3 World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), 1,281 career goals (unofficial).

The "King of Football" remains a deity for fans across all ages. Pelé is the only player to have won three World Cups, exploding onto the scene as a 17-year-old and retiring as a global ambassador for the game. His legacy is the reason Brazil is synonymous with the "Joga Bonito" (The Beautiful Game).

3. Diego Maradona (Argentina)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1986), 2 Serie A titles (Napoli).

If Messi is the god of perfection, Maradona was the god of passion. His performance in the 1986 World Cup—specifically the "Goal of the Century" against England—is widely considered the greatest individual campaign by any player. He transformed an underdog Napoli side into champions of Italy, earning a cult-like status that still thrives in Naples and Buenos Aires today.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Achievements: 5 Ballon d'Ors, 1 Euro (2016), 5 Champions Leagues, All-time leading goalscorer.

The ultimate athlete. Fans voted Ronaldo into the top four not just for his talent, but for his relentless work ethic. Ronaldo evolved from a flashy winger at Manchester United to the most clinical goal-scoring machine the world has ever seen. His five Champions League trophies and record-breaking international goal tally make him a statistically undeniable titan of the game.

5. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)

Achievements: 3 Ballon d'Ors, 3 European Cups, Total Football Pioneer.

Cruyff didn't just play football; he reimagined it. As the heart of the "Total Football" era, his tactical intelligence and graceful movement changed the DNA of clubs like Ajax and Barcelona. Fans recognize Cruyff as perhaps the most influential individual in history, whose "Cruyff Turn" is still taught to every child on a playground today.

6. Zinedine Zidane (France)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1998), 1 Euro (2000), 1 Champions League, 3 FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

"Zizou" was the definition of elegance. A player who could make a 50-yard pass look like a brushstroke on a canvas. His two goals in the 1998 World Cup final and his iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final are etched into the memories of every fan who witnessed his era.

7. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil)

Achievements: 2 World Cups (1994, 2002), 2 Ballon d'Ors, 3 FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

O Fenômeno. Before the knee injuries, Ronaldo was arguably the most terrifying force to ever play the game. He possessed a combination of power, speed, and technical ability that seemed impossible. His redemption arc in the 2002 World Cup, where he led Brazil to glory after years of injury heartbreak, remains one of football's greatest stories.

8. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1974 - Player, 1990 - Manager), 2 Ballon d'Ors, 3 European Cups.

The "Kaiser" (Emperor) invented the modern role of the attacking sweeper (Libero). He was the calm in the center of the storm, leading West Germany and Bayern Munich to total dominance in the 1970s. He remains the only defender to win two Ballon d'Ors, proving that greatness isn't reserved only for those who score the goals.

9. Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (2002), 1 Ballon d'Or, 1 Champions League.

If this list were based purely on "joy," Ronaldinho might be number one. For a brief four-year window at Barcelona, Ronaldinho played football with a level of creativity and smile-inducing flair that had never been seen before. He is one of the few players to ever receive a standing ovation from rival Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu.

10. Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentina/Spain)

Achievements: 5 consecutive European Cups, 2 Ballon d'Ors, 8 La Liga titles.

The backbone of the original Real Madrid dynasty. Di Stéfano was the "total footballer" before the term existed. He could defend, organize the midfield, and score at a prolific rate. He remains the only player to have ever been awarded the Super Ballon d'Or (in 1989), a testament to his status as the greatest of his era.

🏆 Honourable Mentions (The "Just Missed" List)

The 2025 vote was incredibly tight. These icons finished just outside the top 10 but remain legends in their own right:

• Ferenc Puskás: The man whose name is on the "Goal of the Year" award.

• Andrés Iniesta: The architect of Spain and Barcelona's golden era.

• George Best: "Maradona good, Pelé better, George Best."

• Luka Modrić: The evergreen maestro who broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or streak.

Who did the fans miss? Is there a player from your generation that deserves a spot in the Top 10?

🔗 Deep Dive Sources:

▪️ IFFHS: Official Ranking of the All-Time World's Best Players 2025

▪️ GiveMeSport: 40 Greatest Football Players of All Time Ranked

▪️ Radio Times: Best Football Players of All Time - The Final List

▪️ The Guardian: The 100 Best Male Footballers in the World 2025

Get ready, football fans! We are less than six months away from the most ambitious sporting event ever conceived. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ isn't just a tournament; it’s a continental takeover. For the first time, three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—will co-host a record-breaking 48 teams in a 104-match marathon that will redefine the "Beautiful Game."

Whether you’re planning to follow your team across the Atlantic or watching from home, here is the comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know for the summer of 2026.

📅 Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar

The tournament officially kicks off in the heat of Mexico City and concludes in the heart of the New York/New Jersey area.

• Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)

• Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026

• Round of 32 (New Knockout Round): June 28 – July 3, 2026

• Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026

• Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11, 2026

• Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15, 2026

• Bronze Final (Third Place): July 18, 2026 (Miami)

• The World Cup Final: July 19, 2026 (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)

⚽ The New Format: 48 Teams, 104 Matches

FIFA has officially moved away from the 32-team format. The 2026 edition will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four.

How the Knockouts Work:

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to a brand-new Round of 32. This adds an extra layer of high-stakes drama and means the eventual champions will have to play eight matches instead of the traditional seven to lift the trophy.

Fun Fact: The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will become the first stadium in history to host matches in three different World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026).

🏟️ Host Cities & Iconic Stadiums

The matches are spread across 16 world-class venues. If you're traveling, keep in mind the massive distances between these "hubs."

🎫 How to Get Tickets (Act Fast!)

As of December 2025, we are officially in the thick of the ticketing process. FIFA uses a Random Selection Draw system to ensure fairness.

1. Official Portal: The only place to buy legitimate tickets is FIFA.com/tickets.

2. Current Phase: The Random Selection Draw for single-match and supporter tickets is open until January 13, 2026.

3. Hospitality: For those looking for premium suites and "elevated" experiences, packages are available via FIFA.com/hospitality.

🔮 Predictions: Who are the Favorites?

Following the Final Draw on December 5, 2025, the groups are set, and the "Group of Death" honors go to Group L, featuring England, Croatia, and Ghana.

• The Favorites: Argentina (Defending Champs) and France remain the heavy bookmaker favorites.

• The Dark Horse: Morocco. After their historic 2022 run, they have a highly favorable draw in Group C against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.

• Player to Watch: This could be the final World Cup "dance" for legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland (making his WC debut with Norway).

Are you traveling to North America for the games? Which match-up are you most excited to see?

🔗 Official Sources & Deep Dives:

▪️ FIFA Official: Match Schedule and Full Fixture List

▪️ Olympics.com: Full List of 16 Host Stadiums and Capacities

▪️ DAZN News: Group Stage Breakdown and Kick-off Times

▪️ FIFA Tickets: Official Sales Portal and Application Guide