Perhaps the most glamorous of all soccer positions, wide forwards (also known as wingers) are the players who most often dazzle with their trickery and devastating pace. Away from the rough and tumble of midfield, they are more likely to receive the ball in space -- and that's where the magic happens.
Some prefer the ball at their feet, cutting inside for a quality shooting opportunity or beating a fullback down the sideline to put in a perfect cross. Others like to do their damage on the receiving end, letting other playmakers work the ball into dangerous positions before crashing the box for a decisive goal.
No matter the plan of attack, the wing is where some of soccer's brightest stars ply their craft.
All stats provided by ESPN Research; all ages and teams correct as of Aug. 18.
The 2025-26 FC 100, position by position
Go to: Goalkeepers | Fullbacks | Center backs | Defensive/central midfielders | Attacking midfielders | Wide forwards | Center forwards
20. Ismaïla SARR, Crystal Palace/Senegal, 28 years old
What makes him special: His goals and speed from the flank are a nightmare for opponents, thanks in part to his unorthodox positioning and style.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: He had five goal involvements (4 goals, 1 assist) at the 2026 World Cup, the most by a Senegalese player in a single World Cup.
Why he's on the list: In a world of inverted wingers and wide forwards cutting inside to shoot, Sarr stands out for being traditional. A right-footer playing on the right flank with genuine pace, he's something of a throwback to simpler tactical times.
Sarr's comfort with playing such an old-school role gives him a huge advantage against fullbacks clearly used to defending against something different, and year after year he makes fools of them. Despite not necessarily working himself into the same shooting angles and positions that peers such as Michael Olise or Lamine Yamal would, the Senegal international has chipped in healthily to his club's goal tally, netting eight and nine in the past two league campaigns, respectively. Then, his four goals at the 2026 World Cup placed his name alongside the very best, and perhaps made a few more people sit up and take notice of his talents.
What's next: Winning the Conference League with Crystal Palace last season will give Sarr a crack at the Europa League in 2026-27. There's no reason he (and the Eagles) can't go back-to-back. -- Sam Tighe
19. Julián QUIÑONES, Al Qadsiah/Mexico, 29
What makes him special: An all-out wide forward just as clever with his precise finishing and intelligent runs as he is energetic with his blistering sprints.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: Scored four goals in the 2026 World Cup, joining Luis Hernández (1998) as the only Mexican players to score that many goals in a single World Cup.
Why he's on the list: Outscoring marquee names in the Saudi Pro League such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney and Karim Benzema, Quiñones finished as the leading goal scorer for the 2025-26 season after finding the back of the net 33 times for Al Qadsiah. When including assists, the Colombian-born Mexican international amassed 37 goal contributions in just 31 league appearances.
Heading into the summer with immense momentum, Quiñones made history by equaling Hernández's record of four goals for Mexico in a single World Cup. Described by FIFA itself as "one of the revelations" of the tournament, he also scored Mexico's first goal in a narrow yet dramatic 3-2 loss to England in the round of 16.
Still in his late 20s and improving with each passing year, the dynamic attacker has at least a couple more seasons of elite soccer in his boots.
What's next: Does he stay in the Saudi Pro League? Although there have been rumors of interest from European clubs, no deal has materialized, and the fee to sign the Mexican international likely wouldn't be cheap. While many fans of El Tri would love to see him in one of Europe's Big Five leagues, he does seem to have clearly benefitted from his move to Saudi Arabia in 2024. As for what's ahead: back-to-back Golden Boots at club level and a more elevated star role for Mexico? -- Cesar Hernandez
18. Yan DIOMANDE, Real Madrid/Ivory Coast, 19
What makes him special: A frighteningly good winger who torments fullbacks, creates chaos and scores goals.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: His 20 goal contributions in the 2025-26 Bundesliga (12 goals, 8 assists) were second most among teenagers in Europe's top five leagues last season, behind Lamine Yamal.
