As we approach 2024, the question on everyone's mind is who will be the world's best footballer? With debates, predictions, and tons of speculation from football experts, fans are eager to know who has the best chances of claiming the coveted title by 2024.
Analyzing the performances of today's top footballers is the best way to predict who will be crowned the best player in 2024. Take special note of passing accuracy, ball control and dribbling abilities, shooting accuracy, game intelligence, goal-scoring abilities, defensive capabilities, and general athletic performance. These factors are all essential when determining a player's overall level of skill and potential as a world-class footballer.
Who the best football player in the world 2024? We will evaluate the world's top legendary football players, each of them is recognised by fans as the finest footballer in the world at this moment.
Players | Goals | ||
1 | Harry Kane Penalty goals: 12 | 52 | |
2 | Kylian Mbappé Penalty goals: 13 | 50 | |
3 | Cristiano Ronaldo Penalty goals: 11 | 42 | |
4 | Erling Haaland Penalty goals: 10 | 42 | |
5 | Viktor Gyökeres Penalty goals: 6 | 41 | |
6 | Luuk de Jong Penalty goals: 7 | 36 | |
7 | Romelu Lukaku Penalty goals: 1 | 34 | |
8 | Sammie Szmodics Penalty goals: 0 | 33 | |
9 | Vangelis Pavlidis Penalty goals: 2 | 32 | |
10 | Eran Zahavi Penalty goals: 9 | 31 | |
11 | Aleksandar Mitrović Penalty goals: 9 | 28 | |
12 | Mauro Icardi Penalty goals: 8 | 28 | |
13 | Loïs Openda Penalty goals: 2 | 28 | |
14 | Akram Afif Penalty goals: 12 | 27 | |
15 | Ayoub El Kaabi Penalty goals: 6 | 27 | |
16 | Sehrou Guirassy Penalty goals: 4 | 27 | |
17 | Kevin Denkey Penalty goals: 2 | 26 | |
18 | Ollie Watkins Penalty goals: 0 | 26 | |
19 | Robert Lewandowski Penalty goals: 6 | 25 | |
20 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Penalty goals: 6 | 25 | |
21 | Joel Pohjanpalo Penalty goals: 5 | 25 | |
22 | Lautaro Martínez Penalty goals: 3 | 25 | |
23 | Santiago Giménez Penalty goals: 2 | 25 | |
24 | Milan Smit Penalty goals: 11 | 24 | |
25 | Fotis Ioannidis Penalty goals: 9 | 24 | |
26 | Cole Palmer Penalty goals: 9 | 24 | |
27 | I. Nascimento Rodrigues Penalty goals: 8 | 24 | |
28 | Mohamed Salah Penalty goals: 7 | 24 | |
29 | Bukayo Saka Penalty goals: 6 | 24 | |
30 | Evanilson Penalty goals: 4 | 24 |
The world goal rating for 2024 features Harry Kane in 1st place. He appeared for the Bundesliga on 32 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2844 minutes.
Harry Kane scored 35 goals for FC Bayern München. He procured 8 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Bundesliga. In the last match FC Bayern München lost 3-1 against VfB Stuttgart. The next match in Bundesliga will be against Real Madrid.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 3-1 for VfB Stuttgart.
In 2024, Kylian Mbappé is ranked 2nd in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Ligue 1 28 times times for a total of 2069 minutes this season.
Kylian Mbappé scored 25 goals for Paris Saint Germain. He procured 7 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Ligue 1. In the last match Paris Saint Germain lost 1-0 against Borussia Dortmund. The next match in Ligue 1 will be against Toulouse.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 1-0 for Borussia Dortmund.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro has 3rd rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 27 times for 2305 minutes for Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro scored 30 goals for Al Nassr. He procured 10 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Pro League. In the last match Al Nassr won 6-0 against Al-Wehda. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Akhdoud.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 6-0 for Al Nassr.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Erling Haaland in 4th place. He appeared for the Premier League on 28 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2297 minutes.
Erling Haaland scored 23 goals for Manchester City. He procured 5 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Premier League. In the last match Manchester City won 5-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The next match in Premier League will be against Fulham.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 5-1 for Manchester City.
Viktor Gyökeres has 5th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 31 times for 2734 minutes for Liga Portugal.
Viktor Gyökeres scored 26 goals for Sporting CP. He procured 10 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Liga Portugal. In the last match Sporting CP won 3-0 against Portimonense. The next match in Liga Portugal will be against Midtjylland.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 3-0 for Sporting CP.
In 2024, Luuk de Jong is ranked 6th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Eredivisie 32 times times for a total of 2596 minutes this season.
Luuk de Jong scored 27 goals for PSV. He procured 15 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Eredivisie. In the last match PSV won 4-2 against Sparta Rotterdam. The next match in Eredivisie will be against Sassuolo.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-2 for PSV.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Romelu Lukaku in 7th place. He appeared for the Serie A on 30 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2466 minutes.
