Who Is the Best Footballer in the World Right Now?

By Emma Wilson · January 13, 2029

As of 2025, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the best footballer in the world due to his sustained excellence, leadership at Inter Miami, and continued influence in international competitions with Argentina.

Why Lionel Messi Tops the Rankings in 2025

In 2025, Lionel Messi continues to defy age and expectations, maintaining elite performance levels despite transitioning to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. His technical mastery, vision, and consistency set him apart from contemporaries.

Key Factors Behind Messi's Continued Dominance

Technical Skill: Unmatched ball control, passing accuracy, and dribbling ability.
Leadership: Captaincy success with both club and country.
Longevity: Over two decades of top-tier performance across Europe and North America.
International Success: Led Argentina to Copa América 2024 victory and strong 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Global Influence: Transformed MLS into a more competitive league, boosting global interest.

Rival Candidates for the Best Footballer Title

While Messi leads consensus rankings, several players remain in close contention based on recent form and achievements.

Top Contenders in 2025

Kylian Mbappé: Explosive pace and goal-scoring record at Real Madrid after his 2024 transfer.
Erling Haaland: Premier League's most lethal finisher with Manchester City.
Vinícius Júnior: Breakout season in Spain, instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League run.
Jude Bellingham: Midfield dynamism and clutch goals in La Liga.

Player	Club (2025)	Goals (2024–25 Season)	Assists (2024–25 Season)	Ballon d'Or Rank (2024)
Lionel Messi	Inter Miami CF	18	15	1st
Kylian Mbappé	Real Madrid	27	7	2nd
Erling Haaland	Manchester City	32	4	3rd
Vinícius Júnior	Real Madrid	22	9	4th
Jude Bellingham	Real Madrid	16	6	5th

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while Haaland leads in goals, Messi excels in overall playmaking with the highest assist count among top scorers. His Ballon d'Or win in 2024 solidifies recognition as the most complete player, balancing individual stats with team impact and global influence.

Critics and Counterarguments

Some argue that playing in MLS diminishes Messi’s claim due to lower competition levels compared to Europe’s top leagues. However, his performances in high-profile matches against European clubs and consistent output in CONCACAF Champions Cup reinforce his elite status.

Common Criticism Points

Perceived drop in physical intensity due to reduced minutes per game.
MLS not being on par with UEFA Champions League-level competition.
Reliance on set pieces and free kicks rather than open-play sprints.

Despite these points, Messi’s intelligence, precision, and leadership compensate for any physical decline, allowing him to dominate games without relying solely on athleticism.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Footballer in the World

Who is considered the best footballer in the world right now?

As of 2025, Lionel Messi is widely recognized as the best footballer in the world due to his Ballon d'Or 2024 win, leadership at Inter Miami, and continued excellence with the Argentina national team.

Has Lionel Messi won any major awards recently?

Yes, Messi won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, marking his eighth career win and first while playing in Major League Soccer, highlighting his enduring global impact and performance quality.

How does Messi compare to younger stars like Haaland and Mbappé?

Messi scores fewer goals than Haaland or Mbappé but offers superior playmaking, vision, and consistency. While younger players excel in physical attributes, Messi dominates through intelligence and efficiency.

Does playing in MLS affect Messi’s standing as the best?

While MLS is less competitive than Europe’s top leagues, Messi’s performances in international tournaments and exhibition matches against elite clubs maintain his reputation. His influence also elevates the league’s global profile.

Who might surpass Messi as the best footballer in 2026?

Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are strong candidates to overtake Messi by 2026, especially if they lead their clubs to Champions League titles or guide their nations to World Cup glory.