Here we are: Preparing for a World Cup in November and December. Who would’ve ever imagined that soccer’s showpiece summer event would become a winter wonderland?
The game of football has changed a lot throughout the years: the way it’s played, who plays it, how we watch games being played. Slowly but surely the game evolved, and when there’s a jarring transformation — like a winter World Cup — it can feel like a revolution has happened overnight.
That change is reflected by the 2022 edition of ESPN FC’s World Cup Rank. We asked television analysts, reporters, columnists, producers and editors from all over the world to vote on who they believe to be the best players participating in this year’s tournament.
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For more than a decade, it came down to a duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to top this kind of list, but all of a sudden, this is not a title to be decided by them. This year’s list is full of fresh faces, many young but some older, who now have their chance to demonstrate that they’re the best that soccer has to offer.
And what better stage to do it on than the biggest sporting event on the planet?
So, with the input of our global network of contributors, these are the 50 best players at Qatar 2022.
Editor’s note: All ages are as of the start of the World Cup on Nov. 20.
Country: Cameroon
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 26
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Weirdly, he just about played more in 2022 for Cameroon than he did for his club sides, Ajax and Inter. But his agility and personality make him one of the leaders of this Cameroon team, and it’s not a coincidence that he unseated Inter’s longtime captain, Samir Handanovic, between the sticks earlier this year. Onana exudes confidence and has the skills to back it up. — Gab Marcotti
Country: Senegal
Club: Chelsea
Age: 31
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Senegal have high hopes for this World Cup following their African Cup of Nations triumph in February, and while there’ll be plenty of attention around their brilliant forward Sadio Mane, any triumph will be anchored at the back and captain Koulibaly is indispensable. His season has started slowly at new club Chelsea following his summer move from Napoli, but he’ll feel right at home in front of Edouard Mendy as the last wall of defence for Senegal. He prioritises the collective over any individual praise. When Senegal won the Cup of Nations, Koulibaly refused to lift the trophy by himself and instead waited to be back with his team so they could celebrate together. — Tom Hamilton
Country: England
Club: Arsenal
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There is plenty of competition for places in wide attacking areas for England, but Saka’s impressive Arsenal form gives him a live chance of forcing his way into the starting lineup. The 21-year-old is in the mix with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount — among others — for two positions either side of Harry Kane in attack, but Southgate is full of praise for the way Saka recovered from being one of three players to miss a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy. — James Olley
Country: Brazil
Club: Manchester City
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Brazil have played ten games this year, and Ederson has only appeared once — in a World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay that was so easy he could have taken a deckchair. Brave and imposing, with a left foot that combines precision with howitzer power, Ederson would walk into many national teams in Qatar, but he looks set to be the backup for Brazil. He got the nod in the knockout stages of last year’s Copa America, but without doing anything wrong, appears to have lost out to Alisson. — Tim Vickery
Country: Denmark
Club: Manchester United
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 19
The fact Eriksen is on the list is remarkable given what happened in July 2021. Eriksen was playing for Denmark in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland, and in the 42nd minute of the match, he suffered a cardiac arrest. He received CPR on the field and in the ambulance he told his fiancée, “I’m not going to play again, no way.” Yet here we are ahead of the next major tournament, and Eriksen is Denmark’s key player.
Since that day in Copenhagen, Eriksen needed to have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator fitted, which meant due to Serie A rules, he could no longer play for Inter Milan. So he trained away from the public eye, and in February 2022 he returned to competitive football in the Premier League having signed a short-term deal with Brentford. In the summer he signed for Manchester United and has been key for them this term, but Eriksen featuring in the World Cup completes the full circle of a most remarkable recovery.