Romelu Lukaku scored 10 goals for Roma. He procured 3 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and 1 red card.
His team is currently 6th in Serie A. In the last match Roma drew 1-1 against Juventus. The next match in Serie A will be against Incheon United.
The last time the teams played each other, it was a draw 1-1.
In 2024, Sammie Szmodics is ranked 8th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Championship 44 times times for a total of 3909 minutes this season.
Sammie Szmodics scored 25 goals for Blackburn Rovers. He procured 4 assists. He received 7 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 19th in Championship. In the last match Blackburn Rovers won 2-0 against Leicester City. The next match in Championship will be against Accrington Stanley.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-0 for Blackburn Rovers.
Vangelis Pavlidis has 9th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 32 times for 2832 minutes for Eredivisie.
Vangelis Pavlidis scored 26 goals for AZ. He procured twice assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 4th in Eredivisie. In the last match AZ won 2-1 against FC Twente. The next match in Eredivisie will be against Go Ahead Eagles.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-1 for AZ.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Eran Zahavi in 10th place. He appeared for the Ligat ha'Al on 31 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2368 minutes.
Eran Zahavi scored 15 goals for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He procured 6 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Ligat ha'Al. In the last match Maccabi Tel Aviv drew 1-1 against Bnei Sakhnin. The next match in Ligat ha'Al will be against Maccabi Haifa.
The last time the teams played each other, it was a draw 1-1.
Aleksandar Mitrović has 11th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 24 times for 2047 minutes for Pro League.
Aleksandar Mitrović scored 21 goals for Al Hilal. He procured 5 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Pro League. In the last match Al Hilal won 2-1 against Al Ahli. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Hazm.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-1 for Al Hilal.
In 2024, Mauro Icardi is ranked 12th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Super Lig 31 times times for a total of 2585 minutes this season.
Mauro Icardi scored 18 goals for Galatasaray. He procured 8 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Super Lig. In the last match Galatasaray won 6-1 against Sivasspor. The next match in Super Lig will be against Fatih Karagümrük.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 6-1 for Galatasaray.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Loïs Openda in 13th place. He appeared for the Bundesliga on 32 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2536 minutes.
Loïs Openda scored 24 goals for RB Leipzig. He procured 7 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 4th in Bundesliga. In the last match RB Leipzig drew 1-1 against TSG Hoffenheim. The next match in Bundesliga will be against Werder Bremen.
The last time the teams played each other, it was a draw 1-1.
In 2024, Akram Hassan Afif is ranked 14th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Premier League 22 times times for a total of 1886 minutes this season.
Akram Hassan Afif scored 24 goals for Al Sadd. He procured 11 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Al Sadd lost 4-0 against Al Rayyan. The next match in Premier League will be against Qatar SC.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-0 for Al Rayyan.
Ayoub El Kaabi has 15th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 27 times for 1656 minutes for Super League.
Ayoub El Kaabi scored 18 goals for Olympiakos Piraeus. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 8th in Super League. In the last match Olympiakos Piraeus won 4-2 against Aston Villa. The next match in Super League will be against AEK Athens.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-2 for Olympiakos Piraeus.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Serhou Guirassy in 16th place. He appeared for the Bundesliga on 26 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2039 minutes.
Serhou Guirassy scored 23 goals for VfB Stuttgart. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Bundesliga. In the last match VfB Stuttgart won 3-1 against FC Bayern München. The next match in Bundesliga will be against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 3-1 for VfB Stuttgart.
Kévin Denkey has 17th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 35 times for 3122 minutes for Pro League.
Kévin Denkey scored 23 goals for Cercle Brugge. He procured twice assists. He received 8 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 13th in Pro League. In the last match Cercle Brugge won 4-1 against Genk. The next match in Pro League will be against Antwerp.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-1 for Cercle Brugge.
In 2024, Ollie Watkins is ranked 18th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Premier League 35 times times for a total of 3069 minutes this season.
Ollie Watkins scored 19 goals for Aston Villa. He procured 12 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 4th in Premier League. In the last match Aston Villa lost 1-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion. The next match in Premier League will be against Leeds United.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 1-0 for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Robert Lewandowski in 19th place. He appeared for the La Liga on 31 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2473 minutes.
Robert Lewandowski scored 15 goals for FC Barcelona. He procured 7 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in La Liga. In the last match FC Barcelona lost 4-2 against Girona. The next match in La Liga will be against Real Sociedad.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-2 for Girona.
In 2024, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ranked 20th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Ligue 1 31 times times for a total of 2358 minutes this season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 13 goals for Olympique Marseille. He procured 8 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 9th in Ligue 1. In the last match Olympique Marseille drew 1-1 against Atalanta. The next match in Ligue 1 will be against Atalanta.
The last time the teams played each other, it was a draw 1-1.
Joel Pohjanpalo has 21st rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 32 times for 2629 minutes for Serie B.
