Anticipation continues to build as the countdown begins for the 2025 Golazo 100 rankings. Football enthusiasts worldwide are eager to see which talents have left an indelible mark on the sport. This year’s list showcases a plethora of talent and captivating narratives.
Gregor Kobel: Rising Above the Rest
Gregor Kobel has firmly established himself as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper and is now ranked the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. Kobel's outstanding performances have consistently placed him ahead of notable names like Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. His skill and reliability between the posts have drawn significant interest from top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
David Alaba: A Testament to Resilience
David Alaba's reputation as one of the world's premier center backs remains undisputed, even in the face of adversity. Formerly an elite left-back, Alaba has excelled in the center-back position over the past four years. However, in December, he suffered a torn cruciate ligament, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his post-injury athleticism. Fans eagerly await his recovery, hoping he will return to the dominant form he's known for.
Warren Zaire-Emery: A Rising Star
Warren Zaire-Emery was one of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list. Despite his relatively brief career, his recent call-up to Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad signifies his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has proven himself a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain’s problematic position, and his future looks incredibly bright.
Ben White: The Epitome of a Modern Full Back
Ben White epitomizes the versatility required of a modern full back, capable of performing all three main roles of his position with excellence. Surprisingly, White did not make it to the list, despite his consistent and high-quality performances. His omission only underscores the fierce competition and immense talent pool in modern football.
Jonathan David: A Goal-Scoring Phenomenon
Jonathan David’s record speaks for itself, with an impressive tally of 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years. This remarkable feat has drawn interest from elite leagues, including Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could become a highly sought-after free agent within the next 12 months, an exciting prospect for many top clubs.
Benjamin Sesko: A Young Striker to Watch
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak, leaving analysts and fans alike in awe. Some analysts attribute his success to luck, but there is no denying that Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best young strikers. Among his admirers is Arsenal, who are closely watching his development.
Christopher Nkunku: Transitioning with Impact
Christopher Nkunku made an impressive transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. He recorded 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany, demonstrating his substantial impact on the field. However, his time on the pitch was limited to just 437 minutes during the 2023-24 Premier League season, leaving fans eager to see more of his brilliance in the coming years.
Antonee Robinson: Defensive Mastery
Antonee Robinson has significantly improved this season, particularly in his off-the-ball performances. He topped the charts for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his defensive prowess. Despite Fulham not competing at the highest level, Robinson has proven his worth and continues to be a player to watch.
Matias Soule: A Creator on the Rise
Matias Soule made a significant impact in Serie A, creating 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His ranking next year will largely depend on the platform he has within his team and his continued development. Fans are hopeful that Soule will continue to hone his playmaking abilities.
Joao Felix: Seeking the Perfect Fit
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, yet his potential remains unfulfilled. Felix has struggled to find the perfect fit for his style of play. His creative vision, passing, and strong running continue to inspire, but he doesn’t align well with Atletico Madrid's tactics. With Barcelona potentially unable to afford his permanent transfer, Felix's future remains uncertain.
Quotes
"As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, anticipation builds around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings."
"Ranked the ninth best goalkeeper in the world, Kobel's caliber surpasses notable names such as Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez."
"The former elite left back, who has excelled in the center back position for the past four years, suffered a torn cruciate ligament last December. The uncertainty of his post-injury athleticism leaves fans eager to see how he will recover."
"His recent call-up for Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad signifies his rising prominence."
"Delivering 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years."
"Ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak."
"Creating 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division."
"Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, but his potential remains unfulfilled."
"He topped the charts for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues."
"Don’t miss the full analysis and in-depth breakdown of who is ranked where and why."
"The journey through the top 100 players is as riveting as ever, filled with insights into the futures of football's brightest stars."
