It would seem that all the best players should be at the World Cup, but not all national teams managed to qualify, which means many top-class footballers will miss the tournament.

The Dailysports team has compiled a ranking of the best players who will not go to the World Cup.

The Nigerian national team recently delivered an excellent Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where they secured the bronze medals. However, before that tournament they failed to qualify for the World Cup. They finished second in their qualifying group and did not advance to the intercontinental playoff.

• Read also: FIFA has a contingency plan if national teams withdraw from the World Cup

As a result, we will not see two top strikers at the World Cup — Osimhen and Lookman. Victor, by the way, scored six goals in qualifying and provided one assist. Overall this season, the striker has played 29 matches in all competitions for Galatasaray, scoring 19 goals and adding seven assists. He is only 27 years old, and he would clearly have been an important and standout player at the World Cup.

The same applies to his national team partner Ademola Lookman. The 28-year-old forward moved in the winter from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid. He played 34 matches in all competitions for both clubs, scoring eight goals and adding six assists. The player has settled into Diego Simeone’s team, and it is a real shame he will not be at the 2026 World Cup.

The Gabon international is already 36 years old, but he is still showing high-level football. Aubameyang currently plays for Marseille and has made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing ten assists. He also tried to carry his national team to the 2026 World Cup. He played six qualifying matches and scored seven goals. His team finished second in their qualifying group but lost 1–4 to Nigeria in the playoff. Aubameyang has never played at a World Cup, and neither has Gabon as a nation. The striker will most likely never get that chance.

Guirassy played 40 matches in all competitions this season for Borussia Dortmund — he is incredibly important both for the German side and his national team. However, he did not stand out statistically in World Cup qualifying. In eight matches, Guirassy scored one goal and could not help his team enough. Over ten matches, his national team collected 15 points and finished fourth in the table. They had no chance of progressing. One of the Bundesliga’s best strikers will miss the 2026 World Cup.

In the summer of 2025, Bryan Mbeumo moved from Brentford to Manchester United, where he immediately secured a place in the starting lineup and began showing strong performances. This season, the attacking player has made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals and providing three assists. He is helping the Red Devils climb high in the table, but he could not do the same for Cameroon.

His national team surprisingly lost first place in their qualifying group to Cape Verde but still had a chance to reach the intercontinental playoff. However, they failed there as well, losing to DR Congo. In qualifying, Mbeumo played all 11 matches, scored four goals, and provided several assists, but we will not see him at the 2026 World Cup despite his strong club form.

Last winter, Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia moved from Napoli to PSG, where he went on to win the UEFA Champions League just a few months later. Under Luis Enrique, Kvaratskhelia has become an essential part of the system. This season he has already played 39 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists.

• Also: Ticket scandal rocks 2026 World Cup: FIFA accused of deception

For Georgia, he is also a true leader and star, but he could not help his team reach the 2026 World Cup. In qualification, he played all six matches and scored two goals. His team collected just three points, which was not enough. Georgia will once again miss the World Cup.

The 37-year-old Poland striker is still delivering high-level football and strong numbers. This season, Lewandowski has played 39 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists for Barcelona. He is currently fighting for La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, but he will not go to the World Cup with his national team.

Although he did everything he could — playing nine matches, scoring five goals and providing three assists. Poland reached the qualifying playoffs, where they lost the final to Sweden 2–3. For the first time in the last three editions, Poland will not play at the World Cup. For Lewandowski, this was likely his last chance.

The Italian national team has once again failed to qualify for the World Cup. The side continues to set unwanted records in football history. Italy lost to Norway in their group but still had a chance to qualify through the playoffs. They reached the final, where they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. For the third consecutive time, Italy will miss the tournament.

Among the players in this team, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolò Barella stand out. The goalkeeper is one of the best in his position and was named the best in the previous season. However, this is now the second consecutive World Cup he will miss with the national team. Barella is arguably one of the best players for Inter and Italy. He played nine qualifying matches and provided one assist. However, neither he nor Donnarumma could help the team reach the World Cup.

The striker moved to Napoli after failing to establish himself at Manchester United. And in the Italian side he has rediscovered his form. Across 37 matches this season, the Dane has scored 14 goals and provided four assists. In World Cup qualifying, Højlund delivered excellent football and strong numbers. He played seven matches and scored five goals.

• Breaking! Neymar undergoes surgery ahead of World Cup. Are his hopes for the tournament dashed?

He helped his team finish second in the qualifying table, but in the playoffs they lost the final to the Czech Republic on penalties. Denmark will miss the World Cup for the first time in the last three editions, and it will be a first disappointment for Højlund as well.

This season, Liverpool have not shown consistent results and the team has been struggling after their title-winning campaign. However, one player who stands out is Szoboszlai, who has played 45 matches this season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. The midfielder has repeatedly rescued Liverpool during this campaign, but he could not save Hungary.

Hungary needed to beat Ireland in the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifying to secure second place, but they twice squandered the lead and lost 2–3 in the dying minutes. Hungary have now missed out on a tenth consecutive World Cup. Dominik Szoboszlai played six qualifying matches, scored one goal and provided four assists. He was one of the best performers in the campaign, but it was not enough.

In the current campaign, forward Leon Bailey has not been getting enough playing time. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions but played only 713 minutes — equivalent to just seven full matches. In that time, he scored one goal and provided one assist. However, for his national team he is a real star and a key hope who was expected to help Jamaica reach the World Cup.

They reached the third qualifying round, finished second in their group, and played in the intercontinental playoff. They beat New Caledonia 1–0 but lost to DR Congo. Bailey played four matches and provided one assist. That was not enough to help Jamaica reach the World Cup. Since 1998, Jamaica have been unable to qualify for the tournament.

The Ukrainian defender has taken an incredible step forward in his career. He moved from Bournemouth to PSG, but has yet to find full consistency, although he still gets playing time at his new club. So far, he has made 30 appearances in all competitions and even scored one goal.

However, for his national team, Zabarnyi is a leader and captain. He played all seven matches in World Cup qualifying. Ukraine finished second in their group and earned a playoff spot, but lost in the semifinal to Sweden 1–3. For 20 years now, Ukraine have remained without a place at football’s biggest tournament.

The Kosovo national team striker plays for Mallorca, where he is delivering excellent performances. He has scored 19 goals in La Liga and is currently second in the league’s top scorers chart. His Mallorca side sits 16th in the La Liga table, just two points above the relegation zone, but Muriqi remains in outstanding form.

• Read also: BREAKING! Messi's World Cup participation in serious doubt

In World Cup qualifying, Vedat Muriqi played eight matches. He helped his team reach the qualification playoffs, where Kosovo beat Slovakia 4–3, but then lost the final to Turkey 0–1. Kosovo came very close to making a historic breakthrough and reaching the World Cup, but it was not meant to be. The Spain-based striker was unable to help his national team achieve the dream.

The Serbian striker has not been getting much playing time this campaign due to an injury he picked up during the season. He has played 18 matches for Juventus in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing two assists. He has been sidelined since December with injury issues.

In 2026 World Cup qualifying, Vlahović played seven matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His national team finished third in the qualifying table, collecting 13 points from eight matches. Serbia will miss the World Cup for the first time in the last three editions.

The Slovenian goalkeeper is now 33 years old and had another chance to reach the World Cup. However, Slovenia missed out once again. After six rounds, the team collected just four points and finished third in the table. This will be the third consecutive World Cup without Slovenia.

Oblak continues to perform at a high level for Atlético Madrid and his national team. He played five matches in qualifying, but his efforts were not enough. Unfortunately, it is uncertain whether he will ever get another chance to feature at a World Cup.

Saka drops from eighth to tenth in our rankings, largely due to a serious injury that has sidelined him until at least early March.

Despite this setback, the 23-year-old winger is expected to return in time for Arsenal’s Champions League Round of 16 ties. He will also be crucial in the final stretch of the Premier League season, where Mikel Arteta’s side remains in the title race—though Liverpool’s relentless form makes their chances slim.

Saka’s numbers remain outstanding: 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 matches.

Another player who has dropped in our rankings. Kane remains Bayern’s talisman, leading the Bundesliga scoring charts with 17 goals. He is on course to finally win a major trophy, with Bayern clear favorites for the German title.

Harry Kane’s stats for Bayern are unreal:• 72 games• 70 goals• 22 assists pic.twitter.com/f9Z97reuqN

— Bayern & Football (@MunichFanpage) February 2, 2025

However, his Ballon d'Or hopes are hindered by Bayern’s inconsistent Champions League performances. While they’ve reached the Round of 16, their away defeats to Feyenoord, Aston Villa, and Barcelona suggest Vincent Kompany’s side is unlikely to challenge for the biggest prize in European club football. And without that, Kane has little chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Absent from our December rankings, Van Dijk enters the top 10 thanks to Liverpool’s spectacular season. Arne Slot’s team is leading the Premier League race and is considered a major contender for the Champions League.

The Dutch center-back is Liverpool’s captain and the defensive anchor of this title-chasing squad. In 2019, after winning the Champions League, Van Dijk came close to beating Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or. If Liverpool secures another major trophy, he will certainly be in the conversation again.

Never write off Real Madrid in the race for top honors. While they started the season inconsistently—suffering two heavy defeats to Barcelona—they still hold a commanding lead in La Liga.

Madrid faces a tough Champions League test against Manchester City in the knockout phase. If they prevail, they will once again be among the favorites for the title.

Bellingham putting in the work 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/s1891zYdRo

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 31, 2025

Bellingham endured a dry spell earlier in the season, but he now boasts 7 goals and 6 assists in 17 La Liga matches. His form will be key to Madrid’s success, though he must improve his performances in big matches to truly enter the Ballon d’Or conversation.

The long-awaited Mbappé transfer is finally proving its worth. After a slow start, the French forward has rediscovered his best form.

His recent hat-trick against Valladolid highlighted his resurgence, and he is now just two goals behind Robert Lewandowski in La Liga’s scoring race.

December and February were highly productive months for Mbappé, but like Bellingham, he must deliver in the biggest games. For now, he remains sixth, but if he starts dominating top matches, he will quickly become a Ballon d’Or frontrunner.

The Barcelona wonderkid drops from third to fifth—not due to his own performances, but because of Barcelona’s dip in form.

Yamal remains a crucial player for the Catalans, regularly scoring and assisting. However, his injury earlier this season contributed to Barcelona’s struggles in La Liga.

Madness from Lamine Yamal 🔥(via @FCBarcelona)pic.twitter.com/FvtuY58O6a

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 2, 2025

With a 7-point gap to Real Madrid, Barcelona’s title hopes are slim. However, their strong Champions League form keeps Yamal in the Ballon d’Or discussion. If Barça goes deep in the competition, his stock will rise.

Another Barcelona player who has slipped in the rankings. Lewandowski is enjoying a phenomenal season, with 29 goals in 31 matches, leading the scoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League.

However, his Ballon d'Or hopes took a hit due to his goal drought in December and January, when he netted just once in La Liga. His two Champions League goals against Benfica both came from the penalty spot.

Lewandowski’s form has dipped, but if he rediscovers his scoring touch, he could climb back up the rankings.

Vinícius holds onto his third-place spot. The Brazilian forward has been outstanding over the past two months, apart from a poor outing against Valencia and a quiet El Clásico in the Spanish Super Cup.

He remains Madrid’s most decisive attacking player. If they win the Champions League or the Club World Cup, Vinícius will again be a top contender for the Ballon d’Or. His ability to shine in big matches keeps him ahead of all other Real Madrid players.

12 goals and 8 assists in 21 La Liga matches8 goals and 4 assists in 8 Champions League games2 goals and 1 assist in 2 Spanish Super Cup matches1 goal in 1 Copa del Rey appearance

Raphinha is having a sensational season. Surprisingly, he has become Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking force. While Lamine Yamal provides creativity, the Brazilian has been lethal with his pace and finishing.

His remarkable form sees him jump from fourth to second place in our rankings.

No change at the top—Mohamed Salah remains the best player in European football this season.

Despite ongoing uncertainty over his contract, Salah continues to lead Liverpool toward their second-ever Premier League title. His numbers are staggering: 25 goals and 17 assists in 33 matches.

Mohamed Salah can’t be replaced.Not only his 30+ goals a season but also his playmaking ability and assistsThe most complete player 🐐pic.twitter.com/crnLb2Bcos

— . (@StanSalah11) February 2, 2025

His dominance leaves little room for challengers at the moment. Unless someone else steps up in the latter half of the season, Salah is the clear favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

• Read also: Top 24 in 2024. The best footballers in Europe according to Dailysports

This installment from Dailysports is titled "Top 24 in 2024" and highlights players from South America.

