Best Attacking Midfielder in the World 2024: A top-tier attacking midfielder is a soccer player who stands out for their incredible abilities. They’re like the maestro or conductor of the team, creating scoring opportunities with their vision, skill, and tactical intelligence. These players can break down opposing defenses with a single pass and spark attacking plays with their every move.
Best Players In The World By Position
The debate about who truly deserves the title of the best-attacking midfielder is intense, as these players showcase breathtaking moves and contribute significantly to their team’s success.
[ays_poll id=111]
Best Attacking Midfielder in the World 2024
So, let’s take a closer look at the world of these midfield magicians, their amazing skills, and the ongoing discussion about who is the king of attacking midfielders in 2024.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
- Country: Belgium
- Age: 32
- Club: Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is undoubtedly considered the best-attacking midfielder in the world right now. He played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success in the 2022–23 season, helping them secure their first continental treble. In 2024, he is aiming to win both the Premier League and the Champions League with Manchester City once again.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and among the best midfielders globally, De Bruyne is often described as a complete footballer by experts.
De Bruyne’s impact extends beyond club football; he has been a key player for the Belgian national team, earning over 90 caps and contributing to notable performances in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro competitions.
Recognized for his versatility and skill, De Bruyne has consistently demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest players of his generation, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.
2. Jude Bellingham
- Country: England Ireland
- Age: 20
- Club: Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has earned a silver medal in our Best Attacking Midfielder in the World ranking. In 2023, he achieved a remarkable double, winning both the Golden Boy Award for the best young player in Europe and the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best player under 21.
During his three seasons with Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham made 132 appearances and played a crucial role in their 2020–21 DFB-Pokal victory. His standout performances in the 2022–23 season earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, despite Dortmund finishing as runners-up.
In 2023, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid for a fee of €103 million. Bellingham has also been a key figure in the England national team, representing various age groups before making his senior debut in November 2020. His contributions were significant in England’s campaigns at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Known for his remarkable dribbling and precise passing, Bellingham has displayed a level of skill that goes beyond his youthful age, making him a standout talent in the world of football.
3. Jamal Musiala
- Country: Germany England
- Age: 20
- Club: Bayern Munich
Jamal Musiala is a really good attacking midfielder and winger for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. People call him “Bambi” because he’s amazing at dribbling. He’s also considered one of the best young players in the world.
Jamal was born in Germany to a Nigerian dad and a German mom. But, he moved to England when he was seven. He played for both Germany and England’s youth teams. Later, in February 2021, he decided to play for Germany in future games. He represented Germany in Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Besides being a great dribbler, Musiala also understands the game well. He knows when to pass when to break through the defense, and when to take a shot. He stays calm under pressure and makes smart decisions during the game.
4. Bruno Fernandes
- Country: Portugal
- Age: 29
- Club: Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes, the fourth-ranked attacking midfielder globally, showcases his skills at Manchester United in the Premier League. Renowned for his exceptional passing, vision, creativity, and penalty expertise, Fernandes began his career in Italy before joining Sporting CP in 2017.
His standout performances, including winning domestic trophies and setting goal-scoring records, led to a €55 million move to Manchester United in January 2020. Representing Portugal in various youth and senior competitions, Fernandes has played a pivotal role in significant victories, including the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
Fernandes’ impact on the field is evident in his ability to turn the tide of a match through his visionary playmaking, precise passing, and knack for scoring spectacular goals. His journey from Italy to Portugal and his influential role in both club and international competitions underline his status as one of the top talents in the football world.
5. Bernardo Silva
- Country: Portugal
- Age: 29
- Club: Manchester City
Bernardo Silva holds the fifth spot on the list of Best Attacking Midfielders, and he’s recognized as one of the premier midfielders in the world. Praised by Pep Guardiola as one of the best players he’s ever seen, Silva is known for his creativity, dribbling skills, stamina, versatility, and strong work ethic.
He showcased his talents as an integral part of City’s journey to their first UEFA Champions League final in 2020–21 and played a crucial role in the team’s historic continental treble in 2022–23.
Representing Portugal since 2015, Silva has been part of major tournaments, winning the 2019 UEFA Nations League and being named the Player of the Tournament.