He made his international return in March as a substitute against the Netherlands, and scored within two minutes of coming onto the field. “He’s back and has the best football in front of him,” Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand said at the time. — Tom Hamilton
Country: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There were complaints across Spain last year when Luis Enrique called up Gavi at the age of 17 after just six Barcelona appearances. The complainers have since been silenced, with Gavi among Spain’s best players in each of his 12 caps so far. He is already an established part of the midfield, alongside club teammates Sergio Busquets and Pedri, and his intensity and work rate, not to mention his quality with the ball, will be important in Qatar. — Sam Marsden
Country: France
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Tchouameni made his big move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid in the summer and is now set to anchor France’s midfield in Qatar. Tchouameni, 22, made his national team debut during World Cup qualifying and has now consolidated his position, starting five of France’s past six games. He’s settled in well in Madrid, making replacing Casemiro look like no big deal. — Alex Kirkland
Country: Belgium
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 29
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 33
Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on loan from Chelsea has been disrupted by hamstring trouble this season, but if he recovers in time from his latest setback, he is in with a shout of the Golden Boot at the World Cup. He is Belgium’s talismanic striker and the focal point of their remarkable attack. With an impressive record of 68 goals in 102 matches, Lukaku is “irreplaceable,” in the words of manager Roberto Martinez. All of Belgium will be hoping his troublesome hamstring sorts itself out in time. — Tom Hamilton
Country: Spain
Club: Manchester City
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Spain go into the World Cup with two of the best defensive midfielders in the game with captain Sergio Busquets and Manchester City’s Rodri. Alongside the Barcelona player, Rodri provides a defensive shield to coach Luis Enrique’s back four and also gives Spain’s attacking midfielders the platform to take the game to the opposition in the final third of the pitch. — Mark Ogden
Country: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Without any hyperbole, this teenager might be the best pocket player in the game today. No one is quite as slick when under immense pressure in tight spaces. In fact, Musiala often moves into double or triple coverage intentionally to create room for his teammates. At 19, he is about to become the offensive centerpiece of the Germany national team. — Constantin Eckner
Country: Serbia
Club: Juventus
Age: 22
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The big man has had a rocky time over the past few months at club level, but he’s central to Serbia’s goal-scoring plans, forming a heavyweight tag team with Aleksandar Mitrovic. At 22, when he’s on song, he bristles with energy, athleticism and enthusiasm, outmuscling and outpacing most defenders. — Gab Marcotti
Country: Brazil
Club: Arsenal
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 36
Jesus may have been revitalised by his summer move to Arsenal from Manchester City, but his place in Brazil’s lineup is in doubt. In fact, he was omitted from the most recent squad in September altogether, although Brazilian head coach Tite confirmed the 25-year-old is very much “in the running” to make the final 26. Jesus’ energy and commitment have quickly endeared him to Gunners fans, but his north London rival Richarlison appears to be favoured to lead the Brazil attack at present. — James Olley
Country: France
Club: Barcelona
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 49
Dembele was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in 2018, but he has made just seven appearances since. However, the finals arrive with him in the best form of his Barcelona career. Xavi Hernandez has bet big on him and France should see the benefits. Dembele struggles with consistency but is electric when games open up and is likely to be a good option off the bench for Didier Deschamps. — Sam Marsden
Country: France
Club: Atletico Madrid
Age: 31
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 8
Griezmann certainly doesn’t have the same status as he did four years ago when he arrived in Russia having just won the Europa League with Atletico Madrid and finished one of the best seasons of his career. He was at his peak then. Now is a very different story.
His move to Barcelona two years ago was a disaster and he has struggled with France, too. He needs to recover his best form if he wants to help Les Bleus go far in this tournament — and keep his place in the starting lineup. With the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Christopher Nkunku and Kingsley Coman on the bench, Didier Deschamps could easily drop Griezmann. It is a huge tournament for him. At 31, this could be his last World Cup, and the French are hoping that the excitement of the tournament will bring the best back out of “Grizi.” — Julien Laurens
Country: Morocco
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 24
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
This is Hakimi’s first World Cup, and the 24-year-old right-back is ambitious. He is playing well this season with PSG, and Morocco are underdogs with a talented squad and nothing to lose. Hakimi is a big part of what could make them successful in Qatar with his runs and activity on the right. — Julien Laurens
Country: England
Club: Liverpool
Age: 24
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
While Alexander-Arnold is one of the first names on the Liverpool team sheet, his relationship with England has been less straightforward. He was omitted from their last matchday squad for the match with Germany and has made just three starts for the Three Lions since Euro 2020 — with none of them coming in his usual right-back spot. His versatility means he is equally adept in central midfield as he is on the right, but England haven’t figured out how to play to his strengths. With Reece James ruled out of the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold may yet be given a chance to showcase his rare skillset. — Tom Hamilton
Country: Argentina
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
He’s the heir to the great Argentina centre-forwards, taking up the mantle of Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero and Hernan Crespo. But he’s as much a provider as he is a finisher, always ready to come short to play a one-two or run behind to stretch a defensive line. — Gab Marcotti
Country: Germany
Club: Manchester City
Age: 32
