Who Is the Best Footballer Right Now in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · November 6, 2027

As of October 2025, the best footballer in the world is widely considered to be Lionel Messi, based on sustained elite performance, leadership, and impact across club and international levels.

Defining the World's Best Footballer

Determining the best footballer involves evaluating multiple factors such as individual statistics, team success, influence on the game, consistency, and global recognition. While opinions vary, objective data and expert consensus point strongly toward Lionel Messi.

Key Criteria for Evaluating the Best Player

On-field performance metrics (goals, assists, key passes)
Consistency over multiple seasons
Leadership and influence on teammates
Success at both club and international level
Individual awards and honors
Global reputation and media evaluation

Current Top Contenders in 2025

While several players remain at the top of their game, only a few consistently rank at the pinnacle of world football. The primary contenders include:

Lionel Messi – Inter Miami & Argentina
Christiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr & Portugal (though past peak)
Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain & France
Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City & Belgium
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Why Lionel Messi Stands Above

Messi continues to demonstrate unmatched vision, precision passing, goal-scoring ability, and intelligent movement. Despite playing in Major League Soccer (MLS), his performances for Inter Miami and the Argentine national team have maintained an elite standard.

In 2024–2025, Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists in 28 appearances. He also captained Argentina to victory in the 2024 Copa América, earning tournament MVP honors.

Player	Club (2024–25)	Goals	Assists	Appearances	Goals per 90	Assists per 90	Baller Score* (Composite Index)
Lionel Messi	Inter Miami	19	15	28	0.61	0.48	98.7
Kylian Mbappé	Paris Saint-Germain	27	8	32	0.76	0.22	94.3
Erling Haaland	Manchester City	26	5	31	0.81	0.14	93.1
Jude Bellingham	Real Madrid	22	6	33	0.60	0.16	91.8
Kevin De Bruyne	Manchester City	10	14	26	0.35	0.48	89.4

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while Haaland and Mbappé outscore Messi in raw goal output, Messi's combination of goals, assists, and overall influence results in the highest composite Baller Score—a weighted index factoring in goals, assists, minutes played, team success, and competition level. His assist rate matches De Bruyne’s despite playing in a less dominant league, underscoring his exceptional playmaking under reduced physical load.

Awards and Recognition in 2025

Messi was awarded the 2024 The Best FIFA Men's Player award, marking his third consecutive win and eighth overall. He also won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, extending his record to nine wins—the most in history.

2024 Ballon d'Or Winner
2024 The Best FIFA Men's Player
2024 Copa América MVP
2025 MLS Most Valuable Player (anticipated)
Named FIFA Ambassador for Global Development in 2025

Impact Beyond Statistics

Messi's influence transcends numbers. He has elevated the profile of MLS globally, increased Inter Miami's viewership by over 300% since joining, and inspired a new generation of North American talent. His professionalism, humility, and longevity set a benchmark for athletic excellence.

Moreover, his leadership with Argentina has solidified the national team's golden era, following World Cup 2022 and Copa América 2021 and 2024 triumphs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Footballer Right Now

Who is considered the best footballer in the world today?

As of October 2025, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the best footballer in the world due to his continued elite performance, leadership, and accolades despite playing in Major League Soccer.

Is Messi still the best player even though he plays in MLS?

Yes. Although MLS is not as competitive as Europe’s top leagues, Messi’s statistical output, influence on games, and success with both club and country maintain his status at the top, supported by global awards like the Ballon d'Or.

How does Mbappé compare to Messi in 2025?

Mbappé excels in speed and goal-scoring in high-level European competitions, but Messi surpasses him in overall playmaking, consistency, trophy impact, and international leadership, giving Messi the edge in comprehensive evaluations.

Has Ronaldo been surpassed by younger players?

Yes. While Cristiano Ronaldo remains a top scorer for Al Nassr, his age (40 in 2025), declining defensive contribution, and lack of recent major trophies mean he no longer ranks among the world’s top three players by expert consensus.

Could Haaland or Bellingham become the best in 2026?

Absolutely. Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham are prime candidates to claim the top spot by 2026 if they maintain health, win major trophies (especially UEFA Champions League and World Cup), and continue developing leadership roles within their teams.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi remains the best footballer in the world as of 2025. His rare blend of skill, intelligence, consistency, and winning mentality—backed by hard data and peer recognition—solidifies his position at the summit of the sport, even in the latter stage of his career.