Here are the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2022.
Midfielders are generally considered the backbone of any
squad. Generally, the best midfielders in the world are good
at building the play, keeping control of the ball and breaking
defences. So, who is the no.1 midfielder? Let us look at the
best midfielders in football and much more.
There are different positions that midfielders can play. They
act as links between the defence and attack. They can also
play in central, defensive, attacking or the flanks. So, who is
the best midfielder in the world in 2022?
Best midfielders in the world 2022
Our list of best midfielders in the world’s soccer is based on
the players’ input and achievements for their clubs and
national teams and their overall contribution to football.
10. Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich enters our list as one of best midfielders in
the world in the tenth position. Kimmich previously played as
a right-back. He has won numerous titles with Bayern,
including the 2019/20 Champions League title.
Joshua Kimmich’s profile summary
– Full name: Joshua Walter Kimmich
– Nickname: Mr Versatile
– Date of birth: 8 February 1995
– Place of birth: Rottweil
– Nationality: German
– Age: 27 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.77 m
– Position: Defensive midfielder
– Club: Bayern Munich
– Instagram: @jok_32
– Facebook: @JoshuaKimmich
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $10 million
9. Luka Modrić
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is undoubtedly one of the most
talented players of his generation. Modric can play in the
central, attacking, and defensive midfield positions. The Real
Madrid playmaker is also regarded as the most outstanding
Croatian footballer in history.
Luka Modric of Real Madrid. Photo by Alvaro Medranda
Luka Modric’s profile summary
– Full name: Luka Modric
– Nickname: Cruyff of the Balkans
– Date of birth: 9 September 1985
– Place of birth: Zadar
– Nationality: Croatian
– Age: 36 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.72 m
– Position: Midfielder
– Club: Real Madrid
– Twitter: @lukamodric10
– Instagram: @lukamodric10
– Facebook: @LukaModrić
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $11 million
8. N’Golo Kanté
N’Golo Kanté plays as a central midfielder for Chelsea and the
France national football team. Despite his short height, he has
displayed a tremendous work rate and excellent defensive
skills. Kanté helped Chelsea win the 2020/21 Champions
League and the 2016/17 Premier League title.
Ngolo Kante in action in a Premier League match against
Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in 2021. Photo by Michael
Regan.
N’Golo Kanté’s profile summary
– Full name: N’Golo Kanté
– Nickname: NG
– Date of birth: 29 March 1991
– Place of birth: Paris
– Nationality: French
– Age: 30 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.68 m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Chelsea
– Twitter: @nglkante
– Instagram: @nglkante
– Facebook: @nglkante
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $59 million
7. Paul Pogba
French star player Paul Pogba celebrates a victory with the
national team. Photo: @PaulPogba
Paul Pogba is among the best players in the world’s all-time
ranking. He can play in a central midfield position or as a
deep-lying playmaker.
Paul Labile Pogba’s profile summary
– Full name: Paul Labile Pogba
– Nickname: La Pioche
– Date of birth: 15 March 1993
– Place of birth: Lagny-Sur-Marne, Seine-Et-Marne
– Nationality: French
– Age: 28 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.90 m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Manchester United
– Twitter: @paulpogba
– Instagram: @paulpogba
– Facebook: @PaulPogba
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $64 million
6. Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in action during their
UEFA Champions League Round16 match against Atletico
Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on 23 February 2022. Photo:
Angel Martinez
Since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP, Bruno
Fernandes has established himself among the best
midfielders in the world at the moment. In the 2018/19
season, he was the highest-scoring midfielder in Europe with
33 goals in all competitions .
Bruno Fernandes profile summary
– Full name: Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes
– Nickname: Fredinhooooooo
– Date of birth: 8 September 1994
– Place of birth: Maia, Portugal
– Nationality: Portuguese
– Age: 27 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.79 m
– Position: Attacking midfielder
– Club: Manchester United
– Twitter: @B_Fernandes8
– Instagram: @brunofernandes.10
– Facebook: @BrunoFernandesOfficial
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $106 million
5. Marco Verratti
Italy’s Marco Veratti controls the ball in an international
football match. He is one of the most talented players in his
position. Photo:@Marco-Verratti
Starting off our list of the top five best midfielders in the
world in 2022 is Marco Veratti, a creative and technically
gifted player with quick dribbling skills. Veratti guided Italy to
their second European Championship title in July 2021.
Profile summary
– Full name: Marco Verratti
– Nickname: Gufetto
– Date of birth: 5 November 1992
– Place of birth: Pescara, Italy
– Nationality: Italian
– Age: 29 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.65 m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Paris Saint-Germain
– Instagram: @marco_verratti92
– Facebook: @Marco-Verratti
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $64 million
4. Jorginho
Jorginho is a technically gifted defensive midfielder who
prefers playing as a focal point and controlling the tempo of
play. He won the 2021 Champions League and Club World Cup
with Chelsea and the 2020 Euros with Italy.
The talented footballer was voted UEFA Men’s Player of the
Year. In addition, he is considered the best defensive
midfielder in the world in 2021/22.
Profile summary
– Full name: Jorge Luiz Frello Filho
– Nickname: Il Professore (The Professor), Radio
– Date of birth: 20 December 1991
– Place of birth: Imbituba, Brazil
– Nationality: Italian, Brazilian
– Age: 30 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.80m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Chelsea
– Instagram: @jorginhofrello
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $52 million
3. Pedri
The 19-year-old Spaniard has surprised many with his
dazzling talent and skills. He is a regular starter for Barcelona
and the Spanish national football team in the central midfield
position. In addition, Pedri won the 2021 Golden Boy Award
for the best under-21 player in Europe.
Pedri’s profile summary
– Full name: Pedro González López
– Nickname: Pedri
– Date of birth: 25 November 2002
– Place of birth: Tegueste, Spain
– Nationality: Spaniard
– Age: 19 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.74m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Barcelona
– Twitter: @Pedri
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $94 million
2. Frenkie de Jong
The second player on our list is Netherlands star Frenkie de
Jong who plays for Barcelona. He is a box-box midfielder
known for his vision, passing, and dribbling techniques. De
Jong has collected several individual awards , including the
2018/19 UEFA Midfielder of the Season .
Frenkie de Jong’s profile summary
– Full name: Frenkie de Jong
– Date of birth: 12 May 1997
– Place of birth: Arkel, Netherlands
– Nationality: Dutch
– Age: 24 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.80m
– Position: Central midfielder
– Club: Barcelona
– Twitter: @DeJongFrenkie21
– Instagram: @frenkiedejong
– Facebook: @DeJongFrenkie21
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $91 million
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne tops our list of best midfielders in the world
at the moment. The Belgium and Manchester City star is
considered the best attacking midfielder in world football. He
is the only player besides Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry
to have won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award back to
back.
Kevin De Bruyne’s profile summary
– Full name: Kevin De Bruyne
– Nickname: The Ginger Pele
– Date of birth: 28 June 1991
– Place of birth: Drongen, Ghent, Belgium
– Nationality: Belgian
– Age: 30 years (as of February 2022)
– Height: 1.81m
– Position: Attacking midfielder
– Club: Manchester City
– Twitter: @DeBruyneKev
– Instagram: @kevindebruyne
– Facebook: @DeBruyneOfficial
– Transfer market value as of February 2022: $106 million
Ranking among the best midfielders in the world is a massive
privilege. However, that does not undermine their qualities.
So, who else do you think deserved mention? Let us know in
the comments who is your favorite midfielder ever.