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Gundogan didn’t have a great World Cup in 2018, but Germany have rediscovered some of their swagger ahead of Qatar, and the Manchester City midfielder’s experience and composure on the ball is important to Hansi Flick’s team. He’s become one of the on-field leaders for Pep Guardiola and for his national team. — Rob Dawson
Country: Netherlands
Club: Barcelona
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Netherlands have plenty of talent in the squad, but no one is as important as De Jong in terms of how the Dutch will play. He is crucial in the gameplay of Louis van Gaal. The way he is able to speed up with a dribble or key pass is vital and he can’t be missed during the tournament as no one in the squad has the qualities De Jong has. — Max Toemen
Country: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 33
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 28
Muller’s hips don’t lie, although currently they are causing too much trouble and add to the list of recent injuries. It would, however, fit his career to see him play an outstanding World Cup and prove all doubters, who predict the end of the “Raumdeuter,” wrong one more time. His ability to read the field better than almost anyone in the game can help him overcome some shortcomings related to his fitness. — Constantin Eckner
Country: Germany
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 29
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Rudiger will almost certainly be one of Germany’s first-choice centre-backs at the World Cup. The 29-year-old, who left Chelsea for Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer, played every minute of Germany’s run to the last 16 at Euro 2020, where they were beaten 2-0 by England at Wembley. The lack of a consistent goal-scoring threat will place additional emphasis on Germany’s defending, already under scrutiny after a run of just one win in seven games. Rudiger leads by example with his aggressive defensive style, partial to a bursting forward run that helped make him a popular figure at Stamford Bridge, although he has only started roughly half of Madrid’s matches this season. Rudiger was one of several players to speak out against FIFA’s decision to award the World Cup to Qatar, claiming in September that “it shows money plays a crucial role in the world of football.” — James Olley
Country: Brazil
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 28
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
It is the defence that will determine whether Brazil will win or lose this World Cup. Marquinhos, 28, will have a big role to play. His partnership with Thiago Silva is very solid, having played together for years at PSG and for the Selecao. They understand each other without a word, and the Brazilians will need them at their best. — Julien Laurens
Country: Portugal
Club: AC Milan
Age: 23
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Speed kills. And you can’t coach it. His accelerations down the left flank, his sudden bursts of creativity, his mazy dribbling … all of these had scouts mesmerized by his skills from a young age. But it’s really only recently that Leao has managed to elbow his way into Portugal’s crowded front line. — Gab Marcotti
Country: Portugal
Club: Manchester United
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Manchester United midfielder has yet to play to his full potential for Portugal due to coach Fernando Santos often favouring Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva in a floating role between the midfield and attack. There is also a belief that Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence is another complication for Fernandes, but the World Cup offers the 28-year-old the opportunity to finally break out on the international stage. — Mark Ogden
Country: Canada
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 22
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Davies is a world-class footballer with the abilities of an Olympic sprinter, an attacking winger playing left-back the majority of the time. He is so out of the ordinary that he naturally creates chaos on the field, particularly within the opposing back line. Some defenders are purposely sitting deep to give Davies as little room as possible to break through towards the byline.
While he is one among many top-class players at Bayern Munich, Davies is head and shoulders above any else at the Canada national team. Les Rouges need the Ghana-born left-footer to make their team truly competitive. If there is any issue that is possibly holding Davies back, it is the fact that his muscular body appears to be prone to injuries. — Constantin Eckner
Country: Brazil
Club: Manchester United
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Erik ten Hag calls Casemiro “the cement between the stones” at Manchester United, and in a Brazil team full of attacking flair, he is a valuable insurance policy in front of the defence. After taking time to earn a regular spot at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old has become one of United’s key players so far this season and he will be vital for the Selecao in Qatar. Tite has built a Brazil that has balance as one of its strengths and Casemiro’s role in the centre of the pitch — alongside United teammate Fred — is key to it. He’s heading to Qatar fit and in form. — Rob Dawson
Country: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 36
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: 25
No one is really able to defy age, not even an all-time great goalkeeper. For the time being, however, Neuer is still the same type of player he was a decade ago, meaning that he shows great reflexes and positional awareness as a shot stopper and is tremendously talented in the role of a sweeper keeper, frequently denying opponents from counterattacks. If there is anything that can stop Neuer, it is his age and mounting injuries. — Constantin Eckner
Country: Portugal
Club: Manchester City
Age: 25
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Dias has emerged as Portugal’s number one centre-half since playing a key role in their UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019. The Manchester City defender has forged a formidable partnership at the back with 39-year-old Porto centre-back Pepe, who continues to defy the years for club and country, but Dias is now the senior partner in that relationship with his leadership qualities and ability to read the game. — Mark Ogden
Country: England
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
England’s wunderkind plays with more restraint for England than he does for Borussia Dortmund, which is caused by the role Gareth Southgate usually puts him in. While Bellingham cannot show his box-to-box qualities as much, his runs down the field are crucial for the Three Lions to create chances.
