True attacking midfielders are a rare breed at the elite level.
As the game’s tactical trends have evolved, the traditional No. 10 role has slowly started to disappear (defensive midfield string pullers and central midfield maestros have come to the fore)—but that doesn’t mean playmakers are obsolete. Teams still crave those gifted midfielders who can unlock defences, deliver set-piece magic and fire in spectacular goals from range.
And when you find a truly top-tier attacking midfielder, you hold on tight. Their unique blend of vision, technique and flair makes them nearly irreplaceable—one of the reasons they fetch such astronomical fees in the transfer market.
With that in mind, here’s ’ranking of the 25 best attacking midfielders on the planet right now.
