A few weeks have passed since the release of the 2024-25 ESPN FC 100, the ninth edition of its annual ranking of the world’s top men’s soccer players. There has been a lot of activity in football since then, with some well-known players on the list changing clubs. Notable transfers include Bayer Leverkusen’s Duo-Lorien Wiltz (ranked 2nd as an attacking midfielder), Jeremy Fripon (5th fullback), and Liverpool’s Dean Huissen (10th centerback), as well as moves from Bournemouth to Real Madrid and from Wolves to Manchester United.
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Additionally, the entire Saint Vers Men’s team has been recognized, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer ranked as the 5th offensive midfielder, joining players from other prominent clubs such as Inter Milan’s Lauter Roman Martinez (rated 5th center forward) and Real Madrid’s Aurencho Ameni (14th central midfielder). This continued recognition illustrates the evolving landscape of the sport as younger players emerge to replace legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Club Analysis
This year’s FC 100 reflects voting trends based on recent player performances, effectively serving as an annual “best of the season” critique. A remarkable 40 players made the FC 100 list for the first time. Following an extraordinary season, Paris Saint-Germain is expected to lead the club standings, having secured all three domestic titles—Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée Des Champions—and winning their first UEFA Champions League title against Inter Milan, with seven players included in the FC 100.
PSG capitalized on their timing, achieving a perfect season in 2025, supported by standout contributions from Osmane Dembele (5th winger) and Achraf Hakimi (1st fullback).
Liverpool also marked a successful season, claiming the Premier League title for the first time in four years and featuring 10 players on the FC 100, including Mohamed Salah (1st winger), Virgil Van Dijk (1st centerback), and Alisson (2nd goalkeeper) under new manager Arne Slot. The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch (9th central midfielder) was notable, showcasing resilience after being underestimated in past seasons.
In Spain, Barcelona made a significant comeback under manager Hansifrique, placing eight players on the FC 100, including top midfielder Pedri and third-ranked winger Rafinha.
Twenty teams boasted one or two players on the list, underscoring the depth of talent in European football. However, many stars (like Huijsen, Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo) have already moved to larger clubs after standout performances.
League Breakdown
The Premier League’s depth was evident in transfer spending across all clubs, with a massive total of $3 billion invested in the transfer market for the 2024-25 season, outpacing Germany’s Bundesliga, which spent about $791 million among its 18 teams.
This year, as legends like Messi and Ronaldo prepare for retirement, new stars like Victor Osimhen (12th center forward) and Christian Ronaldo (15th center forward) are emerging in the spotlight, hinting at a shift in the game.
As in previous seasons, the elite players continue to shine in England, France, Spain, Italy, or Germany.
All-Time Best List
Our favorite aspect of this list’s evolution is that certain players consistently appear among the elite. Lionel Messi, after years at Paris Saint-Germain, now joins Major League Soccer, yet remains a fixture on the cutting edge of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, missed the FC 100 in 2022-23 after a tumultuous chapter with Manchester United and his subsequent move to Al Nasr.
Among the goalkeepers, their longevity is highlighted with five of the 17 names being goalkeepers, reflecting their ability to age more gracefully in the sport. While Jan Oblak (5th goalkeeper) has proven to be a consistent performer, others like Alisson faced injuries that kept them out of heavy competition.
Perhaps the most remarkable story belongs to Robert Lewandowski (2nd center forward), whose prolific scoring has continued well into his 36th year, with a stunning tally during the 2024-25 season. His contributions were vital in Barcelona securing a domestic treble.
A major question remains: when we unveil the next FC 100 in June 2026, will any of these top players achieve a ten-year streak?
National Representation
The FC 100 predominantly features players from Europe, with 43 coming from the top five leagues in England, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. The presence of Dutch and Portuguese players hints at strong contenders for the upcoming World Cup.
South America continues to contribute talent, with 19 representatives, including Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz (12th winger). This selection could serve as a preview for the World Cup, as the usual footballing powerhouses are likely to dominate again.
Continental Dominance
Will another European nation take home the World Cup? Given the talent highlighted in the 2024-25 FC 100, Europe seems to have the upper hand, with minimal representation from Oceania and only a few stars from North America.
However, history shows that North America’s hosted World Cups (Mexico in 1970 and 1986, and the USA in 1994) did see Brazil win twice, suggesting surprises are still possible.
Fan Take: The release of the FC 100 highlights not only individual excellence but also the ongoing evolution of the sport as new talents emerge. For fans, this ranking serves as a reminder of both the game’s rich history and the exciting future ahead as legends prepare to pass the torch to the next generation.
