Ranking the 20 Best Right-Wingers in World Football

Choosing the best right-wingers globally is no easy task. This position demands a blend of speed, creativity, and scoring ability, traits found in only a handful of players worldwide. As Lionel Messi slows down his career, several stars are stepping up to claim the spotlight across top clubs.

How the Ranking Was Decided

FourFourTwo gathered a panel of experts from the football industry who scored players based on current form, historical impact, and technical skill. These scores combined with statistics from Europe's top five leagues, including Expected Assists per 90 minutes (xA per 90), through balls, and shot-creating actions, to create the final list. Some judgment calls were made for players who operate on the opposite flank but could qualify here.

The Full List

• 20. Noni Madueke: Arsenal's emerging talent at 23, showing maturity and versatility on the wing, gaining trust from managers like Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel.
• 19. Jarrod Bowen: Transformed West Ham United since joining, proving to be a hardworking and impactful signing rather than a discarded star.
• 18. Riccardo Orsolini: A clutch goal scorer for Bologna with consecutive double-digit Serie A goal seasons, driving his team's return to European football.
• 17. Maghnes Akliouche: Monaco's creative force, earning French senior caps and impressing with his ball-carrying and passing abilities.
• 16. Iliman Ndiaye: Known for flair and pace at Everton, one of the most entertaining wingers in the Premier League.
• 15. Ilan Kebbal: Key figure for Paris FC, noted for creativity, goal contributions, and impressive passing stats in Europe's top leagues.
• 14. Franco Mastantuono: Young player trusted by Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, showing promise and resilience despite limited European experience.
• 13. Takefusa Kubo: Japan’s standout player at Real Sociedad, known for dribbling, intensity, and an evolving role as a creative attacker.
• 12. Pedro Neto: Portuguese winger making waves in the Premier League with consistent attacking threats for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea.
• 11. Christian Pulisic: American international with a decade of success across Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and AC Milan, now approaching 100 caps.
• 10. Inaki Williams: Athletic Club legend with blistering pace and trickery, deeply connected to his club and community.
• 9. Bryan Mbeumo: Manchester United’s dynamic Cameroonian winger known for power, movement, and speed, quickly becoming a key attacker.
• 8. Lionel Messi: The GOAT remains unmatched, still producing remarkable performances even late in his career, recently shining at Inter Miami.
• 7. Mohammed Kudus: Tottenham’s versatile Ghanaian forward, adaptable under different managers and pivotal in attack.
• 6. Rodrygo: Essential Real Madrid winger, excelling in big matches with creativity and lethal finishing, sometimes undervalued.
• 5. Desire Doue: Paris Saint-Germain’s young star, combining dazzling skills inspired by Neymar and Ronaldinho with hard work and tactical discipline.
• 4. Michael Olise: Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich midfielder who evolved into a world-class creative force, now a French international prospect.
• 3. Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s prolific winger, redefining his role with goals and speed, aiming to add international trophies to his legacy.
• 2. Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s intelligent and versatile winger known for exceptional decision-making and precise finishing despite youth.
• 1. Lamine Yamal: At just 18, Barcelona’s prodigy is already dominating at the highest level, combining pace, creativity, and scoring prowess; a future legend in the making.

Summary

This ranking reveals a mix of established superstars like Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, alongside rising talents such as Bukayo Saka and Lamine Yamal. Each player brings unique qualities to the right-wing role, influencing their teams with skill, vision, and determination.