As anticipation builds around the 2025 rankings, the new list promises a plethora of talent, coupled with fascinating narratives and key developments.
Gregor Kobel: A New Guard in Goalkeeping
Gregor Kobel has firmly established himself as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper and is now ranked the ninth best goalkeeper in the world. His incredible performances have placed him ahead of renowned names such as Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. This surging caliber has seen him linked with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, making him a giant prospect in the world of football.
David Alaba: A Testament to Versatility
David Alaba's reputation as one of the best center-backs globally remains undisputed, even after suffering a significant injury. Having transitioned from an elite left-back to excelling in the center-back position over the past four years, Alaba has continually demonstrated his prowess. However, his torn cruciate ligament injury from last December has injected some uncertainty into his future. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how he will recover and return to his peak performance.
Warren Zaire-Emery: The Rising Star
Warren Zaire-Emery has been one of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list. Despite his brief CV, his recent call-up to Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad highlights his rising prominence. He has quickly become a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic positions, signifying his swift ascent in the football world.
Ben White: The Modern Full-Back
Despite his versatility and consistent high-level performances, Ben White was surprisingly left out of the Golazo 100 list. White epitomizes the modern full-back, capable of excelling in all three main roles required of his position. His snub from the rankings may come as a surprise to many, given his impressive form.
Jonathan David: The Prolific Striker
Jonathan David's record in Ligue 1 is nothing short of extraordinary, delivering 43 goals in 71 games over the past two years. His stellar performance has drawn significant interest from Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could become a highly intriguing option on the free-agent market within the next 12 months.
Benjamin Sesko: The Young Prodigy
Benjamin Sesko concluded the season on a remarkable scoring streak, though some analysts believe there might be an element of luck involved. Still, Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers, and Arsenal is among his strongest admirers. His future looks incredibly promising as he continues to develop.
Christopher Nkunku: A Bundesliga to Premier League Transition
Christopher Nkunku has successfully transitioned from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, registering 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany. However, his time on the pitch during the 2023-24 Premier League season was limited to just 437 minutes, leaving fans yearning for more from the talented player.
Antonee Robinson: The Defensive Standout
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, underscoring his defensive prowess. While Fulham may not be competing at the highest level, Robinson has the chance to showcase his worth regardless.
Matias Soule: Creative Force in Serie A
Matias Soule has had a significant impact in Serie A, creating an impressive 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His ranking next year largely depends on the team platform he has and his continued development, but the indicators are bright for the young playmaker.
Joao Felix: Searching for the Perfect Fit
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, but his potential remains unfulfilled. He has yet to find his perfect fit, struggling to align well with Atletico Madrid's style, and Barcelona may find it financially challenging to secure his return. Despite these obstacles, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
Conclusion
As the football community looks forward to the final rounds of the first annual Golazo 100, anticipation grows around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings. The journey through the top 100 players remains 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.
