Best midfielders in the world 2025
Our comprehensive round-up of the 10 best midfielders in the world in 2025.
In the heart of every great team lies its engine room.
Midfielders in the modern game are required to do it all - break up play, drive their side forward, provide a creative spark and find the net themselves.
The best of the best come in different shapes and sizes, from physical enforcers to all-action athletes and poetic playmakers, but their influence on games is what really defines them.
Picking just 10 from the wealth of midfield talent in the game today is no mean feat but to guide our hand, we’ve judged players on their talent, recent success and production, and aesthetics.
With legends like Luca Modric and Toni Kroos missing out, it does feel a little bit like the changing of the guard but there are still some wily operators that have made the cut.
RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the 10 best midfielders in the world in 2025.
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10. Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
Write him off at your peril. Kevin De Bruyne returned from injury to devastating effect in 2023/24 as one of the finest Premier League midfielders of all time added another title to his cabinet.
The 33-year-old sees things that others don’t, pulling apart defences with his pin-point passing and coming up with goals in important moments as well. Sure, his star is fading, but he remains a lethal operator.
9. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri is already among the finest midfield operators in the world. His dazzling feet, clever movement and brilliant passing make him a nightmare for opposing sides but a joy to watch.
Injury ruled him out of the semi and final but the Barca midfielder played his part in Spain’s Euro 2024 success.
8. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
Combining physicality with excellent reading of the game and quality in possession, Aurélien Tchouaméni has everything you would look for in a modern midfield general.
The role he played in steering Los Blancos to a LaLiga and Champions League double last term proved there is life after Casemiro, Kroos and Modric at the Bernabeu.
7. Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes makes things happen. He is the Red Devils’ beating heart - a ferocious competitor whose chance creation numbers are among the best in Europe.
He’s stayed loyal to Man Utd, which is likely why big trophies like the Premier League and Champions League continue to allude him.
6. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s conductor. The classy playmaker makes the Gunners tick, his vision and passing key as they’ve pushed Man City close in back-to-back Premier League seasons.
In full flow, the Norwegian’s eye for a pass and mesmerising feet in tight spaces make him a special player to watch.
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5. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Great midfielders raise the levels of the players around them. Enter Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde.
The Uruguayan has had to work to establish himself but has become a key piece of the Los Blancos puzzle with his ceaseless industry, smart passing and ferocious right foot.
4. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Having become a real threat in the final third, Declan Rice has established himself as a world class all-action midfielder since his move from West Ham to Arsenal.
He was a central figure in the Gunners’ title charge and England’s run to the final of the Euros - and will surely play a major part as both look to gone one better in the next few years.
3. Bernardo Silva (Man City)
The first of three Man City players on this list, Bernardo Silva is nothing short of a magician - busy feet, an underrated engine, and the ability to influence games from almost anywhere.
Pep Guardiola’s total trust in the diminutive and versatile midfielder, particularly in big games, speaks volumes.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise has reached new heights after one of the great debut seasons. The 21-year-old adding goals to his game and becoming Real Madrid’s player for the big occasion as they stormed to a La Liga and Champions League double.
More magic followed at Euro 2024, though he was unable to end England’s long wait for a trophy.
The Birmingham City boy has quickly become a global superstar. Blues’ decision to retire the number 22 does not seem as silly now.
1. Rodri (Man City)
If there is a complete midfielder in world football right now then Rodri is surely it. An unparalleled defensive presence in the middle of the park, the 28-year-old also offers a creative spark and has established himself as a scorer of important goals.
It says it all that he has been arguably the standout player in a Man City side that has won four Premier League titles in a row, including the treble in 2023/24, and was named player of the tournament as he steered Spain to Euro 2024 triumph.
Who is the best midfielder in the world?
Rodri has proven himself a cut above the rest - capable of doing it all in the engine room of the finest teams in world football.
What’s cruel for Man City and Guardiola is that the Spaniard’s true value may become clearest during his spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
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