The key center-back for his team, Robinson joined Cincinnati as a free agent from Atlanta United. Last season, he played 33 matches across all competitions, helping the team secure third place in the Eastern Conference and advance to the playoffs. However, the club was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 0-1 loss to New York City FC. Robinson did not participate in the Copa América but represented the USA at the Olympic Games, where the team reached the quarterfinals. He played all four matches in the tournament.

A goalkeeper performing strongly in Mexico, Malagón featured in 53 matches across all competitions last season. He conceded 44 goals and kept 24 clean sheets. His contributions were instrumental in Club América winning the Mexican championship for a record 16th time. Currently, he remains the club's first-choice goalkeeper, with 26 matches this season, including seven clean sheets. While Malagón plays for the Mexican national team, he is not their starting goalkeeper.

At the start of 2024, Laryea joined Toronto FC but suffered an unfortunate injury that sidelined him for two months. Upon his return, he managed to play 17 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Despite not being a regular starter for his club, Laryea plays a significant role for the Canadian national team. He featured in all six matches at the Copa América, helping Canada reach the tournament's final stages and secure fourth place. Additionally, he contributed to Canada's run to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Last season, Murillo moved from Anderlecht to Marseille. He started as a regular but suffered an injury at the beginning of 2024, returning only in early April. Overall, he played 25 matches and scored three goals. While the club's performance last season was underwhelming, finishing eighth, the current situation is vastly different. Marseille now sits second in the league, with Murillo being a key player. He has featured in 17 matches across all competitions this season, registering one assist. Murillo is also a cornerstone of Panama's national team. During the Copa América, he helped his side reach the quarterfinals and finish among the top eight teams.

Musah transferred from Valencia to Milan and quickly established himself as an important midfielder for the Italian side. He played 40 matches last season, contributing two assists, and helped Milan secure a second-place finish in Serie A. Over the summer, the Rossoneri changed head coaches twice, but Musah remained a vital part of the starting lineup.

• Read also: Top 24 in 2024. The best African footballers of the year according to Dailysports

This season, he has played 19 matches in all competitions and won his first trophy with Milan, claiming the Italian Super Cup after a 3-2 victory over Inter in the final. Musah is also a regular for the US national team, although their Copa América campaign ended in disappointment. However, in the CONCACAF Nations League, he helped the team reach the semifinals.

Adams joined Bournemouth but initially struggled to secure a starting role, partially due to recurring injuries. Last season, he managed to play only four matches. For the US national team, Adams was a key player during the 2024 Copa América. This season, he has appeared in ten matches for Bournemouth, but injuries continue to hinder his ability to perform consistently. Nevertheless, when on the pitch, Adams delivers solid performances.

Balogun joined Monaco and secured a starting position with his new team. Last season, he played 32 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. Monaco finished the season in second place. He started the current season well, featuring in ten matches and scoring three goals.

• Also: Top 24 in 2024. Best Asian Footballers of the Year According to Dailysports

Unfortunately, Balogun suffered an injury in October, made a brief return, but was injured again in early December. He is expected to be back in action by spring 2025. For the US national team, Balogun was one of the few bright spots during their disappointing Copa América campaign, scoring two goals in three matches, although it wasn't enough to reach the playoffs.

In early 2024, Vázquez moved from Cincinnati to Mexico, where he earned significant playing time with his new team. He played 40 matches across all competitions, scoring ten goals and recording one assist. Vázquez helped Monterrey reach the final of the Liga MX Apertura, but the team fell short of claiming the trophy. As the new season approaches, Monterrey is once again among the contenders for the league title.

Despite being 34 years old, Herrera remained a key player for Houston Dynamo last season. He played 28 matches, scored two goals, and provided five assists. Houston finished fifth in the Western Conference and put up a strong fight against Seattle in the playoffs, but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout. After three years with Houston, Herrera has moved back to Mexico, where he will now play for Toluca.

Buchanan started last season at Club Brugge, playing 20 matches and scoring three goals. His potential caught the eye of Inter, and he moved to Italy in January. Buchanan made ten appearances for his new team and scored his debut goal for the Nerazzurri. With Inter, he won the Serie A title. Over the summer, he played three matches for Canada at the Copa América but suffered a serious injury in early July. He returned to action in late October and has since made five appearances for Inter as he works his way back to full fitness.

Dest transferred from Milan to PSV in the summer of 2023 and became a key player for the Dutch giants. He fit seamlessly into the team's attacking style, playing 37 matches last season, scoring two goals, and providing seven assists across all competitions. Dest won both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup with PSV. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe injury late in the season, tearing his cruciate ligaments. Dest, now 24 years old, is focusing on a careful recovery to regain his former level of play.

The 22-year-old remains a highly promising talent, though last season was not his most impressive. Struggling for game time at Borussia Dortmund, he moved to Nottingham Forest on loan. Across both teams, he played 24 matches and provided two assists. At the 2024 Copa América, Reyna was a starter for the US national team, appearing in three matches, though the team failed to reach the knockout stage. This season, Reyna has played nine matches and scored one goal. While not a regular starter, he is one of the first choices in squad rotation.

Jiménez has spent the last year and a half at Fulham, where he remains an integral part of the London team. Last season, he played 29 matches and scored seven goals. He could have contributed more but was sidelined for nearly two months early in the year due to injury. Jiménez missed the 2024 Copa América, where his presence might have boosted Mexico's performance.

• Read also: RANKING. Top 21 greatest African footballers of the 21st century according to Dailysports

In the CONCACAF Nations League, he played two matches, scoring one goal and assisting another. This season, Jiménez has already made 23 appearances for Fulham, scoring ten goals. His performances have helped Fulham climb to ninth place in the league, just four points shy of a European competition spot.

Álvarez moved from Ajax to West Ham in the summer of 2023 and immediately secured a starting role with his new team. Over the course of the season, he played 42 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists. During the Copa América, he appeared in one match before an injury ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament. Interestingly, that match was Mexico's only victory in the competition. Although he missed a few games at the start of this season due to injury, Álvarez returned to the starting lineup and has already played 19 matches in all competitions.

Lozano transferred from Napoli to PSV at the beginning of last season and established himself as a regular in the Dutch side. He made 33 appearances across all competitions, despite missing several matches due to injuries. Lozano scored six goals and provided three assists, playing a key role in PSV's Eredivisie title win. Although he missed the Copa América, Lozano has continued to perform this season, playing 12 matches in all competitions, scoring five goals, and providing two assists. Recently, he joined MLS's new club San Diego FC, becoming one of the first star signings for the team.

Robinson has consistently delivered solid performances over the past few seasons. Last season, he played 44 matches for Fulham, including 37 of 38 Premier League games. While he did not score, he provided seven assists. Robinson was one of the few bright spots for the US team at the 2024 Copa América, where he played all three matches and contributed one assist despite the team failing to progress from the group stage.

This season, Robinson has already played 20 matches for Fulham, who have adopted a more attacking style of play, which suits his game. Remarkably, he has matched his tally from last season with seven assists already. Fulham currently sit ninth in the league, just three points away from the European qualification spots.

Weah joined the Italian giants in the summer of 2023. Despite dealing with a few injuries, he established himself as a key player for Juventus. Last season, he played 35 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists, and he helped the team win the Coppa Italia. At the 2024 Copa América, Weah played two matches and registered one assist, although the US team had a disappointing tournament.

• Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

This season, injuries have continued to affect him, but whenever healthy, Weah has been a vital player. So far, he has made 19 appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists in all competitions. At 24 years old, Weah has significant potential, especially if he can stay injury-free.

Another Juventus standout, McKennie became a regular starter after his transfer to Italy. Last season, he played 38 matches for the Bianconeri, contributing ten assists and helping the team win the 2024 Coppa Italia. McKennie was also a key player for the US team at the underwhelming Copa América.

This season, he remains an important part of Juventus’ lineup, with 19 appearances, four goals, and two assists across all competitions. At 26, McKennie is an integral player for the club, and Juventus has already started negotiations to extend his contract.

Tillman is one of the most promising young American players. Last season, he played 40 matches for PSV, scoring nine goals and providing 15 assists, and was instrumental in their 2023/24 Eredivisie title win. This season, Tillman has become even more influential for the team, with 24 appearances, ten goals, and four assists so far. Although he was not a regular starter for the US team at the Copa América, at just 22 years old, Tillman has an incredibly bright future ahead, especially if he maintains his current level of performance.

Since Unai Emery took charge of Aston Villa, the team has been delivering excellent performances, with Leon Bailey playing a crucial role. The Jamaican forward played 52 matches across all competitions last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists. Aston Villa secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League as a result of their strong campaign.

Bailey did not feature at the Copa América, and Jamaica struggled in the tournament, failing to advance. With Bailey, they might have had a better chance at reaching the playoffs. This season, Bailey remains a key player for Aston Villa, appearing in 24 matches across all competitions with one goal and three assists. As a leader in Emery's squad, Bailey is indispensable to the current Villa setup.

The young Mexican striker is already showcasing mature and impressive football. Last season, Giménez played 41 matches for Feyenoord in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing eight assists. He finished third in the Eredivisie scoring charts. His contributions were pivotal as Feyenoord finished second in the league and won the KNVB Cup.

At the start of this season, Feyenoord claimed another trophy, with Giménez scoring twice in the Dutch Super Cup final. Currently, he has ten goals in 14 matches. At just 23 years old, Giménez is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market.

For many years, Alphonso Davies has been a cornerstone for both Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team. He continues to deliver consistently excellent performances, and last season was no exception. Davies played 42 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists. While Bayern had a challenging campaign, finishing third in the Bundesliga, Davies shone brightly for Canada.

As the team’s captain, he played a key role in their fourth-place finish at the Copa América. This season, Davies remains pivotal for Bayern, featuring in 22 matches with one goal and three assists. His contributions have helped Bayern top the Bundesliga and contend for all major trophies.

The year 2024 was spectacular for Jonathan David. Last season, he played 47 matches in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing nine assists. He finished as the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 and helped Lille secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League. At the Copa América, David played all six matches and scored twice. His current season is even more impressive, with 17 goals in 28 matches, including strikes against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus. At just 24 years old, David is poised to be a top transfer target for Europe’s elite clubs this summer.

In the summer of 2023, Christian Pulisic made the switch from Chelsea to Milan, quickly becoming a key player for the Italian side. Over the season, he played 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists, helping Milan secure a second-place finish. Although the 2024 Copa América was disappointing for the US team, Pulisic stood out as their best player, contributing a goal and an assist, even though it wasn’t enough to advance from the group stage.

• By the way: Top 10 referees of 2024: Who took first place?

Back at Milan, Pulisic has continued to excel, scoring ten goals in 23 matches this season. He is currently the team’s top scorer, despite Milan’s instability, with two managerial changes this season. Pulisic’s performances have been vital, consistently carrying the team with his outstanding form.

• Read also: Top 24 in 2024. The best African footballers of the year according to Dailysports

We have prepared a series of articles about the best football players from different parts of the world in 2024, titled Top 24 in 2024. This time, we focus on players from Europe.

Last season wasn’t as bright for Napoli as the previous one. Despite this, Khvicha continues to play a key role in the Neapolitan attack. He featured in 45 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists. Furthermore, Kvaratskhelia had an incredible UEFA European Championship 2024. For the first time in history, his national team participated in the tournament and advanced to the playoffs. In the qualifiers, Khvicha scored four goals, adding another during the tournament itself.

A phenomenal revelation of 2024. Last season, the Swedish striker played 50 matches for his club, scoring 43 goals and delivering 15 assists. In the current campaign, he continues to shine, with 27 goals in 26 matches across all competitions, plus five assists. In a UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City, he scored a hat-trick. Gyökeres has become an extraordinary asset for Sporting, and it's only a matter of time before the club capitalizes on his value.

The Ukrainian forward moved to Spain, where he quickly became a key player for his team. Last season, he scored 24 goals in 36 matches, earning the title of La Liga’s best striker. Dovbyk played a crucial role in Girona’s historic campaign, where they won bronze medals and secured UEFA Champions League qualification. However, Artem did not make his debut in the prestigious competition, as he now plays for Roma. His current form is inconsistent, with nine goals in 22 matches across all competitions. Similarly, Roma has struggled this season, already changing coaches three times.

A consistently pivotal midfielder for both club and country. Last season, he played 40 matches for Inter, scoring 15 goals and winning the Serie A title. With Turkey, he also delivered strong performances, scoring once in four matches and reaching the quarterfinals of the European Championship, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to the Netherlands. This season, Çalhanoğlu remains a central figure for Inter, appearing in 18 matches, scoring five goals, and providing two assists.

A key central defender for both Arsenal and the French national team. Saliba played 50 matches for Arsenal last season, featuring in all 38 Premier League games and 10 Champions League fixtures. He also played all six matches at Euro 2024. A reliable and consistent presence at the back, Saliba ensures defensive stability. This season, he has already made 25 appearances and scored two goals. Arsenal excels in set-pieces, and the 192 cm tall center-back plays a crucial role in aerial duels.

