The world of football is always abuzz with the anticipation of rankings and the revelation of talent. With the 2025 rankings on the horizon, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, speculation, and debates over who will emerge as the top players.
Rising Stars and Established Names
One player who has continued to make headlines is Gregor Kobel. Firmly entrenched as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper, Kobel has earned the distinction of being ranked the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. This impressive ranking surpasses that of established names like Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. Kobel's stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from top-tier clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
David Alaba's reputation as one of the world's best center backs remains unchallenged, despite a significant setback. The former elite left back transitioned seamlessly into the center back role over the past four years. Unfortunately, Alaba suffered a torn cruciate ligament last December. This injury has cast some uncertainty over his future athleticism, leaving fans and analysts eager to see how he recovers and whether he can maintain his stellar form.
Young Talents to Watch
Warren Zaire-Emery's exclusion from the Golazo 100 list was a contentious decision. Although his limited CV might have influenced his ranking, his recent call-up for Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad underscores his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has become a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic position, solidifying his role in the team.
Ben White is another notable mention. Epitomizing the modern full back, White seamlessly performs all three main roles required of his position. Despite his versatility and consistent performances, he surprisingly did not make it to the list. This omission has left many fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Jonathan David's record speaks for itself: 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years. His prolific scoring has drawn interest from Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could become a highly intriguing option on the free-agent market within the next 12 months.
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak, and while some analysts believe there might be an element of luck involved, Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers. Arsenal stands among his strongest admirers, fueling speculations about a potential move.
Transfers and Transitions
Christopher Nkunku’s transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League was noteworthy. In his final two seasons in Germany, he delivered 36 goals and 17 assists. However, his impact in the 2023-24 Premier League season was limited to just 437 minutes on the pitch.
Antonee Robinson has made significant strides this season, particularly in his off-the-ball performance. Leading the charts for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues, Robinson has showcased his impressive defensive skills. Although Fulham may not be competing at the highest level, Robinson has the opportunity to prove his worth regardless.
Matias Soule has made a significant impact in Serie A, creating an average of 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His future ranking largely depends on the team platform he has and his continued development.
Joao Felix, who had a loan spell at Barcelona, delivered 10 goals and 6 assists. Despite his undeniable talent, Felix’s potential remains unfulfilled. His playing style doesn't align well with Atletico Madrid's system, and Barcelona might not have the finances to secure his return. Nevertheless, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
The Journey to the Golazo 100
As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, anticipation builds around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings. The journey through the top 100 players is as riveting as ever, filled with insights into the futures of football's brightest stars.
Don't miss the full analysis and in-depth breakdown of who is ranked where and why. The list showcases a plethora of talent, each with unique narratives and journeys. From established names to rising stars, the 2025 rankings promise to be a fascinating read for football enthusiasts around the globe.
