Messi leads, but another star makes the biggest jump in the rankings
As the 2026 World Cup approaches its decisive stages, significant changes have occurred in the rankings of the tournament's best players. Lionel Messi remains in the lead, but after the semi-finals, one of Spain's leaders recorded the biggest rise.
The Athletic has published an updated ranking of the players participating in the World Cup.
Messi retains the top spot
Argentina national team forward Lionel Messi remained at the top of the rankings even after the semi-final matches.
France national team forward Kylian Mbappé also maintained his position, coming in second. The top three is rounded out by Spanish midfielder Rodri.
Rodri climbs 15 places
The biggest change in the updated ranking is associated with Rodri.
The Spanish player climbed 15 spots compared to the previous list, taking third place. His performance in the tournament's decisive stages was the reason for such a sharp rise in the rankings.
Also, Spanish representatives Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte moved up three places each.
England players drop in the rankings
The England national team's semi-final defeat to Argentina also affected the standing of the team's players.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dropped one spot each. France representatives Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise lost three places each.
Top 10 best players of the World Cup
The updated ranking compiled by The Athletic is as follows:
Lionel Messi — Argentina, maintained his position;
Kylian Mbappé — France, maintained his position;
Rodri — Spain, climbed 15 places;
Jude Bellingham — England, dropped 1 place;
Harry Kane — England, dropped 1 place;
Erling Haaland — Norway, dropped 1 place;
Aymeric Laporte — Spain, climbed 3 places;
Pau Cubarsí — Spain, climbed 3 places;
Michael Olise — France, dropped 3 places;
Ousmane Dembélé — France, dropped 3 places.
The final could change the rankings
The final matches of the tournament are still ahead. Therefore, there may be further changes in the rankings after the final and the third-place play-off.
In particular, the performance of Messi, Mbappé, and Rodri in the decisive matches will be crucial in determining the tournament's best player.
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