Why he's on the list: The Ivory Coast forward's rise has been rapid. In three years, the 19-year-old has gone from playing in the United Premier Soccer League to joining Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €140 million. It was his performances with RB Leipzig in Germany last season -- his only year with the Bundesliga side -- that led Madrid to spend so much to beat Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool (among others) to Diomande's signature.
Across 36 appearances, he scored 13 goals and created nine more, and his wing play was only bettered by Lamine Yamal across Europe's top leagues. He attempted a Bundesliga-high 214 take-ons with a staggering 55.1% success rate. Bayern Munich's Olise ranked second with 160 take-ons with a 40.6% success rate. In fact, no one in the league with over 70 take-ons registered a success rate of over 50%.
Madrid have not just signed one of the most promising attackers in the world; they have signed someone who is ready to hit the ground running.
What's next: The pressure at Leipzig is not the same as it is at Madrid -- especially when you arrive in the Spanish capital for such a big fee. The challenge facing Diomande is not an enviable one this year, but you would imagine he will be relishing it. He must deliver performances befitting the price Madrid paid for him while finding a way to coexist with superstars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior and Jude Bellingham. -- Sam Marsden
17. Mohamed SALAH, Trabzonspor/Egypt, 34
What makes him special: A Liverpool legend thanks to his output and dedication, he is also one of the best players of his generation.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 9
One key stat: In 2025-26, he surpassed Andrew Cole for the fourth-most goals in Premier League history.
Why he's on the list: By Salah's impossibly high standards, last season was a huge disappointment. His tally of 12 goals in all competitions was his lowest in a Liverpool shirt, and much of the campaign was underscored by his feud with head coach Arne Slot. With both Slot and Salah having now left Anfield, it feels like the start of a new era for the Reds.
For Salah, too, there is now an opportunity to show he still has more to give. He certainly demonstrated that at the World Cup, where he captained Egypt to their best finish at the tournament before they suffered a last-gasp defeat to Argentina in the round of 16.
What's next: Salah shocked the soccer world this summer when he signed for Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. He will immediately become the club's main man and will aim to guide them to their eighth league title this term as well as a successful run in the Europa League. -- Beth Lindop
16. Bryan MBEUMO, Manchester United/Cameroon, 27
What makes him special: He's fast, ruthless and offers a credible, consistent goal threat from out wide.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: He led United with five game-winning goals in all competitions in the 2025-26 season.
Why he's on the list: Plenty of players have gotten a big-money move to Manchester United over the years and struggled in their first campaign. Mbeumo, who arrived last summer from Brentford in a deal worth upward of $94 million, was not one of them. His 12 goals across all competitions were the joint most in the side. He scored United's opener in wins against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal -- with the victories over Liverpool and Arsenal coming at Anfield and the Emirates.
Mbeumo's speed, work rate, willingness to make runs and clinical finishing give United a consistent threat off the right, with his goal against Liverpool an example of Mbeumo at his very best. And while he didn't create as many goals for others as he did at Brentford, his delivery from out wide is a real asset.
While he hit a cold spell and went more than three months without a goal, he was instrumental in United finishing the season on 71 points and in third place in the Premier League despite a managerial change in January.
What's next: United's big additions this summer have been a pair of central midfielders, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. The attack is slated to look very similar to last year, even though the team is back in Europe and will almost certainly go further in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup than they did last year. That means more games and more opportunities for Mbeumo to continue carving out a role as a vital cog in the club's attack this season. If he keeps scoring at the rate he did last season and starts bagging assists like he did at Brentford, watch out. -- Rob Dawson
15. Anthony GORDON, Barcelona/England, 25
What makes him special: His superpowers are his extreme speed and relentless pressing ability. He's always impacting the game with or without the ball, and managers love that.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: With two assists in England's comeback win over Congo DR in the World Cup, he became the first player in the past 60 years to provide two assists as a substitute in a World Cup knockout stage game (Norway's Andreas Schjelderup did the same vs. Brazil four days later).
