Top 50 Players of the World Cup: Updated Rankings

The World Cup has progressed from 32 teams to 16, showcasing remarkable performances, strong contenders, and surprising upsets. The Athletic’s ranking of the top 50 players at the tournament offers insights based on a player ratings model, evaluating contributions objectively.

Despite team eliminations, players remain on the list. Notable players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior were leading after the group stage. Has this changed?

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1. Lionel Messi — Argentina/Inter Miami

Messi maintains his position. Against Cape Verde, his touch and finish were legendary, marking his 20th World Cup goal. Only Vozinha’s efforts prevented more from Messi, who concluded with an assist.

2. Kylian Mbappe — France/Real Madrid

Mbappe’s World Cup performances captivate the audience. He proved unstoppable for Sweden with rapid speed and precise movement, scoring twice.

3. Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich

Olise excelled against Sweden, providing two exceptional assists and nearly scoring with a scissor kick.

4. Harry Kane — England/Bayern Munich

Kane was instrumental for England against DR Congo, climbing the all-time scoring chart. He scored two distinct goals showcasing his skills.

5. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain

Hakimi played a key role against the Netherlands, nearly achieving a hat-trick. His penalty miss in the shootout was a surprise.

6. Vinicius Junior — Brazil/Real Madrid

Vinicius nearly scored a remarkable goal against Japan and was crucial in pressing Brazil’s attack.

7. Erling Haaland — Norway/Manchester City

Haaland’s tap-in secured Norway’s progression against Ivory Coast, highlighting his masterful penalty box movements.

8. Ousmane Dembele — France/Paris Saint-Germain

Dembele’s performance receded to a supporting role against Sweden, yet he remains ready for key moments.

9. Ismael Saibari — Morocco/Bayern Munich

Saibari’s decisive penalty sent the Netherlands home, overshadowing earlier misses.

10. Bruno Guimaraes — Brazil/Newcastle

Guimaraes attacked relentlessly against Japan, assisting the winner for Martinelli and contributing significantly.

11. Mikel Oyarzabal — Spain/Real Sociedad

Oyarzabal’s role as a ‘false nine’ adapts perfectly to Spain’s style, adding two goals against Austria.

12. Aymeric Laporte — Spain/Athletic Club

Laporte’s defense solidified Spain’s persistence in keeping clean sheets.

13. Pedri — Spain/Barcelona

Pedri’s understated presence enables Spain’s seamless passing game.

14. Dayot Upamecano — France/Bayern Munich

Upamecano played effectively against Sweden, maintaining a strong defensive partnership.

15. Jude Bellingham — England/Real Madrid

Despite a caution early on, Bellingham excelled against DR Congo, pairing well with Kane.

16. Lamine Yamal — Spain/Barcelona

Yamal shows glimpses of brilliance but has yet to fully ignite Spain’s attack.

17. Declan Rice — England/Arsenal

Rice’s transition to right-back improved England’s play, yet his midfield contributions remain critical.

18. Diogo Costa — Portugal/Porto

Costa impressed with crucial saves, proving to be an exceptional goalkeeper.

19. Pau Cubarsi — Spain/Barcelona

Cubarsi’s defensive acumen complements Laporte in Spain’s formidable backline.

20. Folarin Balogun — United States/Monaco

Balogun scored his third World Cup goal but faces suspension, a loss for the USMNT.

21. William Saliba — France/Arsenal

Saliba’s consistency fortifies France’s defense, limiting opponents’ attempts.

22. Ismaila Sarr — Senegal/Crystal Palace

Sarr’s spectacular goal against Belgium will be remembered, despite Senegal’s early exit.

23. Julian Quinones — Mexico/Al Qadsiah

Quinones remains an attacking threat, especially against England’s weakened defense.

24. Roberto Alvarado — Mexico/Guadalajara

Alvarado continues to link effectively with Quinones, contributing three assists.

25. Leandro Trossard — Belgium/Arsenal

Trossard scored a crucial equalizer for Belgium, highlighting his attacking versatility.

26. Joshua Kimmich — Germany/Bayern Munich

Kimmich was a solid presence against Paraguay, scoring in the shootout.

27. Florian Wirtz — Germany/Liverpool

Wirtz provided creativity and key assists, despite Germany’s disappointing exit.

28. Luis Diaz — Colombia/Bayern Munich

Diaz struggled for goals against Ghana, affecting Colombia’s attacking prowess.

29. Yan Diomande — Ivory Coast/RB Leipzig

Diomande displayed potential but didn’t score as Ivroy Coast’s campaign ended.

30. Cody Gakpo — Netherlands/Liverpool

Amid personal tragedy, Gakpo’s emotional moment came with a crucial goal.

31. Elliot Anderson — England/Manchester City

Anderson controlled England’s midfield, adapting to tactical changes with ease.

32. Marc Cucurella — Spain/Real Madrid

Cucurella’s movement and assists in the final third were pivotal for Spain.

33. Youri Tielemans — Belgium/Aston Villa

Tielemans demonstrated leadership with a critical goal, embodying Belgium’s revival spirit.

34. Bradley Barcola — France/Paris Saint-Germain

Barcola’s speed and finishing quality have enhanced France’s attacking quartet.

35. Johan Manzambi — Switzerland/Freiburg

Manzambi’s standout performances have attracted interest from top clubs.

36. Amad — Ivory Coast/Manchester United

Amad’s individual brilliance shone, although his team faced elimination.

37. Davinson Sanchez — Colombia/Galatasaray

Sanchez’s solid defensive contributions have been critical for Colombia.

38. Breel Embolo — Switzerland/Rennes

Embolo has effectively lead Switzerland’s front line, facilitating play and scoring.

39. Matheus Cunha — Brazil/Manchester United

Cunha struggled to score against Japan, replaced by match-winner Martinelli.

40. Kai Havertz — Germany/Arsenal

Havertz had good moments but missed a penalty as Germany exited early.

41. Malik Tillman — United States/Bayer Leverkusen

Tillman’s free kick secured USMNT’s win, showcasing his set-piece prowess.

42. Pedro Porro — Spain/Tottenham Hotspur

Porro’s versatility and attacking contributions offer Spain a dynamic option.

43. Lisandro Martinez — Argentina/Manchester United

Martinez combined defensive efforts with goal-scoring contributions for Argentina.

44. Gabriel — Brazil/Arsenal

Despite some errors, Gabriel’s defensive work remains crucial for Brazil.

45. Stephen Eustaquio — Canada/Porto

Eustaquio’s leadership and goal against South Africa were vital for Canada.

46. Anthony Gordon — England/Barcelona

Gordon made a decisive impact as a substitute, leading England to victory.

47. Julio Enciso — Paraguay/Strasbourg

Enciso contributed significantly to Paraguay’s attack, scoring against Germany.

48. Rayan — Brazil/Bournemouth

Rayan’s effective crossing and ball recovery have strengthened Brazil’s right side.

49. Vozinha — Cape Verde/free agent

Vozinha’s calm performance against Messi and his overall play have been impressive.

50. Sidny Lopes Cabral — Cape Verde/Trabzonspor

Cabral’s stunning goal against Argentina and overall contributions deserve recognition.