The world of football is always evolving, and the 2024 season promises to be no different. As the new season approaches, fans are eager to know who the top players will be. With the help of experts and analysts, we have compiled a list of the top 15 football players to watch in 2024.
The list includes players from both college football and the NFL draft. Among them are quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive players. These players have been selected based on their past performances, potential, and overall impact on the game.
Fans can expect to see some familiar names on the list, as well as some rising stars. The players on this list are sure to make an impact on the field in the upcoming season. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the top 15 football players to watch in 2024.
Top Forwards in 2024
Football is a sport that is dominated by forwards who are responsible for scoring goals and leading their teams to victory. In 2024, there are several outstanding forwards who are expected to make a significant impact on the game. Here are the top forwards in 2024.
1. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is a Norwegian striker who currently plays for Manchester City. He is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world, and his performances in the 2023/24 season have only reinforced this view. Haaland is a powerful and clinical finisher who is equally comfortable with both feet. He is also a strong and physical presence who can hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play.
2. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is a French forward who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. He is a versatile attacker who can play on either wing or through the middle. Mbappe is blessed with blistering pace, excellent dribbling skills, and a deadly eye for goal. He is a player who can change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance.
3. Joao Felix
Joao Felix is a Portuguese forward who currently plays for Atletico Madrid. He is a highly technical player who is comfortable on the ball and possesses excellent vision and passing ability. Felix is also a clinical finisher who can score goals from a variety of positions on the field. He is a player who is expected to have a significant impact on the game in the coming years.
4. Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati is a Spanish forward who currently plays for Barcelona. He is a young player who has burst onto the scene in recent years with his electrifying performances. Fati is a player who possesses excellent dribbling skills, pace, and a deadly eye for goal. He is a player who is expected to be one of the best forwards in the world in the coming years.
5. Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho is an English forward who currently plays for Manchester United. He is a player who possesses excellent technical ability, pace, and a deadly eye for goal. Sancho is a versatile player who can play on either wing or through the middle. He is a player who is expected to make a significant impact on the game in the coming years.
These are the top forwards in 2024. They are players who possess excellent technical ability, pace, and a deadly eye for goal. They are players who are expected to make a significant impact on the game in the coming years.
Leading Midfielders of the Year
In 2024, the world of football witnessed some exceptional midfield performances. These players have been instrumental in their team’s success, and their contributions have not gone unnoticed. Here are the top 5 leading midfielders of the year:
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – De Bruyne has been one of the best midfielders in the world for several years now. In 2024, he continued to dominate the midfield with his exceptional passing, vision, and creativity. He was a key player in Manchester City’s successful season, winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
- Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) – De Jong has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world. In 2024, he continued to impress with his technical ability, composure on the ball, and intelligence on the field. He played a vital role in Barcelona’s resurgence, helping them win the La Liga title.
- Pedri (Barcelona) – Pedri has been a revelation in the midfield for Barcelona. In 2024, he continued to prove his worth with his exceptional ball control, vision, and creativity. He was instrumental in Barcelona’s success, helping them win the La Liga title.
- Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) – Bellingham has been one of the most exciting young talents in world football. In 2024, he continued to impress with his physicality, work rate, and technical ability. He was a key player in Borussia Dortmund’s successful season, finishing second in the Bundesliga.
- Declan Rice (West Ham United) – Rice has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League. In 2024, he continued to impress with his defensive abilities, work rate, and passing. He was a key player in West Ham United’s successful season, finishing fourth in the Premier League.
These midfielders have proven themselves to be the best in the world with their exceptional performances in 2024. Their contributions have been vital to their team’s success, and they will undoubtedly continue to dominate the midfield in the years to come.
Best Defenders in Current Football
Defenders play a crucial role in football, and their contribution to the team’s success cannot be overstated. The following are some of the best defenders in current football:
1. Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Manchester City and the Portugal national team. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, helping them win the Premier League title and reach the final of the Champions League in the 2023-24 season. Dias is known for his strong defensive abilities, leadership skills, and composure on the ball.
2. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Despite suffering a serious knee injury in the 2020-21 season, he has remained one of the best defenders in the world. Van Dijk is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and excellent reading of the game.
3. Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Juventus and the Netherlands national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world, and his performances for Juventus have been impressive. De Ligt is known for his strength, composure, and ability to read the game.
4. Aymeric Laporte
Aymeric Laporte is a French professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Manchester City and the France national team. He is one of the most consistent defenders in world football and has been a key player for Manchester City in recent years. Laporte is known for his aerial ability, physicality, and excellent passing range.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Napoli and the Senegal national team. He is one of the most dominant defenders in world football and has been a key player for Napoli for several years. Koulibaly is known for his strength, aerial ability, and excellent tackling skills.
These are just a few of the best defenders in current football. Their performances on the pitch have been outstanding, and they have helped their teams achieve great success.
Outstanding Goalkeepers
In the world of football, the goalkeeper is a crucial position. They are the last line of defense and can make or break a game. Here are some of the outstanding goalkeepers in 2024:
Ederson Moraes
Ederson Moraes, the Manchester City goalkeeper, is known for his exceptional distribution and ability to initiate attacks from the back. He has been a key player in Manchester City’s success in recent years, helping them win multiple Premier League titles. In 2024, he continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa, the Porto and Portugal goalkeeper, is a rising star in the goalkeeping ranks. He has firmly established himself as Porto and Portugal’s number one goalkeeper. He has been exceptional in the 2023/24 season, making crucial saves to help Porto win the league title. In 2024, he is expected to continue his rise to the top.
