Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham, has been ranked as the world’s best attacking midfielder in Planet Football’s latest list, finishing ahead of Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes and Argentina’s rising talent Nico Paz.
The ranking assessed traditional No. 10s, creative midfielders and attack-minded playmakers, while excluding deeper-lying and defensive midfielders.
Bellingham secured the top spot despite enduring a campaign that did not quite match the remarkable standards he established after arriving at Real Madrid.
Although his role alongside the club’s array of attacking stars came under scrutiny, the England international reaffirmed his class with influential displays at the World Cup.
Planet Football noted that the midfielder’s challenges were largely a result of Real Madrid’s search for midfield balance following the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, rather than any drop in his individual quality.
Bruno Fernandes claimed second place after another productive season in which he remained Manchester United’s chief creative force.
The Portugal international earned recognition for his vision, passing range and chance creation, finishing among Europe’s most effective playmakers despite United’s inconsistent campaign. His leadership and creativity continued to distinguish him as one of the game’s leading attacking midfielders.
Como’s Nico Paz completed the top three after an outstanding breakthrough season. The 21-year-old Argentine impressed throughout the campaign and has since attracted interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs.
Manchester City midfielder, Rayan Cherki occupied fourth place following an impressive debut season in England, contributing goals, assists and inventive attacking play.
Barcelona and Spain playmaker Dani Olmo finished fifth, with his ability to produce in crucial matches earning him a place among the elite despite stiff competition for places at club and international level.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was ranked sixth after a strong finish to the season, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer came seventh following a campaign disrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz placed eighth. Although he did not fully live up to expectations after his big-money move, his talent and long-term potential remained highly regarded.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard was ranked ninth, with his technical quality and overall influence recognised despite a decline in his attacking output.
Barcelona youngster Fermín López rounded off the top 10 after further establishing himself as one of Spain’s brightest emerging attacking midfielders.
The list also omitted several high-profile names, including Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, with recent performances playing a significant role in the final rankings.
Top 10 attacking midfielders:
Jude Bellingham
Bruno Fernandes
Nico Paz
Rayan Cherki
Dani Olmo
Morgan Gibbs-White
Cole Palmer
Florian Wirtz
Martin Ødegaard
Fermín López
