As anticipation builds around the reveal of the 2025 rankings, the football world eagerly awaits which stars will make the final cut. This year's list highlights an abundance of talent and intriguing narratives that paint a vivid picture of football's future.
Gregor Kobel: Outperforming the Elite
Gregor Kobel has firmly established himself as Borussia Dortmund's premier goalkeeper and has been ranked as the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. Notably, Kobel's caliber surpasses big names like Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. His consistently impressive performances have caught the eye of top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, signifying his growing stature in the football community.
David Alaba: A Resilient Comeback
David Alaba's reputation as one of the best center-backs in the world remains undisputed. The former elite left-back has excelled in his new position for the past four years. However, a significant injury—a torn cruciate ligament suffered last December—casts uncertainty over his post-injury athleticism. Fans are eager to see how he will recover and whether he will continue to dominate the defensive line.
Warren Zaire-Emery: The Rising Star
Warren Zaire-Emery has been one of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list, likely due to his brief CV. Nonetheless, his recent call-up for Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad underscores his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has become a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic position, and his future looks promising.
Ben White: The Modern Full-Back
Ben White epitomizes the modern full-back, adept at performing all three main roles required of his position. Despite his versatility and consistent performances, White surprisingly did not make this year's list. His exclusion remains a contentious topic, given his contributions on the pitch.
Jonathan David: A Goal-Scoring Phenomenon
Jonathan David's record in Ligue 1 is nothing short of spectacular, with 43 goals in 71 games over the past two years. His prowess has attracted interest from major leagues, including Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could become an intriguing option on the free agent market within the next 12 months.
Benjamin Sesko: A Bright Future
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak, leading some analysts to suggest there might be an element of luck involved. Nonetheless, Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers, with Arsenal among his strongest admirers.
Christopher Nkunku: Transition and Triumph
Christopher Nkunku made a formidable transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, delivering 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany. However, his game time was limited to just 437 minutes in the 2023-24 Premier League season, which has somewhat affected his impact in the new league.
Antonee Robinson: Defensive Maestro
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. While Fulham may not be competing at the highest level, Robinson's exceptional abilities make him a standout performer.
Matias Soule: A Creator in Serie A
Matias Soule made a significant impact in Serie A, creating 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His future ranking will largely depend on the team platform he has and his continued development, making him a player to watch closely.
Joao Felix: Searching for the Perfect Fit
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his undeniable talent. However, his potential remains unfulfilled, as he has yet to find the perfect fit for his playing style. Felix does not align well with Atletico Madrid's approach, and Barcelona may not have the finances to secure his return. Nonetheless, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
Conclusion
As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to see the full analysis and in-depth breakdown of who is ranked where and why. The journey through the top 100 players is as riveting as ever, filled with insights into the futures of football's brightest stars. Don't miss out on discovering the future of football and the stars who will shape it.