Why he's on the list: His haul of 10 Champions League goals clearly caught the attention of our voters -- as well as Europe's elite last season, judging by his summer transfer to Barcelona -- as Gordon excelled on the biggest club soccer stage. He clocked in as the fastest player in the Premier League in 2025-26, topping 36 km/h according to Gradient Sports. Combine that with the fact that he can run all day and press intelligently, and it's not hard to see why managers take a real shine to him.
There are moments when questions over his finishing emerge, but he's always offering value in one form or another, whether stretching the pitch by running in behind, or forcing turnovers for teammates to feast on in the attacking third.
What's next: Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will adore his speed and work rate, but will his end product stand up to the scrutiny of expectation at one of the world's biggest clubs? -- Sam Tighe
14. Kenan YILDIZ, Juventus/Türkiye, 21
What makes him special: At age 21, he led one of Europe's proudest old clubs in just about every statistic of consequence.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: Finished second in shots on goal (40) and chances created (76) in Serie A last season.
Why he's on the list: Juventus were dealing with another season of stagnation, starting terribly before bringing Luciano Spalletti aboard as manager and finishing sixth in Serie A. Twenty-four different players started league matches, but only two players under age 25 started more than five times.
Thanks to Yildiz, however, it almost felt as if they pulled off a successful youth movement. (Almost.)
Yildiz led the team in nearly everything that matters from an attacking perspective: goals scored (10), assists (six), chances created (76), shots (97), shots on goal (40), one-on-one attempts (170), successful one-on-ones in the box (12), fouls suffered (56), ground duels attempted (331) and won (160) and crosses attempted (124) and completed (33). He was their creator, their set piece taker, their scorer, their everything. He can drop deep and contribute to buildup play, he can stress fullbacks with solid speed on the outside, he can operate in tight spaces, and he can finish well. With the right players around him, he could become one of Europe's best playmakers.
What's next: Juve have desperately attempted to find complementary talent for Yildiz this summer, adding veterans Randal Kolo Muani and Jérémie Boga and exciting youngsters such as Kerim Alajbegovic and Jeff Ekhator. But we know Yildiz will be the center of gravity once again. -- Bill Connelly
13. Ademola LOOKMAN, Atlético Madrid/Nigeria, 28
What makes him special: Adapted easily to life in Spain, bringing his pace, dribbling and goal threat to LaLiga.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: He has made 12 goal contributions (9 goals, 3 assists) for Atlético Madrid since joining the club in February, one behind Julián Alvarez for most in the span.
Why he's on the list: Lookman was an instant and convincing upgrade to Atlético Madrid's attack when he arrived in February, bringing a welcome injection of speed and cutting edge to a team in need. There was no adaptation period required, as Lookman slotted in immediately and ended the 2025-26 season with 10 goals between LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, as Atlético reached the Champions League semis and the Copa final. "Everybody wants to play a certain type of football here, and everyone wants to get a feel of the ball," he told ESPN in April, when asked about life in Spain. "To me, it's the best way to play football."
Coach Diego Simeone liked what he saw, but also made clear he wanted and expected even more from the winger. Atlético's season fizzled out with a fourth-place finish in LaLiga, but Lookman's impact was one of the season's undisputed highlights.
What's next: After a summer of rest given Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup, Lookman should enjoy a flying start in 2026-27. He'll have more responsibility, too, with Antoine Griezmann having left Atlético and doubts over the future of Julián Alvarez. He'll partner with new signing Alejandro Grimaldo on the left flank, and he'll hope to benefit from teammate Álex Baena's World Cup form for Spain if the playmaker can bring it back home to his club. -- Alex Kirkland
12. Bradley BARCOLA, Paris Saint-Germain/France, 23
What makes him special: Pacy and dynamic, Barcola is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: Led Europe's top five leagues last season with 28 shots on goal while playing as a winger (left or right).
Why he's on the list: It has been a special couple of years for Barcola. As part of Luis Enrique's PSG superteam, the 23-year-old has won back-to-back league and Champions League titles. He has also become a key member of the France squad under Didier Deschamps, registering three goals and an assist in eight games at the World Cup this summer. However, with competition for places fierce at PSG, Barcola is keen to establish himself as a regular starter and has become one of the most in-demand forwards in the transfer window, drawing interest from a host of top clubs, including Liverpool.