In the summer of 2023, Xhaka moved from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen. At 31, many believed his best years were behind him, but he proved the opposite. Xhaka became a pivotal figure in Xabi Alonso's midfield, solidifying Bayer's core and helping the team achieve a domestic double.

• Also: Top 24 in 2024. Best Asian Footballers of the Year According to Dailysports

Last season, he played 50 matches across all competitions. At Euro 2024, Xhaka played five games for Switzerland, reaching the quarterfinals and narrowly losing to England. This season, he remains vital for Leverkusen, having already made 25 appearances.

The Spanish winger had a stellar last season, playing a crucial role for both his club and national team. Williams featured in 37 matches for Bilbao, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists. He also helped Athletic win the Copa del Rey, contributing three goals and five assists in the tournament. Williams capped off his club success with an outstanding Euro 2024 performance, scoring two goals and assisting one in six matches, as Spain won the European Championship. However, his current season has been less impressive, with two goals and five assists in 23 appearances. Due to his inconsistent form, Nico ranks 18th.

Barella enjoyed a fantastic season with Inter, winning the Serie A title. He played 37 league matches, scoring twice and providing six assists. At Euro 2024, Italy underperformed, exiting in the Round of 16, but Barella delivered solid performances, scoring once in the tournament. This season, he continues to be a consistent force, appearing in 19 matches, scoring three goals, and delivering four assists. Barella remains a key player for Inter, as they compete for the Serie A title.

A long-time leader of Bayer Leverkusen’s defense, Tah had an exceptional season last year. He played a crucial role in Bayer’s Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal triumphs, remaining unbeaten in domestic competitions. Over the 2023/24 campaign, he appeared in 48 matches across all competitions. Additionally, he was a key player for Germany at Euro 2024. This season, Tah continues to be a vital figure for Bayer, already featuring in 25 matches and scoring two goals.

An incredibly important player for both his club and national team. Last season, Ødegaard played 48 matches in all competitions, including 35 in the Premier League. He contributed 11 goals and 11 assists during Arsenal’s 2023/24 campaign, narrowly missing out on the league title, finishing second. This season, he remains Arsenal’s leader but has been hindered by injuries, missing nearly two months and returning only in early November. When he plays, Arsenal performs with greater maturity and is once again among the title favorites. In 15 matches this season, he has scored once and provided five assists.

Rüdiger has been a consistent performer in defense over the past few years, and last season was no exception. He played 49 matches across all competitions, helping Real Madrid win La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2024. This season, he remains a key player in Real Madrid’s central defense, holding the backline together despite numerous injuries within the squad. Real Madrid is still competing for all major trophies.

Named England’s best player last season, Foden played 53 matches for Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign. During this time, he scored 27 goals and provided 12 assists, playing a pivotal role in City’s Premier League title win. At Euro 2024, Foden featured in all seven matches, earning a silver medal, although he did not score or assist during the tournament. This season, injuries have sidelined him for over a month. Foden has played 20 matches so far, but this campaign has been less spectacular for him and City as a whole. As a result, Foden falls outside the top 10 in this ranking.

Last season was disappointing for Bayern Munich, as they finished third in the league. Despite this, Musiala had an excellent campaign. Even after missing a few weeks due to injury, he played 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. Musiala also shone at Euro 2024, where he scored three goals in five matches, establishing himself as one of the tournament's top forwards, even though Germany didn’t win the title. This season, he continues to be a standout performer for Bayern, scoring 14 goals and delivering six assists in 22 matches.

For several seasons, Van Dijk has been regarded as one of the world’s best central defenders, and the past campaign was no exception. He played 48 matches across all competitions last season, scoring four goals and assisting twice. Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the EFL Cup in 2024. As the captain of the Netherlands, he was instrumental at Euro 2024, where the team reached the semifinals before losing to England. This season, Van Dijk has already made 23 appearances for Liverpool, who have started their campaign brilliantly. Liverpool currently lead both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League standings, making them favorites for both titles.

Like Martin Ødegaard, Saka is an indispensable player for Arsenal. Last season, he played 47 matches, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists, making him a driving force in Arsenal’s title challenge, which lasted until the final day. At Euro 2024, Saka was also a key player for England, appearing in all seven matches, scoring once, and assisting another goal. Both with Arsenal and England, he finished as a runner-up in their respective tournaments.

• Read also: RANKING. Top 21 greatest African footballers of the 21st century according to Dailysports

In the 2024/25 season, Saka has continued his strong form, scoring nine goals and recording 13 assists in 24 matches. Unfortunately, he recently sustained an injury that could sideline him for up to two months, according to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal remains a title contender, but their chances will undoubtedly be tested without Saka.

One of the breakout stars of the first half of the year, Wirtz had an incredible season for both Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team. He played 49 matches for Bayer across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists. Wirtz was instrumental in Leverkusen’s domestic double triumph. At Euro 2024, he became a key player for Germany, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Jamal Musiala. Wirtz played five matches in the tournament, scoring twice. This season, he remains a vital figure in Bayer’s attack. With 12 goals and eight assists in 25 matches, Wirtz is on track to surpass his previous year’s numbers.

Despite being only 17 years old, Yamal has become indispensable in the attack for both Barcelona and Spain. Last season, he played 50 matches for the Blaugrana, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. At Euro 2024, Yamal delivered an outstanding performance, appearing in all seven matches, scoring once, and assisting four times, becoming the tournament’s top assist provider. This season, Yamal continues to be a critical contributor for Barcelona, with six goals and 12 assists in 21 matches across all competitions. Despite missing a few matches due to injuries, he has maintained his high level of play. Unfortunately, Yamal is currently sidelined with another injury and is expected to return in mid-January 2025.

Last season was highly productive for the French forward at PSG. Mbappé played 49 matches across all competitions, scoring 45 goals and providing 11 assists. He won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France and reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals, where PSG lost a closely contested battle to Borussia Dortmund. He also shared the top scorer title in the Champions League and led Ligue 1 in goals. However, at Euro 2024, Mbappé’s performances were underwhelming, partly due to an early injury where he broke his nose. Despite recovering quickly and playing five matches, he managed only one goal and two assists, with more criticism directed at Didier Deschamps’ tactical approach than at Mbappé himself.

In the summer, Mbappé transferred to Real Madrid. While his form has been inconsistent, he has scored 13 goals in 23 matches, though his finishing could improve. He helped Real win two trophies: the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring in both finals.

Last season was a disappointing one for Bayern Munich, as the club finished third in the Bundesliga and failed to win any trophies. Despite this, Kane was a standout performer. He played 45 matches for Bayern, scoring 44 goals and assisting 12. Kane was the top scorer in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, carrying his team through tough moments.

Kane also excelled at Euro 2024, scoring three goals in seven matches, although he fell short of claiming the title. Nevertheless, he was among the tournament’s top scorers. Unfortunately, Kane’s career continues to lack a major team trophy.

This season, Kane has been in exceptional form, scoring 20 goals in 20 matches for Bayern. The team is currently at the top of the Bundesliga table, and with their strong performances, this could be the season when Kane finally ends his title drought.

When it comes to players who single-handedly carried their teams, Cole Palmer must be mentioned. The midfielder played 45 matches for Chelsea last season, scoring 25 goals and providing 15 assists. With his goal contributions, Palmer became the Premier League’s best player in terms of combined goals and assists. He was also named England’s Young Player of the Year.

• Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

At Euro 2024, Palmer didn’t receive significant playing time but still managed a goal and an assist in five matches. This season, he continues to impress, registering 12 goals and six assists in 20 matches. Palmer also set a Chelsea record for the most goals scored in a calendar year with 26 strikes. Without Palmer, Chelsea likely wouldn’t have finished in a European qualification spot last year or be in the Premier League’s top four this season.

Haaland remains an essential figure in Manchester City’s attack, where much depends on his performances. Last season, he played 45 matches, scoring 38 goals and contributing five assists. Haaland was the Premier League’s top striker and second-best player overall in terms of combined goals and assists. His goalscoring prowess helped City claim their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

This season, Haaland started in typical form, scoring prolifically. However, he endured a significant goal drought before finding the net again near the end of the year. In total, he has scored 19 goals in 26 matches this season.

The English midfielder joined Real Madrid and enjoyed a fantastic season. Bellingham often secured victories for Los Blancos with crucial goals, including in El Clásico. Overall, he played 43 matches, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists.

At Euro 2024, Bellingham was pivotal in England’s midfield, playing all seven matches, scoring twice, and adding an assist. This season, his role has shifted, and while his output has decreased slightly with seven goals and six assists in 21 matches, his contributions remain invaluable.

Bellingham’s 2024 was also filled with trophies: he won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, while also earning a silver medal at Euro 2024.

The Spanish defensive midfielder is a cornerstone for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team. Last season, Rodri played 50 matches across all competitions for City, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists. His influence in midfield was equally vital for Spain, guiding the team to the Euro 2024 final. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during the final and was unable to finish the match, which ended in victory for La Furia Roja.

Rodri recovered from that injury but managed only three matches this season before suffering another severe injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. His absence has been deeply felt, with City dropping points and currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table. Despite this setback, Rodri’s contributions last season helped City secure the Premier League title, and his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph cemented his status as one of the world’s best midfielders.

A veteran of Real Madrid, Carvajal has consistently delivered exceptional and reliable performances over the years. Despite numerous injuries within the squad, Dani had a nearly complete season in 2023/24, leading as captain and showcasing his leadership qualities. He played 41 matches for Los Blancos across all competitions, scoring six goals, including a decisive one in the UEFA Champions League final. He also provided five assists throughout the season.

• By the way: Top 10 referees of 2024: Who took first place?

At Euro 2024, Carvajal played five matches and scored once, contributing to Spain’s triumph. He began the current season as a starter and captain for Real Madrid but, like Rodri, suffered a severe knee injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the campaign. Before his injury, Carvajal played 11 matches, scoring once and assisting once.

In 2024, Carvajal added a remarkable collection of trophies to his career: the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Euro 2024, and the UEFA Super Cup. His leadership and consistent performances have solidified his legacy as one of football’s greats.

• Read also: Top 24 in 2024. The best African footballers of the year according to Dailysports

We have prepared a series of materials about the best footballers from each part of the world in 2024, titled Top 24 in 2024. The Dailysports team is pleased to present the second article in this series, focusing on players from Asia.

A key player for Montpellier, Al-Tamari featured in 27 Ligue 1 matches last season and would have played even more if not for injuries at the end of the campaign. During those appearances, he scored five goals and provided four assists. This season, he remains an important figure for the club, playing ten matches and recording one assist. Additionally, he had an excellent Asian Cup, scoring three goals and delivering one assist in six matches. His contributions helped his national team reach the final, where they lost 1–3 to Qatar. Despite the loss, this achievement marked a historic milestone for Jordan.

At 34 years old, Mendes has not been a regular starter in recent matches, but he remains a legend for his national team and a vital component for his club. Last season, he played 26 matches, helping his team secure a fourth-place league finish and win the Qatar Cup. A consistent and reliable central defender, Mendes continues to play an essential role in his squad. In 2024, the domestic cup was not his only success. During the Asian Cup, he played six matches and made a significant contribution to Qatar’s victorious campaign.

A promising 23-year-old central defender who has firmly established himself in Twente's starting lineup, helping the team achieve strong results. Last season, Hilgers played 28 matches in the Eredivisie, with Twente finishing in third place. This season, the team continues to occupy third in the standings, and Hilgers remains a key figure, appearing in 13 out of 16 league matches. He has excellent potential to move to a more competitive league.

The goalkeeper had an impressive last season with AZ Alkmaar, playing 29 matches and conceding 28 goals. He recorded an average save rate of 74% per match, making 81 saves and preventing 4.43 expected goals. In the summer, Ryan transferred to a higher-profile club, Roma, where he has taken on the role of second-choice goalkeeper.

• Read also: RANKING. Top 21 greatest African footballers of the 21st century according to Dailysports

For the Australian national team, Ryan has recently lost the starting spot to Joe Gauci but was the first-choice keeper in the 2024 Asian Cup, playing in all the matches. His excellent performance in the quarterfinal against South Korea, where he was named one of the match's best players, was not enough to secure a semifinal berth. Still, it’s worth noting that the Socceroos could have conceded far more than two goals in that match without him.

Taremi had a strong last season in Portugal, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions for Porto, where he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists. This summer, he moved to Inter, where he has played ten Serie A matches and registered one assist. However, his more significant contributions have come in the UEFA Champions League, where he has one goal and two assists. Taremi also played a crucial role for Iran in the Asian Cup, scoring three goals in five matches as his team reached the tournament semifinals.