Known for his mesmerizing dribbling, Silva effortlessly maneuvers through defenses, displaying a balletic grace that often leaves defenders struggling to keep up.
6. Florian Wirtz
- Country: Germany
- Age: 20
- Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz is ranked as the sixth-best attacking midfielder and is recognized as one of the most talented young players in the world. Currently playing as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, Wirtz has gained attention for his impressive skills on the field.
Wirtz made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Bundesliga at 17 years and 34 days with a goal against Bayern Munich on June 6, 2020. He continued to showcase his talent, reaching milestones such as scoring in European competitions and setting records for the youngest player to achieve certain benchmarks in Bundesliga history.
His international career also took off, debuting in a World Cup qualifier in September 2021, and though he missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to his ACL injury, his talent has marked him as a rising star in football.
7. Martin Ødegaard
- Country: Norway
- Age: 25
- Club: Arsenal FC
Martin Ødegaard holds the seventh spot on the Best Attacking Midfielder in the World list and is widely recognized as one of the top midfielders. His standout skills include impressive technique, dribbling ability, vision, and a diverse range of passing.
Ødegaard moved to Real Madrid in 2015, where he became the youngest player in the club’s history. Despite facing intermittent playing time, Ødegaard gained experience with loans to Eredivisie clubs Heerenveen and Vitesse, as well as La Liga club Real Sociedad, winning the Copa del Rey with the latter in 2019.
Ødegaard is Recognized as a “talented and exciting young player,” Ødegaard is considered to have a bright future ahead in football.
8. Christopher Nkunku
- Country: France DR Congo
- Age: 26
- Club: Chelsea FC
Christopher Nkunku is ranked as the eighth-best Attacking Midfielder in the World. He started his football journey at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, making his professional debut for the club in December 2015.
During his time with PSG, Nkunku played in 78 matches, contributing to three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France victories, and two Coupe de la Ligue triumphs.
In July 2019, Nkunku moved to the German side RB Leipzig, where he had a prolific spell. Over four seasons, he scored 70 goals in 172 appearances and won the DFB-Pokal twice. His outstanding performances led to him being named the Bundesliga Player of the Season in the 2021–22 campaign and becoming the league’s top scorer the following season.
In 2023, Nkunku made a significant move to Chelsea for a transfer fee of £52 million. Known for his versatility, exceptional dribbling skills, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability, Nkunku has established himself as a formidable force in the attacking midfield position.
9. James Maddison
- Country: England
- Age: 27
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
James Maddison is ranked as the ninth-best Attacking Midfielder in the World. His football journey began with Coventry City before moving to Norwich City in 2016. During the 2016–17 season, Maddison gained experience on loan at Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen.
In his return to Norwich, he earned accolades, being named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year and EFL Team of the Season. Maddison joined Leicester City in 2018, where he celebrated victories in the FA Cup and FA Community Shield in 2021. He later signed with Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
Maddison was part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad and, after a three-year absence, returned to the 26-man England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Although he didn’t play in the tournament, Maddison made his first start for England in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on March 26, 2023. Known as one of the most promising young players in English football, Maddison is recognized for his playmaking skills, and goal-scoring ability, and is expected to play a significant role for both his club and country.
10. Lucas Paquetá
- Country: Brazil Portugal
- Age: 26
- Club: West Ham United
Lucas Paquetá holds the 10th spot on the Best Attacking Midfielder in the World list. A key player for the Brazil national team, he contributed to their Copa América victory in 2019 and participated in one World Cup. Paquetá started his career in 2007 with CR Flamengo, winning the 2016 Copa São Paulo de Júniores title.
In the 2021–22 season, Paquetá was recognized as the best foreign player in Ligue 1, an honor determined by popular vote with the support of over 20,000 people. Despite this success, he faced a setback in August 2023, being excluded from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying squad against Bolivia and Peru due to investigations into potential breaches of betting rules by both the FA and FIFA.
Known for his talent and versatility, Paquetá can play in various midfield positions. His creative and intelligent playmaking style focuses on creating opportunities for teammates. Additionally, he is a skilled finisher with the ability to score goals from long range.