What's next: Barcola is officially still a PSG player at the time of publishing, but with Liverpool's interest in the forward intensifying, it would not be surprising to see him lining up in a red shirt at Anfield by the time the new season kicks off. -- Beth Lindop
11. Antoine SEMENYO, Manchester City/Ghana, 26
What makes him special: A powerful, athletic, goal-scoring wide forward whose form extended to Man City after a midseason move.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: Scored a career-high 17 goals in the Premier League last season (10 for Bournemouth, 7 for Manchester City); only Erling Haaland (27) and Igor Thiago (22) scored more Premier League goals in 2025-26.
Why he's on the list: Last season was a turning point in Semenyo's career. His form in the first half of the campaign for AFC Bournemouth had the Premier League's biggest clubs queuing up for his signature in the January window. Manchester City won the race, and he simply carried on at the Etihad where he left off at the Vitality Stadium.
His 10 league goals for Bournemouth, followed by another seven for City, was even enough to finish third in the Golden Boot race behind Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago. Semenyo also got the winner in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea as Pep Guardiola picked up his final trophy as City boss.
What's next: Semenyo will aim to keep it going. He has made the step up to City with ease, and if he can score 15-plus Premier League goals again this season, he will be a big asset for new manager Enzo Maresca. At times last season he struggled in some of the bigger games against better opposition, but there were encouraging signs in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. -- Rob Dawson
10. Jérémy DOKU, Manchester City/Belgium, 24
What makes him special: A quick, direct and dangerous winger whose confidence is matched by his performances.
Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked
No. of FC 100 appearances: Brand new to the list
One key stat: Led the Premier League in successful take-ons in each of the past two seasons (82 and 107).
Why he's on the list: In 2025-26, Doku established himself as a regular starter at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. He was branded "unplayable" by former Liverpool coach Arne Slot after a blistering performance in a 3-0 win over the Reds in November, and got an incredible stoppage-time equalizer in a 3-3 draw with Everton in May as City tried desperately to keep up with Arsenal in the title race.
Still only 24, Doku is among the best natural wingers in the world. Few players can match his pace, skill and trickery, which makes him a difficult prospect for defenders.
What's next: Doku has admitted himself that he needs to score more. Despite producing some singularly stunning moments for City last season, there must be more consistency in front of goal. Getting in positions to score more simple tap-ins would boost his goal return of four or five a season to double figures. Doku is yet to reach 10 in all competitions in a single season, and it should be a realistic target for a player of his ability. -- Rob Dawson
9. Désiré DOUÉ, Paris Saint-Germain/France, 21
What makes him special: He is one of the most exciting players to watch and emulates the dribbling and close control of his idol, Neymar, at an incredible technical level.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: At 20 years, 309 days old, Doué became the sixth-youngest player to score 10 career Champions League goals, only behind Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Karim Benzema.
Why he's on the list: Doué's rise over the past 18 months for PSG and France has been exceptional. He has established himself as one of the best under-21 players in the world. His wonderful technical ability combined with his pace in movement, his physical strength and soccer IQ make him a rare player, especially at such a young age.
Coach Luis Enrique likes his versatility and has been using it to PSG's benefit, with Doué playing four or five different positions all season long; whether operating out wide, as a false 9 at the front of the attack or as a deeper midfielder, the France prodigy has flourished. He has improved a lot in terms of his work ethic as well, working hard for the team after some games when he was maybe a bit too individualistic. His decision-making got better when he focused more on playing for the team than for the cameras.
What's next: He still needs to get more consistent, not just with his goals and assists, but also in his overall performances. But he is still so young that it will undoubtedly develop if he continues to impress in Paris. -- Julien Laurens
8. RAPHINHA, Barcelona/Brazil, 29
What makes him special: The Brazilian combines relentless running and pressing with quality in the final third.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: Scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, tied with Ferran Torres for the second most on Barcelona; only Lamine Yamal (24) had more in 2025-26.