A key winger for French side Reims, Nakamura joined Ligue 1 last season from the Austrian Bundesliga. In his debut season, he played 26 matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist. This season has been even better for him, as he has already played 15 matches, scoring six goals and registering one assist. In the Asian Cup, he wasn’t yet a regular starter, playing three matches and scoring once. However, he has become nearly indispensable for the national team, appearing in six World Cup qualification matches with two goals and one assist.

Hatate had a challenging start to the year due to an injury that sidelined him until late March, causing him to miss over a month. Last season, he played 21 matches, scoring three goals and providing five assists. This season, he has been a reliable presence in Celtic’s midfield, appearing in 25 matches and continuing to showcase excellent performances. Hatate won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup with Celtic, further solidifying his importance to the team.

Another vital Celtic player, Furuhashi, has become indispensable for the Scottish champions. Last season, he had a stellar campaign, playing 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 19 goals, and providing five assists. So far this season, the 29-year-old Japanese forward has played 22 matches, scoring eight goals. He remains one of the key game-changers for Celtic.

Hwang was a crucial player for Wolves last season, appearing in 31 matches across all competitions, scoring 13 goals, and providing three assists. Unfortunately, this season has been less successful, with just ten appearances and no goal involvements so far. One major reason for his struggles has been an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for over a month. It’s clear he will need time to regain his form and return to his best.

• Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

A promising 20-year-old footballer, Khusanov was not a regular starter for Lens last season, playing just 16 matches in total. However, this season, the situation has changed dramatically. He has already appeared in 15 matches across all competitions, and it’s becoming difficult to imagine the "Blood and Gold" defense without him. Despite still being eligible for Uzbekistan’s youth team, Khusanov has established himself as a key player in the senior national team. He played in all ten World Cup qualification matches, and it seems he has secured a long-term spot in the starting lineup.

Last season, Al-Naimat played for Al-Ahli Doha, featuring in 20 matches and delivering an impressive seven goals and seven assists. This season, he transferred to another Qatari club, Al-Arabi. Although he hasn’t consistently made the squad recently, he has played four matches for his new team, scoring twice and providing two assists. However, his standout performances in 2024 came while playing for Jordan in the Asian Cup. He played all seven matches of the tournament, scoring four goals and registering two assists. Al-Naimat was instrumental in leading his team to the final and securing a silver medal, with three of his four goals coming in the knockout stages.

The Japanese midfielder spent last season in Italy with Lazio, playing 38 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals, and providing two assists. This summer, he moved to Crystal Palace, where he has quickly cemented his place in the starting lineup. In just 15 matches, Kamada has already matched his goal and assist tally from the previous season. Thanks to his strong performances, Kamada has returned to the Japanese national team. He has played eight matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, contributing two goals and one assist.

When the 30-year-old Japanese midfielder joined Liverpool at the start of last season, many doubted the move’s potential. However, Endo quickly proved the skeptics wrong, integrating seamlessly into Jürgen Klopp’s system and performing exceptionally well for his new team. Last season, Endo played 43 matches across all competitions for Liverpool, becoming a key part of the squad.

• Read also: RANKING. The 25 greatest golfers in history according to Dailysports

He helped the Merseyside club secure a Champions League spot and win the EFL Cup. While he is not as central to the team this season, Endo remains one of Klopp’s go-to rotation options, always reliable and capable of maintaining the team's level on the field.

A consistent and vital player for the defense of the German side, Itakura had to deal with injuries last season, limiting him to 22 matches across all competitions. However, whenever he was fit, he was a guaranteed starter. This season, injuries have fortunately stayed away, allowing Itakura to solidify his role as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s primary center-back, with 16 appearances so far. He is also a key player for the Japanese national team, having played nine matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Japan keeping clean sheets in seven of them.

After a challenging stint at Liverpool, Minamino moved to Monaco, where he has become an indispensable part of the French club. Last season, he played 31 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing six assists, helping Monaco secure second place in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. This season, Minamino continues to play a crucial role in Monaco’s midfield, with 19 matches, three goals, and two assists to his name.

Monaco currently sits third in Ligue 1 and is vying for a UEFA Champions League playoff spot. For the Japanese national team, Minamino is equally influential, featuring in ten World Cup qualification matches with four goals and two assists. He also performed well in the Asian Cup, scoring two goals in five matches, although Japan fell short of winning the title.

Akram Afif had a phenomenal previous season both for his club and the Qatari national team. Playing for Al-Sadd, he featured in 32 matches, scoring an astonishing 28 goals and providing 13 assists. His contributions led Al-Sadd to the Qatari league title, with Afif emerging as the league's top scorer. This season, he continues his exceptional form, scoring 11 goals and registering 10 assists in 17 matches.

Afif also shone brightly in the Asian Cup, playing seven matches and effectively securing the championship for Qatar. He scored eight goals and contributed three assists during the tournament, earning the title of the competition's best player and leading Qatar to their second consecutive Asian Cup victory.

Morita is a pivotal defensive midfielder in Sporting Lisbon's setup. Last season, he played 40 matches, providing stability and quality in the center of the pitch. His outstanding performances were instrumental in Sporting winning the Portuguese league and the domestic cup. This season, he remains a key figure, having played 21 matches before suffering an injury that has sidelined him.

For the Japanese national team, Morita is also a vital player. He featured in every match of the Asian Cup, where his contributions were significant. In World Cup qualification, he has played nine matches and scored three goals, further highlighting his importance.

Last season, Doan played 42 matches across all competitions for Freiburg, primarily as a right-wing attacker. He scored nine goals and provided seven assists, though the team's overall campaign was less impressive, finishing 10th in the Bundesliga. Despite this, Doan had a strong individual season. This year, he appears to be improving further, already scoring five goals and providing three assists in 14 matches.

If he remains injury-free, he is on track to surpass his previous season's numbers. In the Asian Cup, Doan had a more subdued tournament, with one goal and one assist in five matches. However, his performances in World Cup qualification have been better, with three goals and three assists in ten matches. It’s clear that Doan has stepped up his game compared to last season.

A highly promising Japanese center-back, Ito had an impressive season with Stuttgart last year, playing 29 matches across all competitions, contributing to seven clean sheets. He played a significant role in Stuttgart's remarkable second-place finish in the Bundesliga and their run to the DFB-Pokal final.

In the summer of 2024, Ito made the move to Bayern Munich. Unfortunately, he has yet to make his debut for his new team due to an injury sustained in late July, from which he is still recovering. His debut is expected to take place next season. Despite this setback, Ito ranks sixth because of his age (25), his consistent and mature performances, and the potential to become a key figure for Bayern once fit.

Kubo has become a vital player for both Real Sociedad and the Japanese national team. Last season, he played 41 matches across all competitions for Sociedad, scoring seven goals and providing five assists while creating ten additional chances for his teammates. His contributions helped the Basque side secure a spot in the Europa League. This season began poorly for Sociedad, with the team languishing near the bottom of the table for a time.

However, they have climbed to seventh place, thanks in part to Kubo's efforts. He has played 22 matches so far, scoring four goals and providing two assists. For Japan, Kubo continues to shine, playing seven matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring two goals, and registering five assists.

Mitoma is an indispensable part of Brighton’s current squad. He had a strong start to last season, registering eight goal contributions (three goals and five assists) in 26 matches. However, a severe back injury in mid-February sidelined him for the remainder of the season, negatively affecting Brighton’s campaign as they finished 11th in the league. Mitoma has recovered and returned to action this season.

• Read also: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Key changes and What you need to know about the new version of the game

In 17 matches so far, he has already matched last season's goal tally with three goals and has provided two assists. Brighton currently sits ninth in the table, just one point shy of the European qualification zone. For Japan, Mitoma had a quiet Asian Cup, playing only two matches, but he has been more impactful in World Cup qualifiers, with one goal and three assists in six matches.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been making remarkable progress every year and could soon rise even higher in rankings like this. Last season, Lee joined PSG and played 36 matches in his debut campaign, scoring five goals and providing five assists. This shows how much PSG relied on him in his first year. In the current season, he has become a consistent starter, appearing in 22 matches and already surpassing last season's goal tally with six goals.

For the South Korean national team, Lee is a key player, featuring in six matches during the Asian Cup and scoring three goals. In World Cup qualification, he has played 12 matches, contributing four goals and four assists. Lee Kang-in is on a trajectory to become a legend of South Korean football.

Kim joined Bayern Munich last season and immediately became a starting player for the top-tier team. However, his debut season was not particularly outstanding for either Kim or the club. Despite this, he managed to play 36 matches, contributing to six clean sheets while on the pitch. During the Asian Cup, he played five matches and helped South Korea reach the semifinals.

This season, under new coach Vincent Kompany, Kim has already played 23 matches, with Bayern performing better overall. Kim has contributed to six clean sheets so far and boasts a 64% aerial duel success rate and a 57% success rate in overall duels. Compared to last season, Kim has adapted better to life in Munich and is now delivering more consistent performances.

A true legend, not just of South Korean football but of Asian football as a whole. For years, Son has been the centerpiece of Tottenham Hotspur and now serves as the team's captain following Harry Kane's departure. Last season, Son played 36 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists, helping Spurs secure a fifth-place finish and a spot in European competition.

He also led the South Korean national team in the Asian Cup, scoring three goals in six matches and reaching the semifinals. This season, Son has been hampered by injuries but has shown his leadership qualities whenever on the field. In 18 matches so far, he has contributed to 12 goals, with six goals and six assists. Son Heung-min has demonstrated extraordinary consistency at the highest level among Asian players, solidifying his status as a true legend.

• Read also: RANKING. Top 21 greatest African footballers of the 21st century according to Dailysports

We’ve prepared a series of articles highlighting the best footballers from each continent in 2024, titled “Top 24 in 2024.” The Dailysports team begins with the best players from Africa.

The start of the year was mixed: both for Morocco's national team and West Ham, the defender remained a regular starter but failed to achieve significant success, partly due to injuries that hindered his progress. In the summer, he moved to Spain, where he quickly became a key player for Real Sociedad. Currently, it’s rare for the coach not to allow Nayef to play the full 90 minutes, and his club is rapidly emerging as a contender in the race for the UEFA Champions League.

Now playing for Milan, where he has managed to establish himself in the starting lineup. He played 33 matches last season and 19 this season. He also helped Nigeria’s national team reach the final of AFCON 2024, where he scored one goal, though they fell short of the title. In the current season, he has scored three goals, compared to just one in the previous campaign.

The young Moroccan defender for Monaco is showing impressive football for a 19-year-old. While he was not a regular starter last season, he is now an integral part of the team. This season, he has played 23 matches, scoring five goals and providing three assists. He has already played more minutes this season than he did during the entirety of the last. His contributions were crucial as Monaco finished second and returned to the UEFA Champions League. At AFCON 2024, he played all four matches, scored two goals, but his team was eliminated in the Round of 16.

The 30-year-old forward is currently on loan at Leganés, but his contract belongs to Borussia Dortmund. For the "Black and Yellows," he played just 19 matches and scored three goals. In the Spanish team, he has featured in nine matches without scoring a single goal. So why is he in our ranking? Haller became the hero of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Sébastien scored the decisive goals in both the semifinal and the final, leading Côte d’Ivoire to claim the title.

The second consecutive Côte d’Ivoire player on this list. For the past two seasons, he has been playing in Saudi Arabia, where he is a key midfielder for Al-Ahli. Last season, he played 33 matches across all competitions and scored 10 goals. Currently, he has 20 matches and two goals to his name. However, winning a title with Al-Ahli remains elusive. Last season, they finished third, and this year, they are sitting in fifth place. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he played all seven matches, scored two goals, and was one of the key players who helped Côte d’Ivoire lift the trophy.

The young central defender of Sporting Lisbon has become a key figure in the Portuguese team's defense. Last season, he played 38 matches, and this season he has already featured in 18 games, despite missing three weeks in October due to injury. A cornerstone of Sporting's backline, he played a crucial role in helping the club win the Portuguese league title last season. Additionally, he became an Africa Cup of Nations champion, though he was not a regular starter in the tournament and only played two games. However, it seems likely that he will soon become a key figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s defense.

The West Ham midfielder has been making waves in the Premier League over the past two seasons. He is an indispensable part of the current "Hammers" squad. Last season, he played 48 matches across all competitions and scored 18 goals. This season, he has already featured in 12 matches, contributing two goals and two assists. It's hard to imagine West Ham's attack without him. In the last Africa Cup of Nations, he played two matches and scored two goals.

Another Premier League representative, Bissouma plays for London-based Tottenham. He is one of the key players in the Spurs' midfield. Last season, he made 28 appearances, and this season he has already played 18 matches, scoring two goals. Bissouma has become an integral part of the London side this campaign. On average, he makes over two tackles and one interception per game, solidifying his role as a vital cog in Tottenham’s midfield engine.

