Monthly Player Rankings: Top 10 Footballers in the World

In this monthly feature from Flashscore, we assess and rank the leading footballers globally based on their performances for both club and country within the current season.

10. Gabriel – Arsenal (Returning to Rankings)

Gabriel Magalhaes has made a stellar comeback from injury, earning him a spot back in the rankings. The usually robust Arsenal defense struggled during his absence, but his recent appearances have bolstered their solidity. Gabriel helped Arsenal secure a 2-1 win against Brighton and showcased his skills in a commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, where he scored yet another goal from a set piece. He continued his impressive form with a remarkable performance against Bournemouth, contributing another goal to his tally. Now holding 20 Premier League goals in his career, Gabriel presents a significant threat on both ends of the pitch.

9. Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich (No Change)

Luis Diaz experienced a quiet month, taking part in only one match due to suspension and the Bundesliga’s winter break. However, he scored in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 triumph over Heidenheim. The team remains undefeated this season, currently sitting at the top of the Bundesliga, nine points clear of the second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

8. Joao Neves – PSG (No Change)

Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a successful month, clinching their first-ever sextuple by winning the Intercontinental Cup on penalties against Flamengo. Joao Neves has started to add attacking flair to his game, leading the stats in shots and touches in the opposition box during the final. At just 21, he continues to develop into a formidable player.

7. Vitinha – PSG (Down 2 Places)

Vitinha remains pivotal for PSG, demonstrating his creative talents. After a 0-0 draw against Athletic Club, he helped steer the team to four consecutive victories. He logged the most touches on the pitch across multiple matches, solidifying his role as a key player in midfield.

6. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich (Down 2 Places)

Michael Olise slipped slightly in the rankings following strong performances from others. Despite this, he excelled in December’s matches, scoring against Heidenheim and providing an assist against Sporting Lisbon. Currently, he leads the German league in assists.

5. Declan Rice – Arsenal (Up 1 Place)

Declan Rice has reached significant heights this season, emerging as a leader for Arsenal. His recent showings include a standout performance against Bournemouth, where he scored twice, helping to secure a vital victory that maintained their lead in the league.

4. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (Up 3 Places)

Lamine Yamal has overcome early-season injury setbacks and is back to his electric form. While he may not have accumulated many goals recently, his performances have been outstanding, featuring assists against Eintracht Frankfurt and Guadalajara, alongside a goal against Villarreal.

3. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid (No Change)

Kylian Mbappe ended the last year on a high note, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid with 59. He has tallied 29 goals this season but has missed matches due to injury. While he performs exceptionally well, the balance of the team remains a concern for the squad’s overall performance in major competitions.

2. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (No Change)

Erling Haaland has seen a dip in goal-scoring form recently, remaining in second place despite an impressive tally of 19 goals in the Premier League this season. He has notably missed chances in recent matches, prompting questions about his impact moving forward. It remains to be seen if he can regain his top scoring form.

1. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (No Change)

Harry Kane retains his position at the top of the rankings, largely due to his consistent goal-scoring. He netted two goals over the past month, upping his Bundesliga total to 19 and hitting 30 in all competitions. With more challenging fixtures in Europe approaching, his ability to deliver in crucial moments will be pivotal.

For more in-depth coverage of the best players in the world, keep an eye on our updates on the Flashscore app!