Why he's on the list: After the Barça forward produced a campaign that could easily have won him the Ballon d'Or in 2024-25, injuries prevented Raphinha going to the next level last term. He still delivered when he was on the pitch; the problem was he was not on it enough, and Barça suffered as a result. They lost only two of the 33 games he featured in, losing eight of the 24 games he missed. In those 33 appearances, he contributed 21 goals and seven assists.
Beyond numbers, though, Raphinha stands out for how he leads by example amid a squad that skews young: He presses, harries and never gives opponents a moment's peace when they have the ball.
Unfortunately, his injury problems also followed him to the World Cup. His tournament ended after two group stage games due to another hamstring problem, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Brazil exited in the round of 16 to Norway.
What's next: It is hard to imagine Raphinha bettering his 2024-25 campaign, when he scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists, but if he can stay fit this season, Barça will be in the running for every trophy. He might have to fight for his place on the left of the Blaugrana attack, though, after the €70 million summer signing of Anthony Gordon. However, he starts the campaign with a clear advantage over the Englishman, and with the objective of captaining Barça to Champions League success. -- Sam Marsden
7. Bukayo SAKA, Arsenal/England, 24
What makes him special: When healthy, he makes more things happen than almost anyone else in the best league in the world.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 4
One key stat: Had the most chances created among players acting as wingers last Premier League season (40).
Why he's on the list: Injuries and a prolonged finishing funk almost made us forget how good Saka is. In 2025-26, he started only 25 Premier League matches -- after starting just 20 in 2024-25 -- and between Dec. 6 and Feb. 12, he went scoreless in 10 matches despite attempting shots worth a combined 2.3 xG. That made his raw goals-and-assists total (12) his worst since his age-18 season in 2020-21.
However, even while ranking just 131st in Premier League minutes, Saka still ended up in the league's top 20 in ball recoveries in the attacking third (first), successful one-on-ones in the box (fourth), fouls won in the attacking third (fourth), chances created (sixth), crosses completed (ninth), shots on goal (16th) and assists (17th). Arsenal averaged 2.44 points when he started and only 1.85 when he didn't (and 1.71 when he didn't play at all).
With more Saka, Arsenal's title chase would have been far more comfortable, and he remains one of the most active and exciting playmakers in the world.
What's next: An academy graduate and the highest-paid Arsenal player ever, Saka isn't going anywhere. But the club has spent much of the brief offseason trying to figure out how to bring some high-caliber complements to town. Regardless of who's a Gunner when the August window closes, however, simply getting 30-plus starts from Saka again would be the equivalent of adding a megasigning. -- Bill Connelly
6. Vinícius JÚNIOR, Real Madrid/Brazil, 26
What makes him special: Blending Brazilian flair, pace and a relentless will to succeed, Vini Jr. continues to be a potent, productive attacking force.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 6
One key stat: Has scored seven goals since the start of 2026 in all competitions, the second most among players in Europe's top five leagues in that span after Harry Kane (28).
Why he's on the list: Why were Real Madrid so keen to keep Vinícius -- and Arsenal so desperate to sign him -- this summer, before he renewed his contract? Because he's one of the most explosive, decisive forwards around, and a multiple Champions League-winner capable of opening up any defense, in any game, with a moment of magic.
Vinícius didn't have his best season in 2025-26, but even in that context, he still scored 16 goals in LaLiga and another five in Europe. He began the season being challenged like never before -- left out of the Madrid starting XI by then-manager Xabi Alonso, and stripped of his status as an undisputed starter -- and didn't respond well, most famously when he was substituted in El Clásico. But Vinícius bounced back to regain his place, and his form, with Madrid in the second half of the season.
His summer ultimately ended in disappointment with Brazil at the World Cup, but he still scored four goals in the group stage, including a stunner against Morocco in New Jersey. Then he became the central figure in one of the transfer stories of the summer, before committing his future to Madrid for another six years.