The Senegalese winger, now playing for Crystal Palace, previously spent last season at Marseille. At Marseille, he played 35 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing six assists. He has also settled in well at his new team and competition, becoming a regular starter. This season, Ismaïla has played 18 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He has a strong influence on the attack and is a key figure in Crystal Palace's offense.

• Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

Chelsea’s central striker may not look back fondly on last season, but he is now a crucial part of the Blues' attack. Last season, he played 44 matches for the London club, scoring 17 goals. This season, in 15 appearances, he has already scored eight goals and provided three assists. Jackson has shown significant growth as a player over the past year, transforming from a wasteful finisher into a genuinely dangerous striker for Chelsea. Although Nicolas has yet to win a trophy with Chelsea or the Senegal national team, it feels like only a matter of time.

The central midfielder for Napoli is the anchor of the team's midfield. Despite Napoli finishing 10th in the table last season, Zambo Anguissa delivered exceptional performances, leaving no doubts about his quality. Following the arrival of Antonio Conte as head coach, the Cameroonian midfielder has maintained his place as a starter. This season, he has played 17 matches, averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game. A key figure in Napoli's midfield, he was instrumental in helping them win the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season.

The central defender for Roma and Côte d’Ivoire has become indispensable for both club and country. Last season, he played 34 matches for Roma, and this season, he has already featured in 20 games. Ndicka excels in tackles and interceptions and played a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire's Africa Cup of Nations victory, appearing in all seven matches of the tournament. In the knockout stages, the team conceded only three goals and kept a clean sheet once.

Last season, Mazraoui played for Bayern Munich but struggled to secure a regular starting spot. In the summer, he moved to Manchester United, where he has featured more prominently. For Bayern, he played 29 matches last season, and this season, he has already made 23 appearances for the Red Devils. On average, he makes three tackles and one interception per match. Offensively, he has also contributed to United's attack, providing two assists so far.

The Moroccan player has fought his way into the starting lineup at Real Madrid. Last season, he played 44 matches for Los Blancos across all competitions, scoring eight goals in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League. He was a vital component of the team that helped Real Madrid win the Champions League. Over the summer, the team also claimed the UEFA Super Cup and the La Liga title. Although Brahim did not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, he has solidified his spot in the starting XI. In the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Díaz scored seven goals in four matches. This season, he has played 15 matches for Real Madrid, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

The Egyptian forward playing in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt has established himself as a key player for the team. Last season, he played 41 matches, scoring 17 goals. However, the second half of 2024 has been a true breakout period for Omar Marmoush. This season, the Egyptian has already featured in 22 matches for Eintracht, scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists.

• Read also: RANKING. The 25 greatest golfers in history according to Dailysports

Marmoush is currently the Bundesliga’s top assist provider. In fact, he is carrying Eintracht, with the team sitting second in the table, trailing the leader by just six points. Omar is also excelling in Europe, having scored four goals and delivered two assists in the Europa League, where Frankfurt currently holds fifth place.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper joined Manchester United last season, but it was far from ideal. A series of errors had a significant impact on the Red Devils' results. However, as the season progressed, he began to improve and deliver strong performances. Consequently, he played 51 matches last season, keeping 13 clean sheets. His improved form in the second half of the season helped United win the FA Cup.

This season, Onana has already played 22 matches and continues to display consistently excellent form, recording seven clean sheets so far. On average, he makes 2.6 saves per game. In the Premier League, he has a save rate of 70.2%, while in the Europa League, it stands at 66.7%. Despite Manchester United’s inconsistent performances, Onana has remained a steady presence.

For his national team, Onana is Cameroon’s first-choice goalkeeper. He played six matches in the qualification campaign for AFCON 2025, keeping clean sheets in four of them and conceding only two goals overall. Cameroon finished first in their group and will compete in the AFCON finals.

Considered a legend at Athletic Bilbao, Iñaki Williams has displayed remarkable consistency on the field for many years. Last season, he played 39 matches for the Basque club, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists. Iñaki was instrumental in helping Athletic win their first Copa del Rey in 40 years.

On their path to the title, they defeated Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla, ultimately triumphing over Mallorca in the final via a penalty shootout. Williams featured in five Copa del Rey matches, contributing two goals and two assists.

This season, Williams has already played 22 matches, scoring eight goals and delivering four assists. Athletic currently sits in the UEFA Champions League spots and occupies second place in the UEFA Europa League standings.

Tapsoba is arguably the prototype of the modern central defender. He combines height, speed, strength, and technical ability. Having joined Bayer Leverkusen five years ago, the Burkinabé defender firmly established himself in the starting lineup. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Tapsoba has become a key component of the new-look Leverkusen side.

Last season, he played 46 matches for the "Pharmacists" and contributed to their phenomenal campaign. Leverkusen remained unbeaten in both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, winning both titles. They also reached the UEFA Europa League final but fell to Atalanta. This season began with another trophy – the German Super Cup.

Tapsoba has already featured in 23 matches this season, averaging 1.5 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game. While he has yet to win a major trophy with the Burkina Faso national team, Tapsoba remains a reliable starter and continues to deliver impressive performances.

The central striker for Borussia Dortmund made his name last season with Stuttgart. He played 30 matches and was instrumental in helping Stuttgart secure a top-three finish in the Bundesliga for the first time in years, finishing as runners-up. Stuttgart also reached the DFB-Pokal final, though they were defeated by Leverkusen’s dominant side. Despite the loss, Guirassy’s individual achievements were remarkable, scoring 30 goals in 30 matches.

• By the way: Africa Cup of Nations 2025: All Qualified Teams

In the summer, Guirassy moved to Borussia Dortmund and has continued to shine, becoming a key figure in the team. He has already scored 12 goals in 17 matches this season. For the Guinea national team, his impact at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations was limited, but he has been crucial in the qualifiers for the next edition, scoring six goals in four matches.

Hakimi is indispensable to Paris Saint-Germain's current setup. Last season was another strong one for the Moroccan full-back. In 40 matches, he recorded 12 goal involvements—five goals and seven assists. He added another Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France to his collection and helped PSG reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals, where they narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a loss to Borussia Dortmund.

At the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Hakimi played four matches, scoring once and providing an assist, but Morocco was eliminated in the Round of 16. His next chance for international silverware will come at the 2025 tournament, hosted in Morocco.

This season, Hakimi has continued his excellent form, playing 18 matches for PSG and contributing nine goal involvements. As PSG transitions following the departures of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar, Hakimi remains a vital figure, with his influence and importance to the team steadily growing.

Following his phenomenal and championship-winning 2022/23 season, the past campaign was disappointing for Napoli, finishing 10th in the league. Despite the team's struggles, Osimhen remained consistent even though he was sidelined for a significant time with injuries. Upon his return, he continued to find the back of the net, scoring 17 goals in 32 matches across all competitions.

At the start of the summer, his future was uncertain. Chelsea pursued him seriously but ultimately failed to secure his signature. Osimhen, unwilling to stay at Napoli, moved to Turkish giants Galatasaray. While injuries continue to trouble him, he remains a key figure in their attack, delivering whenever he plays. So far, he has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 13 matches this season.

Osimhen’s resilience and ability to adapt have kept him in the spotlight, even in a less competitive league. He plans to finish the season in Turkey, but it’s likely he will become a coveted target for many top clubs in the summer transfer window.

Another standout from Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface had a sensational debut season with the German club. In his first year, he played 34 matches, scored 21 goals, and provided 10 assists. His contributions were pivotal in Leverkusen's Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph, where he scored two goals in three cup matches.

While the Africa Cup of Nations was not as impactful for Boniface, he was part of the team that reached the final, although they fell short of the trophy. He made one appearance and registered an assist during the tournament.

This season, the 22-year-old continues to shine for Leverkusen, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 15 matches. With his remarkable start to his career and immense potential, Boniface seems destined for a stellar future if he maintains this level of performance.

Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has become an indispensable figure for the Italian side. Although the start of last season wasn’t spectacular, the second half was extraordinary, culminating in a masterclass performance in the UEFA Europa League final. Lookman scored a hat-trick, securing Atalanta their first international trophy and their first title since the 1962/63 season. Across 45 matches, Lookman tallied 17 goals and 10 assists. Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A, earning a return to the UEFA Champions League.

• Read also: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Key changes and What you need to know about the new version of the game

This season, Lookman has continued to shine, scoring 11 goals in 19 matches. In Serie A, he is the fourth-highest scorer with eight goals and four assists, playing a key role in Atalanta's push to become legitimate title contenders. His contributions on the international stage were also impressive at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals in seven matches and reached the final, though his team fell short of the trophy.

Undoubtedly the best African footballer of 2024. Last season, Salah played 44 matches for Liverpool, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists. Following the season, Jürgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, leading many to expect a decline in the team’s form. However, Salah’s exceptional performances ensured the Reds maintained their momentum.

This season, Salah has been phenomenal, scoring 16 goals in 22 matches, already on track to surpass his previous totals. He leads the Premier League in both the scoring charts and goal contributions, with 13 goals and nine assists. Salah’s leadership and brilliance have propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table and the UEFA Champions League standings. The Reds are favorites in every competition they are participating in, largely thanks to Salah’s consistent excellence.

Last season, Salah added the EFL Cup to his collection, but he is yet to win a title with Egypt. His national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Egypt has qualified for the next edition, with Salah contributing two goals in three qualification matches.

While his future at Liverpool remains uncertain, one thing is clear—wherever Salah continues his career, he will deliver goals and top-quality performances.

Had the Ballon d’Or been awarded based on performances in August and September, Haaland would have been a clear winner. However, Manchester City's form since November has been nothing short of disastrous. In his last 10 Premier League matches, Haaland has scored only three goals but still leads the scoring charts with 13.

In the Champions League, City has struggled as well, though Haaland has netted five goals, placing him fourth among scorers. If Guardiola's team doesn’t overcome its slump, Haaland’s chances for the Ballon d’Or will diminish. Still, everyone knows his potential, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him regain his prolific form.

Erling Haaland vs Juventus:• 92 minutes played• 5 passes• 0 goals• 0 assists• 0 dribbles• 0 key passes• 0 ground duels• 0 aeriel duels• 0 interceptions• 0 crosses• 0 long passes• 0 tackles• 0 blocked shots pic.twitter.com/s9B7DEfTP1

— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 11, 2024

For now, Haaland sits at 10th. To climb higher, he needs to step up and deliver in high-stakes matches.

Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid seemed like a dream come true—for both him and the club. Yet, the reality has fallen short of expectations.

Mbappé has been more notable for memes about offsides and missed penalties than for his on-field brilliance. He has yet to score in big games against Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Athletic Bilbao, or Atletico Madrid. Aside from two goals against Atalanta, his contributions have mainly come against weaker teams. So far, the 25-year-old has 12 goals in 22 games for Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé vs Atalanta36 minutes played🌟🔥 pic.twitter.com/MeZwffFhRV

— KM⁷ (@KylianRMCF) December 10, 2024

However, there are signs that he’s building better chemistry with his teammates. If he can become Real’s leader over the course of the season, he may still emerge as a top Ballon d’Or contender.

Arsenal started the season strongly but hit a rough patch in November, allowing Liverpool to pull six points ahead with a game in hand. Despite this, Bukayo Saka has been exceptional all season.

Saka is currently one of the top two assist leaders in Europe’s top five leagues. In 14 Premier League games, he has scored five goals and provided 10 assists. He’s also contributed four goals and two assists in five Champions League matches.

1st: Bukayo Saka2nd: Antoine Griezmann3rd: Michael Olise4th: Marco Bizot🌶️ Saka takes Player of the Week! @PlayStationEU | #UCLPOTW pic.twitter.com/kFn7lWEneT

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2024

With such numbers, Saka is undoubtedly a contender for the sport's most prestigious individual award. However, Arsenal’s lack of significant trophies could hurt his chances.

Harry Kane has been phenomenal. After seamlessly replacing Robert Lewandowski last season, the Englishman continues to deliver jaw-dropping performances.

In 19 matches this season, Kane has scored 20 goals and provided nine assists—an incredible contribution. However, to be a serious Ballon d’Or contender, Kane needs to win major trophies, something he’s yet to do in his career.

Bayern will likely win the Bundesliga, but that alone won’t suffice. A Champions League or Club World Cup triumph is essential, though these will be challenging given the competition.

Last season, Bellingham seemed destined for the Ballon d’Or as he carried Real Madrid’s attack almost single-handedly. However, a lackluster finish to the season and a disappointing Euro 2024 left him in third place.

