How the Guardian ranked the 100 best male footballers in the world 2025
The Guardian has published its 2025 ranking of the 100 best male footballers, compiled by a 219‑strong jury that includes former stars like Romário, Dunga and Didi Hamann. The article explains how the panel was assembled, the rollout schedule and why the list matters for fans and analysts.
The Guardian’s annual "100 best male footballers" list for 2025 has been released, marking another milestone in the publication’s effort to benchmark global talent. The ranking, which will be unveiled in a day‑by‑day countdown from 71 to the top ten, is the product of a diverse jury of 219 judges – former internationals, coaches, journalists and media experts – who volunteered their time to assess the year’s performances.
Who voted and why their voices count
Among the 219 judges are some of football’s most recognizable names. Brazil’s legendary striker Romário, a 1994 World Cup winner, submitted his ballot in November, surprising many who thought his involvement was unlikely. He was joined by fellow Brazilian icons Dunga, Walter Casagrande, Juninho Paulo and Juninho Pernambucano, creating a strong South‑American perspective.
From Europe, Germany contributed Didi Hamann, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Hitzlsperger – all former internationals with combined caps exceeding 200. The panel also features former Sweden internationals Martin Åslund and Erik Edman, former Belgium forward Gilles De Bilde, and former Senegal star Ricardo Faty, now a TV pundit and coach at Clairefontaine.
Coaches and technical staff are represented as well. Paulo Roberto Falcão, a 34‑cap Brazil midfielder who played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, serves as a technical coordinator, while Arda Turan, a 100‑cap Turkey international, now heads Shakhtar Donetsk. The list also includes technical directors such as Stefan Tarkovic of the Slovakian FA.
Media professionals form the largest segment of the jury. Names like Ed Aarons, Amir Abd Elhalim, Nick Ames and Sid Lowe – all senior writers or correspondents for the Guardian or partner outlets – contributed their expertise. The panel’s collective experience amounts to 904 international caps, underscoring the depth of insight behind each vote.
How the countdown will unfold
The Guardian has chosen a staggered release format to keep fans engaged. The first batch, positions 100‑71, drops on Tuesday, 16 December. The following day reveals ranks 70‑41, Thursday covers 40‑11, and the final top‑10 list arrives on Friday. This approach mirrors previous years and allows for detailed analysis of each segment as it appears.
Each entry will be accompanied by a brief justification from the judges, highlighting the player’s impact over the calendar year – be it league titles, continental triumphs, or standout individual performances. The Guardian also publishes the full list of judges in alphabetical order by category, ensuring transparency about who contributed to the final rankings.
Why the Guardian’s list matters
While many publications produce “best‑of” lists, the Guardian’s methodology stands out for its breadth of expertise and its unpaid, volunteer‑based model. By involving former players who have lived the pressures of international competition, the list gains credibility that purely statistical models lack. Moreover, the inclusion of journalists from diverse regions helps mitigate regional bias, offering a more balanced global perspective.
For clubs, agents and sponsors, the ranking provides a snapshot of marketable talent and can influence contract negotiations and endorsement deals. For fans, it fuels debate and offers a curated look at the season’s standout performers across leagues from the Premier League to the Brasileirão.
What’s next for the 2025 ranking
After the top‑10 reveal, the Guardian plans a series of feature articles and video interviews with selected players and judges, exploring the stories behind the rankings. The publication also invites readers to submit their own rankings via a public poll, creating a parallel fan‑driven list that will be compared with the expert panel’s choices.
Looking ahead, the Guardian has hinted at expanding the jury for 2026 to include more women’s football experts, reflecting the growing importance of the women’s game in global rankings. For now, the 2025 list serves as a benchmark for the season’s elite male footballers and a testament to the collaborative effort of a worldwide football community.
Why it matters
The list combines expert insight from former stars and journalists, offering a credible benchmark for player performance and influencing market value.
Key points
- The Guardian’s 2025 list is compiled by a 219‑member jury of ex‑players, coaches and journalists.
- Brazilian legends Romário, Dunga and Juninho participated, adding South‑American weight to the panel.
- The countdown will be released over four days, from positions 100‑71 to the top‑10.
- Judges collectively hold 904 international caps, underscoring deep football experience.
- The ranking influences fan debate, club negotiations and future sponsorship decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How are the Guardian’s 100 best male footballers selected?
A panel of 219 judges – former internationals, coaches and journalists – each submit a ranked list based on performances throughout the calendar year. The Guardian aggregates the votes to produce the final ranking.
Are the judges paid for their participation?
No, all judges, including former players and media professionals, volunteer their time and are not compensated.
When will the full top‑10 list be published?
The top‑10 will be released on Friday, following the staggered rollout that begins on Tuesday, 16 December.
Will the Guardian include women’s football in future rankings?
The publication has indicated plans to broaden the jury for 2026 to incorporate more women’s football experts, reflecting the sport’s growing prominence.
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