What's next: This year, Vinícius must justify Madrid's faith, and all the fuss along the way, in giving him that new deal. Madrid have gone two seasons without winning a major trophy, and that can't continue. Central to their chances of an upturn will be Vinícius' partnership with Kylian Mbappé and new arrival Yan Diomande. If Madrid get that blend right, it's a potentially unstoppable forward line.
As for Brazil, coach Carlo Ancelotti loves Vinícius and wants to give him a leading role in the buildup to their next major tournament, the Copa América in 2028. -- Alex Kirkland
5. Lionel MESSI, Inter Miami/Argentina, 39
What makes him special: One sentence isn't enough to define the greatest soccer player of all time, who has unmatched vision, technique, dribbling, ball control, poise, game-changing brilliance ... you get the idea.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 10
One key stat: Set career highs in World Cup goals (8) and assists (4), finishing second in both categories in the 2026 World Cup. He also had the most chances created, successful one-on-one dribbles and successful crosses in the 2026 World Cup.
Why he's on the list: Where do you even begin? In 2025, he clinched an MLS Cup title with Inter Miami, the league MVP award and the Golden Boot trophy. In 2026 -- at time of writing before MLS returns to play on Aug. 15 -- Messi has continued his brilliant club form with 20 goal contributions across 15 games so far this season for Miami.
Despite being unable to win back-to-back World Cups with Argentina, Messi can still hold his head very high, having carried his country to this summer's final where it lost 1-0 to Spain. Thanks to his eight goals and four assists, he not only finished with the Silver Ball award, but also the World Cup's Silver Boot title.
Yet this all merely scratches the surface of the 39-year-old who is somehow continuing to break additional records. The first player to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches, the first to reach 12 total World Cup assists (since 1966 when they began being tracked in the tournament), the first to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards -- if there was more space to write, we could go on.
What's next: He's almost 40, but don't expect him to be hanging up his cleats in the near future. In October, he renewed his contract with Miami through 2028, meaning he'll continue to be a nightmare for any and all defenders that his club faces.
As for the national team? We'll have to wait and see. He noted before the World Cup that he would only join Argentina if he was 100% fit, which hints at him thinking twice about his own balance between club and country duties as he gets older.
Surely there's no way that a 43-year-old Messi will be at the 2030 World Cup, right? Right?! Stranger things have happened... -- Cesar Hernandez
4. Luis DÍAZ, Bayern Munich/Colombia, 29
What makes him special: Relentless and explosive, Díaz is now at the peak of his powers after several impressive seasons.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 3
One key stat: His 39 goal contributions (22 goals, 17 assists) in league and Champions League play last season were the fifth most among players in Europe's top five leagues.
Why he's on the list: Díaz's move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich was one of last summer's big transfer successes. The Colombia international was sensational for the Bundesliga side last term, scoring 15 goals and 14 assists in 32 league appearances as Bayern powered to the title. He also dazzled in the pick of last season's Champions League ties, a heavyweight semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool's decision to sanction Díaz's exit backfired spectacularly, demonstrating what an asset the forward continues to be at age 29. He also bagged a goal and assist for Colombia as they reached the last 16 of the World Cup.
What's next: Díaz has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, but his performances last season show he still has what it takes to excel on the biggest stage with Bayern or elsewhere in Europe's top tier. -- Beth Lindop
3. Khvicha KVARATSKHELIA, Paris Saint-Germain/Georgia, 25
What makes him special: The kind of player you pay to go and see, he keeps you on the edge of your seat with his dribbling, flair and goals.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 4
One key stat: Became the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive Champions League knockout stage appearances in a single season.
Why he's on the list: At 25, the man they call "Kvaradona" is a potential Ballon d'Or winner after leading PSG to consecutive Champions League titles. He picked up the name in Naples -- in reference to another Napoli icon, Diego Maradona -- and lives up to the lofty comparison, managing an incredible seven goals and four assists in nine Champions League knockout games last season. There is not a more clutch player in the world right now. He loves the big nights and the big games and has always responded greatly to the occasion by being decisive and carrying the team as well as working hard for the team.
