World football has continued to witness the emergence of talented wingers. Today, some of the most highly ranked players include Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior.
Having a wide man comes with immense benefit, as they’re capable of spreading the opponents’ defence. That said, wingers have been shown to be one of the most potent assets worldwide.
Today, some of the best wingers in the world have successfully formed a pillar in their team that consistently mounts pressure on the opponent’s defence, as they could mount an offensive from the flanks and open up space for strikers.
Here are the current best wingers in the world right now in 2026:
20. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United FC, England)
Anthony Gordon is regarded as one of the most exciting players in Europe, with his ability to maintain a high profile since his Everton days. He currently plays a huge role in the Newcastle United setup.
19. Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC)
South Korean forward Son Heung-min is one of the most consistent players in world football. The South Korean is one of the famous Premier League Golden Boot recipients.
Son Heung-min became the first Asian footballer to reach 100 goals in the English Premier League. He moved to MLS side Los Angeles FC and has been one of the key players in the team.
18. Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Although not necessarily one of the key starters at Bayern Munich, Serge Gnabry has been able to prove his class as one of the most experienced players and top goal contributors in Europe.
Serge Gnabry is currently one of the undisputed members of the Bayern Munich first team. He has been part of the Bavarian football club since 2017.
17. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, United States)
Another name that isn't a surprise inclusion on the list is Christian Pulisic, who continues to dazzle for AC Milan this season.
The American soccer star has been thriving at the Milan-based club since his arrival at the club from Premier League club Chelsea in 2023.
Christian Pulisic is known for his versatility and pace, which allow him to thrive against Italian Serie A defenders.
16. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City FC, Belgium)
Jeremy Doku secured his place in the first team despite his unconvincing start to his Manchester City career.
The Belgian has been outstanding since the start of the season. He is versatile and is capable of playing on the left or right wing.
15. Desire Doue (PSG, France)
Desire Doue has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in European football. The PSG attacker has continued to live up to expectations in the first team.
The French footballer stands out for his pace and passing, which ranks him among the best young players in the world.
14. Rafael Leao (AC Milan, Portugal)
There’s a reason a lot of attention has been on him. Rafael Leao is one of the young players to watch out for. The Portuguese forward has made several goal contributions, which include goals and assists for AC Milan in the Serie A.
13. Nico Williams (Athletic Club Bilbao, Spain)
Another name on the list that cannot be ignored is Nico Williams. The young Spaniard played a key role during the country's triumph at the European Football Championship in 2024.
He has continued to improve on his game at Athletic Club over the years. His exceptional performance currently ranks him amongst the most sought-after players in world football.
12. Bradley Barcola (PSG, France)
The PSG star has been ranked as one of the best young talents in world football with his personality on the pitch. He has continued to prove himself at the top level with his versatility, which allows him to play either as a winger or forward.
Bradley Barcola is widely deployed, where he thrives with his speed and pace. He is also a good goal contributor.
11. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia)
Without a doubt Luis Diaz is already at the top level of his career. The Colombian has been shown to be consistent in his position.
Bayern Munich this season has benefited from the availability of Luis Diaz in the wide areas. He has been convincing for the Reds in the offensive position this season even as the team maintains their pursuit for the top spot in the league.
Luis Diaz is known for his dribbles and creation of goal-scoring opportunities as well as converting them.
10. Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Rodrygo is one of the brilliant young players in Real Madrid. The young Brazilian winger has continued to play to his strength, even at the biggest moments.
Although he has been made to come on as a substitute in some cases, he has been decisive for Real Madrid and has been in fine form for Los Blancos.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one of the greatest revelations and a surprise signing in Europe. The Georgian is currently one of the best players in the French league and has shown to be one of the most consistent in Europe.
According to statistics, Kvaratskhelia is a proven goal scorer and assist provider and a left-footed player. He is considered one of the best playmakers and one of the best young players in the world.
8. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Without a doubt, Michael Olise is one of the best talents in European football today. He proved to be valued during his time at Crystal Palace, which grabbed the attention of top clubs on the continent. Now at Bayern Munich, he has proven even more facts for his inclusion.
Michael Olise, who is known for his creativity and dribbling skills, has continued to power the Bayern Munich attack and was a crucial part of the club's Bundesliga title win last season.
The Frenchman is currently having the season of his career at Bayern Munich after just one season at the club. His performance already rates him higher amongst the best in his position.
7. Raphinha (FC Barcelona, Brazil)
After struggling to achieve top form at Barcelona, Raphinha has transformed into a world-class winger, with his goal-scoring prowess proving vital for the La Liga giants.
The Brazilian is known for his impressive techniques and eye for goal while delivering a world-class performance.
Barcelona's quest for a title has been centred around the likes of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski, who are the leading players in the attack.
6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea FC, England)
We have always talked about Cole Palmer's deployment in more advanced roles, like in attacking midfield, but his presence on the wings has been outstanding for Chelsea and England.
His attributes include goal scoring and assist making, which make him stand out as one of the best talents in world football right now.
Cole Palmer isn't a traditional winger but has continued to deliver impressive results with his deployment in this position while also combining his skills.
5. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Vinicius Junior is arguably one of the best wingers in world football today and one of the pillars of Real Madrid.
During the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool, the Brazilian produced a performance of ages to help the Los Blancos see off the Reds over two legs to progress to the next round.
For the arts, Vinicius is a tricky, skilful, and impressive dribbler who constantly explores vulnerabilities in the opponent’s defence.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal FC, England)
Bukayo Saka is one of the offensive backbones at Arsenal this season. He has been an outstanding winger who has successfully won the battle against some of the most formidable defence in the league.
He has also been shown to have an impact on every game he has been involved in this season.
Arsenal’s title charge rests on the brilliance of Bukayo Saka, who has proven to be a game-changer for the Gunners. Statistics show he has registered double figures in goals and assists.
3. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Ousmane Dembele is one of the most explosive and unpredictable attackers in European football. The Frenchman has a rare combination of pace, power, and flair that makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Dembele could be deployed on either wing or as a second striker. He is an ambitious player capable of playing with both feet at high speed. He has world-class potential that was deprived of the top level of the game due to injury setbacks.
The contributions of the Frenchman were crucial for PSG as they went on to win the Champions League and dominated French football. He was awarded the Ballon d’Or for the 2025 season.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC, Egypt)
Mohamed Salah remains a key player at Liverpool, even though the Reds are enduring a troubled season. The Egyptian maintains his goal threat in every game he’s been involved in. His form makes him stand out among others in his position.
Salah has been one of the most productive and consistent wide players in world football and has continued to provide quality goals. An evidence of his bright form is the four Premier League Golden Boots in his career.
1. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona, Spain)
It is no surprise at the inclusion of Lamine Yamal on this list. The young Spanish winger is currently outpacing his peers and continues to deliver at a higher level.
Yamal played a crucial role as the Spanish National Team went on to win the UEFA European Football Championship in 2024.
At his level, he is already compared to some of the legends at the club, especially Lionel Messi, and it is no surprise due to his fine form and consistency in the first team.