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Midfielders are crucial for a team's success because they control the flow of the game and connect the defense with the attack.
From commanding playmakers to dynamic box-to-box engines, the top midfielders in the world have consistently displayed their exceptional abilities and indelible mark on decisive games.
As we brace ourselves for the upcoming football season, certain midfielders' significant impact on their respective clubs earned them the odds to be considered one of the best midfielders in the world in 2023.
Let's take a look at the top 10 midfielders in the world of football who have recently demonstrated remarkable success at their clubs.
Top 10 midfielders in the world 2025
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin de Bruyne is the best midfielder in the world. We don't think this can be doubted.
De Bruyne is the classic example of a midfielder in the modern footballing world. He creates goals, he scores goals and is the key part of the game.
2. Jude Bellingham
At just 20-year-old, Jude Bellingham is widely regarded as one of the most agile and impressive game-changers of his generation.
Former England coach Gareth Southgate has spoken of Bellingham very highly: "Jude is in the bracket we love – high performance, low maintenance. He wants to improve. He's an open book in terms of suggesting things that can help his game. In terms of receiving and retaining information, he's really good."
3. Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has been adaptable, taking up various unfamiliar positions such as the number 10 role, central midfielder, left winger, and right winger to support the involvement of his teammates.
He is considered as one of the best midfielders not only in the Premier League but in top 5 leagues.
4. Rodri
After an impressive season with Manchester City and winning EUROs with Spain, Rodri became Ballon d'Or winner.
"I feel in the best moment - physically, mentally, the way I understand the game,” admitted the Spanish defensive midfielder in an interview ahead of the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
In his sixth year at Etihad Stadium, the 28-year-old is undeniably an established player.
5. Declan Rice
The Arsenal player was one of the most celebrated and in-demand midfielders last season.
“You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season,” said the Hammers’ club director to highlight the Englishman’s determination and central role in the team, after Rice lead West Ham United to lift the UEFA Europa Conference League
6. James Maddison
Since his £40 million move to Tottenham in the summer, James Maddison has made an immediate impact. James was given the iconic No. 10 shirt, previously donned by Harry Kane.
7. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala is considered as one of the best youngest players in current football. Musiala is nicknamed "Bambi" for his dribbling ability, he is known for his pace and technicality
8. Martin Odegaard
Although Martin Ødegaard's career started almost ten years ago, his journey to the pinnacle of success has been relatively gradual. However, after Real Madrid secured his signature in a fiercely competitive pursuit and his international debut at the remarkable age of 15, the Norwegian has emerged as one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the game today.
The Arsenal captain was one of the cardinal players to help the club’s success this season having scored 15 goals that makes him one of the top goalscorers of the Premeir League 2022-23.
9. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is capable of playing in several attacking and midfield positions. He is one of the key players of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
10. Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich is consistently one of the best performers in the Bundesliga in the recent years.
“I told him that he’s perhaps one of the best center-backs in the world. He’s got the desire, the will, the passion. He’s got absolutely everything,” said Pep Guardiola refelcting on his time at Bayern Munich.
