10 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World
Attacking midfielders have always been the creative cores of modern football. Given the responsibility of breaking down defenses, connecting the midfield with the forwards, and scoring goals themselves, they often turn out to be game changers at the highest level. In the ever-evolving landscape of football news, midfielders who can both orchestrate and execute have become more crucial than ever.
In this list, we rank the top 10 attacking midfielders in the world based on their 2025 form, consistency, influence, and technical brilliance.
1. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City / Belgium
At 33, Kevin De Bruyne continues to set the standard. His unparalleled passing range, vision, and control over a game’s tempo make him indispensable to Manchester City. Though he’s battled some injuries, his numbers remain elite in assists, key passes, and ball progression. De Bruyne is still in a league of his own and a benchmark for every other player on this list.
2. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid / England
Once a box-to-box midfielder, Bellingham has morphed into a formidable attacking presence. At just 21, his powerful runs, incredible composure, and sharp finishing have made him the new face of Real Madrid’s midfield. A consistent performer in both La Liga and the Champions League, Bellingham represents the future of attacking midfielders.
3. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal / Norway
Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Ødegaard has become the creative heartbeat of Arsenal. Known for his finesse, sharp movements, and knack for threading balls through tight spaces, Ødegaard has grown into a reliable scorer and leader. His evolution into a complete midfielder is key to Arsenal’s Premier League ambitions.
4. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich / Germany
Musiala’s flair, dribbling, and ability to operate between the lines make him one of the best attacking midfielders in the world today. At only 22, he combines youth and experience with devastating results. His performances in the Bundesliga and Europe reflect his potential to become a generational talent.
5. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United / Portugal
A polarizing figure, Bruno Fernandes’ aggressive, high-risk style divides opinion. But his stats—chances created, assists, and goals—cannot be ignored. Even when Manchester United struggle, Fernandes manages to pull strings and drive the team forward, often single-handedly.
6. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City / Portugal
While often deployed across various roles, Silva thrives as a central playmaker. His press resistance, dribbling, and tactical intelligence have been crucial to City’s success. Though understated, his impact on the flow of a game is massive, and he remains an integral part of Guardiola’s system.
7. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen / Germany
A breakout season under Xabi Alonso saw Wirtz help Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024–25. Wirtz’s intelligence, final-third vision, and technical class make him one of the sharpest creators in Europe. His double-digit goal and assist tally solidified his place among the elite.
8. Paulo Dybala – AS Roma / Argentina
Though no longer in the global spotlight, Dybala’s talent remains undiminished. He glides between defenders, identifies pockets of space, and delivers crucial passes or goals. When fit, he is still a master technician capable of influencing big games for Roma.
9. Mason Mount – Manchester United / England
After a rocky start at United, Mount is beginning to show flashes of brilliance. His work rate, pressing, and late runs into the box offer a different attacking dimension. With more consistency, he could climb much higher in future rankings.
10. Giovani Lo Celso – Tottenham Hotspur / Argentina
Often underrated, Lo Celso has enjoyed a resurgence under Ange Postecoglou. His vertical passing and intelligent positioning have been central to Spurs’ fluid football. Not a headline-maker, but a crucial piece of the midfield puzzle.
Honourable Mentions
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Phil Foden – A wide player by trade, but highly effective in central roles
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Dominik Szoboszlai – Direct, athletic, and improving steadily at Liverpool
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Alejandro Garnacho – Full of promise and flair, still maturing
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Pedri – Typically deeper, but has elite creative potential at No.10
Conclusion
As tactical demands evolve, attacking midfielders are expected to create, score, press, and lead. The players listed here—whether legends like De Bruyne or rising stars like Musiala and Wirtz—are not just playmakers but total footballers. Heading into the 2025–26 season, this elite group will continue to shape the narrative of football news and redefine the role of the modern No.10
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