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker, the Liverpool and Brazil goalkeeper, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He has been a key player in Liverpool’s success in recent years, helping them win the Premier League and Champions League titles. In 2024, he continues to be a dominant force in the world of football.
These are just a few of the outstanding goalkeepers in 2024. They are all exceptional players who have proven themselves time and time again. Their skills and abilities have helped their teams achieve great success, and they continue to be key players in the world of football.
Rising Stars to Watch
As the world of football evolves, new talents emerge to keep the game fresh and exciting. Here are some of the rising stars to watch out for in 2024:
Ousmane Diomande
Ousmane Diomande is a young Ivorian defender who has been a regular for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. He is known for his speed, physicality, and ability to read the game. Diomande has been linked with several top European clubs, and it won’t be surprising to see him make a big move soon.
Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro is an 18-year-old French centre-back who has been a key player for Lille in Ligue 1. He is known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. Yoro has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and he could be the next big thing in French football.
Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala is a young attacking midfielder who has been making waves at Bayern Munich. He became the youngest player in the club’s history to feature in the Bundesliga at the age of 17 years and 115 days. Musiala is known for his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score goals. He has already made his debut for the England national team and is tipped for a bright future.
Gabriel Moscardo
Gabriel Moscardo is a young Brazilian defender who has been impressing at Internacional. He is known for his physicality, tackling, and ability to play out from the back. Moscardo has been linked with several top European clubs, and he could be the next big thing in Brazilian football.
Goncalo Inacio
Goncalo Inacio is a young Portuguese defender who has been a regular for Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga. He is known for his composure on the ball, passing ability, and defensive awareness. Inacio has been linked with several top European clubs, and he could be the next big thing in Portuguese football.
These rising stars have the potential to become the next big thing in world football. Keep an eye on them in the coming years.
Veteran Players Still Dominating
In 2024, several veteran football players are still dominating the field. These players have been in the game for years, and their experience and skill are evident in their performance. Here are some of the top veteran players who are still making an impact:
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the most well-known football players of all time. He has been playing professionally since 2004 and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Despite being 36 years old, Messi is still dominating the field, scoring goals and making plays that leave fans in awe.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is another veteran player who is still making a significant impact in 2024. He has been playing professionally since 2002 and has won numerous awards and titles throughout his career. Despite being 39 years old, Ronaldo is still one of the top goal scorers in the world and is known for his incredible speed and agility on the field.
Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is a veteran defender who has been playing professionally since 2004. He is known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to read the game. Despite being 38 years old, Ramos is still one of the top defenders in the world and is a key player for both his club and country.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a veteran striker who has been playing professionally since 1999. He is known for his incredible strength and skill on the ball, as well as his ability to score goals from almost any position on the field. Despite being 42 years old, Ibrahimovic is still making an impact in the game and is a vital player for his club.
These are just a few of the veteran players who are still dominating the field in 2024. Their experience and skill are invaluable to their teams, and they continue to inspire younger players to strive for greatness.
Players with Remarkable Comebacks
In the world of football, injuries and setbacks are common. However, some players have made remarkable comebacks after facing adversity. Here are some of the top football players with remarkable comebacks in 2024:
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, made an impressive comeback after being out of the NFL for a while. He won the Comeback Player of the Year award after completing 60.3% of his passes for 1,616 yards with 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions in five games. Flacco’s comeback was impressive, considering he wasn’t on an NFL roster until late November.
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley, the running back for the New York Giants, had a tough 2023 season due to injuries. However, he bounced back in 2024 and proved why he is one of the best running backs in the league. In his first game back, Barkley rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, helping his team secure a win against the Dallas Cowboys.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr., the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, had a disappointing 2023 season due to injuries. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 2024 and proved why he is one of the best wide receivers in the league. In his first game back, Beckham Jr. caught six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, helping his team secure a win against the Seattle Seahawks.
These players’ remarkable comebacks show their resilience and determination to succeed in the world of football. They are a testament to the fact that setbacks and injuries can be overcome with hard work and dedication.
Influential Captains and Team Leaders
Leadership is an essential quality in any team sport, and football is no exception. In 2024, several captains and team leaders have stood out for their exceptional abilities on and off the pitch. Here are a few of the most influential captains and team leaders in world football today.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is the captain of Manchester City and one of the most influential players in world football. He led his team to the treble in 2023, and his leadership and creative abilities have been crucial to City’s success. De Bruyne is known for his excellent vision, passing ability, and work rate on the pitch. He is a natural leader who leads by example and inspires his teammates to perform at their best.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is the captain of Liverpool and one of the most respected players in world football. He is known for his tireless work rate, excellent passing ability, and leadership skills. Henderson led Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2023 and has been a key figure in the team’s success in recent years. He is a vocal presence on the pitch and leads by example with his performances.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players of all time and the captain of Argentina. He is known for his incredible dribbling skills, goal-scoring ability, and leadership skills. Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final in 2022 and has been a key figure in the team’s success in recent years. He is a natural leader who inspires his teammates with his performances on the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk is the captain of the Netherlands and one of the best defenders in world football. He is known for his excellent defensive abilities, leadership skills, and aerial prowess. Van Dijk led the Netherlands to the European Championship final in 2023 and has been a key figure in the team’s success in recent years. He is a vocal presence on the pitch and leads by example with his performances.
These are just a few of the most influential captains and team leaders in world football today. Their leadership skills and abilities on the pitch make them invaluable assets to their teams, and they are sure to continue to inspire and lead their teammates to success in the years to come.