What makes a player “World Class”?
For us, it’s simple.
A world class player is one of the very best in the world in their position. They don’t just show flashes of brilliance. They consistently decide games, set the standard and perform at that level for a prolonged period of time. Form matters, but so does proof over time. With that in mind, here are the 30 players we can confidently call world class right now.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois
Missed a year but walked straight back into the Real Madrid XI and looked like he’d never been away. Still the benchmark for shot stopping and the ultimate big game goalkeeper – just ask Liverpool.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
He might be nearing the exit door at PSG, but he remains one of the few truly world class keepers in the world. PSG’s Enrique wants a “a different kind of goalkeeper” but the tall Italian would walk into nearly every team in the world. One of the best pure shot stoppers in recent years.
Alisson Becker
Much of Liverpool’s attacking intent under both Klopp and Slot is underpinned by the safety net provided by Alisson. Quite simply the best keeper in a one-on-one situation, his reading of the game and speed off the line enables Liverpool to press high up the pitch knowing the Brazilian is ready to sweep up.
Centre Backs
Virgil van Dijk
Has been the best defender in the world for half a decade. Reads the game better than anyone and is a dominant force at the back. Not getting any younger but not yet showing any signs of slowing down.
William Saliba
The integral part of Arsenal’s legendary defence. Elegant on the ball but ruthless off it, he has already established himself amongst the world’s best.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Underrated next to Saliba but just as important. Physically imposing and dominant in both boxes, he has earned his spot amongst the best.
Alessandro Bastoni
Inter’s defensive rock. His consistency across Serie A and Europe is impossible to ignore. He’s comfortable stepping into midfield, aggressive in a duel and a key reason why Inter are so difficult to break down.
Full Back
Achraf Hakimi
No full back in the world carries an attacking threat like Hakimi. PSG rely upon his pace and delivery. He is essentially a winger with defensive duties.
Nuno Mendes
Quick, aggressive and regularly locks down the world’s best wingers. Still early in his career, but the talent is already undeniable.
Josko Gvardiol
Naturally a centre back but reinvented at left back under Pep Guardiola. A unique mix of composure, physicality, passing range and an eye for a goal. No one else like him in world football.
Midfielders
Pedri
We’re big fans of Pedri here at Score90. When fit, he is the best midfielder in the world. Injuries have slowed his progress somewhat, but his intelligence and press resistance remain elite.
Jude Bellingham
Easy to forget Jude is only 22. His first season at Real was everything expected from a Galáctico. With the arrival of Mbappé, Bellingham has effortlessly transitioned into a different role to accommodate the Frenchman. His goals, creativity and leadership will see him at the top for a long time to come.
Rodri
The ultimate midfielder. Runs the show when playing, but his importance to City is most notable in his absence.
Fede Valverde
Relentless energy with real quality. His versatility across a range of positions is testament to his ability to read the game. His energy drives Madrid’s midfield, while also providing a reliable source of goals and assists.
Declan Rice
Looks world class every time he plays. A big money signing from West Ham who has justified every penny with his ball winning, progression and eye for goal. Pinpoint dead ball deliveries are an underrated part of his game.
Vitinha
Long been an enjoyable player to watch, but broke into the world class category recently following a breakout season with PSG. Technically sharp and tactically intelligent, he needs to deliver the consistency to stay among the best.
Jamal Musiala
Bayern’s brightest talent. Slaloms through defenders and has a rare composure in the box that many young talents lack. He has the flair and final product that justify his inclusion.
Florian Wirtz
Not yet shown his full quality at Liverpool, but was the creative spark behind Leverkusen’s golden era. The 21 year old is on the cusp of establishing himself as Europe’s top playmaker.
Joshua Kimmich
Not as dominant as two years ago, but his tactical brain and versatility will keep him among the elite even as he ages and slows down.
Wingers
Lamine Yamal
Already a generational talent and still a teenager – amongst the greatest 18 year olds football has ever seen. Already the difference maker for both Barcelona and Spain.
Vinícius Júnior
A ‘quiet’ season for Vinícius Júnior still resulted in 41 goal contributions. Frustrating at times but still the most dangerous winger in the world.
Mohammed Salah
Liverpool’s talisman for nearly a decade. His goals, assists and danger from the right remains among the best in Europe. He’s not the relentless runner he was during the 2018/19 season, but his intelligence has seen him adapt other parts of his game to ensure the goals keep coming.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s main man in the final third. His consistency at 23 is remarkable. Direct, clinical and tireless. England should build their team around Saka the same way Arsenal have.
Raphinha
Relentless output, goals and creativity. Time will tell whether he can sustain this level, but his peak is undoubtedly world class.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
An old-school winger who is always looking to beat his man. A refreshing break from the overly-coached wingers who too often look to recycle play and keep hold of possession.
Strikers
Kylian Mbappé
The undisputed superstar of world football at the moment. Blistering pace, deadly finishing and a big game record that speaks for itself.
Erling Haaland
The ultimate goalscorer. Sometimes criticised for weaknesses in parts of his game, but there are no doubts about his ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
Ousmane Dembele
Bookmakers’ favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Was instrumental in PSG winning it all last season. We’ve been waiting a few years for Dembele to consistently deliver at this level.
Robert Lewandowski
In a slight decline from his Bayern peak but still elite. Goals, link-up play and a ruthless mentality keep him in the conversation for another season.
Harry Kane
One of the most complete strikers of his generation and still going strong. His consistent output and overall game play place him amongst the greats, even if he was late to the party to finally win a trophy.
