Every summer, Premierbet releases an exclusive list of 25 elite footballers who have demonstrated consistent top-tier performances. These players are recognized not just for their talent but for their ability to maintain excellence over time.
Being world-class is a prestigious label that sets the elite apart from the merely good. However, it’s a subjective term that sparks debates among football enthusiasts. To contribute to this engaging discussion, Premierbet has curated a list of 25 players who exemplify the pinnacle of football prowess.
This list spans all positions on the field, ensuring a balanced representation with at least three players from each position group: goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and attack, and no more than nine from each. Now, it’s time to reveal who retains their spot in the World-Class Club and who must bid farewell. Check out the 2024 list below and share your thoughts in the comments!
1. Alisson Becker
Injury interrupted Alisson’s 2023-24 campaign, but his world-class status remains due to his staggering consistency dating back to his Roma days. As Brazil’s No.1, he exemplifies the modern goalkeeper: brave and precise with the ball at his feet and a sensational shot-stopper, demonstrated by his stunning save from Miguel Almiron during Liverpool’s dramatic win over Newcastle last August.
2. Thibaut Courtois
Despite missing nearly the entire 2023-24 season with an ACL tear, Courtois showcased his quality upon returning. He kept a clean sheet in every single one of the five games he played, including the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund. His class truly is permanent.
3. Ederson
Ederson appears to be edging closer to a move to the Saudi Pro League. Should such a transfer occur, Manchester City will struggle to replace his role in their success. His fantastic passing range and impressive concentration levels made him perfect for Pep Guardiola’s style. The Brazil international will be sorely missed.
4. Mike Maignan
Maignan experienced a topsy-turvy 2023-24 season with AC Milan, seemingly losing some of his magic. However, he regained his form at the Euros, keeping more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper, helping a goal-shy France side reach the semi-finals.
5. Emiliano Martinez
Martinez may not be universally liked, especially in France, but he is undeniably a great goalkeeper. His heroics at the 2022 World Cup and Argentina’s Copa America triumph were followed by an excellent season with Aston Villa, contributing to their shock fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
6. Dani Carvajal
Carvajal might not be popular with English fans or Real Madrid’s rivals, but his world-class status is unquestionable. The European Championship winner’s crucial goal in Madrid’s Champions League triumph was a fitting reward for his sustained excellence over the years.
7. Ruben Dias
Dias has been a model of consistency since joining Manchester City from Benfica in 2020. He’s almost unbeatable both in the air and on the ground and has won the Premier League title every season since moving to England. His formidable centre-back partnership with Pepe at Euro 2024 was another highlight.
8. Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi is arguably the most complete right-back in the world, excelling both in attack and defense. The 25-year-old, inexplicably allowed to leave Real Madrid in 2020, scored five goals and provided seven assists for PSG last season and was crucial in Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
9. Theo Hernandez
It’s time to acknowledge Theo Hernandez. Despite France’s poor performance at Euro 2024, Hernandez excelled, proving a fantastic attacking threat and dispelling doubts about his defensive abilities. As AC Milan’s buccaneering left-back, he’s arguably the world’s best in his position.
10. Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich is one of the most complete footballers on the planet, excelling as both a defensive midfielder and a full-back. His performance against Arsenal in Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final was colossal, and he created more chances (15) than anyone else at the Euros.
11. Marquinhos
Marquinhos, who joined PSG from Roma in 2013, proved a bargain buy despite injury issues last season. He led PSG to the Champions League semi-finals and was a talisman for both Brazil and PSG. His versatility allows him to excel in both defense and midfield.
12. Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger, an outstanding centre-back with both physique and technique, was one of Real Madrid’s most reliable performers during their Spanish title triumph. He earned inclusion in La Liga’s Team of the Season and the Champions League select XI for the third time in five years.
13. Virgil van Dijk
Reports of Virgil van Dijk’s demise were exaggerated. After a slow start to the season, the Liverpool captain re-established himself as one of the finest defenders, highlighted by his extra-time winner in the Carabao Cup final. His aerial prowess was crucial as the Netherlands reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
14. Jude Bellingham
Florentino Perez was right: Bellingham was born to play for Real Madrid. He had a stellar debut season, winning both La Liga and the Champions League. Despite losing the Euro 2024 final, the 21-year-old’s performances secured his entry to the elite players list.
15. Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne remains the best attacking midfielder in the world despite Belgium’s poor Euro 2024 campaign. Only Florian Wirtz finished the club season with more assists than De Bruyne, who played 23 games fewer due to injury. Manchester City wouldn’t have won a fourth consecutive Premier League title without him.
16. Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan’s move to Barcelona last summer was a significant loss for Manchester City. At 33, he remains one of the finest players in his position. He racked up 14 assists for Barca in the 2023-24 campaign and ranked second for chances created across Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues.
17. Jamal Musiala
Musiala, like Bellingham, has secured his place among the elite at just 21. He illuminated Euro 2024, scoring three times and showcasing his dribbling skills. Despite Germany’s disappointing performance, Musiala offers hope for the future.
18. Pedri
Pedri’s Euro 2024 campaign was cut short by a poor challenge from Toni Kroos. Despite his injury woes, his talent is undeniable. If he stays fit, the 21-year-old Barcelona star could become one of Spain’s greatest players.
19. Rodri
Rodri, named the best player at Euro 2024, is currently the best player in the world. His influence and intelligence make both Spain and Manchester City nearly unbeatable. He has added goals to his game, making him the complete footballer.
20. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is an unselfish team player who excels in pressing and possesses fantastic skills. He hit double figures for both goals and assists, winning a sixth Premier League title with Manchester City and performing admirably for Portugal at Euro 2024.
21. Erling Haaland
Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched despite criticism of his overall game. He scored 38 times in 45 appearances last season, securing his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot. If he improves his all-round game, he’ll become unstoppable.
22. Harry Kane
Kane had a tough Euros, but his performance for Bayern Munich was stellar. Involved in more goals than anyone else in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues last season, Kane now needs to prove that time hasn’t caught up with him.
23. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe admitted he wasn’t at his best last season, but he still scored more goals than anyone else in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues. With a dream move to Real Madrid, Mbappe is set to wreak havoc in the upcoming season.
24. Mohamed Salah
Salah endured a disappointing end to the season due to injury but remained a force at the highest level. Involved in 38 goals last season despite starting only 34 games, Salah’s transfer talk to Saudi Arabia hasn’t diminished his elite status.
25. Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr continually delivers for Real Madrid despite facing reprehensible racial abuse. His performances were crucial in Madrid’s Champions League triumph, and Brazil’s Copa America campaign could have gone further if not for his suspension.
Membership Revoked
Lionel Messi is the most notable name removed from the elite list in 2024. Despite winning another Copa America, time and injuries have taken their toll. Other players like Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski, and Toni Kroos have also seen their statuses change due to various reasons, including age, injuries, and career decisions.
