Anticipation is building around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings. The list showcases a plethora of talent and several fascinating narratives.
Rise of Gregor Kobel
One notable name on the list is Gregor Kobel, who has established himself as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper. Ranked the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world, Kobel's caliber surpasses notable names such as Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. His impressive performances have consistently linked him with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
David Alaba: A Comeback Story
David Alaba's reputation as one of the best center backs in the world remains undisputed, even in the face of adversity. Despite suffering a significant injury—a torn cruciate ligament last December—the former elite left-back has excelled in the center back position for the past four years. The uncertainty of his post-injury athleticism leaves fans eager to see how he will recover.
The Underrated Gems
Warren Zaire-Emery has been one of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list. His brief CV might have influenced his ranking, but his recent call-up for Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad signifies his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has solidified himself as a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic positions.
Similarly, Ben White epitomizes the modern full-back, capable of performing all three main roles required for his position. Surprisingly, White did not make it to the list despite his versatility and consistent performances.
Strikers Making Waves
Jonathan David's record speaks volumes, delivering 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years. His performance has drawn interest from Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could be an intriguing option on the free-agent market within the next 12 months.
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak. Some analysts believe there might be an element of luck involved, but Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers. Arsenal is among his strongest admirers.
Christopher Nkunku's Transition
Christopher Nkunku made an impressive transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, delivering 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany. However, his time on the pitch was limited to just 437 minutes in the 2023-24 Premier League season.
An Eye for Defense: Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson has made significant strides this season, particularly in his off-the-ball performance. He topped the charts for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues. While Fulham may not be competing at the highest level, Robinson has the opportunity to showcase his worth regardless.
Matias Soule's Impact in Serie A
Matias Soule made a significant impact in Serie A, creating 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His ranking next year will largely depend on the team platform he has and his continued development.
The Curious Case of Joao Felix
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists. Despite his potential, Felix has yet to find his perfect fit. He doesn't align well with Atletico Madrid's style, and Barcelona may not have the finances to secure his return. Still, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
Conclusion
As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, the anticipation around the 2025 rankings is palpable. 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.