Vinícius Júnior ➡️ Bellingham#UCL pic.twitter.com/IZuoC3u0t0

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2024

The new season started poorly for the young Englishman, but he has since rebounded. In his last five La Liga matches, Bellingham has contributed five goals and three assists, scoring in each game. He also netted in a Champions League match against Atalanta. If he maintains this form, he’ll be back in the top three contenders. For now, he sits in sixth.

Last summer, rumors swirled about Raphinha possibly leaving for Saudi Arabia or the Premier League. Now, Barcelona wouldn’t sell him for any price.

Under Hansi Flick, the 27-year-old Brazilian has been sensational, tallying 17 goals and 10 assists in 23 matches this season. Barcelona likely doesn’t regret missing out on Nico Williams, thanks to Raphinha’s brilliance.

Pedri's spin to find Dani Olmo that lead to Raphinha's goal is absolutely breathtaking. Using G/A to judge him is not fair pic.twitter.com/Ez0AjwNfeQ

— Anabella💙❤ (@AnabellaMarvy) December 12, 2024

Currently ranked fifth, Raphinha could climb higher if he sustains his form.

In October, Vinícius celebrated his expected Ballon d’Or win with a party, only for the award to go to Rodri. While he struggled briefly afterward, he quickly regained his form.

With 13 goals and nine assists in 19 matches, Vinícius remains a star performer. Though a recent injury sidelined him, he scored immediately upon returning against Atalanta.

Vinícius’ ability to shine in big games makes him a perennial Ballon d’Or favorite, especially if Real reaches the Champions League or Club World Cup finals.

At just 17, Yamal is already one of the world’s best players, not just of his generation. His importance to Barcelona is undeniable; without him, the team faltered in November.

Yamal is tied with Saka as the top assist leader in Europe’s top five leagues, with 10 assists. He has also scored five goals in La Liga and added a goal and two assists in the Champions League.

🏅Lamine Yamal🏅𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 pic.twitter.com/ast8i2lxod

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 11, 2024

With Barcelona leading La Liga and performing well in Europe, Yamal is a strong Ballon d’Or contender.

The 2020 Ballon d’Or cancellation remains one of football’s greatest injustices, denying Lewandowski a well-deserved honor. This season, the 36-year-old seems determined to right that wrong.

With 23 goals in 22 matches, Lewandowski continues to defy age. Under Hansi Flick, his efficiency has been remarkable, and there’s little reason to expect a decline.

Still, one player currently outshines him…

Liverpool leads both the Premier League and Champions League, far exceeding expectations under new manager Arne Slot. However, none of this would be possible without Salah.

With 16 goals and 12 assists in 22 matches, Salah has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s been vocal about wanting a new contract, and recent reports suggest an agreement has been reached.

Most goals + assists by Premier League players across all competitions this season:28 - Mohamed Salah272625242322212019 - Erling Haaland18 - Bukayo Saka17 - Cole PalmerHe's been directly involved in more goals than any other player in Europe's top five leagues… pic.twitter.com/XpoK6ievWr

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 10, 2024

If the Ballon d’Or were awarded today, Salah would undoubtedly be the favorite.

• Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

Choosing the greatest footballer of all time is no easy task, but our team at Dailysports has prepared and proudly presents the top African footballers of the 21st century.

A striker for the South African national team who played for several top European clubs. Notably, he was part of José Mourinho's Porto team that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2003/04 season. Beyond that, he also played for Ajax, Blackburn, and Orlando Pirates. McCarthy has won league titles in Portugal and the Netherlands, various domestic cups, and, importantly, in 1998 helped South Africa reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Unfortunately, they couldn’t clinch the title, but McCarthy emerged as his team’s best striker in the tournament. It’s worth mentioning that Benni remains South Africa’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals.

A central defender for the Senegalese national team, who is still an active player. Currently 33 years old, Koulibaly plays for Al-Hilal but rose to prominence during his time in Naples. From 2014 to 2022, he represented Napoli in 233 matches and was a key leader of the team. In Italy, his silverware includes a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana. He is also the captain of the Senegal national team. Koulibaly played a significant role in Senegal’s silver-medal finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and their triumph in the 2021 edition of the tournament. In 2022, he was honored in Senegal with the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion award.

A Ghanaian footballer who never played for the big or top clubs, yet played a crucial role in helping Ghana stay at the top of African football. He won three Africa Cup of Nations medals. Unfortunately, none of them were gold, but he earned two silvers and one bronze. Over the course of his international career, he scored 51 goals in 109 appearances.

He also helped Ghana reach the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, where his team was eliminated in a penalty shootout. After the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he made the decision to retire from international football.

A Malian footballer best remembered for his time at Sevilla. Although Kanouté also played for Tottenham, Lyon, and West Ham, it was with the Andalusian side that he left his most lasting impression. During his tenure with Sevilla, he played 209 matches and scored 89 goals. Kanouté achieved significant success with the club, winning the Spanish Super Cup, two UEFA Cups, the Copa del Rey twice, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2006. In 2007, he was named African Player of the Year.

The second active player on this list, Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker is owned by Napoli, where he rose to prominence. In 108 games for the Neapolitans, Osimhen scored 65 goals and was instrumental in their Serie A title win during the 2022/23 season. He was also named Serie A Player of the Season that year. Osimhen has helped the Nigerian national team secure a bronze medal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and a silver medal in 2023. At just 25 years old, his career still holds the promise of even greater success.

A Cameroonian footballer who gained widespread recognition for his performances with Arsenal. Lauren spent six years with the London club, playing 159 matches and becoming a key defender. He was a vital part of the team’s unbeaten Premier League title-winning campaign in 2003/04. With Arsenal, he won two league titles, three FA Cups, and two Community Shields. Lauren also had a successful international career with Cameroon, winning Olympic gold in 2000 and back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002. Despite his success, his international career was relatively short, ending in 2002 after just five years with the national team.

• Read also: RANKING. The 25 greatest golfers in history according to Dailysports

A goalkeeper who spent only one season in Europe but still cemented his place in African football history. El-Hadary played in five Africa Cup of Nations finals, winning the tournament four times with Egypt in 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. His achievements also include CAF Champions League victories, CAF Super Cups, and the Arab Super Cup. He became the oldest player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup match when he played against Saudi Arabia in 2018 at the age of 45 years and 161 days. During the same match, he saved a penalty, becoming the first African goalkeeper to do so in World Cup history.

An Ivorian footballer who played for several European giants, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. The bulk of his career was spent with Arsenal from 2002 to 2009, where he made 225 appearances. Touré helped the Gunners win the Premier League in the 2003/04 unbeaten season, secure FA Cups, and reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2005/06.

He also won the Premier League with Manchester City in the 2011/12 season, the club’s first-ever league title. With the Ivory Coast national team, Touré won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 and earned silver medals in 2006 and 2012. He retired from international football in 2015 and ended his playing career in 2017.

A Nigerian footballer who played for many top European clubs. Kanu won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in the 1994/95 season and the UEFA Super Cup shortly after. He also lifted the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan and was part of Arsenal’s 2003/04 "Invincibles" squad. With Portsmouth, he won the FA Cup in 2008. Kanu is the African footballer with the most club trophies, boasting 16 titles.

With Nigeria, he won gold at the 1996 Olympics, a silver medal at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, and four bronze medals (2002, 2004, 2006, 2010). However, he never won a gold medal at the AFCON. Twice named African Player of the Year, Kanu retired from football in 2012.

A Nigerian defensive midfielder renowned for his career at Chelsea. Mikel joined the Blues in 2006 and spent 11 seasons with the club. During his time in London, he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the Community Shield.

With the Nigerian national team, he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. At Chelsea, Mikel was twice named Young Player of the Year and was honored as Nigeria’s Sportsman of the Year in 2013. He retired from football in 2022.

A Gabonese striker who has played for several top European clubs. Aubameyang won the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund, the FA Cup with Arsenal, and La Liga with Barcelona. He is a legend of Gabonese football, serving as captain and the all-time leading scorer for the national team. Aubameyang is also the top scorer in UEFA Europa League history (since 2009).

In 2015, he was named African Player of the Year. He remains an active player, currently representing Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia. Despite his strong club career, Aubameyang has not won any titles or medals with the Gabonese national team, though he has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations five times.

A Malian footballer who participated in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning two bronze medals. Keita began his career in France but reached the peak of his fame at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. He was a key contributor to the team, playing 119 matches over four years at Camp Nou.

• By the way: Africa Cup of Nations 2025: All Qualified Teams

With Barcelona, Keita won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, the Spanish Super Cup three times, two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups. He also won a bronze medal at the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Mali’s youth team. In 2011, he was named Mali’s Sportsman of the Year.

A Cameroonian defender who didn’t play for Europe’s biggest clubs but made his mark through his performances for the national team. Rigobert Song holds the record for the most appearances for the Cameroon national team and participated in four FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, and 2010). He won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 2000 and 2002, and reached the final again in 2008.

Song also helped Cameroon reach the final of the 2003 Confederations Cup, where they finished as runners-up after topping a group that included Brazil and defeating Colombia in the semifinals. He retired from international football in 2010 after a 17-year career. On March 1, 2022, he was appointed head coach of the Cameroon national team at the initiative of President Paul Biya. He held the position until February 2024.

A striker and undoubtedly the greatest player in the history of Togo. Adebayor first gained recognition at Monaco, where he played 78 matches and scored 18 goals over three years, including a run to the UEFA Champions League final. He went on to represent Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham.

Adebayor became a national hero for Togo by scoring 11 goals during the 2006 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, becoming the top scorer in the campaign and leading Togo to its first-ever World Cup appearance. Over a 19-year international career, he made 87 appearances for Togo and scored 32 goals. Adebayor was named Togo’s Player of the Year four times and was crowned African Player of the Year in 2008.

One of the greatest players in Algeria's football history, Mahrez has also excelled at the club level. He was a key figure in Leicester City's miraculous Premier League title win in 2016. Later, he joined Manchester City, where he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and, most notably, the UEFA Champions League. Mahrez made his debut for the Algerian national team in 2014 and played in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

He also participated in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. In 2019, as the team's captain, he scored four goals and led Algeria to victory in the tournament. Currently, Mahrez plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli. In 2016, he was named the CAF African Footballer of the Year.

One of Senegal's greatest players and a global football star, Mané enjoyed his best years at Liverpool. He played 196 matches for the Reds, scoring 90 goals. Mané helped Liverpool win their first Premier League title in 30 years, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He later spent a season at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup.

Currently playing for Al-Nassr, Mané recently won the Arab Club Champions Cup. For Senegal, he debuted in 2012 and has scored 41 goals in 103 appearances. He led the team to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final and secured the title in 2021. Individually, Mané finished fourth in the 2019 Ballon d'Or rankings, second in 2022, and earned top-five finishes in the FIFA The Best Men's Player award in 2019 (fifth place) and 2020 (fourth place).

A Ghanaian midfielder who first gained recognition at Lyon, where he won two Ligue 1 titles. In 2005, Essien moved to Chelsea, where he spent the majority of his career, making 168 appearances and becoming a key player in midfield. With Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. Essien was twice awarded Chelsea's Goal of the Season, in 2006/07 and 2008/09.

• Read also: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Key changes and What you need to know about the new version of the game

Internationally, he was a vital part of Ghana's national team, helping them to a third-place finish at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup and a runner-up spot at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Essien made his senior debut in January 2002 and represented Ghana in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two FIFA World Cups (2006 and 2010). Despite his contributions, he never won the Africa Cup of Nations, earning bronze in 2008 and silver in 2010.

One of the two greatest players in the history of the Ivory Coast national team, Touré was a dynamic midfielder who starred for Barcelona but truly flourished at Manchester City, where he spent eight years. He was instrumental in helping City win their first-ever Premier League title, a feat he repeated twice more. In the 2013/14 season, he scored 20 goals and provided nine assists for City, a remarkable achievement for a midfielder.

Touré was named African Footballer of the Year four times and captained the Ivory Coast to victory in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, after which he retired from international football. In total, he earned 102 caps and scored 19 goals for his country. Touré’s career also included league titles in Spain, England, and Greece. He won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona but never managed to achieve the same feat with Manchester City. He retired from professional football in 2020.

Currently ranked third in this list, Mohamed Salah, at 32 years old, remains active with Liverpool, and his future achievements could see him climb even higher. Salah is a true icon and leader for both Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. He joined Liverpool in 2017, reaching the UEFA Champions League final the following year.

Salah played a key role in Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League triumphs, scoring 163 goals in 262 appearances for the club. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times: in 2018 (outright), in 2019 (shared with Sadio Mané and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), and in 2022 (shared with Son Heung-min). Salah surpassed Didier Drogba as the all-time leading African scorer in Premier League history.

