The top 25 footballers to watch in Europe right now

Across Europe’s top five leagues

Analysts at WhoScored have crunched the numbers, diving deep into a broad set of performance metrics to uncover the top 25 standout players in the 2024/25 season across Europe’s top five leagues — the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.

Top performing players

From goals and assists to tackles, pass accuracy, and overall impact, these players consistently delivered elite performances week in and week out. Let’s have a look at who made the list!

24. Alexander Isak – Newcastle United

Isak has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers this season. The 25-year-old forward has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 34 league appearances for Newcastle United. His agility, technical ability and clinical finishing made him a key player in Newcastle’s late push for a European spot—and the subject of interest from multiple top clubs across the continent. Will the Magpies be able to keep hold of him?

23. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City

At just 21 years old, Cherki was one of Lyon’s most exciting talents this past season. In 30 league appearances, he scored eight goals and provided 11 assists, demonstrating exceptional play making. Cherki’s dribbling skills and close control make him a nightmare for defenders. With his vision and technical ability, he is already being tipped as one of the future stars of European football. No wonder he's been snapped up by Manchester City…

22. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain

Hakimi continues to shine as one of the best full-backs in world football. The 26-year-old contributed four goals and six assists in 25 league appearances for PSG. His attacking runs from deep and ability to create chances make him an essential part of the team’s system under Luis Enrique. Hakimi’s defensive work and versatility allow him to influence games at both ends of the pitch.

21. Hugo Ekitiké – Eintracht Frankfurt

Since joining on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Hugo Ekitiké has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old forward has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 league appearances, proving to be a reliable attacking option. His pace and movement off the ball make him a constant threat, and his ability to finish under pressure made him invaluable in Frankfurt’s pursuit of European football.

20. Matheus Cunha – Manchester United

Despite being part of a struggling side, Cunha was one of Wolves’ standout players this past season, registering 15 goals and six assists in 33 league appearances. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward has become known for his quick footwork, intelligent movement and ability to create chances. Cunha’s performances have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic attackers, helping him secure a move to Manchester United.

19. Xavi Simons - RB Leipzig

Dynamic and inventive, Xavi Simons has become a driving force for Leipzig. His sharp movement and quick decision‑making have turned him into one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting creators, combining flair with a growing end product in front of goal (10 goals, seven assists in 2024-25).

18. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Despite Manchester City's struggles this year, Haaland continues to prove himself as one of the best strikers in the world. The 24-year-old netted 22 goals and provided three assists in 31 league appearances. His ability to find space, muscle defenders and finish clinically makes him a nightmare for opponents. Haaland’s consistent goal-scoring record, even in the midst of adversity, cements his reputation as one of football’s most feared forwards.

17. Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford

Mbeumo has been instrumental for Brentford since the departure of main man Ivan Toney, scoring 20 goals and assisting seven in 38 league appearances. The 25-year-old forward’s direct style of play and eye for goal make him a crucial part of the team’s attack in tandem with Yoane Wissa. What's more, Mbeumo’s versatility allows him to operate across the frontline, creating space for other teammates, too. His performances have been key in Brentford’s push for a top-half Premier League finish.

15. Andrey Santos - Chelsea

After last season on loan at Strasbourg, Andrey Santos has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most exciting young prospects. The 21‑year‑old Brazilian midfielder became a key figure in Ligue 1: over 32 appearances, he scored 10 goals and provided three assists. His ability to arrive late in the box and influence games at both ends has marked him out as a player with huge potential for Chelsea’s future.

14. Tim Kleindienst – Borussia Mönchengladbach

Until now something of a journeyman striker, Tim Kleindienst has finally announced himself on the big stage at the age of 29. The German has been a key player for Borussia Mönchengladbach, delivering an impressive 16 goals and seven assists in 31 league matches during his first season at the club. Known for his aerial ability and poacher’s instincts in the box, his physical presence makes him a difficult opponent to handle for any defender.

13. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Despite an injury-affected season, Saka was Arsenal's standout player, with six goals and 10 assists in 25 league appearances. This year, the 23-year-old winger has bolstered his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. In fact, his ability to create and finish chances made him a key figure in Arsenal’s early title push. In fact, his absence only served to emphasize his growing influence on the pitch and status as one of the best wingers in the world.

12. Mason Greenwood – Marseille

After his well-documented legal troubles which saw him ostracized in his native England, Mason Greenwood has rediscovered his form at Marseille, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists in 34 league appearances. The 23-year-old’s ability to play across the front line has given Marseille a dynamic attacking option, while his sharp finishing has made him one of Ligue 1's standout performers. Greenwood’s resurgence has majorly coincided with that of the south coast side under Roberto De Zerbi.

11. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Now 30, Kimmich remains one of the most dependable midfielders in world football. The Bayern Munich star continues to be a key player since Vincent Kompany took over, playing 33 league matches, contributing three goals and six assists while controlling the midfield. His passing accuracy and ability to dictate play have helped Bayern get back on track after Bayer Leverkusen ended their Bundesliga dominance last season.

10. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

One of the best young playmakers in Europe, Wirtz continued his rise to stardom with Bayer Leverkusen this past season, producing 10 goals and 12 assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder possesses incredible vision and composure; his ability to dictate play and unlock defences helped Xabi Alonso's side to compete on multiple fronts. Wirtz’s performances earned him widespread praise and a club-record move to Liverpool.

9. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich

Musiala has once again been a standout performer for Bayern Munich, with his quick decision-making in the final third crucial to this side’s attacking play. With his technical ability and intelligence, Musiala is cementing his place as a world-class playmaker, having scored 12 goals and provided two assists. The 22-year-old midfielder’s exceptional close control, dribbling and ability to break through defences make him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

8. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

At 33, the Egyptian winger continues to deliver outstanding performances for Liverpool, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists in 38 league appearances. His ability to cut inside, finish clinically and create chances for teammates helped the Reds cruise to the Premier League title in Arne Slot's debut season.

6. Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain

Consistency and staying injury-free have always been a problem for Ousmane Dembélé. This year, however, he has turned things around at PSG, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 29 league matches. The Frenchman's pace and unpredictability make him one of the continent's most dangerous attackers, with his dribbling skills allowing him to beat defenders with ease and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG has been crucial to their success in both domestic and European competitions.

5. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City

Omar Marmoush has been in sensational form this season, first for Eintracht Frankfurt (15 goals and nine assists in just 17 Bundesliga appearances), and then for Manchester City (seven goals in 16 EPL games), whom he joined in January. The 26-year-old forward's ability to play across the attacking line, combined with his clinical finishing and creativity, means he is set to be a key part of Pep Guardiola’s City rebuild.

4. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Kane continued to dominate the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany, scoring 26 goals and assisting eight times in 31 league matches. The 31-year-old striker has seamlessly adapted to his new environment, demonstrating his world-class finishing and link-up play. In fact, Kane’s ability to drop deep and create chances for teammates makes him more than just a goalscorer. His experience and leadership have been vital for the Bundesliga champions.

3. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

Olise has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bayern Munich, delivering 12 goals and 15 assists since joining from Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old winger has impressed with his quick feet, vision, and ability to pick out teammates in dangerous areas. Olise’s creativity and versatility have been instrumental in their attacking play.

2. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

Mbappé remains one of the most feared forwards in world football since his summer move to Real Madrid. The French star netted 31 goals and provided three assists in 34 LaLiga appearances, reaffirming his impact at the highest level. Despite massive expectations at the Bernabéu, Mbappé has adapted quickly and his pace, dribbling and sharp-shooting continue to make him a nightmare for defenders. His goal-scoring consistency keeps him among football’s elite.