What makes him stand out from others on this list is his ability to dribble the ball great distances while running at top speed, using different parts of his feet to remain in stride. As Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal found out last season, Kvaratskhelia is unstoppable with possession and space in which to run.
What's next: Kvara will be very important again for PSG in 2026-27 from the left wing, where he will torment defenders. He only turned 25 last February, which means he's still approaching his peak years. -- Julien Laurens
2. Lamine YAMAL, Barcelona/Spain, 19
What makes him special: A generational, one-of-a-kind player who brings supporters to their feet with his creativity and imagination when running with the ball, and he still has his entire career ahead of him.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: The youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup (at 19 years, 6 days), he completed the most take-ons in Europe's top five leagues in 2025-26.
Why he's on the list: The teen phenom continues to go from strength to strength. At the age of just 19, he is already considered the most important player at Barcelona and a genuine Ballon d'Or contender. After finishing second to Ousmane Dembélé last year in Ballon d'Or voting, he is expected to come close to winning the coveted individual prize again this year after claiming a third LaLiga title with Barça and the World Cup with Spain.
The numbers tell one story -- 24 goals and 17 assists in 45 appearances for Barça last season -- but you have to watch him to truly appreciate how good he is. There is a buzz in stadiums when he gets on the ball. He is frightening when running at opponents and does it better than any other winger in the world, combining pace and trickery. No one attempted more than his 285 take-ons in LaLiga last term -- Vinícius Junior ranked second with 241, but played 600 minutes more.
After suffering a hamstring injury in April, Yamal returned just in time to feature in all eight Spain matches as they won the World Cup. Despite not being fully match fit, he scored one goal and was a constant outlet on the right, drawing opponents and creating space for his teammates, with La Roja securing their second star in North America.
What's next: The bar has been set so high by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the past 20 years that there is a demand for stratospheric numbers from players such as Yamal. His goal-and-assist tally last season was impressive, but there is a thirst for him to do more -- particularly in terms of finding the net.
There is also a natural progression curve you would imagine he will continue to follow as he grows up. His youthfulness might be overstated at times, but it is important to remember he is still a teenager -- albeit a teenager who is tasked with ending Barça's 11-year wait for another Champions League crown. -- Sam Marsden
1. Michael OLISE, Bayern Munich/France, 24
What makes him special: Two years ago, he was a promising Crystal Palace winger; now he might be the best creative talent in the world.
No. of FC 100 appearances: 2
One key stat: With seven assists in the 2026 World Cup, he passed Pelé (6 in 1970) for the most assists in a single World Cup on record (past 60 years).
Why he's on the list: It was always clear that Olise had immense potential: He recorded 12 assists at age 18 with Reading in the English Championship, and in his final two seasons with Palace, he notched double-digit assists in one year and double-digit goals in the other. That a mega-club such as Bayern would be willing to pay €60 million for his services made sense; two years later, €60 million feels like a spectacular discount.
In two seasons with Bayern, Olise has combined 42 goals with 46 assists in all competitions. His partnership with Harry Kane and Luis Díaz created the most potent Bayern attack ever in 2025-26, and it goes without saying that the German giants have had plenty of ridiculous attacks through the years. Meanwhile, in his first World Cup, Olise recorded seven assists on France's run to the semifinals, three more than anyone else in the inflated tournament field.
Almost overnight, Olise blossomed into maybe the best passing attacker in the world; he's a plus scorer, too, and he won't turn 25 until December. He is a preposterous talent.
What's next: After he spent a few weeks with Mbappé over the summer, "Olise to Real Madrid?" rumors quickly began to percolate. Maybe that will happen eventually, but he's signed with Bayern until 2029, his transfer fee would be astronomical, and he's guaranteed to spend at least one more season with Harry Kane & Co. in the Bayern attack. -- Bill Connelly
The 2025-26 FC 100, position by position
Go to: Goalkeepers | Fullbacks | Center backs | Defensive/central midfielders | Attacking midfielders | Wide forwards | Center forwards