For Egypt, Salah has made 103 appearances, scoring 59 goals, although he has yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations. In 2021, he reached the final but fell to Senegal in a penalty shootout. Despite this, Salah is a symbol of national pride in Egypt and was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2019. Known as the "Fourth Pyramid" and "The Pride of the Arabs," Salah is adored across the Arab world and credited with increasing Liverpool’s popularity in Egypt.

Arguably one of the most underappreciated players post-retirement, Didier Drogba earned his fame at Chelsea. Then-manager José Mourinho convinced owner Roman Abramovich to sign him, a decision that proved invaluable. Drogba became a leader and one of the greatest players in Chelsea’s history. For a long time, he held the record as the highest-scoring African player in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, until Mohamed Salah surpassed him. With Chelsea, Drogba won four Premier League titles, several FA Cups, and Community Shields.

Drogba’s defining moment came in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored the equalizer in the 88th minute and netted the decisive penalty in the shootout to secure Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League title.

Internationally, Drogba is Côte d’Ivoire’s all-time top scorer, although he never won the Africa Cup of Nations, losing in the final twice. He’s a national hero on and off the pitch. In 2005, Drogba helped Côte d’Ivoire qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup and made a heartfelt plea for peace during the country’s civil war. His efforts contributed to a ceasefire agreement in 2007.

Drogba was appointed a UN Goodwill Ambassador that same year and received the "Humanitarian Beyond Sport" award in 2011 for his contributions to peace efforts and his foundation, which supports health and education initiatives across Africa. He was also included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2010.

Considered the greatest African footballer by the Dailysports team, Samuel Eto'o remains the only African player to win two consecutive trebles with different teams: Barcelona in 2008/09 and Inter Milan in 2009/10. He was named African Player of the Year a record four times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010).

Eto’o began his career at Real Madrid before playing for Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Everton, and several other clubs. His most successful stint was at Barcelona, where he scored 108 goals in 144 matches and won two UEFA Champions League titles.

For Cameroon, Eto'o was equally remarkable, scoring 56 goals in 118 appearances. He won Olympic gold in 2000, silver at the 2003 Confederations Cup, and two Africa Cup of Nations titles (2000, 2002). Eto'o is the all-time leading scorer in AFCON history (18 goals), Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer, and third in total appearances for the national team.

Over his club career, Eto’o scored 293 goals in 587 matches. He retired from international football in 2014 and from professional football in 2019. Since December 11, 2021, he has served as president of the Cameroon Football Federation.

The final major tournament of the season was the Open Championship, which was won by Xander Schauffele. Remarkably, he secured two major titles in 2024, having also triumphed at the PGA Championship in May. Additionally, Scottie Scheffler won the Masters, and Bryson DeChambeau claimed victory at the US Open.

Read also: RANKING. 33 greatest Olympians of the XXI century according to Dailysports

These golfers have showcased exceptional skills and deservedly emerged as champions. However, the Dailysports team decided to delve deeper into the history of the game to identify the greatest players. We have compiled a list of the top 25 golfers in history.

• 25. Bernhard Langer (Germany)

Throughout his career, which began in 1972, the German golfer has won 123 professional titles. These include victories on the PGA Tour, European Tour, Asian Tour, and others. Additionally, Langer secured two major titles, winning the Masters Tournament in 1985 and 1993.

• 24. Mickey Wright (USA)

Our list wouldn't be complete without women. Mickey Wright was one of the early stars of the LPGA Tour, the women's equivalent of the PGA. She ranks second only to Kathy Whitworth in the list of winners, with 82 LPGA Tour victories. Mickey is also the only player in LPGA history to win all four major trophies at the same time.

• 23. Young Tom Morris (Great Britain)

The son of one of golf's pioneers, Old Tom Morris, Young Tom Morris was one of the first great players. He remains the youngest champion in golf history, winning four consecutive Open Championships. He claimed his first major title at the age of seventeen.

• 22. Lee Trevino (USA)

Lee Trevino is one of only four players to have won the US Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship twice each. With Mexican heritage, he is an icon for Mexican Americans and earned the nicknames "The Merry Mex" and "Supermex." He won six major titles and 23 professional tournaments. In 1981, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

• 21. Greg Norman (Australia)

The golfer who spent 331 weeks atop the world rankings in the 1980s and 1990s. Norman won 88 professional tournaments, including 20 PGA Tour events and two majors at The Open Championship. Norman was nicknamed "The Great White Shark" due to his blonde hair, physical fitness, aggressive playing style, and the native coastal animal in his homeland.

• 20. Scottie Scheffler (USA)

Although Scheffler doesn't have as many victories as other players on this list, he has held the top spot in the world rankings for over 100 weeks. He has 16 professional wins, including two majors—the Masters in 2022 and 2024. Moreover, this year he won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming one of the few golfers to achieve this feat.

Also read: Seventh title of the season. Scottie Scheffler emerges as the FedEx Cup champion

• 19. Nancy Lopez (USA)

One of the most media-friendly golfers in history, Lopez was one of the first LPGA Tour players to attract widespread media attention. In her rookie season, she won nine titles. Overall, she has 51 professional wins and three major titles. Lopez is the only woman to have won the "LPGA Rookie of the Year," "Player of the Year," and "Vare Trophy" in the same season, in 1978.

• 18. Ernie Els (South Africa)

A golfer who led the world rankings, Els has won 70 professional titles. He also claimed four major victories. His achievement lies in being one of only six golfers to have won the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice each. Els earned the nickname "The Big Easy" due to his height of 191 cm but with a very gentle swing.

• 17. Vijay Singh (Fiji)

The most successful golfer from Fiji and the most accomplished non-American in the sport. Singh won three majors, becoming the first South Asian athlete to win such a tournament. He also claimed 34 PGA Tour titles. In 2004, Singh had an incredible season, briefly dethroning Tiger Woods from the top of the world rankings. In May 2005, Singh was appointed as a Fiji goodwill ambassador.

• 16. Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)

The first European woman to successfully represent her continent, Sörenstam has 97 professional wins, including 72 LPGA victories. She also won ten major titles. Sörenstam was the first female golfer since Babe Zaharias to compete in a men's PGA Tour event. She holds a record eight "Player of the Year" awards and six Vare Trophies, given to the LPGA player with the lowest average score in a season. Annika Sörenstam is the only female golfer to have shot 59 in a competition.

• 15. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)

Another active golfer, like Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy is one of three players, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, to have won four majors before the age of 25. He has 40 professional wins. McIlroy is the only golfer to have won the FedEx Cup three times, surpassing Tiger Woods, who has two titles. In 2011, at the age of 22, he became the youngest player to reach 10 million euros in career earnings on the European Tour. In 2012, he became the youngest player to reach 10 million dollars in career earnings on the PGA Tour.

• 14. Nick Faldo (England)

Remembered as one of the most dedicated golfers, Faldo held the top spot in the official world golf rankings for 97 weeks. He won 43 professional titles. From 1987 to 1996, he won six major titles. After retiring, Faldo became a television commentator for major golf championships. In 2006, he became the lead golf analyst for CBS Sports.

• 13. Byron Nelson (USA)

One of the most decorated and outstanding golfers. Despite a relatively short career of only 11 years, Nelson won 64 professional titles, including five major titles. However, he is best remembered for winning 11 consecutive tournaments and a total of 18 tournaments in 1945. Nelson was also the first golfer to lend his name to a PGA Tour event—the Byron Nelson Classic.

• 12. Billy Casper (USA)

One of the best golfers of the 1960s, though not as widely recognized in headlines due to the presence of other greats. Casper won 51 PGA Tour titles and a total of 72 professional victories. He also claimed three major titles. His greatest victory came in 1966 when he won the US Open after a playoff against Arnold Palmer.

• 11. Kathy Whitworth (USA)

The most successful female golfer not only in the LPGA but also in PGA Tours. She holds 88 titles and has won six major tournaments. Kathy Whitworth was named "Golfer of the Decade" by Golf Magazine multiple times and received seven "LPGA Player of the Year" awards. In 1981, she became the first woman to earn one million dollars in her LPGA Tour career.

• 10. Phil Mickelson (USA)

Dubbed "The Next Nicklaus," Mickelson is one of 17 golfers to have won three or more majors. He has 57 professional victories. Mickelson also became the oldest winner of a major tournament, triumphing at the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days. He is nicknamed "Lefty" for his left-handed play. Mickelson continues to compete in golf, now participating in the LIV Golf League.

Read also: The US Open champion played golf with a US presidential candidate

• 9. Walter Hagen (USA)

Known as "The Father of Professional Golf," Hagen won 58 professional titles and 11 major championships. However, his most significant contribution was elevating the social status of golf, bringing popularity, prestige, substantial prize money, and lucrative endorsements to the sport.

• 8. Gene Sarazen (USA)

Sarazen won 48 professional titles, but more importantly, he is one of five golfers to have won all the major titles (U.S. Open, PGA Championship, The Open Championship, and Masters) at least once. He was the best golfer of the 1920s and 1930s. Notably, Sarazen invented the modern sand wedge in the early 1930s.

• 7. Gary Player (South Africa)

One of the greatest non-American golfers in the history of the sport, Player has 159 professional titles and nine major victories. This earned him recognition as the first major international ambassador of golf. Player is also the only non-American to have won all four majors in a single calendar year. He is nicknamed "The Dark Knight."

• 6. Bobby Jones (USA)

One of the most influential golfers in history, Jones was the first to achieve "The Double," winning the US Open and British Open in the same year. He was also the first to win the Grand Slam, capturing all four majors in a single calendar year, a feat achieved by only a few players. During his career, Jones won 34 titles, including seven majors as a professional and six as an amateur.

• 5. Ben Hogan (USA)

Hogan significantly influenced golf theory, particularly the concept of the golf swing, inventing the idea of training golf and mastering ball-striking. He won 71 professional titles, including nine major titles. Hogan is one of five players to have won all four majors.

• 4. Sam Snead (USA)

Throughout his career, Sam Snead won 142 titles, 82 of which were on the PGA Tour. Additionally, he claimed seven major championships. He is best remembered for his "perfect swing," a technique that many golfers sought to emulate. Gary Player remarked, "I have no doubt that Sam Snead had the best golf swing of anyone who ever lived." Jack Nicklaus described Snead's swing as "near perfect."

• 3. Arnold Palmer (USA)

One of the greatest and most charismatic golfers in history, Arnold Palmer remains etched in the memory of fans. He was one of the most popular golf stars and was considered a pioneer, being the first superstar of the television era of the sport, which began in the 1950s.

Throughout his career, Palmer won 95 titles (62 PGA tournaments) at the professional level, including seven majors. He was among the top three golfers of the 1960s and earned the nickname "The King." In 1998, he received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award.

Palmer also founded his own PGA Tour event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the premier tournaments in golf, with a prize fund of $20 million. Additionally, Arnold Palmer created his own drink, named after him—a non-alcoholic cocktail made of lemonade and iced tea.

• 2. Jack Nicklaus (USA)

We now arrive at the most difficult choice between first and second place, contested by Nicklaus and Woods. Nicknamed "The Golden Bear," Jack Nicklaus achieved 117 victories at the professional level. He holds the record for the most major championships won—18.

During his career, Nicklaus focused primarily on the majors: The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship. Regarding the PGA Tour, he played only a selective schedule of regular events. Notably, he won The Masters at the age of 46, securing his 18th and final major, becoming the oldest champion of the tournament.

Today, Nicklaus leads Nicklaus Design, one of the largest golf course design and construction companies in the world. He also organizes a PGA Tour event, the Memorial Tournament, named in honor of the annual award he presents to individuals associated with golf.

• 1. Tiger Woods (USA)

At the top of the list, and considered the greatest golfer in history by Dailysports, is Tiger Woods. Although he does not hold the record for the most major championships—15, or PGA Tour victories—82, his most significant achievement is transforming golf into a global phenomenon in the 21st century.

Woods became the first athlete to earn one billion dollars, with the majority of his wealth (about 90%) coming from endorsements rather than on-course earnings. He was the face of brands such as Nike, the PGA Tour video game by 2K, Rolex, Monster Energy, and various automobile companies, among others. Despite his success, Woods has faced numerous challenges in his career, including multiple car accidents and legal issues related to driving under the influence.

However, he repeatedly made comebacks, winning The Masters in 2019, after which he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump, becoming the fourth golfer to receive this honor. Additionally, Woods has a foundation that supports children from underprivileged African American families in learning golf, and he hosts a charity tournament called the Hero World Challenge.

As a reminder, the legendary American golfer Tiger Woods has been granted lifetime access to all major golf tournaments.

• 1. Usain Bolt (Jamaica) - Athletics (100 and 200 meters)

Two gold medals in Beijing-2008, three golds in London 2012 and three golds in Rio 2016. “Lightning” ran as if not a man and he still holds the record in the 100 meters - 9.58. In addition, Bolt was great in the 200 meters.

