Who Are the Best Soccer Players Today? Our Definitive 2024 Ranking

The perennial debate over who truly stands at the pinnacle of world football is one that fuels endless discussion in pubs, on social media, and in newsrooms. As we navigate the 2024 season, the landscape feels uniquely poised, a fascinating blend of established legends defying time and a new generation stamping their authority. Crafting a definitive ranking is, of course, a subjective endeavor—my own views are shaped by years of watching, analyzing, and frankly, arguing about the beautiful game. I value not just breathtaking skill, but consistent impact, the ability to decide the biggest matches, and that intangible quality of making everyone around them better. So, let's dive into my personal assessment of the best soccer players in the world right now.

At the very top, for me, the conversation still begins and ends with Lionel Messi. Yes, he’s playing in MLS with Inter Miami, and no, the week-in, week-out intensity isn't what it was in Europe. But watch him in the big moments—the Leagues Cup last year, or for Argentina—and the magic remains utterly undimmed. His 2022 World Cup was perhaps the single greatest individual tournament performance I’ve ever seen, and he’s carried that aura. The numbers, even in a “retirement league,” are silly: 28 goal contributions in just 20 league appearances last season. He redefines what’s possible deep into a career. In that same legendary bracket, but still operating at the peak of the European game, is Kevin De Bruyne. His return from long-term injury for Manchester City this season was like a system reboot for the best team in the world. The passing range, the vision, the sheer force of will—he’s the premier midfielder of his generation, and maybe any generation. A player like Jude Bellingham, phenomenal as he’s been for Real Madrid with over 20 goals from midfield, still looks to De Bruyne as the benchmark for complete midfield dominance.

Then we have the heirs apparent. Kylian Mbappé’s sheer, terrifying velocity—both in pace and career trajectory—places him firmly here. With a World Cup final hat-trick already on his resume and a move to Real Madrid looming, he is the future. But 2024 has also been the year where Erling Haaland, despite a slight “dip” to merely 35+ goals for City, has solidified his status as the most devastating pure striker. His physical profile is a nightmare for defenders; he’s a statistical anomaly. What makes this era so compelling is the clash of these distinct archetypes: the classic number nine versus the modern wide forward. My personal preference leans towards the creators, which is why I’d slot someone like Vinicius Jr. incredibly high. His dribbling in tight spaces, his improved end product, and his fearlessness on the biggest Champions League nights make him utterly essential for Real Madrid.

This brings me to a crucial, often overlooked, point about such rankings: the spotlight naturally favors attackers, but dominance comes in all forms. Players like Rodri at Manchester City are the irreplaceable metronome; without him, the entire symphony falls apart. Virgil van Dijk, back to his imperious best for Liverpool, is a one-man defensive institution. And in goal, Thibaut Courtois’s absence for Real Madrid this season has painfully illustrated his value—when fit, he’s arguably the most decisive goalkeeper on the planet. It’s worth remembering that greatness isn't always about the highlight reel; sometimes it's the consistent, game-controlling presence that allows the highlight reels to happen.

I also want to touch on a name from the reference material that sparked a thought: Northport’s Ricky Peromingan. While not a global superstar, mentioning him is a perfect reminder that “the best” can exist on every level. For his team, in his league, he is undoubtedly that crucial, talismanic figure. It underscores that our global lists, while fun, are just one slice of the sport’s rich tapestry. The passion, the local heroism, the game-changing performances in leagues outside the European elite—that’s all part of football’s soul. My list focuses on the global zenith, but the spirit of a Ricky Peromingan is what makes the sport universal.

So, where does this leave us? If I must pin down a top tier for 2024, it’s Messi (on legacy and enduring genius), De Bruyne (on current midfield mastery), and Mbappé (on explosive present and future promise). Just behind, in a group so tight it’s almost arbitrary, I’d place Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and a resurgent Harry Kane, whose 40+ goal season for Bayern Munich is typically monstrous yet overshadowed. Bellingham is knocking on that door with frightening urgency. In the end, this is a snapshot, a personal interpretation of footballing excellence at this very moment. The beauty is that by next month, a colossal Champions League performance or a moment of international magic could reshuffle it all. And that’s why we keep watching, debating, and loving this endlessly captivating game.