Football’s ever-evolving state has impacted wingers more than most since the turn of the century.
The classic ‘head to the byline and cross’ wingers are a rarity, with the trend now for inverted wide players, capable of twisting and turning either way past opponents. Perhaps that has never been epitomised more than our list of the best right-wingers in world football right now, with a staggering eight of our top 10 left-footers.
Here are our rankings of the 10 best right-wingers in the world right now.
10. Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo might just be one of the most under-appreciated players in the Premier League. A success story of Brentford’s “Moneyball” recruitment, Mbeumo has evolved into a top-class wide option in West London.
Trademark, Bryan Mbeumo ™️ pic.twitter.com/wyAHzZjRfQ
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 22, 2025
The sale of Ivan Toney has barely been felt at Brentford, in large part thanks to Mbeumo who has scored 15 goals and created five more in 29 league appearances this season. The Cameroonian combines upper body strength with work ethic and a lovely left foot. This season, he leads the Premier League for sprints and ranks third for the highest-clocked speed (36.6 km/h). A big move beckons.
9. Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham
Juventus have erred when it comes to sales in recent windows. Dean Huijsen, Moise Kean, Koni De Winter and Matias Soule are among the names regrettably allowed to leave. Before them, came Dejan Kulusevki.
Since signing for Spurs, Kulusevski has often been a shining light in an up-and-down side. Performing across multiple roles, he’s mixed dainty footwork with deceptive strength and regular chance creation.
8. Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich
Leroy Sane’s game has required tweaks to combat an injury-induced physical decline, but the once-electric German can still turn on the gas when required. Now, however, Sane’s game is more well-rounded, floating into pockets to pull strings.
The 29-year-old was once a jet-heeled whippet with tantalising delivery, before evolving into a more modern winger, equally at home centrally as he is on the touchline. Out of contract in the summer, Sane will be snapped up quickly if his deal is allowed to expire.
7. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
It feels alien to place Lionel Messi at seven, a footballer who for the bulk of his career has been head-and-shoulders above everyone else. But Messi will turn 38 in the summer, while a move to MLS has allowed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a step down from Europe to ease him toward retirement.
Still, he remains the talisman for Argentina, arguably the world’s best international side right now. Off-the-ball movement might be minimal from the modern Messi, but with it, he can still be untouchable.
6. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
Less than four years ago, Michael Olise was playing Championship football. Now, the flying Frenchman is wowing crowds in the colours of France and Bayern Munich.
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