The 20 Best Wingers in World Football Today

The game of football has evolved, especially when it comes to wingers. Once simply providers delivering crosses, today's wide players take on roles as scorers, pressers, and inside forwards. From dazzling Brazilians to steadfast English talents, the current crop lights up Premier League and European competitions.

Determining the best wingers today is tricky given tactical shifts and varied roles. This list ranks the top 20 wingers globally, based on:

Goals: Number scored over the past year.
Assists: Goal creations in the last 12 months.
Success: Contributions to trophies and deep runs in knockout stages domestically and in Europe.
Standout moments: Memorable performances that captured attention.
Team impact: How vital the player is to their club's success.

Only players listed mainly as "Right Winger" or "Left Winger" on Transfermarkt qualify. That excludes stars like Kylian Mbappe (classified as a centre-forward) and others like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden who shifted to attacking midfield.

20. Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

After a breakthrough 2022/23, Leao showed flashes but also inconsistency. His blistering pace on Milan’s left wing remains threatening. At 27, he’s entering his prime, but after another frustrating season, he’s eager for a new challenge away from San Siro.

19. Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid)

Lookman's journey from Premier League loans to Serie A standout led to a February move to Atletico. His winner against Barcelona sent Atleti to Champions League semifinals. Known for his European exploits, including a Europa League final hat-trick, he fits among the world’s best.

18. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)

Mbeumo adapted swiftly to Old Trafford after joining from Brentford for £70 million. Scoring 10 in his debut season, including key goals versus Liverpool and Tottenham, he looks set to grow further under Michael Carrick.

17. Anthony Gordon (Barcelona)

Starting at Everton, Gordon blossomed at Newcastle with eight league goal contributions, helping them reach the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup. Though his domestic form dipped in 2025/26, he excelled in Europe with 10 goals in 12 Champions League games, prompting Barcelona’s surprise signing.

16. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Relatively unknown until recently, Turkish winger Yildiz impressed with 12 goals and nine assists for Juventus a couple seasons ago. At just 20, he continued his rise with 12 goals and 10 assists in 2025/26, marking him as one of football’s most exciting prospects.

15. Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)

Signed from CD Leganes in 2025, the 19-year-old left winger quickly became a Bundesliga star, scoring 13 and assisting nine. His strong World Cup form for Ivory Coast sparked a transfer battle between PSG and Liverpool, with both chasing a future superstar.

14. Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Often overshadowed by Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo's skill and speed are undeniable. The Brazilian’s low center of gravity and two-footed ability make him tough to mark. At 25, with over 200 appearances and multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, his best years may still lie ahead.

13. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

Doku’s direct, explosive wing play troubled defenders for Manchester City despite early injuries. In his third season, he’s thriving and climbing the ranks, though adding more goals would enhance his impact. His standout games include a dominant display in City's 3-0 victory over Liverpool and a brace against Everton.

12. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)

Before PSG, Barcola shone at Lyon, regularly confounding defenders. After moving to Paris in 2023, Kylian Mbappe’s exit opened opportunities that Barcola seized, helping PSG secure back-to-back Champions League trophies with impressive performances.

11. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah remains a Liverpool legend and one of football’s deadliest wingers. Acquired for £34.3 million, he transformed Liverpool’s attack, winning three Golden Boots and becoming the club’s top Premier League scorer. Though past his peak after his 2025/26 Premier League exit, he continues to be a significant threat on the wing.