Bellingham is the Swiss pocket knife among midfielders, as he can do almost anything from hard-nosed defending to opening the field with clever passes to making penetrating sprints into the box. England have become dependent on Bellingham. If he plays a strong tournament, the doors to the semifinals or even the final are wide open. — Constantin Eckner
Country: Brazil
Club: Liverpool
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Alisson was thrown in the deep end in 2015 when, little known and inexperienced, he was surprisingly promoted to become Brazil’s first-choice keeper. It proved an inspired hunch. He has developed into one of the world’s best in the position, sound and unflashy but capable of the outstanding. He has worked hard at his distribution, and over time has become one of the team’s leaders. All of these virtues keep him ahead of the excellent Ederson as Brazil’s No. 1. — Tim Vickery
20. Cristiano Ronaldo
Country: Portugal
Club: Manchester United
Age: 37
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 2
The Manchester United forward’s record-breaking career might finally be on the wane at the age of 37, but he remains a talismanic figure for Portugal ahead of his fifth appearance at a World Cup. Ronaldo goes into Qatar as the all-time leading goal scorer in international football, taking his tally to 117 by scoring twice in the 4-0 UEFA Nations League win against Switzerland in June.
Those are the only goals he has scored for Portugal in 2022, though, and the debate about his importance to his country is beginning to grow in the buildup to Qatar. Yet Ronaldo continues to be the first name on Coach Santos’ team sheet and his record of delivering big, important goals for his country cannot be disputed, so he will continue to lead his nation at this World Cup. — Mark Ogden
Country: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Barcelona midfielder was named the best young player at Euro 2020 and will be central to Spain’s hopes in Qatar. He will turn 20 during the tournament and, as is increasingly the case at Barca, everything La Roja do is likely to run through him.
He has a maturity beyond his years, knows when to speed up the game and when to slow it down and, most importantly, rarely makes mistakes with the ball. After an injury-hit campaign last time out, following his exploits at the Euros and the Olympic Games, he is now back in peak physical condition just in time for the biggest competition in the game. — Sam Marsden
18. Phil Foden
Country: England
Club: Manchester City
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Foden has become central to Guardiola’s winning machine at Manchester City, but he’s not guaranteed to start for England at the World Cup. If Gareth Southgate decides to play with three centre-backs and a pair of wing-backs, it’s likely to mean Foden is left battling for one of two positions either side of captain Harry Kane, and there is plenty of competition from Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
Foden has been in fine form for City so far this season, but Southgate hasn’t always picked his team on form and he may have to wait for his chance. The 21-year-old has a habit of influencing big games for City and it’s only a matter of time before he does the same for England. — Rob Dawson
Country: Portugal
Club: Manchester City
Age: 28
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Cancelo has developed a reputation as one of the most devastating attacking full-backs in the world at Juventus and Manchester City, and will be expected to deliver the service for Ronaldo. He’s expected to play in his preferred right-back role despite regularly playing on the left at the Etihad Stadium. — Rob Dawson
16. Bernardo Silva
Country: Portugal
Club: Manchester City
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There is a feeling in Portugal that if they are to do well in Qatar, it will be because of players like Silva rather than Ronaldo. Portugal have a team of star names but they will need the industry and work rate of the Manchester City man if they are going to make it to the later rounds. — Rob Dawson
Country: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
He is the heart and lung of Germany’s midfield. Kimmich rarely breaks under pressure, which makes him hard to separate from the ball. The majority of buildup plays go directly through him and Ilkay Gundogan. The two complement each other greatly in the middle of the park, as Kimmich provides intensity and defensive awareness while Gundogan has proven to be a creative mind. — Constantin Eckner
