Three new football rankings released on Thursday have recognised the achievements of some of the game's biggest stars, with England's Jude Bellingham named the world's best attacking midfielder, Senegal's Ismaila Sarr rated Africa's top performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Spain's Lamine Yamal joining the list of the youngest players ever to win the World Cup.
The rankings, published by Planet Football and FIFA, highlight standout individual performances over the past year and celebrate players who have made history on football's biggest stage.
Bellingham leads world's best attacking midfielders
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham retained his reputation as one of football's elite playmakers after being ranked the best attacking midfielder in the world by Planet Football.
The publication evaluated traditional attacking midfielders and creative No. 10s, leaving out holding and defensive midfielders from the assessment.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes claimed second place after another season in which he remained one of Europe's leading creators despite his club's mixed fortunes.
Argentine youngster Nico Paz completed the top three following an impressive campaign with Serie A side Como, where his performances attracted widespread attention from Europe's leading clubs.
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki was ranked fourth after an outstanding first season with the Premier League champions, while Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo completed the top five.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard and Barcelona's Fermín López occupied the remaining places in the top 10.
Top 10 attacking midfielders
1. Jude Bellingham
2. Bruno Fernandes
3. Nico Paz
4. Rayan Cherki
5. Dani Olmo
6. Morgan Gibbs-White
7. Cole Palmer
8. Florian Wirtz
9. Martin Ødegaard
10. Fermín López
Sarr tops Africa's World Cup performers
Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr emerged as Africa's highest-rated player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an impressive tournament in which he scored four goals.
The Crystal Palace forward finished ahead of DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa, whose goals inspired his country to a historic appearance in the knockout stage.
Côte d'Ivoire's teenage sensation Yan Diomande was ranked third after announcing himself on the global stage with a string of eye-catching performances.
Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi claimed fourth place, while Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha rounded out the top five after producing several outstanding displays, including a memorable performance against Spain.
Morocco's Ismael Saibari finished sixth after scoring in each of his country's group-stage matches.
Amad Diallo of Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye, Egypt's Emam Ashour and Algeria's Ibrahim Maza completed the top 10.
Africa's top 10 players at the 2026 World Cup
1. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
2. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
3. Yan Diomande (Côte d'Ivoire)
4. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
5. Vozinha (Cabo Verde)
6. Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
7. Amad Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire)
8. Pape Gueye (Senegal)
9. Emam Ashour (Egypt)
10. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Yamal joins youngest World Cup winners
FIFA also released its updated ranking of the 20 youngest players to have won the FIFA World Cup, with Brazilian legend Pelé remaining the youngest champion in history.
Pelé was only 17 years and 249 days old when he inspired Brazil to victory at the 1958 World Cup.
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo is second on the list after winning the trophy at 17 years and 298 days, while Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi ranks third.
Spain winger Lamine Yamal became the newest entrant after helping his country win the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the age of 19 years and six days.
He shares fourth place with Brazil's Coutinho, who lifted the trophy at the same age.
The ranking also includes Pau Cubarsí, Kylian Mbappé, Kaká, Julian Draxler, Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and several other players who achieved World Cup glory before their 21st birthdays.
FIFA's youngest World Cup winners
1. Pelé (Brazil) – 17 years, 249 days
2. Ronaldo (Brazil) – 17 years, 298 days
3. Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy) – 18 years, 174 days
4. Coutinho (Brazil) – 19 years, 6 days
5. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 19 years, 6 days
6. Marco Antonio (Brazil) – 19 years, 135 days
7. Pau Cubarsí (Spain) – 19 years, 178 days
8. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 19 years, 207 days
9. Mazzola (Brazil) – 19 years, 309 days
10. Rubén Morán (Uruguay) – 19 years, 344 days
11. Felice Borel (Italy) – 20 years, 66 days
12. Kaká (Brazil) – 20 years, 69 days
13. Matthias Ginter (Germany) – 20 years, 175 days
14. Luis Islas (Argentina) – 20 years, 189 days
15. Clodoaldo (Brazil) – 20 years, 268 days
16. David Trezeguet (France) – 20 years, 270 days
17. Julian Draxler (Germany) – 20 years, 296 days
18. Edu (Brazil) – 20 years, 319 days
19. Thierry Henry (France) – 20 years, 329 days
20. Uli Biesinger (West Germany) – 20 years, 332 days
The rankings reflect football's growing emphasis on youth and creativity, while also highlighting the increasingly significant contributions of African players at the highest level of the international game.
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