Player Insights: Rising Stars and Established Talent

Player Insights: Rising Stars and Established Talent

Anticipation continues to build around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings. The list not only showcases a plethora of talent but also brings several fascinating narratives to the fore.
Gregor Kobel: A Goalkeeping Revelation
Gregor Kobel has firmly established himself as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper and is now ranked as the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. This recognition places him ahead of notable names such as Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. Kobel's impressive performances have consistently linked him with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, further cementing his rising reputation in the footballing world.
David Alaba: Resilient Despite Injury
David Alaba's reputation as one of the best center backs in the world remains undisputed, despite suffering a significant injury. The former elite left-back has excelled in the center-back position for the past four years. However, a torn cruciate ligament last December cast some doubt over his future performance. The uncertainty of his post-injury athleticism leaves fans eager to see how he will recover and whether he can reclaim his top form.
Warren Zaire-Emery: A Rising Star
Warren Zaire-Emery has been one of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list. His relatively brief career history might have influenced his ranking. However, his recent call-up for Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad signifies his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has solidified himself as a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic position, showcasing his immense potential on the big stage.
Ben White: The Modern Full Back
Ben White epitomizes the modern full-back, capable of performing all three main roles required of his position. Surprisingly, White did not make it to the list despite his versatility and consistent performances. This omission has raised eyebrows, especially considering his significant contribution to his team.
Jonathan David: A Goal-Scoring Machine
Jonathan David's record speaks volumes, delivering 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess has drawn interest from 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 and His Scoring Streak
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak. While some analysts believe there might be an element of luck involved, Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers. Among his strongest admirers is Arsenal, who are keen on securing his talents for their future campaigns.
Christopher Nkunku: From Bundesliga to Premier League
Christopher Nkunku made an impressive transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, delivering 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany. However, his time on the pitch was limited to just 437 minutes in the 2023-24 Premier League season, leaving room for speculation about his future impact.
Antonee Robinson: Defensive Prowess
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 has the opportunity to showcase his worth regardless, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
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 ranking next year largely depends on the team platform he has and his continued development, making his progress an intriguing storyline to follow.
Joao Felix: Potential Unfulfilled
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, but his potential remains unfulfilled. Felix has yet to find his perfect fit, as his style doesn’t align well with Atletico Madrid. Barcelona may not have the finances to secure his return. Despite these challenges, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
The Journey Through the Golazo 100
As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, anticipation is at an all-time high. The journey through the top 100 players is as riveting as ever, offering insights into the futures of football's brightest stars. Don't miss the full analysis and in-depth breakdown of who is ranked where and why.