World Cup: Updated Rankings of Top 50 Players

The World Cup has whittled down 32 teams to just 16. This stage demands a re-evaluation of the top 50 players based on contributions in matches. The Athletic’s player ratings model offers an objective look at performances.

Top three from the group stage, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior, have seen shifts depending on recent contributions.

1. Lionel Messi — Argentina/Inter Miami (No change)
Messi made history with a perfect control and finish against Cape Verde, marking 20 World Cup goals. Despite the opposing goalkeeper’s efforts, Messi assisted in the match-winning goal.

2. Kylian Mbappe — France/Real Madrid (No change)
Mbappe delivered an exhilarating performance against Sweden with his pace and sharp movements, securing two goals.

3. Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich (+2)
Olise provided two remarkable assists against Sweden and nearly scored himself with a scissor kick.

4. Harry Kane — England/Bayern Munich (+2)
Kane surpassed Pele in the World Cup scoring charts with an outstanding performance against DR Congo.

5. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain (+2)
Hakimi was crucial in Morocco’s play against the Netherlands, though he missed a penalty in the shootout.

6. Vinicius Junior — Brazil/Real Madrid (-3)
Vinicius was instrumental during Brazil’s match against Japan, though his effort hit the post.

7. Erling Haaland — Norway/Manchester City (+1)
Haaland scored a pivotal tap-in against Ivory Coast, continuing his goalscoring form.

8. Ousmane Dembele — France/Paris Saint-Germain (-4)
Dembele took a supporting role against Sweden but excelled during France’s domination of Norway.

9. Ismael Saibari — Morocco/Bayern Munich (+1)
Saibari secured Morocco’s win with a key penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands.

10. Bruno Guimaraes — Brazil/Newcastle (+25)
Guimaraes played a vital role in Brazil’s win over Japan with his attacking plays.

11. Mikel Oyarzabal — Spain/Real Sociedad (Re-entry)
Oyarzabal has excelled as Spain’s ‘false nine’, scoring twice against Austria.

12. Aymeric Laporte — Spain/Athletic Club (+10)
Laporte’s defensive prowess has helped Spain remain unscathed with his precise distribution.

13. Pedri — Spain/Barcelona (-4)
Pedri consistently contributes within Spain’s passing dynamic, remaining unfazed by opposition pressure.

14. Dayot Upamecano — France/Bayern Munich (No change)
Upamecano displayed solid defense against Sweden’s attackers.

15. Jude Bellingham — England/Real Madrid (-3)
Bellingham was a key player for England against DR Congo, working well alongside Kane.

16. Lamine Yamal — Spain/Barcelona (-1)
Yamal, despite showing promise against Austria, has yet to reach his peak performance.

17. Declan Rice — England/Arsenal (+6)
Rice’s shift to right-back was a turning point for England’s game strategy against DR Congo.

18. Diogo Costa — Portugal/Porto (+12)
Costa’s impressive saves against Croatia made him the standout goalkeeper of this tournament.

19. Pau Cubarsi — Spain/Barcelona (+13)
Cubarsi’s speed and athleticism have been crucial in Spanish defense, paired effectively with Laporte.

20. Folarin Balogun — United States/Monaco (-2)
Despite a red card against Bosnia, Balogun scored three World Cup goals.

21. William Saliba — France/Arsenal (No change)
Saliba showcased robust defense against Sweden, leaving opponents searching for weaknesses.

22. Ismaila Sarr — Senegal/Crystal Palace (+6)
Sarr was a standout player for Senegal, despite their exit, with a key goal against Belgium.

23. Julian Quinones — Mexico/Al Qadsiah (+16)
Quinones added another remarkable goal to his World Cup record against Ecuador.

24. Roberto Alvarado — Mexico/Guadalajara (+14)
Alvarado’s creative plays, including a critical assist against Ecuador, have elevated Mexico’s attack.

25. Leandro Trossard — Belgium/Arsenal (+11)
Trossard’s diverse attacking capabilities remain vital for Belgium’s ensemble.

26. Joshua Kimmich — Germany/Bayern Munich (-9)
Despite strong performances, Kimmich’s effort wasn’t enough to keep Germany in the tournament.

27. Florian Wirtz — Germany/Liverpool (-2)
Wirtz provided crucial assists but couldn’t spark Germany’s run beyond the group stage.

28. Luis Diaz — Colombia/Bayern Munich (-17)
Diaz struggled with finishing, unable to capitalize on opportunities against Ghana.

29. Yan Diomande — Ivory Coast/RB Leipzig (-16)
Diomande’s ability to attract defensive attention supported Ivory Coast’s tactics.

30. Cody Gakpo — Netherlands/Liverpool (+1)
Gakpo displayed strength in adversity, scoring against Morocco soon after a personal tragedy.

31. Elliot Anderson — England/Manchester City (-2)
Anderson managed the midfield well, balancing England’s play effectively.

32. Marc Cucurella — Spain/Real Madrid (New entry)
Cucurella’s offensive actions were instrumental against Austria, impacting all their goals.

33. Youri Tielemans — Belgium/Aston Villa (New entry)
Tielemans showed leadership, scoring a brave header and converting penalties for Belgium.

34. Bradley Barcola — France/Paris Saint-Germain (Re-entry)
Barcola’s speed and finishing were key alongside France’s top performers.

35. Johan Manzambi — Switzerland/Freiburg (New entry)
Manzambi’s playmaking ability was evident in Switzerland’s attacking successes.

36. Amad — Ivory Coast/Manchester United (New entry)
Amad’s impressive solo efforts earned him recognition despite limited playtime.

37. Davinson Sanchez — Colombia/Galatasaray (New entry)
Sanchez’s defensive leadership was a linchpin for Colombia’s low-scoring concessions.

38. Breel Embolo — Switzerland/Rennes (+9)
Embolo provided reliable offense for Switzerland, playing a leading role in attack.

39. Matheus Cunha — Brazil/Manchester United (-15)
Cunha’s attempts in Brazil’s match against Japan lacked success on the scoreboard.

40. Kai Havertz — Germany/Arsenal (Re-entry)
Havertz contributed to Germany’s goals, despite a disappointing penalty miss.

41. Malik Tillman — United States/Bayer Leverkusen (New entry)
Tillman calmed nerves with a free kick, leading the U.S. to victory over Bosnia.

42. Pedro Porro — Spain/Tottenham Hotspur (New entry)
Porro excelled in both defensive stops and offensive headers against Austria.

43. Lisandro Martinez — Argentina/Manchester United (New entry)
Martinez’s passing and shooting supported Argentina against Cape Verde.

44. Gabriel — Brazil/Arsenal (Re-entry)
Gabriel’s defensive efforts were crucial in preserving Brazil’s structure.

45. Stephen Eustaquio — Canada/Porto (New entry)
Eustaquio led by example, scoring a decisive goal against South Africa.

46. Anthony Gordon — England/Barcelona (New entry)
Gordon’s bench performance against DR Congo was influential in England’s comeback.

47. Julio Enciso — Paraguay/Strasbourg (New entry)
Enciso provided crucial goals and assists, elevating Paraguay’s limited attack.

48. Rayan — Brazil/Bournemouth (New entry)
Rayan proved pivotal on the right wing, stepping up in Raphinha’s absence.

49. Vozinha — Cape Verde/Free Agent (Re-entry)
Vozinha’s composed goalkeeping helped Cape Verde withstand World Cup challenges.

50. Sidny Lopes Cabral — Cape Verde/Trabzonspor (New entry)
Cabral scored an iconic World Cup goal and remained a consistent contributor for Cape Verde.