Joel Pohjanpalo scored 20 goals for Venezia. He procured 4 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Serie B. In the last match Venezia won 2-1 against FeralpiSalò. The next match in Serie B will be against Spezia.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-1 for Venezia.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Lautaro Martínez in 22nd place. He appeared for the Serie A on 31 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2552 minutes.
Lautaro Martínez scored 23 goals for Inter. He procured twice assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Serie A. In the last match Inter lost 1-0 against Sassuolo. The next match in Serie A will be against Frosinone.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 1-0 for Sassuolo.
Santiago Giménez has 23rd rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 30 times for 2351 minutes for Eredivisie.
Santiago Giménez scored 21 goals for Feyenoord. He procured 6 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Eredivisie. In the last match Feyenoord won 5-0 against PEC Zwolle. The next match in Eredivisie will be against København.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 5-0 for Feyenoord.
In 2024, Milan Smit is ranked 24th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Eerste Divisie 35 times times for a total of 2892 minutes this season.
Milan Smit scored 18 goals for SC Cambuur. He procured 5 assists. He received 7 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 13th in Eerste Divisie. In the last match SC Cambuur lost 2-0 against Roda JC Kerkrade. The next match in Eerste Divisie will be against Helmond Sport.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-0 for Roda JC Kerkrade.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Fotis Ioannidis in 25th place. He appeared for the Super League on 27 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2059 minutes.
Fotis Ioannidis scored 13 goals for Panathinaikos. He procured 7 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Super League. In the last match Panathinaikos lost 1-0 against Aris. The next match in Super League will be against PAOK.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 1-0 for Aris.
In 2024, Cole Palmer is ranked 26th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Premier League 31 times times for a total of 2359 minutes this season.
Cole Palmer scored 18 goals for Chelsea. He procured 6 assists. He received 7 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 7th in Premier League. In the last match Chelsea won 5-0 against West Ham United. The next match in Premier League will be against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 5-0 for Chelsea.
Igor Thiago has 27th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 33 times for 2470 minutes for Pro League.
Igor Thiago scored 18 goals for Club Brugge. He procured twice assists. He received 6 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Pro League. In the last match Club Brugge won 2-1 against Antwerp. The next match in Pro League will be against Eendracht Wervik.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-1 for Club Brugge.
The world goal rating for 2024 features Mohamed Salah in 28th place. He appeared for the Premier League on 30 times occasions during the 2024 football season, totaling 2356 minutes.
Mohamed Salah scored 17 goals for Liverpool. He procured 8 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Premier League. In the last match Liverpool won 4-2 against Tottenham Hotspur. The next match in Premier League will be against Aston Villa.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 4-2 for Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka has 29th rank in the world goal ranking in 2024. This football season he played in total 34 times for 2855 minutes for Premier League.
Bukayo Saka scored 16 goals for Arsenal. He procured 7 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal won 3-0 against AFC Bournemouth. The next match in Premier League will be against Manchester United.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 3-0 for Arsenal.
In 2024, Evanilson is ranked 30th in the world in goal scoring. He appeared in the Liga Portugal 25 times times for a total of 1891 minutes this season.
Evanilson scored 12 goals for Porto. He procured 3 assists. He received 5 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Liga Portugal. In the last match Porto won 3-0 against Chaves. The next match in Liga Portugal will be against Boavista.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 3-0 for Porto.
The best players in football history are Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr FC), Lionel Messi (PSG), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Tottenham).
It's also important to consider the potential of upcoming footballers that could blossom into top contenders for the world's best player award by 2024. Pay attention to which young players have a high ceiling, as they could reach new heights of success if they receive proper coaching and support during their formative years. By focusing on a mix of current stars and high talent prospects, you can make a more informed guess as to who will take home the crown in 2024.
As the years progress leading up to 2024, it's important to pay attention to any potential changes in team dynamics that could potentially make or break an athlete's success. Football clubs have their own unique culture, style, and ambitions - all of which can play a big role in shaping the habits and mindsets of players. By seeing how coaches handle different player scenarios now and how organizations formulate season plans in upcoming years, you can start to gather insight into who is likely to emerge as the world's best football player by 2024.
Pre-season signings and trades can play a major role in determining which players will be at the top of their game come 2024. Keeping up with news from different club websites, magazines, and sports programs will provide valuable information on who will be joining new teams or moving to new locations. Knowing what to expect from each of these changes gives you insight into which factors are likely to push certain players ahead in terms of skill, experience, and overall success when the time comes for measuring who's been crowned the world's best football player.
Evaluating the achievements and awards each player has garnered over the last few years in their respective leagues is a great way to understand who may be in contention for the top spot come 2024. Pay close attention to any awards or titles forbest team player, most goals, most assists, best defensive football footballer, etc. as these can help you determine who is serious about consistently delivering high-performance gameplay. Additionally, look at the statistics of different players to identify incremental improvements they might have made that could hypothetically lead them to success come game-time in 2024.