The battle to dominate football in the coming years has only just begun.
The throne of football king, long shared by Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, has been occasionally occupied by Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Rodri with their Ballon d'Or victories.
This year, the Spaniard from Manchester City emerged as the standout player, claiming prestigious awards from L'Équipe and UEFA. His performances with both Spain and his club in England played an important role in his recognition.
In a year without a major international summer tournament – apart from the Nations League – and with the expanded Club World Cup a major highlight, the race to become the best player in the world will depend largely on performances in the Champions League and domestic competitions. . The list of contenders to succeed the injured Rodri as the best in the world is long. Rodri himself hopes to return for the decisive part of the season.
The contenders are mostly young talents, ready to dominate in the coming years, with Mohamed Salah as a notable exception. Meanwhile, Harry Kane, a perennial goalscorer and Bayern Munich's talisman, also remains in the mix as a strong candidate.
Vinicius (24 years old, Real Madrid)
The Brazilian has been playing at a very high level for several seasons. He can dribble, score goals and beat players with ease: he is a truly destructive force in the Real Madrid squad. In a one-on-one situation he is almost unstoppable. Winner of The Best and runner-up in the recent Ballon d'Or race, Vini Jr is just one star in the Bernabéu galaxy.
Jude Bellingham (21 years old, Real Madrid)
The England midfielder's ambitions are based on his talent and ability to adapt to any position. Bellingham is a natural leader with a lot of charisma and could be the best in the world for several years in a row. He also added another big string to his bow at Madrid: scoring important goals.
Haaland (24 years old, Manchester City)
Haaland has had an unimpressive season so far, as has the entire City squad, but no one would dare say he won't earn a Ballon d'Or in the coming years. In the years without major international tournaments he has his big chance, and what is certain is that we are unlikely to see a goalscorer of his caliber emerge any time soon.
Kylian Mbappé (26 years old, Real Madrid)
The French striker has come to Real Madrid to forge his legend. There is no better spotlight than the Spanish capital to win the Ballon d'Or and take the throne of world football. His name has been written in gold letters for years as the logical leader to succeed Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he just needs to step up and seize the opportunity.
Lamine Yamal (17 years old, Barcelona)
The Spanish attacker has been hit by a magic wand. His speed and the talent in his legs are both as frightening as each other, and the comparisons with Messi at Barca are becoming increasingly difficult to avoid. He is already a key figure at both Barcelona and Spain. No one doubts that if he continues this progress, he can be the best in the world for many years to come… if not already.
Jamal Musiala (21 years old, Bayern)
The German footballer continues to develop in the right direction and it seems as if a century has passed since he dazzled in the German XI at a very young age. Musiala is already part of football's elite and is only 21 years old; A key part of a championship team, one of the best national teams in the world and with more talent than most, Musiala possesses a cocktail that, the day he explodes, could be unstoppable.
Cole Palmer (22, Chelsea)
There is no doubt that he has something unique, a special appearance. He doesn't seem to do much as he trots around the pitch, but his effectiveness and movement already make it clear that he is a player who is difficult to categorize. An introvert, the Chelsea player continues to collect plaudits every weekend and is very close to the top level of elite football.
Florian Wirtz (21 years old, Bayer Leverkusen)
The fact that he is excelling at such a high level without being part of one of the most powerful clubs in Europe says it all. He has shown that he is a developing leader at Leverkusen and can make the leap forward that he has shown in recent years. He has all the requirements for long-term success. Goals, dribbling, instinct, game vision and personality, Wirtz is one of a kind.
Mohamed Salah (32 years old, Liverpool)
Perhaps this is his last chance to become the best in the world, but 2025 could be his year. At the moment, no one can match Salah's level of football and he is improving every year. Perhaps it is time again (think of Weah in 1995) that an African player is declared the best in the world.
Harry Kane (31 years old, Bayern)
The England striker has always been a goalscorer; when he is in form he is very difficult to stop. If Kane manages to reach the top, his reign won't last long, but it's not out of the question that he will succeed. His story is similar to Lewandowski's. And playing for Bayern, always a contender for everything, gives him visibility that he can take advantage of.
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