nigeriasport.ng

Top 35 Central Midfielders Since 1990: A Ranked List

The debate over the greatest midfielders of recent decades sparks many opinions. Fans often differ, and while it's a subjective topic, some clear factors help us decide. Names like Zinedine Zidane, Andrea Pirlo, Xavi Hernandez, and Lothar Matthaus come to mind, alongside Premier League legends such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes.

Simply naming the best is easy, but ranking them requires weighing various criteria. Here, we attempt to list the 35 greatest central midfielders from recent history.

How We Ranked Them

  • Personal awards: Including Ballon d'Or, World Player of the Year, Golden Foot, or league player of the season honors.
  • Major trophies: Champions League, Europa League, league titles, and main domestic cups count here.
  • Impact on the game: Big performances or key goals in finals and crucial matches.
  • Importance to their team: Tactical roles and influence on team success.
  • Iconic moments: Memorable goals or celebrations that define careers.

Players Ranked 35 to 31

Federico Valverde has grown into one of the top midfielders globally since joining Real Madrid in 2016, winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles so far. Joshua Kimmich, known for his versatility and tactical mind, boasts a Champions League win with Bayern Munich.

Steady performers like Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho also earn recognition for multiple Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Jude Bellingham, still young, already shines with 23 goals in the 2023/24 season, winning La Liga and the Champions League, surpassing Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid goal record by netting 50 goals in fewer games.

  • 35. Federico Valverde (Uruguay) - 499 games, 54 goals
  • 34. Joshua Kimmich (Germany) - 676 games, 69 goals
  • 33. Fernandinho (Brazil) - 918 games, 110 goals
  • 32. Ilkay Gundogan (Germany) - 744 games, 114 goals
  • 31. Jude Bellingham (England) - 390 games, 92 goals

Players Ranked 30 to 21

Paul Pogba showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency, though his passing and confidence stood out. His four-year ban was cut short in 2025. Bastian Schweinsteiger was a leading German midfielder until injuries hit late in his career.

Holding midfielders like Roy Keane, Claude Makelele, and Michael Essien earned reputations for reliability. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, and Mesut Ozil dazzled with their passing, controlling games effortlessly. Ozil holds one of the highest international assist tallies of the 21st century.

  • 30. Paul Pogba (France) - 520 games, 84 goals
  • 29. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) - 627 games, 78 goals
  • 28. Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) - 575 games, 154 goals
  • 27. Michael Essien (Ghana) - 544 games, 58 goals
  • 26. Claude Makelele (France) - 807 games, 24 goals
  • 25. Xabi Alonso (Spain) - 695 games, 43 goals
  • 24. Cesc Fabregas (Spain) - 737 games, 125 goals
  • 23. Mesut Ozil (Germany) - 642 games, 114 goals
  • 22. Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands) - 545 games, 97 goals
  • 21. Roy Keane (Republic of Ireland) - 612 games, 77 goals

Players Ranked 20 to 11

Toni Kroos played a key role in Real Madrid's dominance before retiring at 34. Juan Roman Riquelme, often underrated today, was sublime at his peak. Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or and was pivotal in Manchester City's and Spain's successes, earning Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

Sergio Busquets and Yaya Toure were both influential but in very different ways; Toure combined power with intelligence, while Busquets mastered control and positioning.

Frank Lampard ranks as Chelsea’s all-time top scorer with 212 goals despite playing in midfield. Paul Scholes offered technical mastery and passing range for Manchester United’s great sides. Steven Gerrard ranks in the top 10 for his standout club and country performances.

  • 20. Toni Kroos (Germany) - 868 games, 90 goals
  • 19. Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina) - 464 games, 127 goals
  • 18. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) - 626 games, 103 goals
  • 17. N'Golo Kante (France) - 641 games, 38 goals
  • 16. Patrick Vieira (France) - 650 games, 56 goals
  • 15. Rodri (Spain) - 516 games, 39 goals
  • 14. Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - 756 games, 73 goals
  • 13. Sergio Busquets (Spain) - 981 games, 21 goals
  • 12. Paul Scholes (England) - 551 games, 177 goals
  • 11. Frank Lampard (England) - 896 games, 268 goals

Players Ranked 10 to 6

Kaka won the 2007 Ballon d'Or just before Messi and Ronaldo dominated football. A star for Brazil and AC Milan, he claimed numerous trophies. Clarence Seedorf uniquely won the Champions League with three clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan.

Kevin De Bruyne ranks among the finest technicians ever, dazzling with both feet. Steven Gerrard was a commanding force for England and Liverpool. Michael Laudrup narrowly missed the top five, with 16 trophies and a remarkable scoring record for Denmark.

  • 10. Kaka (Brazil) - 648 games, 205 goals
  • 9. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) - 812 games, 204 goals
  • 8. Clarence Seedorf (Netherlands) - 870 games, 128 goals
  • 7. Steven Gerrard (England) - 749 games, 191 goals
  • 6. Michael Laudrup (Denmark) - 671 games, 169 goals

Fifth Place: Lothar Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus won the Ballon d'Or in 1990 and the FIFA World Cup the same year. His trophy haul includes seven Bundesliga titles and a Serie A crown. He also lifted the European Championship in 1980. Often underrated today, Matthaus had an outstanding impact at club and international levels.

  • Games played: 935
  • Goals: 227
  • Assists: 80
  • Major trophies: World Cup, Euros, Champions League, Bundesliga (x7), Serie A
  • Individual honours: Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, German Footballer of the Year (x2)

Fourth Place: Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta formed an incredible partnership with Xavi at Barcelona and Spain. Even at 39, he continues playing in the UAE. With 40 career trophies, including 32 at Barcelona, and starring in Spain’s golden era, Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

  • Games played: 1,011
  • Goals: 106
  • Assists: 192
  • Major trophies: World Cup, Euros (x2), Champions League (x4), La Liga (x9)
  • Individual honours: La Liga Best Midfielder of the Year (x5)

Third Place: Xavi Hernandez

Xavi was a cornerstone of Barcelona and Spain’s dominance alongside Iniesta. His vision, timing, and positioning were impeccable. Winning 32 trophies, including four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles, he remains a huge influence on modern football.

  • Games played: 1,061
  • Goals: 123
  • Assists: 241
  • Major trophies: World Cup, Euros (x2), Champions League (x4), La Liga (x8)
  • Individual honours: World Soccer Player of the Year, La Liga Best Midfielder of the Year (x3)

Second Place: Luka Modric

Luka Modric stands as Croatia’s greatest player ever, with over 1,000 games across 24 years. He won six Champions League titles with Real Madrid and broke the Messi-Ronaldo hold on the Ballon d'Or by winning in 2018 after leading Croatia to the World Cup final. Now in his 40s, Modric continues competing at the top level with AC Milan.

  • Games played: 1,149
  • Goals: 129
  • Assists: 178
  • Major trophies: Champions League (x6), La Liga (x4)
  • Individual honours: Ballon d'Or (2018)

Number One: Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as the greatest central midfielder ever. The graceful Frenchman combined artistry with power, standing 6ft 2in yet moving like a dancer. He won everything from the World Cup, where he scored twice in the 1998 final, to the Champions League, including a legendary volley in the 2002 final. Zidane thrived on big stages, making him the ultimate big-game player in his position.

  • Games played: 798
  • Goals: 156
  • Assists: 172
  • Major trophies: World Cup, Euros, Champions League, Serie A (x2), La Liga
  • Individual honours: Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year (x3), Serie A Footballer of the Year, Ligue 1 Player of the Year


Related Articles