What Usain Bolt has done throughout his career is absolutely abnormal and unbelievable. And in our opinion, he is the greatest Olympian of this century. Surpassing him will be extremely difficult.

• 2. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) - Athletics (Marathon)

Marathon is an absolute classic of the Olympic Games, and the Kenyan runner once dominated the discipline. Kipchoge has won Olympic gold twice, in Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016. Before that, Kipchoge won silver and bronze medals. In other words, Kipchoge has consistently been on the podium at the last four Games. And that's on the most difficult distance for the body.

It should also be added that Kipchoge has broken the world record twice, but it was surpassed by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.

• 3. Michael Phelps (USA) - swimming

23 gold medals - an all-time record in Olympic history. Since 2004 and up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the American completely dominated the short distances. In addition, Phelps has two more bronze medals and three silver medals to his credit. Phelps is undoubtedly the greatest swimmer in the history of the sport and deserves to be in the top 3 of our ranking.

• 4. Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica) - athletics (100m and 200m)

Elaine Thompson-Herah's absence from the Paris Games is one of the biggest losses of the upcoming Olympics. The 32-year-old Jamaican runner won gold medals at the previous two Games in the 100 and 200 meters, and was determined to triumph for a third time at the Olympics. Thompson-Herah also has a fifth gold medal to her credit, which she won in the 4x100-meter relay. One way or another, this Jamaican athlete has already left her name in the history of sport.

• 5. Neymar (Brazil) - football

Yes, exactly Neymar. Many may be surprised by the choice of the scandalous Brazilian soccer player, but if we talk about soccer tournaments at the Olympics, then here in the 21st century Neymar has no equal. He has twice traveled with the Brazilian national team to the games. In 2012, Brazil only lost to Mexico in the final, but at the home Olympics 2016 won gold. In 12 matches during his career at the Olympics on account of Neymar 7 goals and 7 goal assists.

Also read: Who are the best? Euro 2024 Team of the tournament by Dailysports

• 6. LeBron James (USA) - basketball

The legendary LeBron plays incredibly not only in the NBA, but also for the US national team. “Dream Team” is traditionally the favorite to win gold medals at every Olympics, and LeBron has been a part of the team three times. In 2008 and 2012 the USA with LeBron in the lineup became champions, and in 2004 they won bronze. In 2024, the 39-year-old leader of the Lakers came to his fourth Olympics and has all chances to become a three-time champion.

• 7. Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) - boxing

The Ukrainian boxer has come an incredible way in professional boxing, becoming an absolute champion in the heavyweight division. However, Usyk started his way to the top with the Olympics, where in 2012 he left no chance to anyone in the weight category up to 91 kg. There is no doubt that Usyk is an outstanding athlete, and one of the most famous boxers to ever win the Olympics.

• 8. Mo Farah (Great Britain) - athletics (5000 and 10000 meters)

Mo Farah is one of the greatest swimmers in the history of athletics. The Somali-born Briton is a four-time Olympic champion. Farah won two gold medals each in London and Rio. At both Olympics, Mo Farah triumphed in the 5000 and 10000 meters. Farah has become a benchmark not only in terms of athletic achievement. He is also a reference point for all British migrants who dream of becoming their own in a foreign country.

• 9. Andy Murray (Great Britain) - tennis

On the ATP tour, Murray is certainly behind the legendary Federer-Nadal-Djokovic trio in terms of greatness. However, the Olympics are his tournament. Murray first won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, where he defeated Roger Federer in the final. Four years later, Murray again became the best at the tournament in Rio de Janeiro, where he defeated Juan Martin Del Potro in the deciding match. Murray also has a silver medal in London 2012 in the mixed doubles, which he won with Laura Robson. It is symbolic that Murray will finish his career at the Olympics, but, alas, he will play in Paris only in doubles.

• 10. Anthony Joshua (Great Britain) - boxing

Usyk was not the only one to make a statement for the first time at the 2012 Olympics in London. The home games were triumphant for Anthony Joshua, who won the gold medal, leaving his opponents no chance until the final, where he defeated Italian Roberto Cammarella by judges' decision. But even then the leading promoters recognized Joshua's incredible potential, and later he became one of the best heavyweights in the history of boxing.

• 11. Simone Biles (USA) - artistic gymnastics

Biles is the most decorated gymnast in US history. The 27-year-old won four gold medals at once at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She triumphed in vault, all-around, floor exercise and team events. At the same Games, Biles won bronze on the balance beam. In Tokyo, Simone was unable to compete fully due to mental problems, but eventually came back and won bronze on the balance beam and silver on the team. Biles will once again be among the favorites for the Olympics this summer.

• 12. Karsten Warholm (Norway) - athletics (400m hurdles)

The Norwegian runner took part in only one Olympics - in Tokyo 2021. But his performance was truly sensational. The fact is that in the final race in Tokyo Varholm managed to set a world record of 46.17. The previous record had been held since 1992. Varholm is showing incredible results in his discipline and is one of the main contenders for gold in Paris.

• 13. Emma McKeon (Australia) - swimming

The Australian swimmer is a five-time Olympic champion. And at the Tokyo Olympics, McKeonbecame the record holder for the number of gold medals at a single Games among women - as many as four. At the same games, McKeon won bronze three times. The 30-year-old Australian won another gold medal at the Rio Olympics. There she also won two silver medals and one bronze medal. A total of 11 Olympic medals! Impressive.

• 14. Diana Taurasi (USA) - basketball

Diana is a shining example of a person who makes women's sports more popular. Five consecutive Olympic victories for the USA Basketball team is nothing new. But five Olympic cycles in a row to be included in this team's bid and win gold medals accordingly is a very high achievement. World champion, Olympic multimedalist, actress, LGBT activist and simply one of the best athletes of the XXI century - this is all about Diana Taurasi.

• 15. Essa Barshim (Qatar) - athletics (high jump)

Qatar very rarely wins any medals at the Olympic Games. There are only two gold medals in the history of this country. One of them is in the asset of Essa Barshim, who became the Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020. Except that he shared his victory with Gianmarco Tamberi, as they showed the same results together with the Italian, and the organizers allowed them to share the championship. In Rio and London, Barshim was one step away from gold, winning silver twice. In the end, this athlete accounted for 3 of Qatar's 8 medals in the history of the games.

• 16-17. Serena Williams (USA) - tennis

One of the best tennis players in the history of this sport. Serena was also successful at the Olympics, where she won four gold medals. However, only in London 2012 Serena Williams triumphed in singles. She won the other three gold medals in doubles with her sister Venus.

• 16-17. Venus Williams (USA) - tennis

It was impossible to simply determine which of the two legendary sisters was more successful at the Olympics. After all, their achievements are virtually identical. Venus became the Olympic singles champion in Sydney 2000 and won three times in doubles with Serena. Legends.

• 18. Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland) - hammer throw

Hammer throw is not the most popular track and field discipline. However, Anita Wlodarczyk absolutely dominated in it. The Polish athlete won three Olympics in a row: in London, Rio and Tokyo. In addition, Wlodarczyk holds the world record in the hammer throw - 82 meters and 29 centimeters.

• 19 Teddy Riner (France) - judo

Teddy Riner is a judo legend. The two-meter Guadeloupe native, who fights in the heavyweight class, has traveled to the last four Olympics and has found himself on the podium at each of them. In London and Rio, Riner was an Olympic champion, while in Beijing and Tokyo he took third place.

Also read: What is the principle of universality at the Olympics?

• 20. Lasha Talakhadze (Georgia) - weightlifting

The Georgian weightlifter's career failed at the initial stage due to disqualification for doping. But Talakhadze came back and got even stronger. The 30-year-old Georgian won gold at the previous two Olympics, competing in the 105+ kg weight class. And at both Olympics, Talakhadze broke the world record. In Rio he lifted 473 kg, and in Tokyo he managed to lift 488 kg. In Paris Talakhadze can win his third gold medal.

• 21. Lisa Carrington (New Zealand) - canoeing

Carrington is the most successful athlete of the current century in her sport. The New Zealander is a five-time Olympic champion. Carrington first won the 200-meter single kayak event in London. Later she came to Rio, where she won again in the 200 meters and took bronze in the 500 meters. But in Tokyo she won both of these distances and also won the 500-meter double.

• 22. Ma Long (China) - table tennis

Ma Long is the only table tennis player who has won the Olympics twice in singles. First, the 35-year-old Chinese won in Rio, and after that he became the best in Tokyo as well. In addition, Ma Long has won the Olympic doubles title three times. This he managed to do at the last three Olympics, which is an absolute record.

• 23. Filip Filipovic (Serbia) - water polo

The Serbian national water polo team is the strongest in the world, and Filip Filipovic is its key player and star. Filipovic has already traveled to three Olympics, and in Rio and Tokyo he became an Olympic champion. Prior to that, Serbia won bronze medals at two consecutive Olympics. In 2016 Filipovic was recognized as Serbia's best athlete, and he was also recognized as the best in the world twice in history.

• 24. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - football

It would be strange if this ranking did without the greatest football player in history. Lionel Messi came to the Olympics only once - in 2008. And for many years it was the Olympic gold medal that was Messi's only significant achievement at the national level. At the Olympics in Beijing Messi distinguished himself with 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 matches. It was his in the final that brought Argentina victory in the final against Nigeria (1:0).

• 25. Armand Duplantis (Sweden) - athletics (pole vault)

Arman Duplantis is only 24 years old, but he has already become an athletics legend. In 2020, he broke Serhiy Bubka's world record (6.14m), which had stood for 26 years. Duplantis has since renewed it several times and the record now stands at 6.24m. In Tokyo, the Swedish jumper became an Olympic champion for the first time in his career, but he is still at the beginning of his journey. He goes to Paris again as the main favorite.

• 26. Birgit Fischer (Germany) - canoeing

Fischer is one of the most outstanding athletes in the history of canoeing. She first competed in the Olympics as early as 1980 and after that came to 8 Olympics. In total, Fisher won 8 gold medals, three of which were in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. Early in her career, Fischer won in singles, and in the current century, all of her medals have been in doubles and quadruples, but that doesn't make her accomplishments any less remarkable.

• 27. Iana Klochkova (Ukraine) - swimming

Klochkova is one of the most successful female athletes in Ukrainian history. At one time, Klochkova was the strongest swimmer in the world and dominated the 200 and 400 meter medley events. It was in these disciplines that she won four gold medals at the Sydney and Athens Olympics. Also in 2000, she won silver in the 800-meter freestyle.

• 28. Kaori Icho (Japan) - freestyle wrestling

Kaori Icho is one of the most decorated athletes in her sport. For years, the Japanese woman dominated all international tournaments, winning as many as 10 medals at World Championships. Since 2004, Icho has traveled to four Olympics. And at all four she went home with a gold medal. Three times she won in the 63 kg weight category, and in Rio she became the best in the 58 kg weight category.

• 29. Guo Jingjing (China) - diving

Chinese athletes have dominated recent Olympics in this aquatic sport, and Guo Jingjing was the strongest diver at the beginning of this century. She won two silver medals at the Sydney Games, but at the next two Olympics she won two gold medals each. She won two gold medals in individual ski jumping from 3 meters, and two at the same height in doubles.

• 30. Wu Minxia (China) - diving

Wu Minxia is another bright representative of China in ski jumping. She came to the Athens Olympics for the first time, and has participated in a total of four Games. And at each of her Olympics Wu Minxia won at least one medal. In Athens, Beijing, London and Rio, she won in the synchronized jump from 3 meters, and also in London she managed to take individual gold. It should be noted that at her first Olympics she was paired with Guo Jinjin.

• 31. Caeleb Dressel (USA) - swimming

The 27-year-old American swimmer took part in two Olympics. And if in Rio he won gold only in two relays, but in Tokyo he has already performed incredibly well in individual disciplines. At the last Olympics, Dressel won five gold medals at once: two in the 4x100 freestyle and freestyle relay. And three more in the 100-meter butterfly, freestyle and 50-meter freestyle individual events.

• 32. Jin Jong-oh (South Korea) - shooting

Shooting is definitely not the most popular sport at the Olympics, but it does win a lot of medal sets. Korean Jin Jong-oh was definitely the best shooter in the current century at the Olympics. In Beijing, London and Rio, Jin Jong-oh won gold in the 50-meter pistol and was also the best in London in the 10-meter air pistol. He also has two silver medals to his credit.

• 33. Nino Salukvadze (Georgia) - shooting

Salukvadze closes our ranking not for her sporting achievements in the 21st century. The 55-year-old Georgian athlete in Paris will become the record holder for the number of participation in the Olympics - 10 in a row! For the first time Salukvadze participated in the Olympics in 1988 in Seoul as a member of the then USSR national team. Since then she has not missed a single Olympics. In 1988 Salukvadze became an Olympic champion, and in 2008 in Beijing she won bronze. An absolute legend.